What am I actually paying for, and is it worth it? [View all]

So I went for my introductory visit with the audiology clinic my ENT recommended yesterday. It was basically gathering information, and trying to figure out what I need to put in my 2022 FSA to help me pay for the deaf aids.

I walked away with a quote of $6900 for rechargable binaural devices, including all fitting, programming, maintenance and repair for three years.

This seemed high.

I checked the manufacturer's website and found that the very top-of-the-line devices they make (I assume these are the ones they're recommending, but I'll need to get specifics, they only gave me a general advert brochure from Phonak) are priced by the maker at $3700.

So... the audiology clinic's share is apparently $3200 over three years? Is this reasonable? Is the fitting, programming, maintenance etcetera really that costly and requiring that much professional expertise? Especially since they offer "extended" services after the three-year warranty is over, for $300 a year for two more years...?

I am tempted to go to Costco and ask if they can match it, but the problem there is that the nearest Costco is about an hour's drive from us. I understand that the devices need regular servicing, and it would be a nuisance to have to make that commute. Plus, generally, the services at a Costco hearing aid center are techs, not PhD audiologists.

I can understand the advantage of a highly trained audiologist to do the initial hearing test and analysis of my specific hearing loss, but my ENT already did that, and I have the audiogram and visit notes. And I can go back to her for an annual checkup and a new audiogram and that will be partially covered by my insurance, which covers NONE of the audiology clinic charges.

Am I being bent over, here? Or is it really worth it to have an audiology clinic at hand, doing all that stuff, for the additional expense?

Voices of Experience, please chime in?

bewilderedly,
Bright