A recently published study has some good news for hard of hearing consumers on a budget. The Better Hearing Institute reports that direct-to-consumer (mail order) hearing aids are just as beneficial as traditional, expensive hearing aids, yet the consumer enjoys an 80% cost savings with mail order hearing aids.

The study also found that mail order hearing aid consumers are empowered to adjust the fit and settings of their hearing aids. Overall, these users achieve higher overall satisfaction rates and are more likely to recommend their hearing aid brand to others than those who purchase traditionally dispensed aids.

The Better Hearing Institute’s report came as no surprise to Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, founder of MDHearingAid, one of the largest direct-to-consumer hearing aid companies. “When we started out in 2009, there was some uncertainty in the marketplace, but I was determined to help my patients who couldn’t afford the thousands of dollars that traditional hearing aids cost.”

“It is gratifying to see a scientific study confirm what we and over 100,000 of our satisfied customers have known for some time – it is possible to enjoy better hearing without spending thousands of dollars.”

*Data in table sourced from:  Kochkin, S. A comparison of consumer satisfaction, subjective benefit, and quality of life changes  associated with traditional and direct-mail hearing aid use. Hearing Review. 2014;21(1):16-26.