Quite the headline, isn’t it? Seems that everyone is advertising miracle breakthroughs, all new technology and amazing “never seen before” hearing aid products. The simple truth is a bit disappointing. While there are indeed advances in hearing aid technology on a fairly regular basis, the idea that there is a “miracle breakthrough” is pretty disingenuous. To be clear, that is just not the case.
There are 6 major manufacturers in the world today in regards to hearing aids. Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Signia, Starkey and Widex. These are the commonly known names of the “Big 6”. They are usually part of a larger holding company, but that is not necessarily their commonly known trade name. Of these 6 companies, they all put out some very nice products, particularly their flagship lines. They all know about each other; they all know what the other has on the market, and they all know what they must try to do in the future to remain competitive and relevant. They are all doing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue every year. They are all also investing millions of dollars each and every year in research and development. They do their very best to bring good products to the market. I don’t think anyone in this industry would argue with that.
On any given year, one company might have an edge on the others…but trust me, that never lasts for long. The very best hearing aid (if there is such a thing) won’t be the best for very long. Give it 6 to 12 months and you will still have a great hearing aid, but the idea that it will remain the “best” for more than a few months or a year is simply a dream, not reality.
I tend to get the “best” smartphone whenever I can. I do all of my research; I read all of the reviews and comparisons. I carefully check the performance of all the worthy contenders. I then make a careful decision that seems to be the wisest one at the time (as if trying to always have the “best” smartphone is a wise endeavor). I then live happily as I can with my purchase – full well knowing that even though it was the best when I walked out the door, it won’t be the best for long.
Something else, the best is never, ever, ever the cheapest. It’s generally not even a particularly “good deal” when it first comes out. Why not? Well, because it’s the best. The company doesn’t have to negotiate their prices on the “best”. Now you can sometimes get a good deal on what used to be the best…but if you want the best today, good deals, discounts, blowout sales, buy one get one…well, those things simply do not exist. Wait a year or two, but not today. So, when you see some “hot air” hearing aid ad promoting miracle breakthroughs at steep discount prices…and their running a $20,000 to $40,000 newspaper ad to tell you that, well…you may want to wake up and smell the coffee.
What makes for the “best” hearing aid fitting? I can tell you, but you’ll have to wait until next month’s blog.
In the meantime, if you want to hear and understand the very best that you can with technology that should serve you well for years to come, give us a call at 727-796-1161. Countryside Hearing has been around since 1979. We are family owned and we strive to combine good old fashioned family values and service with the best technology currently available. We have patients from Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Tampa and literally hundreds of other cities and towns. We are a Better Business Bureau Accredited A+ Rated business. In 2017, we enjoyed a fitting success rate 9x higher than the national average. That’s a simple fact. Not many can say they have a return rate of under 1.5%.
Incidentally, we don’t have commissioned sales people. We don’t have commissioned sales audiologists. You will work with me, the owner…not with someone looking to make their quota or the “sales leader” board. There is a very real difference between a business owner and a hired salesperson focused upon their commission. I’m pretty sure you can surmise which scenario can most likely best serve you.
Something to think about. As the owner, if I eliminate the 20% to 25% commissions and I steer away from running crazy mega-buck newspaper, TV and radio ads, and instead, pass that savings on to you, do you think that perhaps your hard earned dollar will go further with us than the “bait and switch” guys? It’s a blinding flash of the obvious.
Image credit: arcady31