How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost? Hearing loss is a significant issue for a range of children and adults, the inability to hear can cause limitations and put people into dangerous situations. Getting tested for your hearing loss and fitted for hearing aids can significantly improve your life.
One of the major factors in people not getting hearing aids is the cost, so understanding hearing aid costs and the different options available can help you decide what is possible in your current situation.
How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?
The average cost for hearing aids is $2,300 per ear, so if you need a pair, it’s going to double in price to $4,600. The cost typically includes consultation, testing, fitting, and the actual hearing aid, along with planned cleanings and a warranty on failure of the device.
| Cost Per Ear | |
| Average Cost For Hearing Aid | $2,300 |
| Cost Range For Hearing Aid | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Cheapest Hearing Aid Cost | $50 |
| Premium Hearing Aid Cost | $6,000 |
Most hearing aid sellers have financial payment options, and in some cases, this could simply be a monthly payment, so costs are more manageable if you can’t pay upfront, which is often a challenge when you need two hearing aids.
Standard hearing aids will last for between 4 – 7 years depending on usage and maintenance, but most audiologists recommend replacing them every 5 years, or the performance can deteriorate. So you can split the overall cost across at least 4 years when determining ongoing costs.
Hearing Aid Price Ranges
The cost range for hearing aids of $1,000 – $4,000 is for typical hearing loss with standard features and requirements from the user. Your hearing will be tested, and the right hearing aid will be adjusted for your specific needs and fitted correctly.
If you have more advanced hearing loss or uncommon issues, you’ll often need a premium hearing aid which can cost up to $6,000 per ear.
If you don’t have the finances available or don’t have access to a hearing aid specialist, you can buy hearing aids online for as low as $50 per ear. However, they aren’t specifically fitted for you, there is no hearing test included, and the devices may not last as long.
What Is Included In Hearing Aid Cost?
Hearing aids are typically purchased individually for each ear rather than in pairs, so a purchase comes with a single hearing aid, and unless you unbundle your price, you’ll receive a range of services included.
- Consultation costs to see if a hearing aid is right for you.
- Testing of your hearing loss with accurate measurements.
- A professional fitting to ensure you get the right size of hearing aid and that it fits appropriately.
- Adjustments to ensure that you get the best out of your hearing aid.
- Repairs or replacement parts for 1 – 3 years.
- Free adjustments if your hearing loss changes.
- Loaner hearing aids while yours is being repaired.
The actual services provided may differ depending on who is selling you the hearing aid and what they decide to bundle into the price. You could receive more or less of the options and services above.
If you’re purchasing your hearing aid online rather than through an audiologist or professional service, the price will only include the hearing aid with limited warranties.
What Impacts The Price Of Hearing Aids?
There are a range of factors that impact the price of hearing aids, your specific requirements, where you buy the hearing aid, and what services will be included as major components of the price.
The difference between the cheaper and the better one is so minimal that it’s worth it. Aside from the usual fittings and adjustments, other factors such as ongoing care and support can also affect the cost of hearing aids.
- The newer and more technology included in your hearing aid can improve performance, but typically more features mean higher prices.
- The style of hearing aid will impact the price, the larger behind the ear option is cheaper than, the smaller in-ear hearing aid.
- Hearing aids can have rechargeable batteries which have a higher upfront cost but lower ongoing cost as you don’t need to purchase new batteries.
- Additional features such as noise-canceling, tinnitus-masking, artificial intelligence, and anything else not specifically required add to the cost.
- Included services for your bundled package can increase the upfront cost significantly, such as adjustments, repairs, and general support. However, if you pay for these individually, you may pay more over the long run for consultations and repairs.
What Factors To Consider When Choosing Hearing Aid Price Range
When choosing a hearing aid, there are a range of things to consider so that you have the best experience possible with your new hearing aid.
- Consider your budget, how much can you spend, and do you have insurance that will cover some of the cost. Remember that most hearing aid suppliers will provide a monthly payment plan.
- Check the style that best suits you, the smaller you go, the higher the cost, but the less noticeable the device will be.
- How bad is your hearing loss, and is it expected to get worse soon? If you need to have ongoing adjustments, you may need to factor that into your selection.
- What type of technology is essential for your specific needs? You may need specific types of hearing aid technology or just the basics.
Cost For Different Types Of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can be classed into three main types, PSAP, over-the-counter hearing aids, and fitted hearing aids. The cost and features of each type are different, and that impacts the price you may pay.
The cost of hearing aids can vary widely between $1,000 to $6,000 depending on their level of technology and the type of person they’re intended for. Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of hearing aids.
| PSAP | OTC Hearing Aids | Fitted Hearing Aids | |
| Cost | $250 – $350 | $50 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Amplifies Sounds | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| FDA-Approved | ✓ | ||
| Fitted By A Specialist | ✓ | ||
| Customized To Your Needs | ✓ | ||
| Modifies Sound Waves | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Warranty | Limited | 90 Day | 1+ Year |
PSAP
Personal sound amplification products (PSAP) are not true hearing aids, they are devices that electronically increase the volume of sound coming into your ear and are not recommended for use with hearing loss.
However, PSAP are often cheaper and easier to get for most people, with the average cost being around $250 – $350. Historically, they have been the only option some people with limited finances and no insurance have opted for.
The primary issue with this type of cheaper product is that it’s only increasing the volume, which can further damage your hearing in the long run.
