What is a rough cost estimate for hearing aid and exam?

DebJ

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Sun Jul-17-11 08:01 PM
Original message

What is a rough cost estimate for hearing aid and exam?

I just came back from a visit from my mother, an incredibly sociable and well-liked person for 82 years now. Over the past year, she has had increasing difficulty following the train of a conversation; she gets frustrated, and I can see the emotional impact this is having on her. I just realized the problem is her hearing, not her mental acuity.

I googled and found out that Medicare doesn't cover any of the costs.

So if anyone has any idea of the cash cost, and any other advice on this, I'd be greatful.

Thanks.

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Chan790

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Sun Jul-17-11 08:42 PM
Response to Original message

1. Take her to her PCP.

Medicare will cover both if there is a medical cause other than aging (ie. illness or surgery.) for the hearing loss. That's how most people who need them get covered, like everything else it's about gaming the system unfortunately. He'll refer her to an audiologist to conduct a full diagnostic hearing exam...this is an hour or more, not the quick one done frequently for people in the doctor's office.

Start reading here. http://www.medicare.com/equipment-and-supplies/hearing-aids.html

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DebJ

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Mon Jul-18-11 08:18 AM
Response to Reply #1

3. Thank you.

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Kali

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Sun Jul-17-11 08:55 PM
Response to Original message

2. $600 for the exam

$1200 and up for hearing aids

and chan is right about gaming the system - get the regular doc to order exam for medical reasons - husband got one that way (and we weren't trying to game anything - there was a possibility of a tumor and that was why we got the referral. I found out later it wouldn't have been covered otherwise (and all his problems turned out to be hypothyroidism related - might check that out too!)

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DebJ

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Mon Jul-18-11 08:18 AM
Response to Reply #2

4. Thank you.

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