trust the hearing aid brand and accessory professionals - … · 2020. 8. 21. · more informed and...

Welcome to HearingPlanetAn Introduction From Our President

The conversation starts here.

Call us anytime during business hours at 1-800-432-7669

Thank you for your interest in HearingPlanet’s “Buyer’s Guide to Hearing Aids.” Addressing your hearing health is one of the mostimportant decisions you will ever make.

This Buyer’s Guide has been assembled for your education and benefit, and it has helped literally hundreds of thousands of clients makemore informed and better hearing healthcare decisions. In it, you’ll find helpful information on:

Remember, we’re always available to answer any questions about hearing loss, and to be your resource on how to gain improved hearing.Our clients work with our team of Personal Hearing Consultants every day. We encourage you to do the same.

• Hearing Loss • Hearing Aid Features • Styles • Brands • Costs

How We Can Help - Our experienced team of Personal Hearing Consultants are ready to start a no-obligation conversation with you. Wehave personally assisted over 40,000 clients on their own hearing journey. We listen to your needs, answer your questions, verify yourinsurance, and set up your appointments with our Endorsed Local Clinics. We can even help you with financing options. Basically, we handlethe hard stu� so you don’t have to. Thanks to our buying power, our Personal Hearing Consultants will find you a great value on yourcustomized hearing aid solution.

The HearingPlanet Di�erence - Although this Buyer’s Guide is a good place to start your research, finding the right hearing solution ofteninvolves much more than simply choosing one particular device. In fact, you may even find more than one brand or style of device that worksfor your personal hearing solution. That is why, at HearingPlanet, we believe the most critical component on your path to hearing health isfinding the right Hearing Healthcare Professional. With our 16 years in business, we know the best providers in your area. We spend timecredentialing our strong network of 1,600 Endorsed Local Clinics so you don’t have to.

We take such pride in helping people every day regain those critical connections. We conduct our business withintegrity, experience, and care. We stand behind our customers with a 45-day risk-free Perfect Fit Promise and a100% money back guarantee.

Speak with an experienced Personal Hearing Consultant today at 1-800-432-7669 or visit our website atwww.hearingplanet.com. HearingPlanet — The conversation starts here.

Peter KnappPresident, HearingPlanet

To schedule a free consultation, call 1-800-432-7669

Hearing LossDo I need hearing aids?

Now the second largest segment of American society, Baby Boomers have endured agreater increase in noise pollution than many other generations. Prolonged or loud noiseexposure seems to have overtaken age as the leading cause of hearing loss.

Add that to the fact that Baby Boomers are living longerthan previous generations, and you have the largest numberof people ever to face this problem. In fact, about 40 percentof hearing-impaired Americans are under age 65.

Hearing is essential to fully enjoying and participating in life,but 1 in 10 Americans . . .

— more than 31 million —

. . . experience some degree of hearing loss. Thismakes it our nation’s third most prevalent chronichealth condition, after arthritis and high blood pressure.

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The Wonders of HearingWhy treating is important.

However, research shows that the ability to make sense of what we hear deteriorates more rapidly if the hearing path-way is not stimulated. Therefore, delaying the decision to be �t with hearing aids may not cause hearing to become worse, but it may make it more di�cult to adapt and bene�t from hearing aids later on.

Hearing loss begins gradually, often in the 40s, and many people ignore the symptoms – hoping they’ll go away. For years we have known that aging and noise exposure take their toll on our ability to hear. This is true whether or not we use hearing aids.

This is possibly the best reason for not waiting until hearing aids are absolutely needed. Often we see many people make the mistake of waiting to buy hearing aids because they feel their hearing “isn’t bad enough.” Even if hearing aids are not needed right now, a simple hearing test can establish a baseline for future needs.

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So what are the types of hearing aids, what do they cost, and what do I need?The following pages explore these and other main areas of hearing aids . . .


Types and StylesIs there a BEST hearing aid?

Depending on how you categorize, there can be four types or styles of hearing aids.

