8 Options for Affordable Hearing Aids
More than two out of every three Americans over age 70 have meaningful hearing loss, experts say, but according to the New York Times, only 20 percent of people in this country who need hearing aids buy them. Hearing loss is so gradual, you may not even realize what you’re missing. Or you may know you need hearing aids but balk at the cost, thinking you can get by without them. The problem is, hearing loss is more devastating than many of us realize. If you have uncorrected hearing loss, you’re more likely to suffer falls and broken bones, social isolation and depression, even Alzheimer’s.
Since expense is the biggest roadblock that Americans with hearing loss confront, we’ve been on a mission to search out viable options for lower-cost solutions. The hearing aid options below—some of them fairly new—range from technologically basic to advanced, with basic offering little more than sound amplification and advanced giving you multiple app-enabled settings for sound customization and tech that automatically adapts to your audio environment; the most sophisticated also stream wirelessly from your mobile device.
Maybe you’ll find something that serves your needs in your price range.
IQ Hearable Earbuds
Cost
$299 per pair
What you get
One of the latest developments in hearing technology is hearables. These are not hearing aids as such, but do combine amplification with high tech audio control options. Because they look like regular earbuds, they’re just the ticket for people with mild hearing loss who (ageism alert!) can’t stand to be seen as “old.” One of the best currently available is Nuheara IQ Buds for $299. These Bluetooth enabled buds not only stream music and phone calls directly to your ears, but efficiently dampen ambient noise, enhancing your ability to hear speech both at home and in noisy environments. The smartphone app that the device pairs with has settings for different audio environments—home, music, restaurant, driving, office, and so on.
How it works
Since these are not hearing aids, they’re available without prescription by ordering online. There are no programming or adjustments to be made, except to customize your hearing experience via the paired app.
Word up
Hearable options are sure to expand and improve in the next couple of years. Stay tuned.
The downside
While hearable buds like the IQ may work well for people with low hearing loss, or in certain situations for people with moderate loss, they are not currently a viable everyday solution for anyone with moderate to severe hearing loss. They only work properly when paired with a smartphone app, have limited battery life and can cause discomfort if worn for long periods.
iHearMedical
Cost
$699 per pair
What you get
You’ll get a basic hearing aid from this online-only manufacturer-supplier. You can choose between two versions—an invisible, in-the-ear model and one that fits behind the ear. Unlike more expensive hearing aids, neither version is highly versatile; while the devices have basic settings, they are not designed to distinguish between and automatically control for different audio environments. Nevertheless, these hearing aids will substantially improve mild to moderate hearing loss in a variety of situations where there’s not a lot of ambient sound.
How it works
You send iHearMedical your audiogram (which you must get from the audiologist who tests your hearing), and the company will pre-program your hearing aids. You also can do the programming yourself with a gadget iHearMedical sends you, but it’s a very difficult process.
Word up
iHearMedical has improved its service, not only by offering the pre-programmed option, but also by buttoning up its shipping operations. Delivery schedules are now reliable.
The downside
While you do receive a pre-programmed hearing aid, any adjustments that you’ll need to make over time are DIY by using the complicated gadget iHearMedical ships with its hearing aid. You also don’t get the kind of testing and precise fit that you get with an audiologist, or even from a hearing care specialist.
BuyHear
Cost
$1000 to $3500 per pair
What you get
This online-only company sells all major manufacturers’ hearing aids at 50 percent off a typical audiologist’s price. At the lower end of the scale are basic options; at the top are the high-tech Oticon Opn and Widex Beyond, both of which offer advanced technology.
How it works
You select your hearing aid from the company’s website. Then you send the company your audiogram and get your new hearing aids mailed to you pre-programmed. If you need adjustments, you can make them yourself at home up to twice a year with phone help from a company representative, using an adjustment kit that you can order for free through BuyHear.
Word up
BuyHear’s in-home self-adjustment service has been reviewed and deemed easy and painless. If you know which brand you want, this may the cheapest way to get it.
The downside
As with any other online-only supplier, you don’t get the kind of testing and precise fit that you get from a professional. And without the benefit of an audiologist’s advice, you have to do your research and know which hearing aid is a good choice for you—or you could be sneaky and ask an audiologist for recommendations (consults are usually free), and then buy from BuyHear.
