The Truth about Wholesale Hearing Aids

With drastic changes in the economy in the past decade came our refined ability to search out the best deals for our household products and services. We have found that we can often purchase a very similar, if not the identical product, by visiting our local wholesale distributor. As these groups buy in extreme bulk from their suppliers, they are able to pass on their savings to their consumers. Over the past five years, the same trend has been identified for hearing aids. Unfortunately, patients desiring to find good hearing healthcare at an affordable rate are often mislead by the information presented.

Dr. Megan Johnson of Johnson Audiology

Hearing instruments sold at wholesale distributors sometimes come from reputable manufacturers, but not always. These instruments are then relabeled and possess a proprietary computer chip which only allows it to be utilized by a specific franchise or wholesale store. They are typically sold by hearing instrument salesmen or dispensers under labels such as Kirkland's Brand (Costco) or Liberty (Sam's Club).

Buying a private label hearing aid means the devices may only be purchased, programmed and repaired by the offices or wholesale centers that sell them. Therefore, the patient is also unable to freely select the servicer of their hearing instruments besides the wholesale distributor when traveling, or relocating, or displeased with their care.

Most importantly, one must understand that manufacturers rarely issue their latest technology to the re-branded proprietary label when it is available. Additionally, they seldom distribute the exact model to the private label franchises. Therefore, the proprietary hearing aids often comes with lower technological features despite potentially possessing an identical name.

For example, an audiologist might recommend Model V90 with XYZ manufacturer, but Model V90 with XYZ manufacturer through the wholesale distributor does not contain the same features or computer chip. Therefore, you might believe you are purchasing a premium pair of devices when, in fact, you are not. Consequently, the proprietary labels available in the current hearing aid market make it difficult for a patient to do a direct comparison of available features and pricing even when they believe they are fully informed.

Industry research has revealed that after 18 months, consumers who have purchased at a wholesale center begin to search for another hearing healthcare provider and/or better hearing aids. Additionally, only 18 percent of consumers who purchases their hearing instruments from a wholesale distributor return to that center after their first purchase.

For these reasons, wholesale distributors have a record known as the "#18 rule", which consumers are too frequently unaware of when they seek a "free" hearing consultation. So, the investment in services with an audiologist proves to be a better value with consideration to patient success, satisfaction and long term care.

Of course, every consumer wants to find a great price, but we can all agree that value and overall patient care is a larger concern than the bottom line. If products are selected that are not appropriate for your hearing loss or lifestyle, the devices are no longer a wise investment regardless of the savings.

When seen at Johnson Audiology, you can be confident you are receiving an audiological assessment and treatment with devices and capabilities selected to best fit your listening needs and lifestyle. We employ only doctors of audiology who are compassionate to each individual's unique situation.

Johnson Audiology is devoted to delivering their patients the best level of care through current diagnostic techniques and the newest technology available to improve their quality of life through better communication.

Johnson Audiology wants to empower patients to be proactive with their hearing health to make the best informed decision about who and where to seek audiological care. Their doctors of audiology are held to the highest ethical standards, and they are committed to delivering personalized aural rehabilitation services and products to best meet individual hearing needs.

Noteworthy:

Buying a private label hearing aid means the devices may only be purchased, programmed and repaired by the offices or wholesale centers that sell them.