Survey Shows Hearing Aids Deliver More; Cost Less

There is one bright spot in the economy, especially for people who experience hearing loss. The annual Hearing Journal/Audiology Online survey of hearing aid dispensers, conducted in January, 2008, revealed inflation-appropriate increases in the price of hearing aids over the past three years. But its not unusual for prices to hold steady in a highly-competitive markets. Competition keeps prices down.

More Hearing Aid Features; Less Expense

The hearing aid market is highly-competitive. With a total market of just 2% out of the entire population, hearing aid manufacturers have found ways to make their products more attractive to buyers.

In the April 2008 issue of the Hearing Journal, Earl Johnson, Ph.D. provided a summary of the annual survey. One finding from the survey found that hearing aid dispensers are fitting patients with advanced features that not too long ago were only found in high-end hearing aids. Now advanced features such as directional microphones and noise reduction are standard in hearing aids across wide range of price points.

The survey also reported the average price of hearing aids that participating dispensers reported selling in 2007 was $1986, which is only marginally higher than the average prices of $1912 and $1868 in 2006 and 2005, respectively.

According to Dr. Johnson this is actually an inflation appropriate increase in cost. Consumers purchasing hearing aids are now getting more features and technology for the money actually being spent. And the improved features and technology, may translate to higher satisfaction and improved hearing.

Advances in Hearing Health Technology

Today, mid-priced units deliver the same features and levels of performance as the premium units of a few years back and todays top-end hearing devices do everything but let out the cat. Give consumers more product for less money. And that, of course, works to the benefit of the consumer.

More bang for the hearing buck. Sounds good eh?

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