Hello,

I have just received a pair of Phonak Exelia's for a trial period from my local Amplifon dispenser. First impressions are that they are miles better than my NHS aids, and I think I will eventually go for these. However my main concern is the price. I have been quoted £4,750 for the pair, which to me is a lot of money. I have noted from this forum that Specsavers and Boots (David Ormerod) both offer the Exelia, however, I'm unsure as to the specs of these aids. Will they be the same spec as to those supplied by Amplifon? I have noticed from the web that a more realistic price would be in the region of £1,600 each. If this is indeed the case, this is one huge mark up. Will Amplifon price match?
All comments gratefully appreciated as this is my first venture into private aids.

As you have already gathered the Exelia is very much contested on this site as being or not being the Specsaver 832's. I have them and personally I don't care what they are they are the best aids I have ever had.

One note of caution (and to prove I do listen to my audio) having gone to 'top of the range' I am not sure if there is any difference to the other 'top range' aids from other makers - it is just the leap from NHS to private! Though my audio, again, is trying to convince me that the BTEs I got from the NHS are 'very good' - (my thoughts are "okay you wear them" ha ha).

If money is the issue, as it is with many of us, then why not go for the free trial from Specsavers £2K the pair for 832's - see what you think and if you can tell the difference.

Hi

I faced a similar experience a few months ago when I was looking to replace my hearing aids - I was quoted £4,500 by a dispenser who I had used for some 20 years.

I queried the price as others were advertising the aids in question at 50% less. The dispenser not interested in matching these prices and simply argued that the the service they provided was far superior.

I decided to take my business elsewhere fuguring that a saving of over £2000 can not simply be down to differning level of service. I am pleassed to say that that my new dispenser not only saved me over £200 but provides a service that is far superior to that I have previously received.

My previous dispenser was part of large national chain which does not publish its prices - It is my belief that any business which does not have transparent price policy is likely to be overcharging its customers.

If Amplifon will not price match I would go elsewhere.

Hi Original Poster,

I too like Phazed am a very recent recipient of Speccies Advance 832's costing £1895 for the pair. In my case the HA's are BTE and are working really well for me.

I did go to Boots before Speccies but was asked for close to £5000 for a pair of Excelia HA's.

There is much debate about the similarity between Advance 832's and Excelia on this board. All I can say is that I am really happy with my newly aquired 832's and the customer service I received from Speccies.

I would recommend that you go for a 30 day free trial with Speccies. You have nothing to lose.

Canseeok.

Fast, I'd agree with what you say: all hearing aid dispensers are required by regulation to provide certain minimum standards of service (note I said minimum, not minimal!!), what sets one apart from another isn't the company they work for, but the individual's own ethics and proficiency.
The nationals you refer to typically claim they provide a "better service" because it's plausible and unquantifiable
And because £4,500-6000 a pair is pretty indefensible now there are more and more companies online, locally and even on the highstreet who can provide good hearing at a much more manageable cost.

Thanks for all your replies.

I have booked an appointment with Specsavers, so will let you know what happens.

May be sheer coincidence, but when I booked my Specsavers appointment, the appt cancelation/change number that I was given is exactly the same as that for Boots Hearingcare. Another sign that Excelia/832s are one of the same given Phonak's stake in David O?

Sheer coincidence. There is no tie-in between Specsavers and David Ormerod.
Wierd though!

I would like to know from my professional colleagues if this debate between 832s and Exelia cab be rounded off ? Do they have all of the Exelia features? And what now since the introduction of the Exelia Art above the basic Exelia?
Personally I could beat Speccies prices anytime as I don't have franchise fees etc to pay!

Id be very surprised if you could!