How do I Find Cheap Hearing Aids?

I needed a hearing aid that was under $500 and purchased it online. It works almost as well as the Unitron I had previously (and lost) for about 15 percent of the cost.

My father has lost 78 percent and 88 percent hearing in his left and right ear. I'm urgently in need of buying a hearing aid. I'm looking for a used digital aid. Could anyone tell me anywhere I can buy one for no more than USD500?

The hearing aid industry (a powerful lobby) is totally freaked out that the days are coming when they can no longer charge exorbitant prices for devices that cost about $350 to manufacture--what they charge to the VA. It's disgusting.

I live on a limited income and must purchase hearing aids every four years for about $4K. One of them isn't working right and I was told that Starkey would charge a minimum of $400 for a repair. I was in despair and finally started researching, which I wish I had done years ago. All you need to do to purchase new ones is get a hearing test somewhere and order online. Audicus is one I'm checking out now, but there are plenty of others with reviews. Also, you can send them back if they need adjustment--they have trial periods.

Thank God I've found you get things repaired online with guarantees too. The Internet is changing the face of this industry (even Apple is working on this) and it's about time.

No one wants a "cheap" hearing aid. What we want is a great hearing aid at a reasonable price. I don't think that is available from a local hearing aid dealing audiologist. I bought a set of Personal Programmable hearing aids online and I adjust the sound settings myself. When I have a question, the company people can do the adjustment for me over the computer. I have done it for almost four years now and could not be happier. I saved a ton of money also. I hopefully will never have to buy another hearing aid again from an audiologist.

Just got back from third appointment with audiologist who was recommended by the ear doctor in the office next door.

At the first appointment she tested my hearing. The next year, the doctor sent me next door. The audiologist tested again and found hearing loss. She told me to come for a third appointment.

At the third appointment she informed me it would cost me $5,000 but did not suggest letting me test the product without first paying the money. Too much of a gypsy for me.

I believe the audiologist is mistaken. I too have researched the Acoustitone and i can only find great reviews for it. It certainly seems like a good choice for those with hearing loss and limited money to spend on hearing aids. I can provide an expert opinion and I would strongly recommend against purchasing any Acoustitone product. They have performed very poorly in technical tests, they require regular and expensive repairs, and my greatest concern is that users have numerous complaints, particularly seniors.

I too believe in the self programmable/adjustable hearing aids. I've been wearing hearing aids for 20-plus years due to loss during military service. Yes, I do get free hearing aids from the VA but I'm an IT type and like to experiment with them and I have yet to be able to get my hands on the programming software made by the manufacturer.

I found my hearing world and bought a set of the mid level hearing aids and their programmer and do it myself. I use these hearing aids for athletic type events and the starkey for work etc. --RANGER77

You’ve been purchasing hearing aids for some time, but there may be pertinent questions you haven't asked in a long time, or perhaps never thought to ask at all. For example, when you go to your hearing aid dispenser to purchase a hearing aid, do you ask to see a hearing aid that includes a telecoil program? Do you know how many microphones the hearing aid has?

contact the manufacturer? Forget it. Find hearing aids on the internet and be done with it.

I believe the audiologist is mistaken. I too have researched the Acoustitone and i can only find great reviews for it. It certainly seems like a good choice for those with hearing loss and limited money to spend on hearing aids. - Dr Jesse

I am a audiologist and researcher in this field. I can provide an expert opinion and I would strongly recommend against purchasing any Acoustitone product. They have performed very poorly in technical tests, they require regular and expensive repairs, and my greatest concern is that users have numerous complaints, particularly seniors.

Sorry to say, but you get what you pay for.

I wear and recommend HearSource "Personal Programmable" hearing aids.

I don't see how you could buy a set of hearing aids over the internet and have much success without the ability to have the sound settings adjusted to your particular hearing loss and preferences.

With the HearSource hearing aids you are able to do just that: use your own home computer and adjust your own hearing aids sitting in your own home.

If you have difficulties, the HearSource people can do the adjustments for you remotely using a internet connected computer. And the best part, the whole system including two hearing aids, cables, programmer, software, etc is only $1990. That is less than half of what my audiologist wanted to charge me.

These hearing aids are very high quality and made in the USA. I think that is important!

The Acoustitone hearing aid is quite impressive given its low price!

I am a physician and I recommend the Acoustitone hearing aid to my patients that cannot afford more expensive hearing aids.