First time shopping for a hearing aid? Your reactions?

[saisson]

I visited an audiologist for the first time and literally felt like I was shopping for a used car. It included deceptive sales practices, pressure to purchase that day and lack of sufficient information.

I'm curious what your experience has been.

[hamjor]

I found a very good and very honest audiologist who did not go down that road, fortunately. You are not alone, though. Lots of recent and older threads to read on this topic here and well worth the time given the cost of aids. You'll learn a lot including how to find more honest shops.

I'm curious. My theory is that a lot of the audiologists who go down this road do a lot of free this-or-that or discount this-or-that promotions. Looking back, was there a hook that drew you into this shop where these tactics were used?

As I'm sure you realize, you were right to leave. You were definitely seeing run-don't-walk red flags.

[seb]

Similar experience to yours, Costco was the least pressure sales pitch.

[unpaidbill]

I 'shopped' 4 different providers before I settled on Costco...and I purchased as much for my feeling about the audiologist as anything else. One of the places I shopped called me later for a follow-up, and I was honest with them and said I had purchased at Costco. He immediately said he would beat the Costco price by $500. He said to bring in the receipt and he'd make the deal. I told him that if he could do that, that's the price he should have given me in the first place. I have been completely satisfied with my decision.

[IslandGuy]

I am going in tomorrow to order my hearing aids, after visiting a number of audiologists (including the one in my ENTs office), and being terribly put off by the entire experience. I have found one that I think will be good - I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed.
Overall, I found the process to be worse than shoping for a car. At least going to buy a car, I anticipate being distrustful of the salespeople. Here, I naively begain this with the assumption that these "health care professionals" would somehow be different. That hase not been my experience. Most of the professionals I met came across as slick salepeople, out to make the biggest sale possible. In many cases, they were arrogant to the point of telling me that I am asking too many "technical" questions, and to leave that to them [by the way, that professional arrogance also comes across on this site, in some of the posts made by the pros]. Seems that we "patients" ought to just plunk down our money and leave the thinking to those who are more qualified.
Don't misunderstand me - I appreciate the information that I have found on this site, as it cannot be found elsewhere. And I particularly appreciate the information sent to me in private messages by one or two of the professional on the site. But what I am now calling the "audiologist attitude" rings through loud and clear here as well as in the offices of the pros that I have met. The worst offender was a local office affiliated with Audigy group, where it was impossible to get straight answer on pricing for any product other than the "AGX" technology, whatever that may be (could not get a straight answer on that, either, other than "this is perfect for your hearing loss"). That was the first audiologist that I saw; once I went to a couple of others, I learned that this AGX technology, made by some unspecified company, would cost me nearly $3000 more than "name brand" products. When I asked why it was so much more, I was again told that this is the best of the best, better than the name brands!
I did on several occasions think about just forgetting it, and not getting hearing aids if this is what I had to go through. Eventually, I happened upon someone that seems honest, who does not mind answering questions and whose pricing is affordable, so I an giving it a shot. I hope it works out, but I truly wish that I never had to deal with the audiology profession or the hearing aid distribution network. I am sure I will be
criticized here for having the effrontery to speak disparagingly of audiologists, but that's life. I will let you know how life with hearing aids is once I get them.

[seb]

IslandGuy,
I think your experience is very similar to what most of us have gone though. I would not be surprised to find audiologist who put themselves though school selling used cars or had it as a prerequisite to getting into the audiologist program,so they could learn the tricks of the trade. Finding an audiologist that lays it out honestly and knows what they are doing is truly the hardest part in the whole process. What the HA user needs is a place they can go that says for your hearing loss these are the hearing aids that will work for you and this is the price you should be paying for them and until that comes along we will be left with the used car salesman approach. Hopefully, with the more Costco's and Sam's that come online with their more reasonable prices,long trial periods ,generous return policies and no pressure sales approaches more audiologist will learn that people get turned off by deception, gouging and keeping their patients in the dark about the products they are selling. We can hope can't we?

[DocAudio]

AGX = Starkey.

There are no sales courses included in any audiological programs (there are courses on how to run a business but these do not deal with sales techniques at all), anywhere because we are health care professionals and do a great deal more than fit hearing aids. In actuality, most states that have dedicated HIS courses DO include quite a bit of instruction on sales/salesmanship techniques. The places you all are going where you experience this "used car salesman approach" Is NOT taught in the doctoral programs. That is a function of a BUSINESS model that they develop, NOT the medical field of audiology.