Receiver-In-Canal Behind-The-Ear Custom In-The-Ear Custom/InvisibleIn-The-Canal

Price: $1,499 - $2,899 Price: $1,499 - $2,899 Price: $1,499 - $2,899 Price: $1,499 - $2,899

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Smaller design that sitsbehind the earSpeaker sits inside theear canalMild to severe hearing lossExcellent high frequencysound productionSimple adjustments ifhearing changes

Sleek design that sitsbehind the earClear tube connects toearpiece in ear canalMild to profound hearinglossMultiple featuresOn board controls

Fits inside the ear canalMay fill lower half orentire outer earAdults with mild to severehearing lossCan be more succeptibleto ear waxMay be easier to handle,only one piece

Fits completely in theear canalAdults with mild tomoderate hearing lossReduced power or volumedue to sizeUsually non-wirelessVirtually invisible

Take the �rst step to a life full of sound and music.


Hearing Aid FeaturesWhat Should I look For?

Over 15 years of customer feedback tells us these are some best features to look for:Enhanced Speech UnderstandingAdvanced hearing aids help improve speech understanding even in noisy environments. Usingdirectional microphones and noise reduction, advanced hearing aids have two microphones tobetter separate the unwanted sounds from the important sounds that the listener needs to hear.

Automatic AdaptationLong gone are the days of having to press a button every time you walk into a new listeningsituation. Many hearing aids today switch between multiple listening environments and adjustvolume automatically, ensuring comfort as well as audibility.

Feedback CancellationEngaging in conversation is what connects you with loved ones and the world around you. Whatmakes hearing aids successful is the ability to fine tune them to your level of hearing - turning upthe sounds that you need to be louder while leaving alone the other sounds you already pick upat a normal level. Multiple channels allow the hearing aid to process sound without creatingwhistling or feedback.

ConnectivityAs Bluetooth and smartphones change the way we interact with the world around us, hearing aidscan interface easily with this technology to make listening to music and tallking on the phonemuch more enjoyable.

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Pricing and ModelsThe Value of Your Hearing.

Pricing depends on the technolgy level recommended for an individual’shearing loss and lifestyle. This is determined after a hearing test is completed.The service and consultation value of the hearing care provider is oftenbundled into the overall cost, making comparisons of price and valuemore challenging.Some have called hearing aids the first, and still possibly the mostadvanced, “wearable technology.” Todays hearing aids are truly likea mini computer behind or even inside your ear! However, we stilloften hear the question . . . “Why are hearing aids so expensive?”

The simple answer is common to most any item in a marketplace.1. Research - Fitting a small computer in or behind your ear is not easy. According to an AARP study, approximately 30% of a hearing aid’s total cost is directly related to research.2. Manufacturing - Much like any product that is produced, a standard element is what the materials and manufacturing process actually costs. In technology, the smaller an item is made the more it costs to make. Approximately 10% of the hearing aid total cost can be linked to manufacturing.3. Marketing and Retail - You may have created the best product, but if no one knows about it, it can not help anyone. Add in retailer costs and the price gets doubled or even tripled.

HearingPlanet works hard to keep our retail costs low. We pass that savings on to you whilemaintaining a high quality level of service.

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To schedule a free consultation, call 1-800-432-7669 Pg 9

You are not just buyinga hearing aid.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of hearing devices on the market today.Many retailers offer deeply discounted prices on hearing aids, but offer little to no followup sevice.Industry wide, digital hearing aids are returned 19-20% of the time. WHY? Because theprocess of adjusting to hearing aids takes time and almost always involves followup advice,help and adjustment.HearingPlanet’s return rate is much lower - below 15%.

HearingPlanet o�ers the best approach to hearing loss with our 3 Step Process

1) When you call, you are connected with your own PersonalHearing Consultant. They will listen, answer any questions, anddevelop your custom hearing profile. This outlines your hearinggoals, expectations, and listening situations.

