Hearing Aid Prices: How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?

Hearing Aid Overview

For people with hearing loss, hearing aids are an essential tool to help them communicate more effectively and enjoy their daily lives. But because insurance rarely covers hearing aids and the cost of cutting-edge technology is high, many people go without.

According to the results of a national study reported by AARP, only one-third of adults age 55 and older with self-reported hearing loss use hearing aids—and the primary obstacle is price.

Fortunately, there is a wide range of hearing aid devices available. These cost anywhere from $99 to $8,000 per pair at full price and can be found online and at brick-and-mortar clinics. In this article, we explore why hearing aids cost so much and how to save money on your next hearing aid purchase.

See our top choices for the most affordable hearing aids.

What Determines Hearing Aid Prices

Technology And Features

As with any tech device, a lot comes into play when determining the price of hearing aids. According to Rudolf Probst, MD, a medical doctor specializing in audiology who works with Audiology Research: “The technology level and features included will affect the purchase price of a hearing aid.”

Leading brands like Phonak, Resound, and Oticon produce some of the most expensive hearing aids because these brands are at the forefront of technological innovations. For instance, the Phonak Lyric is the smallest invisible hearing aid on the market, and Oticon’s BrainHearing technology employs findings from in-house research audiologists to improve the sound.

Other features and technologies that can increase the cost of hearing aids include:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Directional microphones
• Tinnitus sound therapy
• Rechargeable batteries
• Artificial intelligence

Custom Fitting

If you want a hearing aid molded to the shape of your ear canal, you won’t be purchasing budget-friendly hearing aids. The reason for the slightly higher price tag is two-fold. First, you must visit an in-person hearing aid specialist or audiologist. Second, only leading brands provide custom-fit hearing aids, so you’re paying for the hearing aid fitting, the brand name, and newer technology.

Where to Buy Your Hearing Aids

“Online and mail order hearing aid purchases tend to be cheaper but have their shortcomings,” explained Dr. Probst. When you purchase hearing aids from online brands and discount retailers like ZipHearing, they usually have a lower price tag compared to in-person hearing aids with similar features.

Unfortunately, there are downsides to shopping online rather than in person. The first shortcoming is that you don’t receive an in-person audiology exam, which provides more benefits than just a standard hearing test. When you work with an audiologist, they can provide medical advice and diagnoses as well as performing a hearing test for you. Additionally, only in-person hearing clinics provide custom-fit hearing aids, which can help with comfort, fit, and hearing quality.

“The other big difference if you see a hearing professional is they can do and should do real ear measurements (REMs),” said Rachel Magann Faivre, Au.D., an audiologist and owner of Oklahoma City-based ASH Audiology. “Research shows REMs are the single most important thing that can be done for best hearing aid outcomes. So, it’s super important. Someone can purchase online hearing aids or amplifiers and then take them to a hearing professional for REMs, but of course they’ll have to pay for the service.”

Service and Maintenance

Hearing services and hearing aid maintenance are significant contributors to cost. Most audiologists and hearing aid specialists have bundled pricing, which means that your hearing aids come with appointments, cleanings, and other maintenance. Some companies even offer unlimited accessories like hearing aid batteries, which can add up over time.

While it can be helpful to have everything included in one price, you might not need all the bundled perks. If you aren’t new to hearing aids, consider unbundled pricing, which can save you money upfront. But keep in mind that you’re then responsible for paying to clean and maintain your hearing aids, and you may need to shell out a per-visit price when you need upgrades or other assistance.

Warranty and Trial Period

Every pair of hearing aids should come with a risk-free trial period and warranty. The more generous these policies—especially the warranty—the more you’re likely to pay upfront. However, a generous trial period and warranty can help save you money over time.

The best warranties cover both defects and loss and damage. Ask about what’s covered, what isn’t, and whether there’s a deductible. You may choose to pay for an additional warranty to extend coverage, which costs more money right away but protects you over time.

Hearing Aid Cost Breakdown

Full-price hearing aids cost around $800–$8,000 per pair. Where you buy your hearing aids, the features, and technology determine the final cost of your hearing aids.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay based on where you buy your hearing aids.

• Audiologist’s office: $2,000–$8,000 per pair
• Online: $800–$3,000 per pair
• Costco: $1,300–$2,500 per pair

Additionally, expect to pay more for:

• Bluetooth hearing aids
• Rechargeable hearing aids
• Accessories and custom earmolds

Are There Sales On Hearing Aids?

Online brands like MDHearingAid, Eargo, and Jabra Enhance (formerly known as Lively) frequently run hearing aid sales. But there aren’t many deals at in-person locations like Costco or audiologist clinics. To save money at these locations, compare prices, which can vary between clinics.

What Is Included in Hearing Aid Cost? Bundled Versus Unbundled Pricing

When you purchase hearing aids, you can either do so unbundled or as part of a bundled package. Bundled pricing includes various support and maintenance features, such as:

• Hearing tests
• Fittings
• Cleanings
• Unlimited accessories
• Ongoing care and support

With an unbundled approach, you pay for the hearing aids up front and then for ongoing costs as they come up.

