Did you know that hearing aid coverage varies widely by insurer and plan? After one of our parents asked us to help them pick out hearing aids, a google search led us down hundreds of rabbit holes. Fortunately, after some serious research we’ve compiled some of the top options and tips here to make your search a little easier. As always, if you have any other tips or tricks, leave a comment below!
Check out these articles about contacts, glasses, and FSA eligible items on Amazon!
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The Basics:
Check your benefits. Some plans offer coverage for the exam and/or the hearing aid if you stay in-network. Other plans offer discounts with various hearing aid companies.
See an audiologist, a licensed professional who specializes in hearing loss and imbalances, for a hearing exam.
Find the right hearing aid for you.
Follow up with your audiologist if you need adjustments.
Note: Amazon offers sound amplifying devices, but they are not regulated in the same way as hearing aids. Learn more about the differences from Kaiser Health News and the AARP.
Professionals to Know
ENT/Otolaryngologist - Trained MDs that specialize in the ears, nose, and throat
Audiologist - Have a doctoral degree (Au.D), clinical training, and passed a hearing aid licensure exam
Hearing Aid Specialist - Varies by state, but often have little formal training
Things to consider when purchasing a hearing aid:
Product
Technology levels (for example, can it connect to your smartTV via bluetooth?)
Cost
Styles
Traditional Behind the Ear (BTE)
Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC)
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
In-the-Canal (ITC)
Traditional In-the-Ear (ITE)
Mini-Behind-the-Ear (mBTE)
Check out this article by Consumer Reports for a detailed description of each type.
How to Purchase Hearing Aids:
There are a few ways to purchase hearing aids, and we’ve listed our top options below.
Your Local Audiologist’s Office ($$$)
A quick Google search of “[Your Town Name] hearing aids” will provide you with a list of local audiologists, many of whom sell hearing aids at their practices. While this is a very common option, it is typically the most expensive. Similar to contacts and glasses sold in an optometrist's office, there is less room to compare prices and brands when you are limited to only those that the practitioner has chosen to sell.
Online Retailers ($$)
Overview: MDHearingAid is an online store that currently sells four models of hearing aids at a very low cost (hundreds of $, as compared to thousands).
Process: You must provide them with a hearing test from an audiologist. They do not provide hearing tests, but their in-house audiologist will review your test results and point you to their recommended MDHearingAid product.
Guarantee: 45-day money back guarantee
Insurance: MDHearingAid does not submit claims to insurance.
Overview: Eargo sells an FDA-cleared devices for mild to moderate hearing loss that claim to be small, invisible, rechargeable, and super comfy.
Price: The price for their products ranges from $2,750 to $1,650.
Process: Eargo says that you don’t need to see an audiologist before calling or buying Eargo. Simply call them to speak to one of their licensed hearing professionals who will help you determine if Eargo is the right fit for your hearing needs
Insurance: Financing is available, but it appears that they do not submit claims to insurance.
Tips:
Learn the basics about Eargo’s product compared to behind the ear models and personal amplifier options.
Read Eargo’s review of the Eargo Neo compared to the Starkey Livio AI 2400, the Phonak Audeo Marvel M90, and the Resound Linx Quattro 5
Check out this Wired review of the company.
Overview: HearingDirect sells a wide variety of hearing aids, hearing aid batteries, amplified phones, and other products that assist with low hearing.
Price: Hearing aids listed on HearingDirect.com begin around $170 and increase depending on model.
Process: Visit the website to browse the various styles they offer, including behind the ear and in-canal options.
Insurance: HearingDirect does not appear to submit claims to insurance.
Guarantee: HearingDirect’s digital hearing aids “come with a 30-day money back guarantee, as well as a 12-month manufacturers warranty.”
Overview: Otofonix sells five types of hearing aids, hearing aid batteries and other hearing aid accessories. They also sell refurbished hearing aids at a lower price.
Price: Hearing aids listed on Otofonix begin around $395 and increase depending on the model.
Process: Visit the website to browse the various styles they offer along with their accessories.
Insurance: Otofonix does not appear to submit claims to insurance.
Guarantee: Otofonix’s hearing aids come with “fast delivery, and a 45-day money-back guarantee”
Brick & Mortar Stores ($$)
Overview: Costco is a crowd favorite for low-cost hearing aids for those with memberships. Costco offers free screenings at stores with on-site audiologists/hearing specialists.
Process: To begin the process, schedule a free appointment at a local Costco Hearing Aid Center. On the day of the appointment, bring your Patient Intake form, and prepare for the appointment to take about one hour.
Insurance: Costco does not state whether or not they are in-network with insurance.
Tips:
Costco partners with several major hearing aid suppliers, including REXTON, ReSound, Kirkland Signature, Phonak, and Philips.
You must be a Costco member to use this option. Find a location here. Learn more about Costco Hearing Aids here.
Overview: HearingLife has over 500 locations around the US. They offer walk-in hours, a 3-year warranty, free batteries for life, and complimentary aftercare.
Insurance: On their website, they claim to “accept” many insurances. Remember, “accepting” insurance does not mean they are “in-network,” so be sure to call your insurance company to confirm that they are in-network if you want to use your insurance benefits. They do have insurance professionals who can help you understand your benefits.
Process: Once you schedule a complimentary hearing test, they will evaluate you and review your results. Based on your results, they will help you choose a hearing aid that they feel best meets your needs.
Overview: TruHearing is a hearing aid company that partners with many health insurance companies to provide audiology visits and hearing aids at a discount. They have two signature programs - TruHearing Select and TruHearing Choice, that offer differing levels of benefits.
According to TruHearing, “both TruHearing programs come with a variety of hearing aid options to address your hearing loss. They include quality digital hearing aids, care from skilled hearing care providers and our standard inclusions (48 free batteries per aid, 3-year warranties, and three provider visits).” TruHearing also has options for those without insurance or whose insurance does not partner with them. Customers can pay for the program out-of-pocket up front or on payment plans, or with Carecredit or Allegro Credit.
When you call TruHearing, they connect you with a “dedicated Hearing Consultant” who guides you through their process.
Manufacturers: Signia, Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Starkey, and Widex
Audiologists/Hearing Aid Providers: TruHearing has over 5,000 locations in the US, with the heaviest concentration on the East coast.
Insurance: TruHearing claims to verify your health insurance and assists in finding an in-network provider for you.
Cost/Payment: According to TruHearing, “Your out-of-pocket cost for hearing aids depends on the benefits or allowance available from your health insurance and the hearing aid model you decide on. You can also choose from several flexible payment options to make your hearing aids more affordable.”
Hearing Aid Discounts
There are some additional discounts that may apply to you!
Pay any out-of-pocket costs with your pre-tax FSA or HSA dollars.
Look for local and state agencies that offer support and discounts.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)