LAST UPDATED: May 20th, 2022 | BY: Stacy Merci
Traditionally hearing aids have been a costly investment ranging between $3000 to $7000 and hence affordable only to the mighty rich. But not anymore, today the market is flooded with low cost hearing aids and the challenge is to find an affordable hearing aid and not a cheap one.
Although the premium hearing aid brands offer maximum audiologist customisation, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re compromising with your requirements when you opt for a budget option.
The biggest reason a company can make available a hearing aid in the $1000-$1500 price range is the advent of e-commerce that has enabled manufacturers to directly sell the products to consumers, cutting on traditional marketing channel profits.
Here we present the list of top selling and most reliable hearing aid brands in the United States that offer full value for money along with the most common features that make their products compete with the best.
Before we delve into the products, here’s a quick list of features that we have benchmarked for all the brands to be on our list. The deviations (if any) are further elaborated in the respective product review downwards.
Warranty: A decent warranty period have you covered against any malfunctioning after the Free Trial period and hence all the products on the list have a warranty ranging between 6 Months to 1 year which is a fair period to judge a device for its functioning.
Free Trial: Risk Free Trials offer an additional safety layer for your investment and is a testament to a company’s confidence in its product. Most brands offer a 30 Day To 45 Day Period within which a user can ask for a refund should the device not meet its purpose. However, there’s a dedicated process to maneuver users through the trial period, since it often requires acclimatization with most hearing aids when used first.
Affordability: To keep the essence of this study, the products ranging up to the price $1500 are included in the list. There are some specific models by these brands that are available for even under $500, but our purpose had been to choose the products which meet the minimum criterion with regard to features, technical advancement and competitive edge.
FDA Approved: The single most important parameter which separates a hearing aid from a sound amplifier. All the products included in our list are FDA approved.
Financing Options: Yet another feature that makes owning a hearing aid super affordable, one can choose to pay the amount further broken down in installments and that too at no extra cost.
Low Maintenance: Other than being economical, maintenance factor too is an important factor to consider so that these devices can be used over a long period of time. All the products on our list offer spare batteries and low maintenance to pay for every penny spent.
★ BEST OVERALL ★
MDHearingAid comes in a variety of sizes, available in four different models starting from $399 to $999 (price per pair) with monthly financing options. The best suitable hearing aid comes with 45 days trials and can be used for almost all hearing loss including- mild to serve.
The hearing device comes with a pair of rechargeable or disposable batteries with a carrying base. The hearing aids offer three different modes: quiet, social or noisy.
The free of cost customer care support is one of the excellent features of the brand. The hearing aids are fit perfectly to the ear and provide the finest sound quality under your budget. They are a perfect purchase for people who aren’t looking for customization.
To order now: log in to the website or give a call at (800) 859-6285
PROS:
45 days of a free trial.
FDA registered and verified by Audiologist.
Easy to order.
Great customer support.
Available as either single or in pair.
Easy monthly financing option.
Noise-reduction technology.
100% money-back guarantee.
CONS:
No in-person evaluation.
★ With Premium Features ★
Signia hearing aid comes in both in-ear and behind-ear fit, which is as low as $1,149. Signia’s Silk Nx model is highly demanded among the consumers as it offers instant comfort and powerful amplification.
The hearing aid comes with the premium features like rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth capabilities, smartphone functions and auto-adjustment of sound quality. The company offers one year warranty period.
It additionally provides free customer support either through phone or online. The easily adjustable and use feature with a budget-friendly option is a great deal.
The hearing aid is best suitable for the people suffering from almost all the hearing loss including-mild to serve. It is also for those people who are suffering from some disparities between their ears.
PROS:
A variety of models available.
Good customer support.
A .
Smartphone compatibility.
Offers unique therapies for Tinnitus.
CONS:
Do recommend a hearing professional before buying the product.
★ For Noisy Environments ★
Phonak offers the hearing aids for the people suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss at a variety of prices. The in-built of a tiny device named SoundLync, is responsible for automatically filtering the sound with the adjustment of lyrics.
It additionally offers a sleep mode. The incredible comfort without thinking and re-thinking about the replacement of the batteries is different worth purchasing.
It is good purchase for those who want something comfortable and convenient and low-input which is easy to wear on the daily basis.
Phonak offers the stellar audio quality with low or minimal maintenance at an affordable price.
PROS:
One-year warranty.
Comes with Bluetooth streaming.
Offers fine tuning of sound using the smartphone app.
Use of noise reduction technology.
CONS:
Do visit to audiologist before buying.
