Hearing aids have been assisting those hard of hearing for over 125 years now. The first being invented by Miller Reese Hutchinson in 1898. These fantastic devices allow South Africans that are hard of hearing to go about their daily lives, work, socialise and listen to radio, television and films unhindered.
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The basic workings of this invention has not changed much over the years, however the price and quality has. Hear, Hear! South Africans are reading the small print and not getting taken-in by hidden hearing aid device charges.
Saving money on hearing aids is easy, if you know what to look out for. That doesn’t mean you have to go rushing for the newest state sponsored model either. There are plenty of private reputable companies that offer great price deals, with post sales assistance, on a range of brand models for old and young people alike.
Choosing the right hearing aid manufacturer and supplier is super important. When you buy a hearing aid you have to ask yourself a few questions first. Questions like, how do I replace it, if it is lost?, or is my device insured? Or, Are there any hidden charges? Need to be answered before shelling out your hard earned cash. After sales is part and parcel of buying a hearing aid. Having the help you need after purchasing your device however, might prove costly, when you don’t read the small print. Compare these 3 money saving tips on buying hearing aids here, and make sure you get a fair deal in 2023.
South Africans are Saving Money by Shopping Around for a Hearing Aid that Supports their Lifestyle
The type of hearing aid you get and the level of functionality you need is typically determined by factors like your hearing loss and your lifestyle. There are however, many companies selling the same products for wildly differing prices. Ever bought something and found it cheaper elsewhere? Hearing aids are no different. Shopping around enables you to get a real feel for the products on the market today and their average retail price. It also stops you being taken in by rogue retailers that may think you are not just a little deaf, but stupid as well.
Oticon hearing aids are some of the best devices on the market. Though when you buy their top of the line model, you can end up paying more than 45,000 Rand at your local hearing aid centre. Whereas, if you shop at an online competitor, for the same product you might only pay around 30,000 Rand with pre-sales and aftersales assistance included. That is a staggering 15,000 Rand you can save by just doing a little homework before you buy. So remember, always shop around.
South Africans are Reading the Small Print on the Hidden Charges of a Hearing Aid Package
We all know about reading the small print when it comes to signing a package deal, contract or subscription. Does this apply to hearing aids though? Yes, unfortunately it does. Buying into a hearing aid package or contract that involves ongoing support is no different, you need to be aware of what you are signing up to before you part with your money and sign any paperwork.
You might buy the most advanced hearing aids available, but you’ll only benefit from them when they’re correctly fitted, programmed, and adjusted on a regular basis to ensure they’re optimal for you. Sellers may or may not include fees in the initial price for these added extras, so beware!
A few variations between retailers and what they include in their prices are as follows:
• Trial time duration
• The term of the guarantee and what it entails
• The maintenance products such as batteries, wax traps, receivers and cleaning kits, as well as services such as wax removal
You should also inquire about follow-up appointments, such as whether home visits are possible and is the same audiologist going to be available when required. When you buy a hearing aid package, typically there is a follow-up consultation four to twelve weeks after receiving your hearing aid. This is to make sure your device is fitted properly, is in working order and you are getting the most out of it.
Save Money on Maintaining Your Hearing Aid Device with Replacement Charging Stations and Built-in Receivers
Hearing aids quite obviously need a power supply. Some use disposable batteries, some rely on rechargeable batteries, with a charging pod. Disposable battery hearing aids may be cheaper, though they cost a fortune in replacement batteries in the long term. Compare that to a device that uses a charging station to recharge your reuseable batteries and you can save more than 30% over the lifespan of your hearing aid. (Devices typically need replacing every 3-5 years)
Another replacement cost worth mentioning is receiver wires. Cheaper hearing aids don’t have a built-in receiver and rely on wires to deliver the amplified sound. These receiver wires can easily break and may need replacing. That is why it is better to choose a mid-range device that is rechargeable and has a built-in receiver. You may pay around 20,000 Rand for a cheap hearing aid, though over a 5 year period, you may spend that much again each year in maintenance. Choose a mid-range device for around 25,000 Rand with an extra 20,000 Rand in after sales support over the lifespan of the hearing aid and then the cheaper option is actually the more expensive mid-range hearing aid.