Hearing aid buying guide: Ear machine price, types & tips to buy

Hearing loss can affect your personal and work life, for example, your daily interactions. Surveys have found a very high prevalence of hearing loss in India, especially in the capital. The results of a study conducted in 2019, of those examined with some form of hearing loss, 26% were from urban parts of Delhi. Thankfully, solutions like hearing aids help restore hearing to a great extent and offer relief. However, for those who require an ear listening machine, the price can often be a roadblock.

Hearing aids are technologically advanced and equipped with an app to provide a better hearing facility. However, these devices are also expensive and can cost over Rs. 2 lakh. Also, there are additional expenses. You’ll need to consult two different specialists, an ENT and an audiologist, as part of treatment and undergo several diagnostic tests to check the severity of your hearing loss. Since you can find more than a thousand different types of hearing aids in India, read this guide to understand more and learn of an affordable way to purchase them.

Types of hearing aids

There are two main types of hearing aids, analogue and digital, which differ based on the technology used to amplify sound. While digital hearing aids are a lot more common, analogue variants are cheaper.

Analog:
These hearing aids convert sound into electrical signals and then amplify it.

Digital:
These hearing aids convert sound waves to numerical codes and then amplify them. These provide higher quality output and adjust automatically based on the environment.

Here is a brief overview of the different styles of hearing aids.

Canal:
These hearing aids sit inside the ear. They are harder to move and adjust.

In-the-ear:
These hearing aids sit inside the outer ear and aren’t suited for children as their ears aren’t fully developed.

Behind-the-ear:
These sit outside, behind the ear and are effective for all types of hearing loss, be it mild or severe.

Things to check before buying an ear machine

Not all hearing aids may suit your need; hence it is wise to go by a checklist like the one below to avoid missing out on essentials. You can also request your specialist to suggest options or features to ensure maximum utility.

1. Type and style: Before purchasing an ear machine, consider the type and style that best fits your lifestyle and hearing needs. There are various options, such as behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and invisible-in-canal, each offering different benefits and aesthetics.
2. Additional features available: If you opt for digital hearing aids, explore the additional features they offer. Look for features like noise reduction, directional microphones, and telecoil technology, as they can significantly enhance your hearing experience in various environments.
3. Connectivity options: Check if the ear machine has connectivity options, like Bluetooth, allowing you to pair with smartphones, TVs, or other devices.
4. Feedback control: Ensure the hearing aids come with a feedback control system, which helps prevent annoying whistling or feedback sounds that might occur during use.
5. Battery life: Consider the battery life of the ear machine. Longer battery life means less frequent replacements, saving you time and effort.
6. Warranty: Always check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty provides peace of mind and safeguards your investment against unexpected malfunctions.
7. Cost: Compare prices from different brands and retailers. While it is essential to stay within your budget, prioritise the quality and features that align with your requirements.

Tips for buying a hearing aid

Besides finalising an ear machine price range that suits your pocket, there are other things you can also do to improve your experience with hearing aids.

Get tested:
Understanding the severity of your hearing loss can help you choose a suitable hearing aid device.

Opt for custom-fitting:
Custom-fit hearing aids may be costlier but are much more comfortable, which is important as these devices are used for longer hours.

Check different price lists of ear machines:
Amazon listings and other e-commerce platforms should definitely be on your watchlist for a pocket-friendly ear machine price. Compare the prices of hearing devices that suit you best.

Inquire about additional features:
Digital hearing aids usually have unique features and enhancements you can take advantage of. Learn about these as they can make all the difference.

Ear machine prices in India

Start by understanding the two main factors that affect the prices of hearing aids in India. Firstly, technology plays a significant role in the effectiveness and convenience of these devices. A more advanced model with newer features will be more expensive. Secondly, some brands may offer bundled services with aids, including tests, follow-up adjustments and more. These are costlier than stand-alone aids but may prove to be more economical in the long run.

The prices of ear machines differ based on these factors and are spread across three main categories. They are:

Basic: Price range between Rs. 27,000 and Rs. 37,000
Mid-range: Price range between Rs. 52,000 and Rs. 1.20 lakh
Premium: Price range between Rs. 1.50 lakh and Rs. 2.7 lakh

Buy ear machine on EMI using Bajaj Finserv Health EMI Network Card

Given that a standard or micro ear machine price can go up to lakhs of rupees, buying one isn’t affordable for everyone. However, a device like this can transform your everyday experience, and with Bajaj Finserv Digital Health EMI Network Card, you can buy one on your terms! This card not only offers you a pre-approved limit of up to Rs. 4 lakh to use for any health treatment but also allows you to convert your medical bills into No Cost EMIs. So, you can get the best hearing aids from a trusted brand and repay the amount, along with the doctor’s charges, on flexible EMIs for up to 38 months. This way, you do not need to deplete your savings or compromise on your choice of ear machines and still stay on budget.

You can also use the digital health EMI network card at over 5,500 healthcare partners to access over 800 treatments in 1,000+ cities. This makes healthcare accessible to you and your family, wherever you are. What’s more, you can avail of special offers when selecting the right hearing aid using this card to save more!

Check your pre-approved offer today and get instant online activation to stay worry-free about healthcare expenses and pay medical bills more affordably.