Answer: You are correct. Most insurance companies do not have coverage for hearing aids. And it is hard to believe that a tiny hearing aid really costs $2,000 or more.

Most companies defend the high price by stating the money goes toward research. Almost as soon as a new hearing aid comes out, it becomes obsolete. The technology has advanced tremendously. So has the price.

Medical insurance companies are influenced by the public and politics. Perhaps the insurance companies will soon feel the pressure to provide hearing aid coverage with today’s growing population needs. Hopefully, hearing aid coverage can become as widespread as eye prescription coverage.

The expensive hearing aids that your audiologist recommends will most likely provide superior hearing enhancement over the less expensive hearing aids. The expensive hearing aids are custom-made for your specific hearing problems. They are adjusted and fine-tuned with a computer just for your needs. They are fitted to the shape of your ear canal by a special mold.

The generic hearing aids may not come close to providing this kind of significant hearing improvement. Even though they are much cheaper, you may not be happy with the results.

The only suggestion that I have is to talk to your audiologist. Perhaps you can work out a payment plan that is affordable. Do some comparison shopping by phone before you make an appointment. You might find that the hearing aids are a little more affordable than you originally thought.

By Linda Brandwin
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