OTC Hearing Aids
OTC hearing aids are an option for people that want the cheapest hearing aid, prices typically range around $50 – $150 per pair, and there is no hearing test required, and nobody is going to fit or ensure you get the right type of hearing aid.
OTC hearing aids are not FDA-approved yet, though some suppliers or websites indicate they are. They are being reviewed by the FDA, but as of May 2022, there has been no determination or approval for any OTC hearing aid.
You can purchase hearing aids online from websites like Amazon for much lower prices. The suppliers indicate the hearing aids are effective and adjustable for most types of standard hearing loss that require hearing aids.
OTC hearing aids are a much better option than using PSAPs as they will modify sound waves and are adjustable based on your hearing needs. However, the cost only includes the device, and the life span may not be as high as a fitted or higher-quality hearing aid.
Fitted Hearing Aids
Fitted hearing aids cost between $1,000 – $4,000 per ear for standard hearing loss, though the price can jump to $6,000 or more when there are out-of-the-ordinary hearing issues that need to be accounted for.
A specialist will test your hearing, select the right type of hearing aid for your needs, and make adjustments based on your specific requirements.
Fitted hearing aids can come bundled or unbundled in price. Bundled includes the consultation, testing, fitting, cleaning schedule, and warranty of the device. Unbundled hearing aid costs allow you to purchase everything separately, so you can keep costs down by not taking all services.
Sample Costs For Bunded vs. Unbundled Hearing Aids
With a bundled price for hearing aids, you may pay $6,750, but the same hearing aids without the included services could cost $5,500. You then pay per service you want, such as the hearing aid fitting to keep your costs potentially lower.
| Item | Bundled Cost | Unbundled Cost |
| Pair Of Premium Hearing Aids | $6,750 | $5,500 |
| Hearing Test & Consultation | $390 | |
| Hearing Aid Fitting | $610 | |
| Unlimited Servicing – 1 Year | $800 | |
| 15-Min Appointment | $65 | |
| 30-Min Appointment | $130 | |
| 45-Min Appointment | $190 | |
| 60-Min Appointment | $260 |
While the unbundled price may appear attractive, you need to determine if the costs will be lower in the long run. A bundled price for your hearing aids will typically include free servicing, repairs or replacement parts, adjustments, and ongoing support.
If you opt for an unbundled package, you may end up costing yourself more through visits for adjustments and repairs.
Where it makes the most sense to go unbundled is when you have insurance that covers replacement or repairs on hearing aids, and your medical insurance can send you to an audiologist to test your hearing rather than having the supplier do it for you.
Do Hearing Aids Have Warranties?
Different types of hearing aids have varying warranties in terms of what they’ll cover and how long they’ll cover it for. A bundled fitted hearing aid will have the longest and most comprehensive warranty, while an OTC cheap hearing aid will provide limited warranties.
Hearing aids are expensive no matter what type you get, so having a good warranty that covers damage or problems once you’ve received and started using your hearing aid can assist with ongoing costs from replacement or even an appointment to repair your hearing aid.
Fitted Hearing Aid Warranties
More expensive hearing aids that are fitted typically have a 1-year comprehensive warranty to cover defects or damage to them as you use them, the more complex and expensive hearing aids can even have a 3-year warranty included with them.
Bundled hearing aid packages will also typically include replacement parts and repairs from general wear and tear issues.
OTC Hearing Aid Warranties
OTC hearing aids typically have a 30-90 day limited warranty that covers defects when you receive the product. If you’ve been using it, opened it, or caused the damage yourself, there will likely be no refund or repair provided.
Costs can quickly increase if you’re using OTC hearing aids heavily or in environments that can cause more damage.
Some OTC hearing aid services provide monthly replacements for around $500 per year.
Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?
There is a range of options to assist with the cost of hearing aids, and your insurance may offer a set amount you can spend in a set period of time. As an example, you may be covered for $2,300 every three years, but you need to check your own insurance for that information.
Around 22 states mandate that insurance providers must cover hearing aids for children under 18 and 5 states mandate that insurance providers provide coverage for adults.
Typical coverage in these states is $1,000 – $3,000 per ear over 1 – 4 years, so it really depends on your state and insurance provider.
Some employers may also increase the coverage and allowance provided, so it’s in your interest to check with your employer or insurance provider on what exactly is covered.
Additional Resources That Cover Hearing Aid Costs
If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover hearing aids, there may be a number of other options to help pay for your hearing aids in full or at least partially.
- Children with hearing loss may be eligible for free hearing aids if their Individualized Education Program (IEP) requires it, see the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) for more information.
- If you’re a college student or you may lose your job due to your hearing loss, you may qualify for hearing aids through your state vocational rehabilitation agency.
- There are a range of local hearing aid banks that your city or state may have. Check with your doctor or online to see whether anything is available to you, try searching google for things like “Missouri hearing aid loan program.”
- Medicaid may provide hearing aids for low-income people, so it’s worth checking with them on your options.
- Veterans may qualify for hearing aid or other devices through the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Shop around for the best price, Costco hearing aids or Sam’s Club hearing aids may be cheaper than your current options.
Unfortunately, hearing aids are costly, but with OTC hearing aids, you may be able to get a very cheap option that can improve your daily life, so paying $50 each year for basic hearing aids may be better than not having them at all.
