Hearing Aid Prices in India
A hearing aid is a small, wearable electronic device designed to amplify sound for individuals with hearing loss. It has many components like Mic, Amplifier, Receiver, Battery, Digital Processor etc. It helps people hear better by making sounds louder and clearer. Hearing aids are typically used by people with mild to severe hearing loss. While selecting hearing aid, Audiologist considers device’s functionality, designs varying depending on the severity of the hearing loss, the type of hearing aid, its features, brands, the individual’s specific listening needs and budget.
Factors influencing the cost of hearing aids:
1. Type of Hearing Aid:
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE): The BTE style sits behind the ear and connects to the ear canal with a small tube.
- In-the-Ear (ITE): ITE hearing aids fit completely within the outer ear and are custom-made to your ear.
- In-the-Canal (ITC): These hearing aids fit partially in the ear canal, offering a more discreet option than ITE devices.
- Completely-in-Canal (CIC): The smallest style, completely inserted into the ear canal, making them nearly invisible.
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) / Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE): Similar to BTE, but the receiver (speaker) is placed in the ear canal, which can improve sound quality and reduce feedback.
2. Technology:
- Latest hearing aids come with various advanced features that can make a significant difference in the user's experience. Some of the top features include:
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Allows users to stream audio directly from smartphones, televisions, laptops or other devices, providing hands-free calls or music listening.
- Rechargeable Batteries: Instead of disposable batteries, rechargeable hearing aids have built-in batteries that can last an entire day with a single charge. Some hearing aids use rechargeable batteries, which may add to the cost upfront but save money in the long term. Disposable batteries are cheaper but require ongoing replacement, in turn lead to recurrent expenses.
- Noise Cancellation & Directional Microphones: These features improve speech clarity in noisy environments by focusing on sounds coming from specific directions (e.g., from the front). They help reduce background noise in places like restaurants, traffic signals etc.
- Noise Cancellation & Directional Microphones: These features improve speech clarity in noisy environments by focusing on sounds coming from specific directions (e.g., from the front). They help reduce background noise in places like restaurants, traffic signals etc.
- Automatic Adjustment: Latest hearing aids can adjust automatically to changing environments, such as switching between a quiet room and a noisy street, ensuring the best sound quality without manual adjustments. Using
3. Brand
- Phonak (Switzerland): Known for its advanced technology, including Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, streaming call facility in all phones, and excellent sound quality.
- Signia (Siemens) (Germany): Offers a range of hearing aids with high-tech features, including noise reduction and rechargeable models.
- Widex (Denmark): Offers a range of hearing aids that emphasize high-quality sound, especially in challenging listening environments.
- GN Resound (Denmark): Focuses in organic (natural) hearing by improving speech clarity using cutting edge technology.
- Oticon (Denmark): Famous for its brain hearing technology that focuses on improving speech clarity.
- Cochlear (Australia): Specializes in implantable devices (Cochlear implants) for people with profound hearing loss who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids.
4. Customization
- Hearing aids can be used with custom-mould that are made to fit the unique shape of the user’s ear. More discreet or "invisible" (such as "in-the-canal" or "completely-in-the-canal" models) usually require advanced miniaturization of components, which can affect the pricing. However, these smaller models may also have limited battery life, and more often have fewer features compared to larger models.
5. Features
- Hearing aids can be used with custom-mould that are made to fit the unique shape of the user’s ear. More discreet or "invisible" (such as "in-the-canal" or "completely-in-the-canal" models) usually require advanced miniaturization of components, which can affect the pricing. However, these smaller models may also have limited battery life, and more often have fewer features compared to larger models.
- Basic: Simpler designs with fewer features (basic amplification, manual volume control) are the least expensive. It ranges across brands from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per unit.
- Mid: These may offer features like noise reduction, directional microphones, and some degree of customization, typically offering a balance of price and performance. It ranges across brands from ₹30,000 to ₹60,000
- High: Includes most of the features with advanced settings. However, the added cost is often justified by improved sound quality, convenience, and customization for the user’s specific hearing needs. It ranges across brands from ₹60,000 to ₹1,50,000
- Premium: Best aids with best quality of performance, comfort, and innovation. These models also tend to be packed with additional healthcare-related features, such as fitness tracking and fall detection. It ranges across brands from ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,00,000
6. Accessories
- Accessories increase the user experience, enhance the functionality of the devices, and extend their lifespan. Such accessories include Remote Mic, Remote Control, TV streamer, etc. For users who rely heavily on hearing aids, investing in the accessories can significantly enhance the quality of life and convenience, making them a worthwhile addition despite the extra cost.
- Hence, the pricing of hearing aids in India can vary widely based on factors like technology level, brand, features, and customization options. As of recent years, the cost of hearing aids in India typically ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹3,00,000.
- Additional Costs:
- Consultation & Fitting: Audiologist consultation and fitting costs typically range from ₹500 to ₹5,000, depending on the test battery, clinic or service provider.
- Batteries and Accessories: Regular replacement of batteries for non-rechargeable models can cost up to ₹4,000 per year. Accessories like cleaning kits, wax guards, and custom moulds may add to the cost.
