Hearing is an essential sense, often taken for granted until the day we start to lose it. Losing your hearing is difficult to experience, but there are solutions to restore a maximum level of normalcy, starting with equipping yourself with hearing aids.
Unfortunately, for many, hearing aids are not covered by insurance, and the ones found at hearing care clinics often have astronomical prices. Most people who need them are already retired, with the constraints of a fixed income. These factors explain why the adoption rate remains relatively low, even as hearing loss increases with the aging of the population.
If you need hearing aids but cannot afford them, you are not alone. The expensive models offered at the audiologist’s office may exceed your budget, but there are many other ways to go about your daily life and continue enjoying the things you love.
Here is an overview of solutions for when hearing aids seem unaffordable.
Determine what you need and what you can do without
One of the best approaches when looking for hearing aids is to identify the features that really matter to you, then go from there. The difference between prescription hearing aids, which amplify specific frequencies, and standard amplification hearing aids perfectly illustrates the potential savings.
Many prescription hearing aids are programmable to precisely amplify the frequencies you struggle to hear during a hearing test. This is a valuable but often costly asset that requires fine-tuning and regular visits to the audiologist.
Conversely, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids amplify the entire sound spectrum: a turnkey solution for those who simply want to quickly regain some of their hearing without breaking the bank.
A good strategy is to compare models, note the features you like, and make a list of your needs and wants. With this list in hand, you will find it much easier to find the ideal equipment for your budget.
Evaluate your options
In general, people who are new to hearing aids only see the models offered in the audiologist’s office. The classic scenario: you have a consultation, you learn that you have hearing loss, and the professional offers you their prescription hearing aids. Since these models are more expensive, you conclude that hearing aids are out of your budget.
While some hearing aids, especially prescription ones, can be very expensive, there are many over-the-counter options suited to your budget.
Here are three hearing aids at different price points. Having several options allows you to choose the best solution for the amount you have available.
EV1
The EV1 from CLARIA is among the most affordable hearing aids on the market. For less than $100, you really get your money's worth. The EV1 adopts a compact and attractive format and offers everything you would expect from a hearing aid.
This includes clear, crisp sound, built-in recharging, and an in-ear design. Under the $100 mark, you will be hard-pressed to find a model that performs this well at a lower price.
EV3
The EV3 from CLARIA uses the proven platform of the EV1 while adding even more features. Offered at $200 a pair, it offers a price-to-quality ratio that is unmatched by the competition.
The EV3 is smaller, more comfortable, and benefits from Clear Sound+ technology compared to the EV1. These improvements make daily life with these hearing aids even more pleasant. Quick wireless charging allows you to take them out at night and place them on their base without having to handle cables.
Atom Pro
The Atom Pro is CLARIA’s flagship hearing aid; offered at a quarter of the price of prescription hearing aids, it remains an excellent deal. It can be considered the step up from the EV3.
The Atom Pro is the smallest hearing aid ever designed by CLARIA. It gives you that nearly invisible look you would pay a small fortune for elsewhere.
In addition to its miniature size, the Atom Pro incorporates smart features, such as enhanced feedback suppression and a portable charging case. A portable case allows you to travel freely without having to carry a bulky charger. Its snap-shut lid makes it both a travel charger and a convenient storage case that prevents you from losing your hearing aids.
What you can do in the meantime
If you are waiting for the delivery of your over-the-counter hearing aids or if you still need a little time to save up, several simple actions can make the world around you more accessible right now and help you avoid missing out on what is happening.
Here is an overview of the steps you can take today, while you gather the necessary funds.
Tell those around you about your hearing loss
The first thing to do is inform the people you are around regularly that you have been diagnosed with hearing loss. There is nothing shameful about hearing poorly. Keeping your loved ones informed helps them better understand what you are going through and adapt to you.
Letting them know that you may have trouble hearing them will help them understand that you are not ignoring them on purpose. They will be more patient and happy to repeat what they just said.
Create good listening environments
One of the major difficulties for hearing-impaired people is following a conversation when background noise interferes. A noisy crowd, a television show playing in the background, or other noises make understanding significantly more complicated.
An optimal listening environment is free of competing noise and allows you to see the person speaking. These two small changes help the hearing-impaired person lip-read better and grasp what is being said.
Use subtitles
Subtitles are another valuable tool when you are watching a movie, a show, or any other content. They allow you to follow along with others without having to turn the volume up to an unpleasant level for those around you.
Today, subtitles are available on almost all digital platforms, and some software even automatically generates subtitles: this allows you to enjoy your content as if your hearing acuity were intact.
Find out about financial assistance
In the meantime, you can also check if there are local programs that could help you fund a pair of hearing aids.
Your doctor, local community leaders, or other contacts may be able to direct you to an organization that helps fund hearing aids. Seniors, veterans, and other priority groups may be eligible for specific assistance that allows them to equip themselves.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Another funding path: the Health Savings Account (HSA), if you have one. A hearing aid is considered a medical device, and many HSA plans allow this type of expense. Before you proceed, confirm that hearing aids are indeed an eligible expense and that this use is authorized.
Solutions exist
In summary, hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars and remain out of reach, especially for people on a fixed income. But they don’t have to be expensive. Thanks to over-the-counter options, many people who thought hearing aids were inaccessible can now equip themselves and significantly improve their quality of life.
CLARIA offers a range of options that provide the support you need, regardless of your budget. With the EV1, EV3, and Atom Pro, CLARIA covers everything from budget-friendly solutions to the highest-performing, most portable in-ear hearing aids.
Sources
Access to hearing aids for adults: policies and technologies in eight countries | NCBI
What if I already have hearing loss? | NCEH | CDC
Improving listening conditions | Reducing background noise | NDCS
