20 Things to Know Before Buying Hearing Aids

If you are having issues with your hearing, you're not alone: 15% of people over the age of 18 in the United States suffer from some sort of hearing problem — and 1 in 8 people over the age of 12 have hearing loss in both ears. Unfortunately, only 30% of those aged 70 years and older who could benefit from having a hearing aid actually use one.¹

Choosing the right type of hearing aid is important — you should feel comfortable using it daily, and your hearing aid should work for your lifestyle. Just as there are different types and levels of hearing loss, there are many different hearing aid styles and features.

Here, we'll help you learn more about factors to consider so you can make the right choice when buying a hearing aid.

1. Hearing Aid Providers Offer Hearing Assessments

Most hearing aid providers offer hearing assessments using specialized equipment so you can determine the extent of your hearing loss before purchasing a hearing aid.² HearingLife is one provider that conducts complimentary hearing assessments in all its locations across the U.S. (To schedule your complimentary hearing assessment, visit HearingLife.com/book-appointment.)

Hearing assessments are important because they can give you an idea of what type of hearing aid is appropriate for you, such as traditional hearing aids or implants like those offered by HearingLife.

There are additional aspects to consider as well:

• Providers like HearingLife offer free online hearing tests that can let you know whether a hearing assessment is recommended based on your results, which are available immediately.

• Some providers allow you to book a complimentary hearing assessment appointment online, without having to talk to someone over the phone.

• Assessments typically last around 60 minutes, and at HearingLife centers, you'll get your results immediately.

• Using a provider like HearingLife, you can try out a hearing aid immediately to get started on your journey to better hearing, without having to wait.

• Some providers offer an on-demand team to answer all your questions about hearing assessments via phone or virtual consultation at no charge.

• While you can order your hearing aids from online retailers, keep in mind that you'll miss out on having a hearing assessment and professional help to choose the hearing aid tailored to your hearing loss level. An in-person consultation ensures a better experience overall.²

2. Hearing Aids Have Three Components

All hearing aids, whether analog or digital, have three basic components:³

• A microphone captures the sounds around you.

• An amplifier analyzes and converts those sounds into electrical or digital signals.

• A receiver carries the amplified sounds to your ear canal so you can hear them better.

It's important to determine what a hearing aid actually is when shopping for devices yourself, especially if you're shopping online. When looking at devices, note that:³

• Hearing aids improve your hearing by amplifying only some sounds and are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) amplify all sounds and are not regulated by the FDA. They are used for recreational activities like bird watching and hunting, which is why they typically cost much less than hearing aids.

3. Hearing Aids Come in Several Different Styles

Depending on your needs, there are many styles of hearing aids to choose from:⁴

• Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) is the smallest hearing aid you'll find and fits in the second bend of your ear canal, making it almost impossible to see.⁵

• Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) is a small style that fits completely in the ear canal.

• In-the-canal (ITC) fits partially in the ear canal.

• In-the-ear (ITE) fits into the bowl of your outer ear.

• Behind-the-ear (BTE) fits into the ear and wraps around to hook over the back of your ear.

• Receiver-in-canal (RIC) has one piece that fits within the ear canal and one that sits behind the ear.³

• Open fit is a type of RIC style that sits both behind the ear and has a dome that fits within the ear to keep the ear canal open.

4. Smaller Hearing Aids Aren't Always Better

While many people prefer having a smaller and less visible hearing aid to avoid the stigma associated with hearing loss, those tiny invisible or CIC-style aids aren't the best choice for everyone. In fact, those little aids can:⁵

• Be difficult to handle

• Lack the extensive features of larger hearing aids³

• Easily become clogged with ear wax

• Use small batteries that have a shorter lifespan and aren't rechargeable⁴

5. Hearing Aid Costs Vary

The average cost of a hearing aid is around $2,300 per ear. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 per ear in most cases for hearing aids, with costs going up to $6,000 per ear for those with severe hearing loss.³

6. Most Hearing Aids Are Digital

Originally, hearing aids were analog, working much like a telephone to convert sound waves into electronic signals, amplify them and then convert them back into sound waves for the user. Today's hearing aids are mostly digital, using a computer chip to convert sound waves into digital signals, which are then amplified and converted back into sound waves.³

Computer technology has greatly improved the quality of the sounds being amplified and provides better noise reduction for users. Digital hearing aids also offer additional features like Bluetooth® connectivity and app controls.³

7. Not All Hearing Aids Are the Same

While the technology behind hearing aids has advanced by leaps and bounds throughout the years, that doesn't mean all hearing aids are the same. Those with extensive advanced features customized to your hearing profile can cost considerably more than those with limited features.³

Features that will add to the cost of your hearing aid include:³

• Background noise reduction. This helps to limit the noise around you so you can better focus on sounds and conversations near you.

• Directional microphones. These help you focus on specific sounds and conversations in front of and behind you. Some even automatically adjust to your environment.⁶

• Bluetooth connectivity. This enables you to use your hearing aid like headphones to stream everything from your cellphone conversations to your television's sound.

• Feedback cancellation. This reduces the whistling sound caused by some hearing aids.

• Wind noise suppression. This helps to reduce the interference of wind noise in outdoor environments.⁷

• Telecoils. These work with other devices called hearing loops, which may help you better understand voices in public spaces, such as places of worship or theaters.