2) You will have the opportunity to schedule a hearing evaluationat one of our endorsed local clinics. Your Personal HearingConsultant will find a clinic near you and setup the appointmentfor you.

3) Your local hearing professional will discuss the results of yourhearing evaluation with you, making recommendations based onyour lifestyle and test results.


Comparison GuideReceiver in Canal (RIC)

RICs are worn behind the ear and have a wire bringing the sound to a speakerwhich sits inside the ear canal. RICs tend to be smaller than a BTE hearing aid.

Phonak Unitron Siemens ReSound Widex Rexton Starkey Sonic

Bluetooth*Speech Enhancement/ Noise ReductionFeedback CancellationChannelsListening ProgramsAid - to - Aid Communication1

TV/Music/ConnectivityWater ResistantTinnitus FeatureTelecoilWarranty

Yes

Yes

Yes8 to 202 to 7

YesAdvanced

YesYesYes

Optional3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

6 to 203 to 7

Yes

YesYesYes

Optional3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

12 to 483 to 6

YesAdvanced

YesYesYes

Optional3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

9 to 173 to 5

Yes

YesYesYes

Optional3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes4 to 153 to 5

Yes

YesYesYes

Optional2-3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

12 to 403 to 6

YesAdvanced

YesYesYes

Optional3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

4 to 243 to 5

Yes

YesYesYes

Optional2-3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes8 to 20

4

Yes

YesYesNo

Optional2 years

* Bluetooth accessory may be required for hearing aid connectivity¹ Advanced Aid-to-Aid Communication refers to Binaural full audio signal streamed from ear to ear.

For detailed models and descriptions, please visit www.hearingplanet.com/hearing-aids/brands

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Comparison GuideBehind the Ear (BTE)

BTEs also sit behind the ear and collect sound, sending it down a clear tube into the ear canal.




Yes

Yes

Yes8 to 202 to 7

YesAdvanced

YesYesYes

Yes3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

6 to 203 to 7

Yes

YesYesYes

Yes3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

12 to 483 to 6

YesAdvanced

YesYesYes

Yes3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

9 to 173 to 5

Yes

YesYesYes

Yes3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes4 to 153 to 5

Yes

YesYesYes

Yes2-3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

12 to 403 to 6

YesAdvanced

YesYesYes

Yes3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

4 to 243 to 5

Yes

YesYesYes

Yes2-3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes8 to 20

4

Yes

YesYesNoYes

2 years* Bluetooth accessory may be required for hearing aid connectivity¹ Advanced Aid-to-Aid Communication refers to Binaural full audio signal streamed from ear to ear.


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Comparison GuideIn the Ear (ITE)

The main bene�t of ITEs is their unobtrusiveness. ITEs sit inside the ear canaland �ll up a portion of the outer ear.




Yes

Yes

Yes8 to 202 to 7

Optional

YesNoYes

Optional3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

6 to 203 to 7

Optional

YesNoYes

Optional3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

12 to 483 to 6

Optional

YesNoYes

Optional3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

9 to 173 to 5

Optional

YesNoYes

Optional3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes4 to 153 to 5

Optional

YesNoYes

Optional2-3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

12 to 403 to 6

Optional

YesNoYes

Optional3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

4 to 243 to 5

Optional

YesNoYes

Optional2-3 years

Yes

Yes

Yes8 to 20

4

Optional

YesNoNo

Optional2 years

* Bluetooth accessory may be required for hearing aid connectivity¹ Advanced Aid-to-Aid Communication refers to Binaural full audio signal streamed from ear to ear.


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Comparison GuideCompletely In the Ear (CIC)

CICs are virtually invisible and custom molded to �t completely in the canal.




Bluetooth availability depends on the size and features selected - applies to all brands.

