Purchasing Hearing Aids Unbundled vs. Bundled

Unbundled

"Unbundling” refers to separating the sale of the hearing aid from the follow-up service and care. Although unbundling has long been practiced in the more medically-oriented practices, it started gaining momentum shortly after open ear (behind-the-ear) hearing aids came on the market and the need for post-sale service declined due to advancements in hearing aid technology.

Open-Ear hearing aids sidestep the three issues leading to the most time spent in after-sale service:

1. Physical comfort is usually taken care of on the initial fitting by getting the proper length tube and correct diameter dome.
2. By keeping the ear canal open, background noise issues are minimized.
3. All sounds, including the wearer’s own voice, are much more natural, again due to keeping the ear canal open.

Some dispensers offer unbundled prices on all types of hearing aids. The customer can choose how long the post-sale service period will be, usually 45 days to one year.

Bundled

"Bundled" (as the name implies) refers to all costs of the hearing aids and any included services and fees being given as a single price. Though not disclosed, this price may at times be more than what you could purchase each item separately, unbundled. When discussing the purchase of hearing aids with any provider or dispenser, make sure you know everything that you are getting in the package (bundle), including hearing aids, service, and accessories. See Buying Hearing Aids with "Free Service".