The Value and Price of Hearing Aids & The Myths Around’em
Last Updated December 23, 2022
By Arash G
GM House of Hearing Clinics
Why do only 33% of Americans with hearing loss use hearing aids? Is it really because people perceive hearing aids to be too expensive?
Here in Canada too, research indicates that of the three million Canadians who have hearing loss, only one in six use hearing aids. In other words, more than 80 percent of Canadians with hearing loss struggle to hear clearly in a normal conversation. And it’s all because they don’t wear hearing aids.
The fact is many people don’t use hearing aids because they think they’re too expensive but that’s just one of the myths about the price of hearing aids that need to be challenged.
Hearing aids are too expensive—it’s a myth
Dr. Cliff Olson, Audiologist and Founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Anthem Arizona states that cost isn’t the issue. He cites a number of countries that provide free hearing aids and yet the numbers of people using hearing aids in those countries are not much higher than in America or Canada.
For example, Norway provides free hearing aids for its citizens, and yet the take-up is only 42.5%. In the U.K only 41.1% of hearing loss sufferers make the most of free hearing aids and in Switzerland a mere 38.8% of people who are eligible for free hearing equipment take up the offer.
It’s clearly a myth that cost is the reason hearing aid use is so low. There are other myths around hearing aids and tinnitus too and you take some serious risks if you don’t get your hearing loss treated.
So just how much do hearing aids cost?
Can I get free hearing aids in Canada?
In fact, adults and children with a valid Ontario Health Insurance Health Card are eligible for a grant covering 75% of the cost for one or two hearing aids. There is a maximum grant limit of $500 per hearing aid. If you want a more expensive model then you’re responsible for the extra cost. This site has more details about this assistive devices program.
Various charities such as the Lions may also provide financial assistance. The Elks of Canada also provides funding to cover the price of hearing aids for children and you can learn more about that financial aid program here.
If you don’t use hearing aids you could miss out on these things
Dr Olsen cites a 2007 study that shows that people with untreated hearing loss typically earn up to $12,000 less per year. And remember that’s in 2007 dollars. The great news is when you treat that hearing loss you cut the income loss by 50% or more.
But the benefits of wearing hearing aids far outweigh any financial costs. These benefits include:
Let’s help you! We are your local hearing clinic, specializing in hearing tests, hearing aid prescription & fitting, ear wax management, custom earplugs, and tinnitus consultation.
House of Hearing has a broad portfolio of options available to treat mild up to even profound hearing loss. Please talk with us today about how we can get you hearing better with top brands of hearing aids. We’ll walk you through the process and ensure you’re getting the best possible hearing aid for your needs.
We understand that not everyone is the same, so we offer a variety of services to choose from including:
What are you waiting for? Improve your hearing today!
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