Hi Everyone.
I think this is my very first post. If there is a thread or forum to introduce myself, etc, I’ll do that soon. In the meantime I wanted to add to this discussion. I hope my lengthy comments are helpful. Oh, and all dollar amounts assume USD.
@plasticmary,
I’m wondering if I can suggest a different way to look at this that might help to mitigate your concerns.
From the comments posted, it sounds as though your insurance company covers up to $5,000/pair for hearing aids. Period. Is that the case?
Setting aside the money issue for a moment …
Are you happy with this “new audiologist”? Do you still see the audiologist who helped you with your previous aids? What are your previous aids? I think someone said they were Widex. If so, what model and “level”? If you have a pair of decent Widex aids, how old are they? Are they still under warranty? Can you explain to your “new” audiologist what the differences are and can he/she make the necessary adjustments?
Hypothetically speaking … let’s say you’re wearing 3-year-old hearing aids. They are out of (or almost out of) warranty. Regardless of the audiologist’s price and/or how the insurance company calculates what they will cover, you have the opportunity to get the Linx2 - 9 for $2K for the pair. These are new and top of the line for Resound. They will have a new warranty. You will now have a spare pair (your Widex). If the sound can be matched “close enough” to your Widex, then you have the extra convenience that comes with the Linx2-9.
I have no idea if your audiologist is overcharging you. If you are settled in one area (ie. don’t move around), you’re comfortable with the new audiologist and you can swing the $2,000 then that’s what they cost. Are you getting scammed? Well, it depends.
From what you’ve said, it sounds like whatever the audiologist calls it, the transaction will cost you either $2,000 or $200. Are follow-up appointments included in the $2,000? How long is the wait for an appointment? Can your previous audiologist talk to your new audiologist to explain the general technical information about your hearing preferences? What about accessories? Are they covered by insurance? Are they sold at twice the cost you could buy them elsewhere? If you buy the accessories elsewhere, will your audiologist service them along with your hearing aids? Are you binding yourself to other costs down the road with the new audiologist?
So far, the only thing you’ve said that concerns me is this: Is the audiologist selling you what you’re being charged for? If you’re buying the Linx2-9, your audiologist shouldn’t say you’re buying the Linx 7, especially after seeing the discrepancy with the contract. If you’re buying the Linx 7, you probably shouldn’t have to pay the extra $2,000 (and you’re not getting top of the line). Is there a way to determine, absolutely, which model you’re buying? Of course, there could be an a perfectly innocent explanation for the confusion.
In terms of off-the-shelf retail, if you didn’t have any insurance coverage, $7,000 sounds about right (+/- $1,000) for the Linx2-9 (full list price), but sounds high for the Linx 7, even at full list price.
But what do I know? I don’t have 2 nickels I can rub together. I’m currently wearing a pair of Widex C-PA440, with off the shelf tulip domes. These were VERY generously donated to me. They are an engineering marvel and I’m incredibly grateful for the gift. As a result, however, I pay each time I see my audiologist, but my out of pocket is less than 10% what I would have spent on the hearing aids if I had bought them outright.
I’m a big fan of Widex. If your pair are from the Dream line or later and you’re happy with your current situation, then pay the $200 and pick up a wireless connector. I think the COM-Dex can be had for less than $300 USD and would likely fulfill your needs. COM-Dex might also work with the Clears (an RC-Dex was included in my gift, so that’s what I use). The Minds have limited compatibility with a fraction of the usual wireless acessories.
If I were in your shoes, I’d try to take a deep breath and, if possible, try not to worry about it. (I know, easier said than done.)
In summary, what’s the worst outcome? What’s the best outcome? Are you actually buying what you think you’re buying and do you like and/or respect the new audiologist? If you think you’re being scammed, then the issue isn’t price. It’s trust. If you can’t trust your audiologist, it will be harder to trust the programming, tweaking and follow-up appointments. If that’s the case, I’d pay the $200 and walk away. If there was understandable confusion as to which model you were getting and you’re actually getting the Linx2-9 AND your new audiologist can work with you and/or your old audiologist to approximate the sound you like, go for it. You’ll have the added convenience of the latest and greatest Resound Mfi HAs, a new warranty and a spare pair of HAs to boot.
Whatever you decide, make the decision and then sleep on it (during the 30-day trial period of course). You’ll know if it’s the right choice.
I hope this makes sense and helps in your decision process.
Cheers.