The Truth about Wholesale Hearing Aids
With drastic changes in the economy in the past decade came our refined ability to search out the best deals for our household products and services. We have found that we can often purchase a very similar, if not the identical product, by visiting our local wholesale distributor. As these groups buy in extreme bulk from their suppliers, they are able to pass on their savings to their consumers. Over the past five years, the same trend has been identified for hearing aids. Unfortunately, patients desiring to find good hearing healthcare at an affordable rate are often mislead by the information presented.
Hearing instruments sold at wholesale distributors sometimes come from reputable manufacturers, but not always. These instruments are then relabeled and possess a proprietary computer chip which only allows it to be utilized by a specific franchise or wholesale store. They are typically sold by hearing instrument salesmen or dispensers under labels such as Kirkland’s Brand (Costco) or Liberty (Sam’s Club).
Buying a private label hearing aid means the devices may only be purchased, programmed and repaired by the offices or wholesale centers that sell them. Therefore, the patient is also unable to freely select the servicer of their hearing instruments besides the wholesale distributor when traveling, or relocating, or displeased with their care.
Most importantly, one must understand that manufacturers rarely issue their latest technology to the re-branded proprietary label when it is available. Additionally, they seldom distribute the exact model to the private label franchises. Therefore, the proprietary hearing aids often comes with lower technological features despite potentially possessing an identical name.
For example, an
audiologist might recommend consumers are too frequently Model V90 unaware of with XYZ manufacturer, when they seek a “free” but Model V90 hearing consultation. with XYZ manufacturer So, the investment in through the wholesale services with an audiologist distributor does proves to be a not contain the same better value with consideration features or computer to patient chip. Therefore, you success, satisfaction might believe you are and long term care. purchasing a premium Of course, every consumer pair of devices when, in wants to find a fact, you are not. Consequently, great price, but we can the proprietary all agree that value and labels available in overall patient care is a the current hearing aid larger concern than the market make it difficult bottom line. If products for a patient to do are selected that a direct comparison of are not appropriate available features and for your hearing loss pricing even when they or lifestyle, the devices believe they are fully are no longer a wise informed. investment regardless
Industry research of the savings. has revealed that after When seen at Johnson 18 months, consumers Audiology, you who have purchased can be confident you at a wholesale center are receiving an audiological begin to search for assessment and another hearing healthcare treatment with devices provider and/or and capabilities selected better hearing aids. to best fit your listening Additionally, only 18 needs and lifestyle. percent of consumers who purchases their hearing instruments from a wholesale distributor return to that center after their first purchase.
For these reasons, wholesale distributors have a record known as the “#18 rule”, which We employ only doctors of audiology who are compassionate to each individual’s unique situation.
Johnson Audiology is devoted to delivering their patients the best level of care through current diagnostic techniques and the newest technology available to improve their quality of life through better communication.
Johnson Audiology wants to empower patients to be proactive with their hearing health to make the best informed decision about who and where to seek audiological care. Their doctors of audiology are held to the highest ethical standards, and they are committed to delivering personalized aural rehabilitation services and products to best meet individual hearing needs.