Devices for people with hearing problems, young and old, could soon be better reimbursed. But beware, there are some useful tips to follow. Adelaide Robert, from the magazine 60 Million consumers, sign a big survey this month on hearing aids. According to a recent study by INSERM, 1 out of 4 French people is affected by hearing loss in adulthood.
franceinfo: When you have trouble hearing, can that lead to many other problems?
Adelaide Robert: Yes, deafness creates social isolation and above all has cognitive repercussions. This is one of several risk factors associated with dementia. This is why the public authorities have deemed it useful to better reimburse hearing aids, in order to encourage people to get fitted, and to get fitted earlier.
The good news is that we are better and better equipped. Is it due to 100% health?
Yes, the 100% health insurance, which allows you to get fitted with no extra charge, has been an extremely important lever: the fitting rate following the reform has reached an unexpected level, even to the point of raising suspicion of over-fitting and fraud.
But are we being well advised and well oriented? How did you work for your survey?
Our investigation focused on the first step: that of the estimate. We sent 19 “mystery” investigators, suffering from presbycusis, to ask for quotes from 8 brands or networks of independent audioprosthetists. And we looked on the one hand at how this interview was going, what additional tests were carried out, what information was provided, and if the quotes were in accordance with the regulations, and in particular if it systematically included a 100% health offer (without remainder to be charge).
And what are the results?
As for the quotes, they practically all included a 100% health offer (except in 7 cases). But the estimate was most of the time incomplete, and did not always use the standardized model. Out-of-pocket payments are not always clearly indicated, we do not always have the cost of consumables, details of the security deposit, sometimes insurance is included, other times not. And the technical data sheet was almost systematically missing. Result: it is complicated to then compare the offers with each other for a consumer.
But when you go to an ENT, you go out with a prescription, but then you have to find the right equipment, that requires other tests. Are they always done?
Indeed, when you arrive at the audioprosthetist, you are provided with the ENT prescription and a copy of the examinations carried out with him. But normally the audioprosthetist must carry out other tests to refine the choice of equipment. However, they were only made in 42 cases out of 69.
And in terms of prices, are there great disparities?
Yes, there are significant differences on the remaining charge, and the quality of the proposed prostheses. For the consumer, the most visible is the price difference. One interviewer, for example, was referred to a class 2 device by a hearing care professional, while two others judged that a device with no charge was sufficient. As for the others, there could be several hundred euros difference from one estimate to another.
And the price of the same prosthesis can vary from one brand to another?
Yes, for example, we had the case of a pair of hearing aids sold for 3800 euros at one audioprosthetist, and 4590 euros at another. But you have to understand that in reality you don’t pay for the prosthesis, but the prosthesis and the service that goes with it, for 4 years of follow-up and adjustment, it’s important to understand.
You also say that there is often a lot of vagueness about the rest of the charge and that some audio-prosthetists have a tendency to denigrate class 1 devices, those which are concerned by 100% health?
Yes, our investigators sometimes felt that the Class 1 was presented as low-end equipment. However, it must be understood that class 1 and 2 devices meet different needs, and that depending on the needs, a class 1 device can be as efficient as a class 2 device.
Is there a big difference between Class 1 and Class 2 devices?
There are differences. The one that many people remember is that class 1 devices are on battery and class 2 on charger. But given the difference in cost, it is difficult to retain that as the main difference. In fact, there are especially many more adjustment channels on the Class 2s, which allows them to meet the needs of people with complex hearing impairments. And they can benefit from more options.
Do you have the right to a trial period before buying a hearing aid?
Yes, and it is mandatory. It is for a minimum of 30 days, and may possibly extend to 40 days. It corresponds to the adjustment period. It takes several visits before you can successfully adjust a device perfectly. During this period, the device is loaned to you and you are not committed to purchasing it.
It takes at least one visit every 6 months for the follow-up of the hearing correction, is this follow-up included in the price of the device?
Yes, this monitoring is included, and it would therefore be a shame to deprive yourself of it. If the patients are not encouraged to do so, they must have the reflex to ask for it. This helps to check settings, clean the device, improves lifespan and also shows that you care, which can be important if something happens to the device to cause insurance to be played.
At the end of your survey, what are the qualities of a good hearing care professional?
You already need a properly identified and qualified audioprosthetist. Above all, often present in store, to ensure a good follow-up. A hearing care professional who does tests before recommending a device, and speaks with you to fully understand your needs.
A hearing care professional who explains everything to you: the characteristics of the device, how the trial phase takes place, the price of accessories, consumables, insurance, etc. And a hearing care professional who doesn’t take your check without already setting up a follow-up appointment for you.