Many places don't charge until the device is adjusted and tolerated. It's not a one trip and it's over thing. It is usually a long drawn out process if done right and many folks who don't follow that process end up with one or two expensive pieces of plastic shoved in a dresser drawer that are never worn because they were not fitted properly and not adjusted to the point of being tolerated.
First, he should get a medical exam, ENT''s often share offices with Audiologists but see an ENT first. If the ear canals are full of wax, which is a frequent occurrence, that can be a cause and possibly an exacerbation of a type of hearing loss called a conductive hearing loss. That requires a medical intervention.
All medical reasons for the hearing problem should be ruled out before just chalking it up to old age HL, aka presbycusis, and slapping in a couple of hearing aids. The ENT will make the Audiologist referral and most likely work in tandem with him or her to assess the hearing loss.
There are individuals, not necessarily just audiologists, who are very capable and reputable that can be found by checking out the hearing aid dealers, aka hearing care providers in some states, by contacting the licensing board in his state. But no one should bypass the medical exam and go straight to buying devices. It can and often does lead to buyer's remorse. Always research the provider first!
Costs have come down so much in recent years I would say that he should be able to get by with spending no more than $2 to $4 grand for the devices. The medical exams and audiograms plus middle ear testing costs can vary. He should not spend any money on the devices until fully satisfied and the truly reputable sales person, audiologist or licensed dealer, will not charge until you are fully fitted and comfortable with wearing the devices. Then and only then, is when the money should change hands.
I hope this helps.
❤ pants
Mayo Clinic recommendations on hearing aids
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116
= new reply since forum marked as read