support from different provider than purchase?

[bgary]

Another newbie post.

I'm about to get my first pair of hearing aids, probably Starkey Edge-AI RICs. The thing is, I have a long-standing relationship with a provider in a different state, who has made custom-molded hearing protection for me for years. And based on that trusted relationship, I want to get my hearing aids from them, too. They've always taken great care of me.

He assures me that I don't need to travel halfway across the country to sit in his office - with the audiogram I've sent him he can set them up for me and ship them to me. But I've also read a lot about how important it is to have a local source of support for adjustments and such. Maybe even do a "real-ear" test as part of setup? Don't know.

My question is... if I buy the devices from someone else, can I walk into the local office of a Starkey provider and get what service if/when I need it? Or is it super important that I buy them from someone local and go through an in-person fitting and build a local relationship?

(ObNote, I'll probably be moving out of state in the next year or so, so no matter what I do now, I'm going to have the same problem later - needing support from someone other than the initial provider.)

Thx!
B

 

[pvc]

My question is... if I buy the devices from someone else, can I walk into the local office of a Starkey provider and get what service if/when I need it?

Professional Audiologists make a chunk of $money$ when they sell you the hearing aids. Follow on services are part of the initial bundled price.

When you find to a new Audiologist to help you with, Oh say "fitting adjustments only" they will make zero, zilch, nada. No $money$.

So they will be reluctant to provide anything other than quick advice, or maybe purchase of molds or hearing aid accessories.

 

[bgary]

Professional Audiologists make a chunk of $money$ when they sell you the hearing aids. Follow on services are part of the initial bundled price.

Thanks. I figured that was the case. I'm wondering, though, if there's any option for paid visits? In other words, can I (aka, my insurance) pay for an audiologist office visit in the same way I pay for an office visit with any other healthcare-provider?

 

[pvc]

Maybe ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Call a few Audiologists and ask?
But you are more likely to find this;