The Canberra Times

Affordable hearing: New low-cost hearing aids available in Australia

Affordable hearing: New low-cost hearing aids available in Australia
Affordable hearing: New low-cost hearing aids available in Australia

For many years, the prices of hearing aids globally have been significantly high. That's why the consideration of the cost of hearing aids is now one of the most important factors in the decision-making process.

With prices generally varying from between $2000 up to $6000 per device, buyers are making careful considerations before making a selection.

The cost of accessories and time spent learning about the device functions, including the possible use of an APP, adds further requirements for research and decision making. Buyers also have to be aware of the consultation fees for adjustments that they may be charged over the life of the hearing aids.

The year 2020 presented additional complexities for those looking to purchase new hearing aids. The risk involved in accessing and attending audiology services was in many countries a risk not worth taking, especially given the higher Covid-19 risk factors that affect the majority of hearing aid wearers, (those who are in the 55+ age group).

Australia was no different, with many audiology services attempting to provide remote services, such as online video consultations and phone consultations, for their clientele.

The need for easy and affordable access to hearing aids has now grown exponentially. Consumers are wanting not only wanting high-quality affordable devices, but many are realising the need for an additional 'back-up' or 'spare' hearing aid. This reduces the reliance on urgent access to an audiology clinic, if one of their primary devices isn't performing.

This need for direct-to-consumer devices has been recognised globally, and fortunately, significant improvements in hearing aid technology over the last few years have taken place.

Affordable hearing: New low-cost hearing aids available in Australia
Affordable hearing: New low-cost hearing aids available in Australia

Low-cost hearing aid-The Jaspa 3

Online hearing aids have now come to the forefront of available options for Australian's looking for their next hearing aids. Recently, one of the first low cost digital hearing aids, known as the Jaspa 3 hearing aid, has become available as a direct-to-consumer device.

The Jaspa 3 was initially developed as a back-up device for audiology clientele, who required a 'fill-in' or 'loan-aid' when their traditional, expensive hearing aids needed servicing/repairs or had been lost.

The surprise came when many of the clientele who utilised the device during the 'loan' period was reluctant to return it to the clinic. The Jaspa 3 Hearing Aid was developed even further during the on-set of Covid-19, when demand for non-contact access to broad prescription hearing aids was in full force.

The Jaspa 3 Hearing aid has been successful as an excellent backup device for those with expensive hearing aids. This is because it is one of the very first digital devices to contain the same advanced microchip found in hearing aids that cost thousands of dollars.

The price point per Jaspa 3 device is substantially lower ($429 per hearing aid). As a broad prescription device, there is also no requirement for a hearing assessment or hearing aid fitting, as it was uniquely designed to suit a large variety of hearing loss configurations.

More information on the Jaspa 3 hearing aid can be obtained at www.foundhearing.com.au.

Conclusion

Over the next few years, hearing aid technology is expected to continue with advancements in a variety of areas, including improvements in sound quality, noise filtering, design, and features.

For now, Australia is already moving forward in the right direction in terms of affordability, access, and remote care.

This is sponsored content for Hearing Aid Reviews.