Buying Hearing Aids with "Free Service"

The most important thing to realize about "Free Service" or "Free Adjustments" is that nothing is truly "Free"! Anything free has to be paid somehow, so the “Free Service” has to be paid by increasing the price of the hearing aids. This can be a good thing if you need lots of after-sale service and support, but not so good if you don't, because you end up subsidizing other people.

Keep in mind that hearing aid dispensers and dispensing audiologists get paid for time and materials just like any other business. This means there can also be a high profit margin on the “bundled” service costs.

Because hearing aid sales in the USA fall under FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and other state and federal guidelines, rules exist that, among other things, give the consumer a 30-day money back period – also known as a “trial period.” The 30-day trial period can be extended at the discretion of the dispenser, with some offering as long as 90 days from the initial purchase date.

From the mandatory money-back period evolved a business model of “bundling” the cost of the hearing aids with the cost of all anticipated future service. Dispensers found that not charging for service or giving “free service for the life of the hearing aid” minimized the returns of hearing aids during the money-back period. This also keeps the customer returning for “free appointments” that can be used as selling opportunities.

With custom made (in-ear) hearing aids, there is often a considerable need for service after the sale: adjusting background noise levels, adjusting for problems with how your own voice sounds, plus just getting the hearing aid to physically fit into the ear comfortably.

In summary, "Free Service” is really pre-paid service.