I understand that it is very difficult to separate the two, but there is a difference between the audiologists who approach dispensing of hearing aids from a medical-model approach which should mirror the method seb actually mentions (present options appropriate for them and give specific pricing) and how I approach hearing aid sales and a business model approach where it may be more like the experience that many people on here, including Island Guy, experienced. Audiologists who chose to follow a strictly-business approach are somewhat abandoning what is at the heart of our education and that is to, first and foremost, help our patients.

[seb]

I meant to add to my previous post that the contributing audiologist and HIS on this forum seem to be the exception rather than the rule, and I say this because they offer their advice and expertise because they truly want to help those in need and have always offered an honest assessment of what they feel would benefit the person asking for help and have come right out and said they prefer one HA over another and usually given a reason why. For these reasons they should be models for those wanting to enter the field.

[IslandGuy]

what you are describing is simply not what we laypersons are experiencing as we shop for hearing aids. I suspect that the issue may not be simiply that the dispensers (whether they are audiologists, or whatever name) are unscrupulous, it may in fact be that while YOU believe that you are dispensing a medical device (and that is what we are hoping that we are purchasing), these devices are being marketed and sold in much the same way as other electronics products, with the major missing element being price competiton. We are essentially beholden to this marketing and sales (business model, in your words) approach and, for the most part, we are being confronted with quasi-professionals who are primarily interested in bigger ticket sales. In all of my own shopping, each time I asked about a mid-level device rather than the very top of the line, I was scoffed at, with an arrogant and condescending attititude that would put most car salesmen to shame. I have the misfortune, I suppose, of not being stupid - I therefore tend to ask questions, which never seem to upset my medical doctors, who actually welcome my quesitons and are happy to explain what they propose doing and why. Not so with the audiologists that I have encountered, who are put off by and indeed seem offended by the questions, as if to say "how dare you question my judgement about how you should be spending your money." To reiterate, the practice model that you describe may be the ideal and the model that responsible members of your profession hope to emulate, but the reality is far different. And that reality may be partly the reason that so many people who need hearing aids shun them. The prospect of continued dealings with most of the hearing aid professionals that I have encountered is, frankly, supremely unappealing.

[DocAudio]

what you are describing is simply not what we laypersons are experiencing as we shop for hearing aids. I suspect that the issue may not be simiply that the dispensers (whether they are audiologists, or whatever name) are unscrupulous, it may in fact be that while YOU believe that you are dispensing a medical device (and that is what we are hoping that we are purchasing), these devices are being marketed and sold in much the same way as other electronics products, with the major missing element being price competiton. We are essentially beholden to this marketing and sales (business model, in your words) approach and, for the most part, we are being confronted with quasi-professionals who are primarily interested in bigger ticket sales. In all of my own shopping, each time I asked about a mid-level device rather than the very top of the line, I was scoffed at, with an arrogant and condescending attititude that would put most car salesmen to shame. I have the misfortune, I suppose, of not being stupid - I therefore tend to ask questions, which never seem to upset my medical doctors, who actually welcome my quesitons and are happy to explain what they propose doing and why. Not so with the audiologists that I have encountered, who are put off by and indeed seem offended by the questions, as if to say "how dare you question my judgement about how you should be spending your money." To reiterate, the practice model that you describe may be the ideal and the model that responsible members of your profession hope to emulate, but the reality is far different. And that reality may be partly the reason that so many people who need hearing aids shun them. The prospect of continued dealings with most of the hearing aid professionals that I have encountered is, frankly, supremely unappealing.

I'm sorry that was your experience. I will say though, that an audiologist is not a "quasi-professional" even if you feel that their sales tactics are despicable (and I'd agree if they scoffed at mid-level tech and told you not to worry about cost...ridiculous). The actions of, what, the few on this board that have experienced this, should not be held to represent an entire industry. There are thousands of audiologists in this country and to say that the negative experiences by those on this board is representative of the entire profession is really ridiculous.

But this discussion has been had over and over on here so I don't want to go into it again. I will (and you might feel I do so naively) continue to believe that the majority of my colleagues operate in a manner that is most beneficial to the patient...because those are the people I deal with on a regular basis....not the ones you describe. In 14 years, most of the audiologists I've encountered that dispense hearing aids do so in an ethical, patient-centered way.

[Ship of Fools]

AGX = Starkey.




My AGX aid is an Oticon.

