Quote:
Originally Posted by DaddyD
It's my understanding that nearly all hearing aids are made by one of 4 or 5 different manufacturers. That--plus the many many advertisements for hearing aids in area newspapers--leads me to believe that the profit margins on hearing aids is quite high.
Most of us have no qualms about negotiating the price of a new or used car, a boat, or a plethora of other high-prices, but for some reason I don't think may people do try to negotiate the price of health-care related items or procedures.
I"m curious if anyone here has (or knows anyone who has) negotiated the price of hearing aids?
I'm aware that both Costco and Sam's sell hearing aids for substantially less than most traditional hearing aid centers / stores, but Costco is too far, and my father didn't like the hearing aids he tried at Sam's Club.
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I bought a pair of Phonak P70 aids about 2 months ago and I'm very pleased with the performance, but I paid $4000 for the pair. After reading this thread, I checked and I could have purchased the Kirkland Signature 10.0 aids at Costco for $1400. The Kirkland brand is manufactured by the parent company of Phonak and the 10.0 is a version of the Phonak P90, which is a step above what I bought.
My last set lasted for 10 years, so maybe if I ever need another pair, I'll remember to check out Costco.
One reason I didn't think of trying them this time is my father-in-law got his from Sam's Club and he's had nothing but trouble from them. People sitting behind him in church complain of the loud whistling sound they make.