8. Consider Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids With Caution

For those with mild to moderate hearing loss, purchasing a hearing aid over the counter or online might be more affordable. However, these may not be suitable for everyone, especially if your hearing care provider has recommended a prescription hearing aid, or advised considering a cochlear implant.⁸

In addition, while these types of purchases may save money upfront, the lack of in-person support could result in additional costs later.³

9. Hearing Aid Providers Can Help You Avoid Feedback

Feedback can appear as an annoying whistling sound if your hearing aid doesn't fit properly.⁹ Work with your hearing aid provider to ensure your hearing aid fits properly and is set to the right volume to avoid any feedback.⁹ Some hearing aids come with feedback cancellation to help with this issue.³

10. You Can Get a Demonstration Before Making a Purchase

When purchasing from a hearing care professional, ask for a demonstration — including how to use all the features of the hearing aid — before you buy it.¹⁰ You can also check to see if the provider offers hearing aid training to help you get the most out of your hearing aid, especially in different types of environments.

11. Hearing Aids Are Typically Not Covered by Insurance

While some health insurance companies may cover part or all of the cost of your hearing aids, most don't. Medicare Parts A and B won't cover the cost of hearing aids, and in most states, Medicaid only covers the cost of hearing aids for those under the age of 21.¹¹

12. Hearing Aids Can Act as Bluetooth Speakers

Many hearing aids available today do double duty as Bluetooth-compatible wireless speakers that allow you to listen to music, television, gaming devices, your cellphone and even your computer.¹²

Check if the hearing aid provides Bluetooth streaming or Bluetooth connectivity, which differ. Streaming enables you to use your hearing aid to take calls and listen to music, while connectivity may only allow you to connect to other devices through an app.¹²

13. Hearing Aids Should Last Years

With proper maintenance and care, most hearing aids last between three and seven years.¹³ Because of the monetary investment, it's a good idea to get an annual hearing test with your doctor to see if your hearing aids need any adjustments during their lifetime.

14. Rechargeable Batteries Can Save Money

While some hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries, not all of them do. This is an important consideration because:¹⁴

• Rechargeable batteries can last up to five years before you would need to replace them.

• You need to change disposable batteries every three to five days, which can get expensive.

• Changing batteries can be difficult with small hearing aids, especially for those with dexterity issues.

• Rechargeable devices charge overnight in their case, meaning they'll always be ready for use in the morning.

15. Some Hearing Aids Are Remote- or App-Controlled

Forget about dealing with tiny controls on your hearing aids. Many modern ones are compatible with an app that allows you to easily control them from your cellphone. This is a great option for small hearing aids that are harder to handle due to their size.¹²

Other hearing aids may come with a separate remote control that enables you to control them without touching them directly, much like an app. For those with two hearing aids, these remote or app controls usually allow you to control each separately or synchronize them in terms of volume and programming.¹²

16. You Can Try Your Hearing Aid Before You Buy It

Did you know that many hearing aids offer a trial period? This allows you to try out the hearing aid during this time to determine whether or not the hearing aid is comfortable and working correctly.⁸

If you aren't satisfied with your hearing aid during this time, you can return it for a full or partial refund and try something else that might work better for you. Always check with the retailer to determine:

• Whether they offer a trial period

• What the trial period is (usually 30 to 60 days)⁸

• How much of a refund you get if you return your hearing aid within the trial period (Note: Some providers, like HearingLife, allow you to try your hearing aid for 30 days and return it for a full refund if you aren't satisfied with it.)

17. Hearing Aids Keep You Healthy and Happy

Hearing aids not only help you hear better, but they can prevent other medical problems, too. When your hearing loss goes untreated, you may experience a variety of health issues, including:¹⁵

• Dementia

• An increased risk of falling

• Depression

• Loneliness

• Irritability around others because you can't understand what is being said

• A loss of the ability to concentrate

• Reduced job performance due to cognitive decline

• Trouble driving due to an inability to hear traffic sounds around you

18. Always Choose a Hearing Aid With a Warranty

Before buying your hearing aid, make sure it comes with a warranty, which can save you money over time.

• Not all warranties are equal, though. They may last anywhere from one to three years from the date of purchase, so always check before buying.³

• Ask if you can extend the warranty period even longer and how much that cost would be.

• Look for warranties that cover both the cost of repairs and replacement of the hearing aid during the warranty period.

19. You Can Finance the Cost of Hearing Aids

The price of hearing aids can be quite steep, but there are a few ways you can finance the cost of your hearing aids. You can use:

• Cash or savings to pay outright for the cost of your hearing aids

• A standard credit card to pay for the cost of your hearing aids over time

• An HSA or FSA account (if you have one) to pay for the cost of your hearing aids¹¹

• The CareCredit credit card, accepted by many hearing care professionals across the U.S.*

20. Your Hearing Aid Provider Can Help

Your hearing care provider is a valuable resource when purchasing a hearing aid.

• It's a good idea to ask your hearing care provider for hearing aid recommendations and suggestions for additional features you may want to consider based on your specific type of hearing loss, your needs and your lifestyle.

• The provider can help ensure the perfect fit for your hearing aid.

• It can be helpful to bring along a family member or friend to your hearing appointments and when you're shopping for and considering different types of hearing aids.

• Providers like HearingLife offer in-person and online help with the maintenance, upkeep and repair of your hearing aids, so always check if this is an option with the retailer you are dealing with.

Financing Ear Care With the CareCredit Credit Card

The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for hearing care, including regular hearing tests, screenings and more.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a hearing specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue to invest in your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to hearing care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, vision, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 19 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy and more.