I am a cost conscious shopper, however there a limitations to proper behavior when trying and buying.
If I may, I believe Jack was attempting to demonstrate his shrewd shopping abilities and miss-spoke by using the word “sneaky”.
As for Audiology, Audiologist and Hearing Aid manufacturers is another matter all together and is a unique experience for each encounter
From my own experience (or inexperience) Put my trust in my Audiologist and was sent down, in my humble opinion, the primrose path, in my initial interview, after the audiology test and hearing aids were recommended, I specifically inquired about HA with blue tooth, the Audi response was there are no blue tooth units available at this time, I took her at her word and we ordered Starkey S Series 5 (which had been problematic), a few weeks after wearing these units I was on-line looking for Batteries (cheap on e-bay) I ran across the Siemens Pure that were not only Blue tooth but seemed to have a lot more refined technology and were rechargeable. (I m a bit of Tree Hugger)
I called my Audi and inquired about the Siemens and the cost to “upgrade/change” I was informed my trial period was over with the Starkey and would have to purchase the Siemens at a cost of $6000.00 (found on-line $2900.00), I had just laid out $2600.00 for the Starkey’s, but because of the issue I was having with the Starkey’s she would provide me a Starkey upgrade for $1000.00 and replace both units. I declined and requested she just replace the dysfunctional Starkey’s with the same model. I asked if I purchased on-line would she setup and adjust, her response was a flat no, I could not hold that against her.:eek:
The new set work far better than the original set, but I feel I burned myself by not properly researching before trying or buying.
For me there is also a feeling not having any control over my condition, every adjustment and each time I need wax filter etc… I must go to my Audi.:mad:
So the moral of the story, it is okay to Try and not buy, keep in mind you do not just buy hardware from your Audi your buying a service, Experience, education and in some cases long term services, sure you can buy cheaper on-line but that on-line seller is not going be working with you to get adjustments just right and every $100.00 spent at a local retailer approximately $45.00 will come back to your local economy.
Are hearing aid prices outrageously/artificially high, YES. But this is a niche market and the buyers of hearing devices are not purchasing because it is fashionable it is done out of necessity and with that necessity comes a higher price tag.