(Bundled vs. Unbundled Care Explained)

Ever wonder why one person pays $9,000 for hearing aids… and another pays half that?
You’re not alone. This is one of the most common (and confusing) questions we get in our clinic.

Here’s the truth most people don’t hear: the price isn’t just about the hearing aids. What really drives the difference is whether you’re also paying for the professional care that makes those devices actually work—things like cleanings, adjustments, and follow-up visits.

Let’s break it all down simply.

Table of Contents

• Bundled vs. Unbundled – What Does That Even Mean?
• Why Professional Services Are the Real Difference-Maker
• Bundled Plans – Pros and Cons
• Unbundled Plans – Pros and Cons
• Phyllis’s Story – When “Cheaper” Costs More
• So, Which Should You Choose?
• FAQ

📦 Bundled vs. Unbundled – What Does That Even Mean?

Bundled care means the price includes everything you need:

• The devices themselves
• Regular cleanings
• Tune-ups and adjustments
• Repairs and troubleshooting
• Ongoing check-ins to keep things working

Unbundled care means you pay for the devices upfront, and then every visit, cleaning, or repair gets billed separately.

On paper, unbundled looks cheaper. But in the long run? For most people, it’s not.

🧰 Why Professional Services Are the Real Difference-Maker

Hearing aids aren’t “set it and forget it” gadgets. They’re smart, sensitive devices that need care—just like your eyes need regular exams or your car needs maintenance.

Without things like:

• Annual hearing tests (because your hearing will change)
• Adjustments & verification sessions (so the devices are tuned just for you)
• Routine cleanings & repairs (to prevent breakdowns)

…your hearing aids won’t perform well, and they won’t last. This is where many people get frustrated.

💸 Bundled Plans – Pros and Cons

Most clinics in Utah County, from American Fork to Spanish Fork, recommend bundled care for a reason:

Pros:

• All-inclusive care. No surprise bills. No nickel-and-diming.
• Predictable pricing. You know exactly what you’re getting and paying for.
• Faster results. People who stick with their follow-ups adapt better and hear better.
• Peace of mind. It’s handled—just show up.

Cons:

• Yes, the sticker price is higher at first. But when you consider the value of ongoing care and fewer out-of-pocket surprises, most people find it’s the smarter investment.

💸 Unbundled Plans – Pros and Cons

Unbundled care can work for some people—especially those who don’t need much support or are extremely disciplined about maintenance.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
• Pay only for what you use

Cons:

• A single visit can cost $85–$150, or even over $600 for a comprehensive exam (NIH, CDC)
• Cleanings or small repairs? Another $50–$75 each
• Many people end up avoiding visits altogether to save money

That often leads to muffled sound, plugged microphones, and frustration.

👵 Phyllis’s Story – When “Cheaper” Costs More

Phyllis thought she’d made a smart move.

She used a third-party benefit and paid a few thousand dollars up front. But her options were limited—just two technology tiers, neither ideal for her hearing loss.

Her plan covered service for one year and gave her a two-year warranty. Seemed fine at first.

But by year three, she was miserable.
Her devices weren’t cutting it. The technology struggled in group settings. Every little cleaning, adjustment, or part needed an out-of-pocket payment. She felt like she was constantly behind—paying more, hearing less.

Meanwhile, her husband had chosen our all-inclusive plan. His follow-ups were covered. His devices were customized. He was hearing clearly, enjoying life, and never worrying about the next invoice.

Eventually, Phyllis came back to us. She joined our monthly bundled plan—even though her old devices still technically had “coverage.” And the result?

“I finally feel like I’m hearing again,” she told us.

Sometimes, the “cheaper” path turns out to be anything but.

🤔 So, Which Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

• If you want predictable costs, long-term support, and better outcomes, bundled is usually best.
• If up-front cost is your biggest concern and you’re committed to regular follow-ups, unbundled might work—but only if you actually follow through.

Bottom line: success with hearing aids isn’t about the devices. It’s about the support that comes with them.

👇 Ready to Make the Right Choice for Your Ears?

👉 Request a free consultation
👉 Download Dr. Garrett’s free book
👉 Try our Price Estimator Tool

Want more answers? Visit our Learning Center for trusted guides on hearing loss, tinnitus, and hearing aid care.

❓ FAQ

Why do hearing aid prices vary so much?
Because some clinics include expert care in the price (bundled), while others charge for each visit or repair separately (unbundled).

Is bundled care really worth the cost?
For most people, yes. Hearing aids require follow-up. Bundling makes it easier to get that support without stressing over costs.

Can I save with unbundled care?
Sometimes—but only if you actually book your visits and stay on top of maintenance. Skipping care often leads to poor results and higher expenses later.

What services should I expect with hearing aids?
At minimum: annual hearing tests, programming adjustments, cleanings, and small repairs.

How do I know what’s right for me?
If you want reliable results and fewer headaches, go bundled. If money is tight and you’re diligent with follow-ups, unbundled may work—but it comes with risks.