Many people considering the purchase of hearing aids often ask why their medical insurance does not cover hearing aids. I think it is a matter of time before most insurance programs will provide some form of coverage for hearing aids since hearing aids are a medical necessity. Before you rule out insurance coverage for hearing aids, be sure to check with your insurance provider what is covered with respect to hearing healthcare. Here is the current status of insurance coverage for hearing aids in America.....

Read more...

The majority of people with hearing loss in America are under retirement age and working; some people in need of hearing aids might be sitting on the side-lines hoping for the hearing aid tax credit bill to pass (www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org) which permits tax credits (which is better than a deduction) up to $1,000 for a pair of hearing aids.  But many people are not aware that they could already get this tax credit if they participate in their company's medical flexible spending account program (FSA). Here's how it works....

Read more...

The New York Times published an informative article about purchasing hearing aids on July 24. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/25/health/25patient.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&em

Although the retired pastor, who is featured in the article, is somewhat surprised by the cost of his hearing aids, the article delivers sensible advice for people who might be in the market for hearing aids. What's particularly useful about this article are the questions it advises people to ask their hearing healthcare professional before they pursue hearing aids. It even provides a link to a consumer checklist created by the Hearing Loss Association of America. http://www.hearingloss.org/learn/hearingaids.asp

The checklist is a great way to ensure you are receiving high quality care at a good value. When in comes to improved communication, value is largely determined by both the product (hearing aids) you purchase and the professionalism and competence of the service provider, which you personally experience during the office visits.