Yes

Yes8 to 202 to 7

YesAdvanced

YesYesYes

No3 years

Yes

Yes

6 to 203 to 7

Yes

YesYesYes

No3 years

Yes

Yes

12 to 483 to 6

YesAdvanced

YesYesYes

No3 years

Yes

Yes

9 to 173 to 5

Yes

YesYesYes

No3 years

Yes

Yes4 to 153 to 5

Yes

YesYesYes

No2-3 years

Yes

Yes

12 to 403 to 6

YesAdvanced

YesYesYes

No3 years

Yes

Yes

4 to 243 to 5

Yes

YesYesYes

No2-3 years

Yes

Yes8 to 20

4

Yes

YesYesNoNo

2 years* Bluetooth accessory may be required for hearing aid connectivity¹ Advanced Aid-to-Aid Communication refers to Binaural full audio signal streamed from ear to ear.


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Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Hearing Aids

Did You Know:The average person waits 7 years to take action after noticing signs of hearing loss?

What is the BEST hearing aid on the market?This is one of the most frequent questions we are asked. There are several great brands, but there isno single “Best hearing aid.”

The best hearing aid is the one that suits an individual’s unique lifestyle and hearing loss. A PersonalHearing Consultant and our Local Hearing Professional will be happy to educate you about variousoptions and help select the right model.

What are the di�erences among various hearing aid manufacturers?Although there are differences between hearing aid brands, all themajor brands have high levels of quality and performance. While thereare dozens of different hearing aid manufacturers, only about sevencompanies research and design the digital circuits on the market.

At HearingPlanet, we only work with the top brands of hearing aidsthat are proven in quality, digital processing, reliability and performancein difficult listening situations. In every case, your Personal HearingConsultant and your Local Hearing Professional will select the besthearing aid for your unique hearing loss and personal needs.

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Did You Know:That 4 out of 10 people su�ering from hearing loss are under the age of 65?

I’ve worn hearing aids before. Will newer hearing aid features help me?In the past several years, we have seen tremendous advances inhearing aid features. This has led to consumer satisfaction ratesreaching an all-time high of around 80%. Most consumers wanttechnology to help them hear better when background noise ispresent and to help minimize feeback.

Some newer hearing aid features include, but are not limited to,data-logging, automatic program changes, use of remote controland smartphone apps, as well as digital feedback supression. If youhave previously worn hearing aids, give us a call to find out aboutthe newest technology. You will be impressed with hearing aidstoday versus hearing aids from just 5 years ago.

Can I talk with an on-sta� audiologist if I have questions or a problem?Yes. HearingPlanet has an audiologist available by phone five days a week: Monday - Friday8:30AM - 7:30PM (ET) at 1-800-432-7669. If you call outside those times, leave a message. We are typically able to return your call the next business day.

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“You have changed my life.What a di�erence a day makes.My husband appreciates youmaking this a smoothtransition for me, as well asa�ordable. Oh my, wordscannot express how or what Iam feeling right now.Thank you!”

Mary P.Fredericksburg, VA



Did You Know:Only 16% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss.

I see numerous hearing aid advertisements in my newspaper for “Thousands of Dollars O�”a Digital Hearing Aid, “25 People Wanted for a Study” and “Buy One Get One Free”.Are these o�ers legitimate?We see these same ads in our local paper and realize they are mostlyconfusing and misleading. For example, ads like these beg the questions:“Thousands of dollars off of what price?” and “Why are you doing a studynow?” Shouldn’t this have been done before the device came to market?In addition, does any manufacturer really provide a “free” hearing aid?

At HearingPlanet, we do not believe in using misleading marketing tacticsto gain your interest. Our goal is to educate you toward making a smartbuying decision that is easy and worry-free.

Can you work with me if I’m calling on behalf of a family member needing hearing aids?Yes. Every day, HearingPlanet helps sons and daughters calling for parents or grandparents, or niecesand nephews calling for aunts and uncles. Our Personal Hearing Consultants are trained to work withfamily members in making all the necessary arrangements for a successful hearing aid experience.Some of our strongest patient testimonials are the result of family members helping each othertoward better hearing and better living.

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Did You Know:15 million people in the United States with hearing loss avoid seeking help.

