Buying a Hearing Aid: Questions to Ask

There are two primary concerns you should have when you go in to buy your next hearing aid. One, you want to get something that is going to work for you. Some of this concern is mitigated by the fact that state laws generally require that retail stores give customers a mandatory 30 day trial period, during which you can return the device for a full refund. Secondly, you want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck. These devices aren't cheap by any stretch of the imagination, so anytime you can get a deal that will save you some money, you should find out how to take advantage of it. Here are some questions you should ask before making a purchase. Do you take my insurance? The debate about whether or not the hearing aid should be fully covered by health insurance isn't about to die down any time soon, but some plans do cover at least part of the cost. If you're to take advantage of this (and you will certainly want to, unless you are independently wealthy, and, even then, the rich don't get rich by wasting money), you'll need to make sure the retail outlet accepts the insurance. It can go both ways, so you might want to start your search by checking with your insurance company and finding out where you should buy your device. Do you offer financing? Since the purchase of a single hearing aid can cost as much as $5,000 (not to say there aren't cheaper models available) and most people will want two of them, it's fair to say that many customers are going to be interested in financing their purchase. Check with the store and see if they offer it as part of the deal. If so, take a close look at the terms. You may be able to do better by taking a loan out from your bank or using a credit card (though it's doubtful you'll get better rates on a credit card). Financial experts decry the use of financing except in limited circumstances, but when it's a purchase that is going to better your life, you have to do what you have to do. Is there a warranty? This is a question you'll want to ask before purchasing a hearing aid, but a simple "yes" should not be enough to seal the deal. You'll want to take a close look at the warranty and make sure it's up to snuff. It can't be stressed enough: this is an expensive purchase. Worth it, but expensive. But if your device breaks in six months and you aren't covered, all that money could be down the drain. Don't let this happen to you. Insist on a good warranty.