So, which is better? That all depends on your needs over time. If you’re looking to save money upfront, Dr. Probst recommended that you “look for a practice that unbundles costs of fitting, routine cleaning, hearing tests and other appointments.” This approach is particularly beneficial if you’ve worn hearing aids before and won’t need much support when it comes to your hearing and hearing aids.

But unbundled pricing can add up. For instance, if this is your first time purchasing hearing aids, it might take multiple trips to your audiologist before you’re fully satisfied with your setup. And it may be helpful to have someone assist you with regular cleanings until you’re comfortable doing this on your own.

Why Do Hearing Aids Cost So Much?

You expect to pay large sums of money when buying the newest iPhone, tablet, or laptop, because every year, tech companies pour millions of dollars into innovations that provide improved battery life or other conveniences in a smaller package. It’s no different with hearing aids.

Hearing devices are advanced pieces of technology. As Michelle Matyko, an audiologist with Roosevelt Field Hearing, explained, “there are many different levels of technology that can go into a hearing aid. It’s not what the hearing aid looks like but how advanced the computer is inside. The higher the technology is, the harder the hearing aid works for you in challenging listening environments.”

Leading brands like Phonak, Oticon, and Resound have in-house researchers that continuously look to improve their hearing aids, whether that’s by creating clearer, more natural sound or by adding in wireless connectivity via Bluetooth. So if you want the best sound, smallest size, or most advanced wireless features, you may find yourself buying the newest hearing aids from these innovative brands.

How Can I Save Money on Hearing Aids?

Insurance, FSAs, And HSAs

A common question amongst new hearing aid shoppers is, “does insurance cover hearing aids?”

Unfortunately, most insurance providers don’t cover the cost of hearing aids. However, it’s always worth checking with your insurance company to be sure as some private insurers may provide coverage and policies vary by state. Many cover the cost of a hearing exam by an audiologist, and Medicaid does provide some coverage for people 21 years and younger. Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover hearing aids, however, some Medicare supplement plans offer discounts. If you have Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), some plans may cover hearing aids and hearing care services, including hearing tests, the cost of hearing aids, and other hearing services. Check with your insurer to see if your plan covers hearing aids.

Even if your insurance provider doesn’t offer financial help, you may still find savings by using the funds in a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). Both an FSA and HSA allow you to purchase hearing aids with tax-deferred funds. You sign up for an FSA through your employer, while an HSA is only available to people with a high-deductible health plan.

Consider Financing for Upfront Savings

You might be wondering if there is financing for hearing aids. The answer depends on where you shop. Most in-person hearing clinics and online hearing aid companies provide financing, but Costco does not. If you’d prefer to pay a monthly amount by using hearing aid financing, a hearing clinic or online direct-to-consumer brand like Jabra Enhance or Eargo are excellent routes.

Don’t Choose the Most Advanced Hearing Aids

Tyler Bennett, a registered hearing aid dispenser with Hear4U and Hearing Aid Accessories, recommended opting for less advanced models over premium hearing aids if you want to save money. “You should decide how much functionality you wish for your hearing aids to have. Do you need them to have phone connectivity, or would you prefer a lower-tech model that simply enhances your hearing? Decisions like these will have a huge effect,” he said.

The simpler the hearing aid, the less it’s going to cost. So, if you need help with your hearing but don’t want to spend too much money, choose a hearing aid device with fewer features. You don’t necessarily need the newest hearing aid with cutting-edge features.

Buy Online, Not In-Person

If price is your biggest concern, you should consider buying your hearing aids online. Online brands like Jabra Enhance, Eargo, MDHearingAid, and Audicus sell directly to you, thus reducing prices by eliminating physical office visits.

These hearing aid brands generally aren’t the ones spending lots of money on research, so the hearing aids won’t be as advanced as the newest models at your local audiologist. But, they’re still customized to your hearing needs, and there are often perks like unlimited remote support from hearing aid specialists.

Maintain Your Hearing Aids

Another way to save on hearing aids in the long run is to take good care of the ones that you buy. “You can extract far more bang for your buck if you look after your hearing aids properly and utilize the appropriate equipment, whether it be a proper drying/cleaning case, cloths, replacement tubing and the like,” explained Bennett. “You’ll be able to get far more years from your hearing aid, and in turn save in the long term. Simply put, the best way to save on new hearing aids is by not needing to buy them.”

“Along with good care and maintenance is not losing them,” added Dr. Magann Faivre. “Unfortunately, it’s fairly common for a person to lose one hearing aid, then after utilizing their loss and damage claim, they seem to be much more careful with them. Dogs chewing them or just losing one is most common.”

Why Should I Buy Hearing Aids?

Hearing loss can happen at any age, but it’s incredibly common in adults age 65 and older. If you’re among the one-third of adults over 65 with hearing loss, you may find it hard to understand your friends and family. Many people with hearing loss tend to avoid challenging listening environments like restaurants where there’s a lot of background noise, and some stop spending as much time talking with friends and loved ones.

“Another big issue is that hearing loss is associated with nine of the top 10 chronic diseases that affect people over 65, including, dementia, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, tobacco use, kidney disease, depression, thyroid disease, and diabetes,” said Dr. Magann Faivre.

Hearing aids are a tool you can use to improve your hearing and regain parts of life that you’ve been missing. While a hearing aid won’t fully restore your hearing, it can enhance your quality of life.