What is included in the cost of hearing aids when I purchase through HearingPlanet?The hearing aids, batteries for the trial period, standard manufacturer repair warranty, a loss ordamage warranty, 45-day trial period, all fitting fees, and at least one year of service from anEndorsed Local Clinic are included in the purchase price. There are NO hidden costs.

What happens if I am not happy with my hearing aids?As part of our Perfect Fit Promise, HearingPlanet provides a 45-day trialperiod. That provides plenty of time to work with your local provider to seeif that particular device is right. If it doesn’t meet your needs, we canexchange it for a different model. If you choose to return your hearing aids,HearingPlanet will refund 100% of your money. Many other companiescharge a return or restocking fee. We do not!

What payment options do I have?One of our goals is to make hearing care more affordable and paying for it easer. We accept paymentby check, credit card and offer payment plans. On certain models, options include 12 monthsinterest-free with a low minimum payment. Financing is also available for up to five years at a low,fixed rate. Whether someone qualifies can be determined over the phone in just a few minutes.We also do free insurance benefit checks to see if your coverage provides any type of benefit toreduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

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Take the next stepSchedule an evaluation

The �rst step to take when considering hearing aids is to pick up the phone andspeak to your Personal Hearing Consultant.Your Personal Hearing Consultant will listen to your concerns and find the best local provider tomeet your needs. When you are ready, they will schedule you an appointment with an EndorsedLocal Clinic.

1. Your Personal Hearing Consultant will complete a hearing profile with you to better understandyour daily lifestyle, hearing difficulty and communication needs. When this is finished ourEndorsed Local Clinic wil then be contacted and a hearing evaluation scheduled.

2. While you are at our Endorsed Local Clinic, you will receive a thorough exam of the ears. This mayreveal excessive ear wax, eardrum damage or other hearing related conditions. Some hearingproblems like earwax buildup, usually can be resolved quickly and easily. At HearingPlanet, ourLocal Hearing Professionals always look for the simplest solution first.

3. There will be a comprehensive hearing evaluation, including pure tone testing, speechunderstanding and other specialized tests if needed.

4. Our Local Hearing Professional will then discuss the test results, explaining the degree andnature of hearing loss. If hearing loss is diagnosed, hearing aid options will be discussed andall questions will be answered.

5. If you are ready to try the recommended hearing aids, your Personal Hearing Consultant willfacilitate the ordering, payment, and shipment process. Your Local Hearing Professional will scheduleyour fitting date and your trial period will begin the day you leave with your new hearing aids.

Here’s what to expect during your hearing evaluation and consultation:

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95 % of individuals with hearingloss could be successfullytreated with hearing aids.


Why HearingPlanet?

HearingPlanet’s commitment to our clients, coupled with the highest quality, personalizedcustomer service and nationwide Endorsed Local Clinic network, make us a wise choicewhen shopping for hearing care needs.

We hope this guide has answered most of your questions about choosing hearing aids. If youwould like more information, what to share your experiences or are ready to schedule a hearingevaluation with one of our Local Hearing Professionals, simply call us toll free at 1-800-432-7669.

1. We will give you informed, unbiased advice on hearing loss, hearing aids and how to addressyour hearing needs.

2. We will set an appointment for you at one of our over 1,600 Endorsed Local Clinics near yourhome that we have selected and pre-screened to provide the best service for our patients.

3. We offer you a selection of hearing aids from a major manufacturers ensuring choice based onyour hearing needs, lifestyle and budget.

4. We will verify your insurance to make sure you take advantage of any reimbursements ordiscounts to reduce your out of pocket expenses.

5. We will give you 45 days to determine if hearing aids are right for you. We will give you a 100%refund if you decide the hearing aids are not meeting your expectations.

The HearingPlanet Perfect Fit Promise means you can count on:

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It’s easy to �nd the right hearing solution for your needs! Call today at 1-800-432-7669.Your Personal Hearing Consultant is ready to help. The conversation starts here.

trust the hearing aid brand and accessory professionals - … · 2020. 8. 21. · more informed and...

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