I loved my audiologist associated with the Audigy group .... she was extremely helpful and knowledgable .... and even went so far as to say i may find i don't even need a hearing aid yet.

[iceman0486]

My AGX aid is an Oticon.

I loved my audiologist associated with the Audigy group .... she was extremely helpful and knowledgable .... and even went so far as to say i may find i don't even need a hearing aid yet.

AGX is branding organized by Audigy group and can be a Starkey, Oticon, SonicInnovations or whoever else they make a deal with. It's the same tech as the name brand. The reason we went with them was that we could offer top of the line cheaper and with a longer warranty. The audi suggesting that the AGX brand was better tech than the name brand top of the line and therefore more expensive is someone you should leave behind and never visit again.

A note on people "looking to make the big sale." Yes, sometimes it can feel that way. However, I am usually recommending my highest technology because it WORKS so much better than the older, lower tech units. Surprise, surprise. One of the things you pay for with hearing aids is function. The more expensive aids usually work better than the cheaper ones. Yes, my sales are tracked and it looks better for me to turn in good numbers, but my suggestion of the top of the line is because it is a better device.

[grannyhears]

I visited an audiologist for the first time and literally felt like I was shopping for a used car. It included deceptive sales practices, pressure to purchase that day and lack of sufficient information.

I'm curious what your experience has been.

I've worn aids for years. Need new ones. I agree with your analogy. One brand in particular is "pushed" the most. I anyone really interested in my individual hearing?

[iceman0486]

I've worn aids for years. Need new ones. I agree with your analogy. One brand in particular is "pushed" the most. I anyone really interested in my individual hearing?

Yes. One brand often gets pushed for one of a few reasons:
1) Its the only option. That is my issue. I am an outlet for one factory. You know this going in.
2) That brand has the newest tech.
3) They know that brand best.

I have mentioned before that we tend to push the newest of a particular brand - that is usually because we have shown the best results out of it. For a while we were big Starkey people, then we shifted to Oticon, and so it goes.

[grannyhears]

Yes. One brand often gets pushed for one of a few reasons:
1) Its the only option. That is my issue. I am an outlet for one factory. You know this going in.
2) That brand has the newest tech.
3) They know that brand best.

I have mentioned before that we tend to push the newest of a particular brand - that is usually because we have shown the best results out of it. For a while we were big Starkey people, then we shifted to Oticon, and so it goes.

All of the above is fine, if the consumer's quality of hearing & life is improved.

[m0t0rcade]

I 'shopped' 4 different providers before I settled on Costco...and I purchased as much for my feeling about the audiologist as anything else. One of the places I shopped called me later for a follow-up, and I was honest with them and said I had purchased at Costco. He immediately said he would beat the Costco price by $500. He said to bring in the receipt and he'd make the deal. I told him that if he could do that, that's the price he should have given me in the first place. I have been completely satisfied with my decision.

This.

I tell my patients when they are shopping around, go to the place where you feel most comfortable and more comfortable with your Audiologist or HIS.

It is nearly impossible for patients to shop around for hearing aids, that is why I say this. If I say, "I think this is the best set of hearing aids for you, they are $5,000 for the set." and you go somewhere else and they tell you they have nearly the same thing, but for $3,000 your BS meter should be going off.

I don't "deal" in my office. I tell you the options, which ones I think would be best for you, and the prices. I'm not going to ask for quotes from other places and then "beat them" by some amount of money. That is ridiculous, IMO.

However, I do pressure my patients into buying when I think they will benefit my patient. That is the only way I can help them hear better. I am not pressuring them into anything that isn't good for them. And if I am wrong, you always have the trial period to return. And I only have about 3% to 4% returned, so I am not wrong very often.

[m0t0rcade]

All of the above is fine, if the consumer's quality of hearing & life is improved.

Do you not have a trial period available to find if that is the case?

[lydia.c]

My first experience buying hearing aids, the audiologist was truly trying to be helpful and trying to do the job the best she could, but she just wasn't that good at her job. Perhaps because she hadn't had much experience up to that point, maybe she's better now. But I still got saddled with something that I have later come to learn is not adequate for my loss.

I will admit, it was half my fault. I had just experienced a sudden hearing loss, it took a month to get to see my ENT followed by another month of being irritable because of steroids. I had no energy left from the whole ordeal physically or mentally to care to research anything like I should have (and I LOVE researching).

