I had a hearing test at Costco, and if I understand correctly, they have demo hearing aids you can try out in the store. I got interested in the Phonak Spheres, so I went to a private audiologist, since Costco doesn’t carry Phonak. She does not have demos available, but I can return the Phonaks within 30 days and order Oticon Intents (the brand she normally sells) if I don’t like the Spheres. I would prefer to try before I buy, since if I return the Spheres and then find I prefer them over the Oticons, then I would have to return another set. Even if they are willing to do this, it seems like a major hassle. Do private audiologists typically have demo HAs you can try before you order a pair, or is this unique to Costco?
I don’t think there’s a “typical.” Some audiologists do offer trials though. If this is important to you you’re going to have check around with your local audiologists. Personally I think 30 days is on the short side but I’m guessing that’s your state’s requirement.
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Be sure to understand the trail period with a private practice audi. In my state you can have a 30 day trail, but the audi can charge fees. When I inquired about the trial I was told the fee would be $295. This policy varies by state so your state may not allow charges
This is one of the reasons I ended up at Costco
MDB is correct, there is no typical.
Phonak has been having trouble meeting demand with the Spheres, which means clinicians will be less likely to have even one set of demo devices available at this time.
There are also service costs associated with setting up hearing aids. Not all clinics will provide these services pro bono on the prayer that you will then purchase, particularly if they taking the time to follow best practices to optimize set up.
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In the UK
The private audiologist I saw at the start (she was good) wanted £155 for a 4 week trial (after a paid fitting appointment). I did not take this option up as their prices for hearing aids were very high.
Boots did a test with Phonak aids to take away, but you have to buy the aids but have 90 days to return them (which I eventually did after 60 days, no questions asked).
Wholesale hearing, while much cheaper, offered 30 days no questions asked refund. After two remote tuning sessions I’ve kept my aids.
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The private hearing aid supplier for my hearing aids here in UK, which I have purchased a couple in the past, has never asked for any finsnce during trail periods.
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I don’t know what is typical but I have purchased trial hearing aids from an audiologist group on Ebay, so I would guess that many do.
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Short answer from a 35-yr-long wearer of aids from mostly hearing clinics or private practices: NO. They want skin in the game. You either put a sizeable deposit down (like 50%) or pay IN FULL when you walk out the door with new aids. Spheres are in HIGH demand. They are scarce - so my own audi tells me!
Now you may think of it as a “hassle” to pay for, try out, return, REPEAT with a 2nd brand, only to end up returning a THIRD time and buying trial model #1, but I think it’s worth it. Hearing is even more critical than, say, test-driving a car. You typically need a good week to even try the aids out in all settings: the programs, situations, check out the BT stability, stream TV and phone calls, etc.,
So don’t even think twice about going back 2-3 times to trial aids! I once trialed Starkey, then Widex, and ended up with Oticon years ago. My audi was amazing. He totally understood that I’m not a flake, I’m a long-time patient of his who will end up buying one of these, and then we’ll begin the journey together of getting them finessed to sound perfect. I hope you do the same!
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Typically this is not in my nature. Of course, if I buy something and it turns out to be defective or doesn’t meet the advertised specs, I have no problem returning it. But I am the one specifying the Phonak aids, not the audi. She pushes Oticon Intents which, if I want the Intents, I could go to Costco and get them for $1500 (obviously as the Philips 9050s).
Anyway, I get your point.This is my first time buying prescription hearing aids (I wear OTC), and it seems to me the procedure should be easier.
Thanks to all who replied.
Simpler than: Have test–>Discuss results and recommendations–>order device?
Wow - I’m genuinely surprised by this. I didn’t realize how good I have it. My audi doesn’t have ‘loaners’ but their policy is no payments/no commitment for 60 days. So essentially a 60 day free trial.
@Chirp, my audiologist has the same trial length and policy. Sometimes they’ve given me a loaner to try, other times they’ve ordered a set for me to try.
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