Hearing aids

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Hearing aids

Finally a range of prostheses reimbursed at 100%

Published on:01/01/2021

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Equipping yourself with good quality hearing aids without having to pay anything has now been a reality since the 1

er

january. High-end devices have their reimbursement capped.

After corrective glasses and dental prostheses, it is the turn of hearing aids to be affected by 100% health. This reform guarantees access to quality equipment without any outstanding charges to be paid for patients. All social policyholders holding responsible complementary health insurance (95% of the market) or solidarity complementary health insurance (formerly CMU-c and ACS) are concerned.

It was time ! Indeed, according to the General Inspectorate of Social Affairs (Igas), of the 6 million French people suffering from hearing disorders, up to half gave up getting equipped because of the exorbitant cost of these devices, which are nevertheless vital for maintain a normal life. The Ministry of Health had quantified the amount of this remaining charge which was very dissuasive for the majority of the people concerned: around €800 on average... per ear!

Capped price and mandatory quote

Since 1

er

January, this financial fear is no longer relevant. All audioprosthetists must indeed offer a range of 100% reimbursed hearing aids, identified under the name “Class 1” and whose price is now capped at €950. The latter is fully covered by Social Security and by complementary health insurance. A "low price" that does not rhyme with poor performance since according to the results of our hearing aid test conducted in the laboratory, these devices have demonstrated a quality equivalent to the most expensive models.

On the occasion of this test bench, we also called for professionals to play the reform game by offering these prostheses to their clients without denigrating them. Be aware that the law requires them to present a detailed estimate of a 100% health offer, even if the patient chooses more expensive hearing aids. The UFC-Que Choisir reiterates on this occasion its request to the public authorities to carry out the necessary checks to ensure in particular that hearing aid professionals systematically offer 100% healthy devices to their customers.

Discreet and efficient devices

From the classic behind-the-ear to the most aesthetic and discreet behind-the-ear and in-the-ear earphones, all types of models are concerned by hearing aids without charge. They must also meet precise specifications: offer 12 adjustment channels, at least 3 options to choose from among 8 (anti-tinnitus system, wireless connectivity, wind noise reduction, binaural synchronization, adaptive microphone directivity, band wide bandwidth ≥ 6000 Hz, loudness learning function, anti-reverberation device) and 2 programs (quiet and noisy).

In addition, wearers of these Class 1 prostheses have reason to be reassured. A minimum 30-day trial is provided before the purchase becomes firm. A delay that allows you to confirm or invalidate your choice and therefore to change devices if the first one is not suitable.

These hearing aids also include a 4-year warranty and allow you to benefit from the same follow-up services as for top-of-the-range devices: as many visits as necessary to adapt the hearing aids during the first weeks or months of use, then one or two visits per year to adapt their adjustment according to the evolution of the hearing.

Class 2 prostheses

“Class 2” prostheses, the price of which is set freely by hearing aid professionals, are also affected by the reform. Indeed, their reimbursement (security + additional) has been capped at €1,700 per ear to be fitted. When we know that the price of these prostheses can reach 2,000 € per ear, or even much more with the accessories, the remaining charge for patients requiring complex corrections will still be heavy to swallow.

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Elodie Toustou