HearingRevolution
Cost
$1500 to $4500 per pair
What you get
This company offers insurance providers deeply discounted hearing aids from major manufacturers for their members through a national network of audiologists (in that role the company is known as HearingCareSolutions). The company also sells direct to the consumer, using the same audiologist network and offering similarly discounted prices. The top of the line Oticon Opn, one of the newer iPhone compatible hearing aids, is $3995 a pair from HearingRevolution. That’s only $500 more than BuyHear’s price and comes with in-office fitting and ongoing adjustment services. The company also offers a new Signia model that claims to offer significant relief for tinnitus sufferers.
How it works
When you call HearingRevolution, you’re referred to a local audiologist. The company prides itself on its expertise in hearing health and education, along with transparency; that means when you call, you can get up-front advice as well as up-front prices on hardware options you’re interested in before you visit the audiologist—a rarity in this industry. You can find a list of brands and models with prices on the website.
Word up
Besides offering one of the least expensive options for hearing aids with full audiologist services, HearingRevolution also offers a low-cost by-mail hearing aid repair service, which might save you the cost of ordering a new pair.
The downside
None that we know of.
Epic Hearing
Cost
$1,000 to $5,000 per pair
What you get
Epic Hearing does not advertise to consumers and is known primarily as a provider of major hearing aids to Medicaid recipients, and members of managed care organizations, health plans and unions (EPIC claims to be the country’s largest provider of hearing benefits). Some employers also offer the EPIC hearing health plan as part of their benefits package. But the company does sell directly to consumers at very affordable prices for hearing aids from eight major manufacturers. EPIC partners with audiologists across the country and offers a free hearing test, pre-programming and adjustments as part of the package. Epic offers hearing aids by price tier. The company has nine set price points for all hearing aids: $495 to 1899 per ear for basic; $2099 per ear for advanced and $2399 to $2499 per ear for premium.
How it works
An EPIC representative refers you by phone to a local partner audiologist. You order your hearing aids from the audiologist, but pay EPIC directly. You can call EPIC at 877-606-3742.
Word up
You may be able to get a better deal if an association or union to which you belong offers an EPIC plan as part of its value add. It’s worth checking.
The downside
Some bad reviews on Yelp suggest that there may be a downside to EPIC’s service. That said, the company has been awarded the Health Network Accreditation from URAC, one of the country’s two top healthcare accrediting organizations.
Audient.com
Cost
$990 to $1575 per pair
What you get
AUDIENT is a national nonprofit hearing care alliance that unites audiologists with suppliers to provide deeply discounted basic to mid-level hearing aids and related care for hearing impaired people on low incomes.
How it works
You fill out an application stating that you fit Audent’s annual-income guidelines—up to $27,000 for an individual and $36,000 for a couple. No additional documentation is required. Once you are approved, the organization contacts you to coordinate your referral to an Audient Program participating hearing care professional. For questions, call 1-866-956-5400 extension #2.
Word up
Audient was formerly run by the Lions Club and is now administered by EPIC.
The downside
Audient offers a limited selection of hearing aids. You choose between standard and mid-level. According to a spokesperson, “Audient’s mid-level hearing aids are great, although they don’t have all the bells and whistles you get with premium hearing aids.”
Costco
Cost
$1799 and up per pair
What you get
Costco offers top-of-the-line hearing aids for bottom-of-the-line prices by branding models from top manufacturers with its own name, Kirkland. The company’s latest offering is the tiny Kirkland 7 Signature, which is made by Sivantos, a major manufacturer formerly known as Siemens. (Costco’s Kirklands were previously made by ReSound.) The 7 Signature’s specifications are similar to the top of the line Signia hearing aid’s, including all the bells and whistles—t-coils, multiple channels, customization of your hearing experience via a smartphone app and more. And while this Kirkland doesn’t have integrated streaming, you can buy a standalone Bluetooth streaming gadget that you wear to stream phone calls, music and other audio from your mobile device directly to your hearing aid. Costco also offers hearing aids from other manufacturers in a variety of styles and price points, but the Kirkland 7 is the least expensive.
How it works
Simple: Make an appointment at Costco, where you’ll get your hearing test and audiogram, discuss options and order a hearing aid pre-programmed for you. Come back whenever you need to for free cleanings and adjustments.
Word up
Costco was rated one of the top two hearing aid providers by Consumer Reports readers in a large survey.
