Hearing aids on subscription: why renting can pay off

Hearing aids on subscription: a new route to better hearing

Buying hearing aids is an investment in your quality of life. But not everyone wants to, or can, pay several hundred or even several thousand euros at once, even after the health insurance contribution. That is why we at Elbe Akustik offer an innovative subscription model that gives you maximum flexibility with full quality of care.

How does the hearing aid subscription work?

The principle is simple: instead of a purchase price you pay a fixed monthly amount. It includes everything you need for optimal hearing aid provision.

What the subscription includes

• The hearing aid itself: leading models from Phonak, Signia or Oticon, your choice
• Professional initial fitting: detailed audiometric measurement and individual adjustment
• All readjustments: as many fine-tuning appointments as you need, at no extra charge
• Servicing and cleaning: regular professional care included
• Batteries or rechargeable service: depending on device type, batteries are supplied and rechargeable cells replaced as needed
• Repairs: faulty devices are repaired or replaced where necessary
• Insurance: cover against loss and damage
• Device upgrade: the option to move to a newer model once the minimum term has passed

Typical monthly costs

Subscription costs depend on the device class you choose:

Note: the health insurance contribution is of course credited and reduces your monthly share.

Subscription vs purchase: an honest comparison

We want you to make the decision that is right for you. So here is an open and transparent comparison of both models.

Advantages of the subscription model

• No large upfront investment: you pay no purchase price, just predictable monthly amounts
• An all-round package: every follow-on cost (servicing, repairs, batteries) is covered
• Always current technology: after the minimum term you can move to a newer model
• Flexibility: no device that is technically outdated after 6 years and then has to be paid for all over again
• Predictable costs: one fixed monthly amount, no surprises

Advantages of buying outright

• Ownership: the device is yours, and once paid for there are no ongoing costs (apart from batteries)
• Total cost: across the full period of use (6 years or more) buying can work out cheaper
• No commitment: no contract with a minimum term
• Insurance replacement: every 6 years you become entitled to the fixed allowance again

A worked example

Take a premium hearing aid with a personal share (after the insurance contribution) of 1,200 EUR per ear, so 2,400 EUR for both ears.

If you buy:

• One-off payment: 2,400 EUR
• Plus batteries (if not rechargeable): approx. 400 EUR
• Total cost over 6 years: approx. 2,800 EUR

On subscription (49 EUR per ear per month, less the insurance share):

• Monthly: approx. 60 EUR (after the insurance offset, both ears)
• Over 6 years: approx. 4,320 EUR
• But: repairs, servicing, batteries, insurance and a device upgrade after 3 years are included

Buying works out cheaper on paper, but the subscription offers security, predictability and consistently current technology.

Who benefits most from the subscription?

The rental model is ideal for people who:

• Do not want, or are unable, to pay a large sum at once
• Prefer predictable monthly costs
• Want to stay technically up to date
• Would rather not have to think about it: servicing, repairs and batteries are included
• Are first-time wearers and are not yet sure which device class is right in the long run
• Are in work and depend on reliable provision (fast replacement if a device fails)

How to start a subscription

Getting started is straightforward:

1. Take a free hearing test at Elbe Akustik
2. Consultation: we explain the subscription options in detail and calculate your individual monthly amount (taking your insurance contribution into account)
3. Device choice and fitting: selecting the right hearing aid and a professional initial fitting
4. Four-week trial period: test the device in your daily life, with no obligation at all
5. Start the subscription: the contract only begins once you are convinced

Cancellation and flexibility

• Minimum term: usually 24 months
• Cancellation: with 3 months' notice to the end of the minimum term
• Device upgrade: switch to a newer model at any time once the minimum term has passed
• Switching to purchase: you can move to the purchase model at any time, and the amount already paid is credited proportionally

Questions?

The subscription model is still relatively new in hearing care, and many customers have fair questions about it. We are glad to take time for a detailed consultation, in person at one of our stores in Glückstadt, Horst, Wedel, Barmstedt or Itzehoe.

Nicholas Julius, Jann Clausen and the whole Elbe Akustik team look forward to finding the best solution with you, whether that is buying or subscribing.

Book your free consultation now and find out which model suits you best.