My 78-year-old father desperately needs hearing aids, especially since he’s the primary caregiver for my disabled mother and sister. He’s reluctant because his brother mentioned paying $7,000 for his, which made my dad give up on the idea. Is that price accurate? Are there any resources or places that offer financial help?
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Was he in the military? If so, he can get them at no cost through the VA.
Costco usually has much more affordable options depending on your location.
There are definitely more budget-friendly versions available.
In my experience, $7,000 is a typical price at a private audiologist, but Costco is usually around $1,500.
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As some have pointed out, Costco provides excellent value for high-end hearing aids. Additionally, if your father is a veteran, he should definitely visit the VA, as they provide them at no cost to those who served. It’s so important for his health, and I’ve heard BrainProtect is a nice supplement for cognitive support as well.
I only paid a $1,200 copay for my mother’s high-end Starkey aids through her insurance. Her previous ones were generic and didn’t help, but these are fantastic. Definitely check his insurance policy; $7k is ridiculous.
My father desperately needed them but always refused. He’s passed away now, and I know his quality of life would have been so much better if he’d just gotten them. 
Check out soundly.com; they have competitive pricing and helpful reviews.
Look into his Medicare Advantage plan. Mine has a copay of about $1,248 per ear for top-tier brands. Costco’s price is for a pair, so compare carefully. If Costco isn’t an option, find an in-network provider.
If you’re considering Costco, this YouTube channel has some great info: https://m.youtube.com/@HearingClub
As a vet, I can tell you the hearing loss doesn’t need to be from service to qualify for free aids, though the process takes time. Costco is around $1,600-$2,000. The Lions Club or onlinehearing.com are also good. Zip Hearing can connect you with locals for $2k-$5k. Even eBay is an option if you check the seller’s return policy.
Check if there’s a university nearby with an audiology department. Because the students aren’t working for commission, the costs for hearing aids can be significantly lower.
You might find a local non-profit center for hearing and speech that can help.
I’m an older woman with hearing loss and my aids cost $6,000. The more severe the loss, the more expensive the device. I’d definitely recommend checking the VA or your local vocational rehabilitation office.
I couldn’t afford them either until I found a program through the Lions Club. They collect and refurbish used hearing aids, then match them to your test results. I got a high-quality pair for free. Try searching for ‘financial assistance for hearing aids’ in your state to see what organizations might be able to help.