I am new to hearing aids and am put off by the prices somewhat, at least in Australia. I am on a trial of the Lumity 50 through an independent (attached to an ENT group) audiologist and have been given a ballpark figure of 10k AUD for a top of a line (i.e. Lumity 90) pair. On exploring my options, I have come across Specsavers Australia quoting almost half the price of the independent audiologist.
I keep thinking that Specsavers has a typo on their website, but my questions are:
has anyone got feedback on the Australian Specsavers experience
are the prices on their website for real? Is there a catch?
Yes, I took my mum there. No problems at all, but the consultations were a little rushed. Probably differs from franchise to franchise. Do some research first on what to expect.
The prices are real. No catch. Their Advance range is even cheaper and probably very similar to the Phonaks (last time I checked the Advance models are re-branded Unitrons). I would definitely recommend that you return the aids you are trialling and head for Specsavers or Costco.
Absolutely that. The audiologist at Specsavers Joondalup (WA) almost had her own fanclub on Whirlpool a year or two ago. Personally I’d prefer a bit of clarity on who makes what model without having to sleuth it on the internet.
In New Zealand their service period is shorter …“Every purchase comes with free aftercare for 12 months which includes maintenance checks and adjustments made whenever you need, free batteries for 12 months, a four-year warranty and a 90-day satisfaction period.”
Other suppliers offer adjustments for the life of the aids but my audi gives only 3 year warranty.
The price gap is the same here and list prices are similar but there are sometimes buyer incentives. My supplier regularly offers new purchasers discounts and to those already using their preferred brand significant incentives to upgrade at the 3 year anniversary of purchase or at 6 years. Both those offers are significantly time limited.
These discounts are quite large and very much minimise the price gap you are citing. The discounts are published in the supplier literature but you have to delve fairly deeply to find them.
Annual reviews at specsavers cost $AU49 currently so do the maths on whether it’s really worth spending $10,000 on hearing aids just to get longer aftercare!
My mum’s review last week included re doing both her hearing test and her real ear measurements, so we were very pleased with that.
I have no affiliation whatsoever with specsavers nor am I particularly fond of them. Just relating my experience.
Thanks for the feedback. The independent audiologist I am currently seeing charges 150AUD per appointment, which I find ridiculous. I didn’t even get real ear measurements during fitting. I think it’s time for a change in audiologist.
@Piratarzt I don’t know where in Aus you live. If you have a Costco store near you visit one of the Costco hearing centers. You will get excellent aids from them for around $2500 or less. You get 180 days trial if your not satisfied full refund as long as they are returned within the 180 days.
Or pick up the phone and do a ring around and ask if they can do better. Also Hearing Australia might be able to help you. Hubby got Signia aids from them for $3500. Good luck on getting a better price.
Here in the US, at least, they also include replacement domes and wax filters. You can get service from any location. All you need to purchase would be batteries for those aids that need them.