Finding Budget-Friendly Hearing Aids That Work
Hearing loss is more prevalent than you might think, affecting 48 million Americans according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. However, hearing aids often come with quite a hefty price tag, leaving many people struggling to afford this vital technology.
Thankfully, advances in hearing technology and federal regulations over the past few years have made quality hearing aids much more economical. Read on for a breakdown of the most affordable hearing aid options to enhance your hearing capabilities without breaking the bank.
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
As of October 2022, hearing aids can now be sold directly over the counter without a prescription or doctor visit required. The following options lead the way in quality and affordability.
Lexie Powered by Bose - $899/pair
Leveraging premium Bose audio engineering, Lexie hearing aids offer rich sound quality and noise cancellation technology. Their sleek, lightweight design comes with customizable soundscapes and Bluetooth streaming abilities.
Eargo Neo HiFi - $999/pair
The first virtually invisible, rechargeable OTC hearing aids with advanced sound processing for clear speech comprehension even in loud environments.
Walgreens Evika M-OTC - $799/pair
Featuring natural sound processing, user-friendly controls and customizable memory settings, Evika helps ease into hearing aids at a value price point.
Direct-to-Consumer Hearing Aids
The following options use licensed hearing professionals to program devices remotely after you complete an audiogram. Avoiding in-office visits trims costs.
Audicus - $449-$949/pair
Offering both rechargeable and non-rechargeable models suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, Audicus hearing aids amplify the sounds that matter to you most.
Lively+Phonak - $995/$1495 per pair
Developed with renowned Swiss hearing aid pioneer Phonak, these well-priced devices feature noise cancellation and rechargeable battery options.
Eversound Essential - $574/pair
Bluetooth enabled to stream audio seamlessly from smartphones and TVs, these aids filter noise automatically to hone in on the sounds you want to hear.
Hearing Aid Subscriptions
New subscription payment models for hearing aids help break out-of-pocket costs into more manageable monthly fees over time.
HearingLife - $39/month per ear
This nationwide network offers device customization after comprehensive hearing evaluations alongside flexible no-cost loss and damage protection.
Hear.com - $44/month per ear
Pairing advanced hearing assessments with premium technology, subscriptions come with unlimited visits, cleanings and lost device replacement.
Eargo Hearing Aids - $39/month per ear
Virtually invisible, rechargeable Eargo devices allow hearing professionals to remotely fine-tune settings for your unique needs via high-touch concierge service.
What to Look for in Affordable Hearing Aids
While cheaper over the leading national brands, the hearing aids above maintain impressive sound quality, comfort and connectivity. Here are the key features to look for:
Sound Processing
Advanced sound engineering that amplifies voices over background noise for effortless conversations in noisy environments.
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth and wireless streaming to phones, televisions, computers and other smart devices.
Rechargeable Battery
Long-life rechargeable battery options eliminate the need to constantly buy batteries.
Discreet Size and Fit
Ergonomic designs and nearly invisible fits that remain firmly and comfortably in the ear.
Smart Mobile Apps
Intuitive apps to control volume, personalize sound settings, locate lost devices and more from your smartphone.
Accessible Customer Support
Helpful customer support via email, phone, text and other digital options.
Free Follow-Up Care
Virtual follow up appointments, cleanings, adjustments, refittings and device replacement assistance.
Prioritizing these key components helps boost affordability without sacrificing the quality and customization needed to effectively improve hearing health.
Types of Hearing Loss
Understanding what type of hearing impairment you have guides appropriate treatment. Hearing professionals classify hearing loss into the following categories:
Conductive Hearing Loss
Happens when sound has trouble conducting through the outer and middle ear due to blockages like earwax or fluid buildup.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Caused by inner ear or neural pathway damage reducing how sound signals are received and transmitted to the brain.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Exhibits symptoms characteristic of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss happening concurrently.
Unilateral vs. Bilateral
Unilateral means impaired hearing in just one ear, while bilateral signifies reduced hearing in both.
Degree of hearing loss spans from mild to profound based on what sounds you have trouble detecting measured in decibels. Recognizing exactly where your hearing falters guides optimal hearing aid settings and usage suggestions.
Hearing Aid Styles and Types
Audiologists fit hearing aids based on severity of impairment and patient budgets, lifestyle factors and cosmetic preferences. Various styles work best for certain needs.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Curving over the outer ear for those with profound hearing loss, these durable, flexible and easy-to-adjust devices come in skin-tone colors to minimize visibility.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
Custom molded shells filling the outer ear for moderate to severe impairment provide a natural, comfortable fit out of sight.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
Fitting partly in the ear canal, these more discreet devices work well for mild to moderate hearing loss but require good dexterity.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
Nearly imperceptible devices placed deeper inside the ear canal suit those with mild to moderately-severe hearing impairment.
Understanding types and styles helps determine the most effective, affordable hearing aids tailored to your unique needs and preferences.
Are Cheap Hearing Aids Worth It?
With reputable over-the-counter and direct-to-consumer brands making meaningful technology innovations, moderate hearing loss no longer requires paying $5,000 out of pocket. Affordable options ranging from $500 to $1,500 perform impressively.
However, severe cases still warrant pricier digital hearing aids from $2,000 to $4,000. Complex engineering provides more targeted sound amplification and clarity.
Ultimately, recipients must determine budgets aligned with lifestyle priorities. And remember, hearing health influences safety, social connectivity, mental acuity and wellbeing. Viewing hearing aids as long-term investments into overall health helps justify costs.
Additional Affordable Options
For those who still struggle to afford hearing aids, resources include:
- Health Insurance Plan Discounts
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- Medicaid Coverage in Some States
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Nonprofit Assistance Programs
- 0% Financing Offers
- Bundling Hearing Services with Other Procedures
Exploring payment alternatives makes hearing health more accessible. And purchasing reliable, discounted hearing aids pays off with life-changing dividends down the road.
FAQs
Do over-the-counter hearing aids work?
Yes, high-quality OTC hearing aids from reputable brands like Lexie and Eargo provide effective amplification to enhance hearing capabilities.
Can you buy just one hearing aid?
While two devices optimize binaural hearing, single hearing aids still help those with hearing loss in just one ear. This unilateral option works well at lower price points.
How long do affordable hearing aids last?
With proper maintenance like regular cleaning, battery replacement and device upgrades, low-cost hearing aids typically last 4-6 years, sometimes more.
What are the best cheap hearing aid brands?
Top affordable hearing aid companies include MDHearing, Eargo, Lexie, HearingLife, Lively+Phonak, Lucid Hearing, Audicus and Venture Hearing Solutions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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