Once you get over the shock of how much hearing aids cost, you may wonder if buying hearing aids online is right for you?

Think about what is more important to you … buying the best quality product or being pampered? Are you the kind of person who is willing to spend time to scour the internet for the best product at the best price? Are you willing to pick up the phone or write an email and ask for help? If quality and the best possible hearing aid price are your primary concerns, then buying online may be the right way to go.

Premium Online hearing aid retailers, like Embrace Hearing offer high quality, custom programmed European hearing aids for prices that traditional hearing aid retailers cannot compete with.

At a retail clinic pair of custom programmed European BTE/RIC (Behind the Ear; Receiver in Canal) digital hearing aids will cost approximately $4000-$7000 (depending on performance level). The same quality hearing aids can be bought online for approximately $1400- $2500. At the better online providers (there are only a few) the aids will be custom programmed by a licensed Audiologist and they will be delivered to your door within a week. You will have 45 days to try out them out and can return them for a full refund if you don’t like them for any reason. And if you even need help – no appointment is needed. Rather than calling to make an appointment next Tuesday when the Audiologist is available, simply call to get help immediately, 7 days a week without eve leaving your home. 

How do they do this?

The best online retailers do not have to absorb the costs associated with retail operations – prime office space, administrative staff, etc. These overhead costs make up a great deal of the cost of each hearing aid sold. In addition, a local retailer is limited to selling within a small, local neighborhood while an online retailer can serve customers all over the country, and even the world.

Are there services a local retail shop can offer its customers that an online retailer cannot?

Frankly, yes. Local retailers can see you face to face. They can change wax guards and perform minor repairs and reprogramming once you are able to get an appointment. However, this pampering is costing you an extra $3,000 – $5,000 and like online retailers, they will still have to return hearing aids to the manufacturer for more complicated repairs.

How does an online hearing aid retailer provide these services?

Some of the services, you will provide yourself with the help of customer service teams and instructional emails and videos. Maintenance and minor repairs are straight forward and can be done by users in a few minutes or less – with the help of a customer technical expert on the phone. For major repairs the hearing aids will have to be returned to the online retailer who will usually turn around your repair in a few days. For reprogramming on many models, this can be completed via the internet – you don’t even send them back!

In summary the benefits of buying hearing aids online

1. Cost Savings: One of the biggest advantages of buying hearing aids online is the potential for cost savings. By shopping around and doing research, you can often find hearing aids that are much cheaper than what you would pay at a brick and mortar store.

2. Convenience: Buying hearing aids online can also be much more convenient than going to a local store. You don‘t have to worry about making an appointment, or waiting in line or traveling to a store. You can do all your research, compare prices, and make your purchase from the comfort of your own home.

3. Variety: When you shop online, you also have access to a much wider selection of hearing aids than you would find in a local store. This gives you more options to choose from, so you can find the perfect hearing aid for your needs.

4. Reviews: Shopping online also gives you access to reviews from other customers who have purchased the same hearing aid. This can be a great way to get an honest opinion and see if the hearing aid is worth the money.

In short, the decision to buy online comes down to how much you are willing to spend and whether you are willing to do a little maintenance yourself with our help. 

Whether or not you decide to buy hearing aids from a local retailer or online, your hearing aid experience will depend on purchasing good quality aids with reliable professional customer support. Be sure to look online for independent hearing aid reviews for both the retailer and the hearing aid brand you are considering before you buy and make sure you are offered no obligation trial period.