Please remember that you are not simply buying a device, most facilities include their services in the purchase price for 1–3 years (depending on the warranty period). We even include batteries for 5 years – which is the average life of a hearing aid. I know what our cost and mark-up is, and I am sure there are some patients that I have lost money on for our practice because of the time and counseling they need. So really you are shopping for a hearing health care provider more than for a product. In fact, Audiologists are very closely regulated, so if you are not comfortable with the devices, make sure you are working with a licensed, certified professional to help you understand the differences.
There are FDA regulations on hearing aids. There are NOT regulations on the ‘personal amplifiers’ that are sold on late-night TV and internet ads. There are also many manufacturers of hearing aids, and many retail options. Those who advertise the heaviest are typically franchises who live and die by the sale, and they practice ‘bait-and-switch’ advertising to get people in the door with the cheapest price and gimmicks. Miracle Ear, Beltone, Zounds, and HeaRx are owned by the hearing aid manufacturer, so their staff are limited to one or two product lines to choose from. Also, many of those chain stores invest their money into advertising and not into research and development, so they do not have the leading-edge technology. So I recommend that you find a practitioner who is independent and can choose from a variety of makes and models to help find what will best suit your mother.
Hearing loss resulting from ototoxic chemotherapy agents is typically in the highest frequencies we measure. Most of the economy models do not amplify much beyond 4000–5000Hz. Depending on the configuration of the hearing loss pattern, and your mother’s lifestyle, the cheaper models may not be satisfactory for her. Make sure that you consult someone who offers a trial period with not only a refund policy, but also the option to exchange, so that if your first choice isn’t working out, you can exchange it for a different model within the first month and get full credit for what you have paid toward the replacement devices.
The Consumer Reports article on hearing aids is very good. Another useful resource is The Better Hearing Institute which is an independent industry site.
I will gladly discuss your mother’s case with you privately. Hearkat@gmail.com or message me on Facebook.