Once you’ve seen an audiologist and been tested for hearing loss, your doctor may decide you could benefit from hearing aids. There are a wide variety of hearing aid manufacturers, types of hearing aids and price tags, which may make the process of choosing a hearing aid seem daunting.
Making the Right Choice
A patient may choose a hearing aid based on appearance and functionality. For example, completely in-canal and in-the-canal hearing aids are not highly visible, but also do not include directional microphones. The smaller devices cannot hold as large of batteries and may not help with moderately severe to severe hearing loss. In-the-ear and behind-the-ear hearing aids, though more visible, can be more effective for those with profound deafness.
In other words, you need to take into account a variety of factors when choosing a hearing aid; these include personal preference, lifestyle needs, technology options and price tag.
There is no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to hearing devices.
Cost vs. Value
Hearing aids range in price based on the type of hearing loss they treat and the technology required to match your lifestyle.
Consider all the activities that you are unable to fully enjoy because of your hearing loss. Do you miss parts of conversations with loved ones? Do you avoid your favorite restaurants because you have difficulty ordering food? Do you enjoy music but miss out on the nuances of your favorite songs? Hearing aids can help.
While higher tier technology comes with a larger price tag, there are many features that wearers find essential. Today’s newest devices can connect to your smartphone and TV via Bluetooth® so you can stream calls, music, your favorite shows and more. In addition, some models offer rechargeable batteries and auto-adjustments when you enter a new listening environment.
Happiness from Hearing Aids
When you are considering hearing aids, be sure to consider all your needs, not just budget. Purchasing low-tier technology will work for some, but if you have a more complex or profound hearing loss and have more challenging listening environments in your daily life, you will not achieve your full hearing potential with baseline technology.
Hearing Aid Financing
We don’t want you to feel limited in your hearing aid financing plan options, which is why we offer lines of credit from both CareCredit® and GA Lions Lighthouse’s Hearing Aid Program.
CareCredit®
- Deferred-interest plans
- Extended payment plans
- Created specifically for health care costs.
- Flexible, convenient financing plans.
- Affordable monthly payments.
- Online account management and bill pay.
- High approval rates.
- No annual fees.
- Interest-free promotions.
- Easy online or in-office sign up.
- Acceptance by hundreds of medical providers.
- Revolving line of credit.
GA Lions Lighthouse’s Hearing Aid Program
The Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation provides hearing aid assistance for low-income Georgia residents. The Lighthouse partners with hearing providers across the state, top hearing aid manufacturers and multiple health organizations to provide these services. The program is funded in large part by the Georgia Public Service Commission.
The cost of the hearing aid package is based on a sliding scale. The client’s household size, income and type of hearing aid will determine the cost of the package; the price ranges from $95 to $260 per aid. The Lighthouse does not cover the initial hearing exam. If you need a hearing test, please contact one of our partner audiologists or hearing aid dispensers.
Adult Program Package Includes
- Two digital hearing aids
- Three-year service warranty per aid
- One-year loss and damage warranty per aid
- One set of ear molds
- Four appointments with approved Lighthouse provider
Program Requirements
- Age: 20 years and up
- Income: Within 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Residency: Georgia resident for at least one year (12 consecutive months)
- Insurance: No insurance coverage OR coverage by a high-deductible plan (at least $1,350 for an individual or $2,700 for a family).
- Proof of Need: Recommendation from a licensed audiologist
- Audiogram: Current hearing test (less than six months old)
Adult Application
Pediatric Application
If you need more information about these programs to determine which one is best for your needs, don’t hesitate to talk to your knowledgeable hearing care provider at The ENT Center of Central Georgia about your hearing aid financing options.
Call The ENT Center of Central Georgia at (478) 743-8953 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