I figured that this person is a professional in her field and between the hearing tests and questionnaire to narrow down my listening situations that I should be in good hands.

Well now I've been stuck with these harsh sounding Starkey S Series 5 RICs for nearly 3 years and lately have been visiting various audiologists to see who actually knows what they're doing and to make sure I don't get stuck with a particular 'brand' pusher. Meanwhile I've been trying my best to do my own research, which is fun considering I have no background in this type of information whatsoever. The company websites for many of the hearing aid manufacturers are terribly lacking in any real information. I don't buy a computer without knowing what kind of hardware it's packing so why should hearing aids be any different?

[IMBack]

most AD just don't have the size or buying power to carry more then a couple of brands. if you go to a Ford dealer they aren't going to push a Chevy or Honda. the major brands boil down to 4 or 5 so get a current audio-gram, do your research. Then make a few visits. Since you say you have no background and the web sites are of little help how are you making your decision as to whether or not various audiologist know what they are doing?

[prodigyplace]

My first experience buying hearing aids, the audiologist was truly trying to be helpful and trying to do the job the best she could, but she just wasn't that good at her job. Perhaps because she hadn't had much experience up to that point, maybe she's better now. But I still got saddled with something that I have later come to learn is not adequate for my loss.

I will admit, it was half my fault. I had just experienced a sudden hearing loss, it took a month to get to see my ENT followed by another month of being irritable because of steroids. I had no energy left from the whole ordeal physically or mentally to care to research anything like I should have (and I LOVE researching).

I figured that this person is a professional in her field and between the hearing tests and questionnaire to narrow down my listening situations that I should be in good hands.

Well now I've been stuck with these harsh sounding Starkey S Series 5 RICs for nearly 3 years and lately have been visiting various audiologists to see who actually knows what they're doing and to make sure I don't get stuck with a particular 'brand' pusher. Meanwhile I've been trying my best to do my own research, which is fun considering I have no background in this type of information whatsoever. The company websites for many of the hearing aid manufacturers are terribly lacking in any real information. I don't buy a computer without knowing what kind of hardware it's packing so why should hearing aids be any different? You can get more information on several brands by looking at their professionals sites. Try http://www.starkeypro.com , for instance.

[lydia.c]

You can get more information on several beands by looking at their professionals sites.

Thanks, I've been doing that. But even those websites still seem like they're designed by someone with the intelligence of a fruit fly.

[IMBack]

Thanks, I've been doing that. But even those websites still seem like they're designed by someone with the intelligence of a fruit fly.

what kind of information are you looking for that you can't find on the manufacturers web site?

[lydia.c]

Oh I can find the info I want from the professional sites. The sites are just poorly designed in that nothing is placed in an intuitive manner. And very few of them offer the ability to select certain models to do a side by side comparison.

[iceman0486]

Oh I can find the info I want from the professional sites. The sites are just poorly designed in that nothing is placed in an intuitive manner. And very few of them offer the ability to select certain models to do a side by side comparison.

Problem is that the companies are designed to work with specialists, and that is still very old school - reps come and take you out to lunch and discuss products.

[danemom]

I am now wearing my first HA's purchased from Costco; just prior to my Costco appointment in the mail appeared an ad with a 40% off coupon to one of the local Audiologist. I called, explained I already had an appointment with Costco but could I still come in and see what they had to offer. Following the exam she fit me with BTE Agil Pro's and asked how I liked them; I loved them, thinking with the 40% off I could afford them. The price with the coupon was $7700, she said the regular price was over $13,000. No discussion about trial periods, guarantee's, just take them and give them a try. I left!

[Cosmo]

That was 40% off MSRP. Some people make the entire industry look bad. Most practices do not operate that way. When I run a special offer or coupon it is off my everyday price, I don't raise my prices to lower them.

[danemom]

That was 40% off MSRP. Some people make the entire industry look bad. Most practices do not operate that way. When I run a special offer or coupon it is off my everyday price, I don't raise my prices to lower them.

I should have asked how many they sold at the $13,000 price, LOL.

[DocAudio]

I should have asked how many they sold at the $13,000 price, LOL.

Probably none. I would bet that they always have some promo or coupon that gives a "discount". IMHO...the whole idea of doing this is a complete crock. Why not just set your price at a level that's reasonable and comparable to others in the area and not do this discounting junk?!?!?!

Nothing makes me more angry than when I hear about people that purchased hearing aids for anything over $7000 (at least in my area).