Clicky

Why don't more entrepreneurs compete to build hearing aids to make money and to help the hearing impaired?
Pre-loader

Try Our Hearing Aids Risk-Free For 90 Days

Century Hearing Aids
Century Hearing Aids
Century Hearing Aids
Century Hearing Aids
Cart (0) 0
Hearing Aids
Accessories
Accessories
Batteries
Tube & Sleeves
Hearing Aid Repair
Online Hearing Test
Hearing Aids Help
SEARCH
  • Home
  • Hearing Aids - Blog Posts
  • Why don't more entrepreneurs compete to build hearing aids to make money and to help the hearing impaired?

Why don't more entrepreneurs compete to build hearing aids to make money and to help the hearing impaired?

February 16, 2016 Posted by CENTURY HEARING










Eargo landed $25 million in funding. So there is money flowing into hearing aid innovation. But Eargo does not solve the issue of cost. A pair of hearing aids from eargo are still over $2000.


I do not think its the technology that keeping prices high. I will point the finger at distribution. Think of how DeBeers used to control the flow of diamonds. When you control the flow you can control the prices.


The top 6 have the audiologist channel - about 6000 to 9000 throughout the US and Canada - many of these offices are owned partial or outright owned by the mfg. They have hearing planet dot com - where oddly enough all models seemed to be the exact same price in respective categories and they are all in Costco. Costco has reasonable prices but they are still around $2000 for a pair. Liberty (which I think is owned by Starkey) is sold in SamsClub.


Just recently Walmart in Texas was selling hearing aids without licensed audiologists or dispensers, they were simply asking the customer to sign a waiver. Walmart was was sued by the Texas State Board of Audiologists. The Texas State Board of Audiologists lost. For the same reason, if you are over 18, you can refuse medical treatment, The Court decided with Walmart because they found someone over 18 is able to make decisions about their own body.



This is the current method of distribution. 6000 to 9000 audiologists, 650 Costcos only in metro areas, and Sams clubs. And soon Walmart will be selling hearing aids throughout the country.



Are there current alternatives, with lower prices to the Big 6? Yes there are 5-10 other hearing aid mfgs, smaller sizes like ExSilent, Audina, Persona Medical, Manan Hearing - That build quality hearing aids for a fraction of the price. They use the same chips that Starkey, Audibel and Beltone use and the come with strong warranties. These mfgs, due to their size, cannot get into the 6000 to 9000 audiologist offices, or costco or samsclub. So they distribute through companies like my company, Century Hearing Aids, audicus, lloydhearing and others.

The Biggest opportunity is internet sales. Why can't someone with hearing loss, sit in their home order a hearing aid, have it delivered to their house, reprogram it to their liking?














SHARE:

Wax guards; different types comparison and how to use them.

Next Post

Shop Our Premium Hearing Aids

Rosebud RB400 Digital
Hot
New
-45%
Pre-order
Out stock
Behind the Ear, Hearing Aids, Home page

Rosebud RB400 Digital

SKU: SKU JH-W5

AVAILABILITY: In stock (81 items)

PRODUCT TYPE:

VENDOR: centuryhearingaids

If you want the latest technology and the greatest control, these hearing aids could be the best choice for you. iPhone or Android App Control Customize your hearing with our easy to use Smartphone App, Bluetooth hearing test and fully...

$899.00$499.00
Select Options Select OptSold Out Pre-Order
Rosebud RB100
Hot
New
-37%
Pre-order
Out stock
Behind the Ear, Hearing Aids, Home page

Rosebud RB100

SKU: BEP-3

AVAILABILITY: In stock (95 items)

PRODUCT TYPE:

VENDOR: centuryhearingaids

The Rosebud RB100 is a traditional design with easy-to-use manual controls and a powerful directional microphone. Enjoy clear conversations in challenging environments like parties, restaurants, and church. Worn behind the ear (BTE) you may forget you are wearing a hearing...

$1,098.00$699.00
Select Options Select OptSold Out Pre-Order
Rosebud RB300 RIC
Hot
New
-38%
Pre-order
Out stock
Behind the Ear, Hearing Aids

Rosebud RB300 RIC

SKU:

AVAILABILITY: In stock (98 items)

PRODUCT TYPE:

VENDOR: Century Hearing Aids

The RB300 is a RIC hearing aid where the receiver (speaker) sits in the ear canal to provide natural ear resonance. This electronic receiver technology is the best option for clarity and natural sound. The powerful microprocessor dynamically adapts to...

$1,450.00$899.00
Select Options Select OptSold Out Pre-Order
Rosebud RB200 CIC
Hot
New
-13%
Pre-order
Out stock
Hearing Aids, In the Ear

Rosebud RB200 CIC

SKU: RBCIC-3

AVAILABILITY: In stock (101 items)

PRODUCT TYPE:

VENDOR: centuryhearingaids

The Rosebud RB200 CIC hearing aid is completely concealed in the ear canal. This lightweight hearing aid is completely hidden and virtually unnoticeable. It is extremely easy to use as it requires no programming or fitting. This tiny aid is...

$798.00$699.00
Select Options Select OptSold Out Pre-Order
Newsletter subscription

Sign up to receive information about new arrivals, future events and specials.

COMPANY
  • Submit a Return
  • Return & Refund Policy
  • Shipping Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Do not sell my personal information
  • Terms of Service
  • Refund policy
INFORMATION
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Why Us
  • Our Guarantee
  • Warranty
  • How To
  • Customer Reviews
Here to help

 Call Us: 888-890-4009

 Fax: 954-827-3331

 1007 North Federal Highway, Suite 383, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

NOTE- Please do NOT send hearing aid repairs to this Florida address. We will provide you with a shipping label to our lab in Indiana after your order a repair. 

 Send us an email

Follow us
Facebook
Century Hearing Aids
Century Hearing Aids
Copyright © 2023, Century Hearing Aids. Powered by Shopify
TOP

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

View all products

Search for "{{ result }}"

MY CART (0)
Your shopping cart is empty.
MY ACCOUNT
RETURN TO STORE
Forgot Your Password?

SIGN UP
Sign up now!
SIGN UP
RETURN TO STORE

Thanks for subscribing!

Continue shopping

Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Continue shopping
Rosebud RB400 Digital
Someone purchased a

Rosebud RB400 Digital

58 minutes ago from San Francisco, USA
Rosebud RB100
Someone purchased a

Rosebud RB100

59 minutes ago from Boston, USA
Rosebud RB300 RIC
Someone purchased a

Rosebud RB300 RIC

56 minutes ago from Seattle, USA
Rosebud RB200 CIC
Someone purchased a

Rosebud RB200 CIC

57 minutes ago from New York, USA