Help on New Hearing Aids

[martiniaz]

My insurance has given me $3000 to spend on hearing aids. The audiologist I went to only has one she will sell for that price; the Phonak Audeo S SMART I. These have 4 bands and no automatic programs.

It seems to me that this audiologist is looking for a sale rather than to help me. The next step up, the Audeo S III is $5,000. Big gap.

So my questions are:

How many channels does a person need?
How important are automatic programs?
Are there other manufacturers offering more features for $3,000?
Is ReSound a good product?
Am I correct in thinking the audiologist is offering me a bottom of the line product in an attempt to get me to spend more? (She won't waiver from Phonak)
Should I just go to Costco?

[seb]

Give Costco a shot. You will get a more advanced HA than the Audeo for less than the $3,000 and you will also get a 90 day trial with a full refund if you aren't happy at the end of the 90 days. Good luck!

[rasmus_braun]

You should be able to get the Audeo Smart I/Dalia for $1200 to $1300. The Smart III/Cassia is $1600 to $1700. Call other audiologists in your insurance network and ask them for their prices. I think low-end devices from a few years ago had 2 channels, so 4 isn't that bad.

[athanasius]

Originally Posted by rasmus_braun

You should be able to get the Audeo Smart I/Dalia for $1200 to $1300. The Smart III/Cassia is $1600 to $1700. Call other audiologists in your insurance network and ask them for their prices. I think low-end devices from a few years ago had 2 channels, so 4 isn't that bad.

But when you can get 16 for less money at Costco 4 doesn't really compare.

[MCB]

Yech!! 80 mile trip one way.