Question 1

What does health insurance pay?

Accepted Answer

With statutory health insurance, your insurer pays a fixed allowance per ear (the Festbetrag). It is a subsidy, not the full price: it covers a basic fitting including adjustment and aftercare. If you want more technology, you pay the difference as your own share. We bill your insurer directly and go through your own share with you beforehand.

Question 2

Are there hearing aids with no co-payment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only a few basic devices. For these, your insurer's allowance is enough and you pay no share of your own. You only pay the statutory co-payment of €10 per device, and even that is waived if you are exempt from co-payments. Most devices come with a share of your own, depending on the performance class. At the free hearing test we will tell you honestly whether a device without a share of your own is enough for your everyday life.

Question 3

Subscription or purchase: what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

It is your choice. With a subscription you pay a fixed monthly amount that includes maintenance, repairs, batteries or charger, and loss protection. With a purchase you pay once, and fitting, aftercare and the manufacturer's warranty are included. Your insurer's allowance counts towards both.

Question 4

I have private health insurance. How does it work?

Accepted Answer

We prepare a transparent cost estimate for you to submit to your insurer. How much is reimbursed depends on your plan. We are happy to advise you on any reimbursement question in person at the branch.

Question 5

Is the hearing test really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The hearing test, consultation, and trial period are always free and without obligation, even if you decide not to get a hearing aid.

Question 6

How does the hearing test work?

Accepted Answer

Allow about 15 minutes. First we look at your ear canal with a video otoscope, then we measure how quiet a tone you can still hear and check how well you understand speech. We explain the result straight away in plain language. If you would like a first impression beforehand, take our five-minute online hearing test.

Question 7

Do I need a prescription from an ENT doctor?

Accepted Answer

For your insurer's allowance, yes: you need a medical prescription, usually from your ear, nose and throat specialist. You can take the hearing test with us at any time without one, so you already know how well you hear before your doctor's appointment.

Question 8

Can I try hearing aids before committing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You test the device of your choice for several weeks in everyday life, at home, at work or in a restaurant, before you decide. The trial is free and without obligation.

Question 9

Can people see modern hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

Often barely. In-the-ear devices sit inside the ear canal, and slim behind-the-ear devices are hard to spot. Which style suits you depends on your hearing loss and your ear canal. We will show you the most discreet options.

Question 10

Do hearing aids work with a smartphone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in all five performance classes from Basis+ to First Class. The devices connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth: you make calls and listen to music directly through your hearing aids and control them with an app. For the TV there are matching accessories. The basic devices without a share of your own do not always have Bluetooth.

Question 11

What does cleaning my hearing aids cost?

Accepted Answer

Nothing, for our customers. We recommend professional cleaning and a function check every three to six months, and both are free with us. Just drop in at one of our five branches.

Question 12

Do you also look after hearing aids I bought elsewhere?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every hearing aid wearer is welcome. Devices that were set up elsewhere often still have untapped potential for better hearing. We check your devices and readjust them for you.

Frequently asked questions

Costs & health insurance

Hearing test & trial

Hearing aids & technology

Service & aftercare