Hearing Aid Costs in Dallas, TX
Hearing aids might seem like a big expense at first glance, but ignoring hearing loss almost always costs more in the long run, both financially and for your overall health.
What Does Untreated Hearing Loss Actually Cost You?
According to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study, untreated hearing loss leads to a 46% increase in healthcare costs. Over a 10-year period, people with untreated hearing loss experienced:
- Nearly 50% more hospital admissions
- A 44% higher risk of readmission within 30 days
- A 17% higher risk of having an ER visit
Across that same decade, the average person who ignored their hearing loss overspent on healthcare by $22,000. A separate JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery study found that ignoring hearing loss for just two years cost the average person 26% more. On top of that, the average person with hearing loss waits 7 years before getting help, and the Better Hearing Institute found that people with untreated hearing loss earn an average of $12,000 less per year.
There’s also a well-documented cognitive benefit to treating hearing loss early. A major Johns Hopkins study published in The Lancet found that hearing aids slowed cognitive decline by 48% in older adults who were already at higher risk, over a three-year period, one of the strongest pieces of evidence yet that treating hearing loss protects more than just your hearing.
What About the Cost of the Hearing Aids Themselves?
Prescription hearing aids generally range from about $2,000 to $5,000+ per pair, depending on the technology level, with features like AI-based noise filtering and Bluetooth connectivity landing toward the higher end. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s included at each level so that you know what you’re paying for and can choose what makes sense for your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.
You may also come across over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which are typically less expensive but come with generic settings rather than being matched to your specific hearing test results. For mild hearing loss, they can be a reasonable low-cost starting point. For anything more significant, a professionally fitted hearing aid tends to be worth the difference in cost, since it’s tuned to your actual hearing and adjusted over time.
Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?
Insurance coverage varies by plan and location. Some states mandate coverage, especially for children with hearing loss, and children under the age of 21 are often covered for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss.
If you’re on Medicare, it’s worth checking your specific plan. Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine hearing aids, but many Medicare Advantage plans now include a hearing aid allowance or discount, so coverage really depends on your plan. Employer plans and private insurance vary greatly, and they often cover the hearing evaluation even when they don’t cover the hearing aids themselves. We’re happy to help you figure out what your plan actually covers before you commit to anything.
What if Insurance Doesn't Cover It?
There are still several ways to make hearing aids more affordable. Ask us about a tax deduction on your purchase or by paying through a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account. Many patients also use financing options like CareCredit to spread the cost over time. If you’re a veteran, contact the VA, as hearing aids are often covered as part of VA health benefits. Be sure to ask us about current special offers.
Reviewed by the audiologists at McLean Hearing Center
Still have questions? Ask one of our audiologists!
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