Trusted Audiology Service
The UNC Hearing and Communication Center (UNC-HCC) has been providing the highest level of hearing evaluations and hearing treatment services in the Chapel Hill area for over 40 years. The UNC-HCC is part of the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Our nationally recognized and state-licensed clinical audiologists continually study the most current research in providing exceptional service and premier hearing care treatment to their patients. At the UNC-HCC, we strive to build long-term relationships with our patients based upon integrity and respect. It’s our mission to continually set and raise the standard of hearing health care in the Triangle area while training the next generation of audiologists.
Unbundled billing = Affordable Hearing Care
Properly fit hearing aids can improve audibility of speech and can help immensely in improving communication, increasing one’s job performance, and improving quality of life. However, hearing aids can be an expensive investment and have long been said to be out of reach of many who would benefit. Historically, hearing aid costs have been bundled. This means there is an upfront price that covers the purchase of the hearing devices, as well as the fees for services to fit those devices and for follow-up appointments for a specified period of time. While this may sound attractive, especially to those on a fixed income, there are some major drawbacks to this billing method. The UNC HCC unbundled in 2005 and continues to lead the movement backed by the Hearing Loss Association of America, to make hearing care more affordable.
| Bundled | Unbundled Hearing Care at UNC HCC |
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| Hearing Aid prices | Initial price is higher, often a lot higher, than it needs to be. | Fair, transparent pricing at, or close to, single unit price. |
| Portability of services | Your contract for follow up services is with a specific clinic. | You can seek quality audiologic care wherever you are. |
| Ability to upgrade | Having paid so much for the devices, you may be reluctant to upgrade your hearing aids when technology improves. | With fair hearing aid pricing you can choose when you want to upgrade your hearing aids. |
| Cost of routine maintenance and follow up | No charge (length of no charge period depends on clinic) | You will be charged for appointments and services needed. |
| Quality recommendations | This model has to become a sales model in order to stay in business. The clinic depends on hearing aids sales to stay afloat. | With regular revenue from hearing aid care appointments, this clinic does not focus on how many hearing aids it sells. The important factor is follow up care which results in greater hearing aid satisfaction, improved quality of hearing aid performance and loyal patients. |
Read more about unbundling.
