| The truth behind the perceived high prices for hearing | | | | actual hearing aid manufactures, often old or |
| aids lies in the tactics used to sell hearing aids. The | | | | discontinued parts, then assemble the instruments at |
| tactic is an old one, and is used in many consumer | | | | their office. |
| goods. The suggested retail price is significantly inflated; | | | | They do no research. They don't develop new or |
| the dealer will then advertise a HUGE discount to the | | | | better technology. They simply assemble currently |
| instruments which when applied to the inflated retail | | | | available/ discontinued products. There are six major |
| price discounts the aids to current market prices. | | | | manufacturers of hearing aids in the U.S.: Starkey, |
| I recently saw an advertisement that said, "save up to | | | | Sonic Innovations, Oticon, Widex, Resound and |
| $6,000 on a set of digital hearing aids." How is that | | | | Siemens. These manufacturers do not sell their "Top |
| possible when the most expensive hearing aids sell for | | | | of the Line" digital proprietary instruments to Mom and |
| around $6,000 for a binaural, two hearing aids, set? | | | | Pop hearing aid companies who call themselves |
| The answer is simple. The consumer, or patient, is led | | | | hearing aid manufacturers. |
| to believe, by deceptive advertising, that the regular | | | | Starkey Laboratories is presently leading the industry |
| price is much higher than it actually is. The hearing aid | | | | with new technology. They recently spent more than |
| dealer then offers a huge discount, or a buy one, get | | | | $40 million on research and development of the new |
| one free coupon suggesting to the patient significant | | | | Destiny line of hearing aids. Each of the above |
| price reductions. | | | | mentioned manufacturers will also invest a substantial |
| While we are talking about deceptive ads, there have | | | | amount of money into research and development of |
| been many advertisements suggesting, "we sell the | | | | new products. The cost of the research and |
| only hearing aids manufactured in Utah," or, "we | | | | development is reflected in the price of today's |
| manufacture the only hearing aids made in Utah." In | | | | excellent hearing aid technologies. |
| reality there are no hearing aids manufactured | | | | You're hearing health care needs, and best interest, will |
| anywhere in the state of Utah. | | | | be served when you see a Certified Clinical Audiologist |
| Many people are led to believe Sonic Innovations, a | | | | or Doctor of Audiology. Ask for these credentials |
| digital hearing aid manufacturer, manufactures their aids | | | | when researching a partner for your hearing health |
| right here in Utah. In reality Sonic Innovations corporate | | | | care needs. Additionally be aware that there are |
| and research facilities are housed in Utah, however | | | | deceptive advertisements every day in local news |
| they do not manufacture instruments. | | | | papers and on T.V. If it sounds too good to be true, it |
| Additionally, none of the other hearing aid dealers are | | | | probably is. |
| actually manufacturers. They buy various parts from | | | | |