The downside
When you buy a hearing aid at Costco, you see a “hearing instrument specialist” rather than an audiologist. Training requirements for these specialists vary from state to state. That said, since Costco lets you come back for as many adjustments as you need, you should end up with a hearing aid that’s programmed just right for you. Another potential downside: Costco hearing aids are “locked” which means no one but Costco can adjust them. If you are moving to an area without a Costco hearing center you might want to consider buying elsewhere.
Visit CostcoHearingAidCenter.com
HearTek Leasing
Cost
$49.00 to $149.00 per pair per month for 30 months
What you get
Leasing is a way to finance hearing aids without interest charges. HearTek, a division of EPIC, claims that almost everyone will qualify during the application process and there are no application fees or required security deposit. have access to all levels of technology at four monthly payment levels – $49.99 (basic), $79.99 (standard), $99.99 (advanced) and $149.99 (premium).iv By spreading hearing aid payments across a lease term up to 30 months, patients can finance a hearing aid up to $5,000.
How it works
Patients go to a participating audiologist to select a hearing aid best suited for their needs. Call 844-586-9403 for more info.
Word up
HearTEK is using the cellphone model, giving participants the option at 18 months to trade in their hearing aid and upgrade to a new model either in their current pricing tier or a higher tier. If you’re not interested in upgrading, you can continue with your lease unchanged. You can also buy out the lease at any time to purchase your hearing aid without penalty.
The downside
Currently, HearTEK only leases hearing aids from three manufacturers: Phonak, Unitron and GNResound. And as a new program (it launched in summer 2016), it’s still early to evaluate the service. Customer communications appear to be spotty, and there are currently no independent online customer reviews.
This article was written/produced with the support of a journalism fellowship from New America Media, the Gerontological Society of America and the Silver Century Foundation.
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Comments
I loved it when you said that the problem is, hearing loss is more devastating than many of us realize. My father has a hearing problem. I need to tell him about these facts on hearing aid for him to have one. I’m sure he will be happy upon knowing that he can hear again.
The price of hearing aids are ridiculous I am quoted at over 4000 for a pair with only three adjustment visits over a three year period. I was given a 45 day window to try them and find they are easy to lose and provided some help but still not as much as I had hoped for. The markup on hearing aids as much as the price on prescription drugs for seniors needs to be regulated.
Hi there,
people need to realize the aid provides a selection of frequencies that your ear doesn’t have anymore….hear loss. if the unit you buy fails to supply the selected frequencies …..no good. Have the unit replaced or reset the levels you have lost. The audiologists don’t want to reset these frequencies as they can’t sell you a new set……
Profit, overheads, costs, and greed. Cest la vie mon ami.
Thank you so much for you reply and the help you provide
Does anyone have any information on Truhearing? I have insurance that will cover part of the cost through Humana but only for this brand.
I have the 500.00 TruHearing aid. I only have one, (about a year now), but would like to get another. I am female, 70 years old, and have had hearing problems since childhood. Infections, scarring, perforated eardrums, one eardrum re-constructed which worked really well for about 30 years. I have ringing, crackling, popping which sometimes causes hearing to be very loud. These aids are supposed to be Signa, a very good brand, and cost about 2000.00 at full retail -each. My hearing is about 50% loss in both ears. The hearing aid cuts the loss to 20%. The hearing specialist (you will have choices approved by the insurance co) will do the testing (not in a booth), and order the hearing aid pre-set for your needs. They will do a fitting and some more adjustments by computer. They should install a phone app for self adjusting for various situations and volumne. If you go to an ENT and they order an audiologist test, ask for a copy of the results. This is the only hearing aid I have ever had. I would say it is very good. I am happy with it. I hope this helps.
If u find out could u please let me know I need hearing aids really bad and I also have humana ,would greatly appreciate it, thanks
I wasted a year going back & forth to Costco at East 116th St (I live on 6th street in the East Village) being tested & finally fitted first for hearing aids that would cost $1800 & then for a set that would cost $2700. Neither one helped my hearing appreciably. Both were clumsy & felt unnecessary over my ears. Both brands were susceptible to one or both falling off & getting lost, which would lead to my having to pay half or all of the cost over again. Needless to say I rejected both within the 3-month limit. The state of the art in this field simply stinks, and the influence of the profit motive stinks even worse. I might try one of your choices at some point in the future.
I think people’s expectations of hearing aids are unrealistic. The more you wear them the more they help. Your brain has to get used to them. You will never have normal hearing with them. And yes, they are annoying, easy to lose etc. But they do make a big difference if you give them a chance. However I do agree about the profit motive.