You may also be interested on some of the best phones for hard of hearing
★ With Discreet Design ★
The Eargo hearing aid offers a small device that fits perfectly into your ear canal. The tiny device has manufactured using the proprietary Flexi fibres with a maximum range of $1850 per pair.
The device offers four different modes and allows breathability with a natural, comfortable fit which ensures to deliver a balance of different sounds. Tiny and discrete device best suited for mild and serve hearing loss.
The simple and unique design is good for people who are using hearing fam for the first time. Eargo offers customer care support services through the phone. You can contact them at 855-747-5631 either for assistance or regarding the booking of the order.
This hearing aid comes with rechargeable batteries with a USB cable, cleaning brush, wax guard, and spare Flexi fibres of two different sizes.
PROS:
Rechargeable batteries with a unique body design.
Invisible in-ear models.
Provides stellar sound quality.
Lightweight and comfortable fit.
CONS:
No-in-person meetings.
Suitable only for mild and moderate hearing loss.
★ Best Customer Support ★
The three different Audicus models offer an extremely comfortable fit and good sound quality at an affordable price. The models are quite affordable, starting from $499 per ear.
The use of noise reduction technology behind-the-ear with the rechargeable and disposable batteries is worth buying. The brand offers 45 days free trial. The best feature of the brand is unlimited free access to their customer support.
It is suitable for almost all the hearing loss. The model Dia II is highly-popular among the customers is best for mild to serve hearing loss.
The hearing aids are best suitable for the person who desires to have a high-powered design behind-the-ear.
PROS:
FDA registered.
Great customer support system.
45 days of a free trial.
Flexible payment options available.
Comes with a one-year warranty.
CONS:
Not so good battery life.
High cost for recharging the old batteries.
★ Under $100 ★
The Enjoyee hearing aids are best suited for all types of people suffering with poor hearing. The hearing aid pair boasts of 30% more noise reduction with its newly upgraded smart chip.
You are free to select from 3 varied frequency modes and 4 different volume types ensuring crystal clear sound in different volume environments. Enjoyee hearing aids are not only comfortable but safe to wear as the newest materials are used to construct them.
The shell comes nano-coated, sweatproof, water proof, with domes of 5 different sizes. There are cleaning tools too that work diligently to extend their service life.
On a full-charge you can use them for 80 long hours without any hassles. Super easy to use and carry whenever and wherever you want. The customer service is satisfactory and overall the hearing amplifier boosts the quality of your life.
PROS:
CONS:
If your search surrounds choosing a reasonably-priced solution then knowing the difference between cheap hearing aids and affordable hearing aids holds great importance. Let us take a quick look at the characteristics of both and find which are good and should be bought and used.
Also read: Medicare Coverage Hearing Aid 2024: Do They Cover Hearing Aid?
Cheap Hearing Aids – Characteristics
Not FDA registered – The cheap hearing aids are not exactly hearing aids but personal sound amplification devices (PSAPs). They are not manufactured following international quality standards.
Non-medical devices – They are not sufficient for treating people with hearing loss.
Amplify all sounds in the same manner- PSAPs amplify sounds you want to hear and also the sounds which you don’t want.
Zero feedback control- You may get loud feedback noises than the good hearing-aids.
No advanced hearing aid technology- You don’t get advanced and newest features when you buy a PSAP.
Potentially dangerous- These could damage your hearing further.
Affordable Hearing Aids – Characteristics
Different business goals- The manufacturers of affordable hearing aids have a specific goal, which is producing quality hearing aids without bothering about the budget.
Affordable hearing aid brands- There are many hearing-aid brands that are ruling the market with their low-cost options.
Direct-customer sales- The role of middlemen is ruled out by the manufacturers of low-priced hearing aids.
No-in office appointments required- You need not go for any hearing tests to the doctor’s clinic or audiologists. are conducted for your comfort (For e.g. by ).
Newest technology- These hearing aids come with excellent features telecoils, adjustments, frequencies, and more).
Verdict:
We think it’s pretty obvious that the affordable hearing are the real winners when it comes to choosing hearing aids that are reasonably priced and the cheap hearing aids should be avoided.
There are a few potential factors that you should consider before buying one of these.
Programmability:
As seen on TV hearing aids come with a lot of features, benefits, along with affordability. All the models are designed with distinct features and the main difference likes with the hearing aids programmability.
In accordance with your distinct hearing loss the hearing aid needs to be programmed. They should be able to enhance sounds properly. If the hearing sounds are magnified uniformly then it won’t help you out much to hear speech with ease.
For getting a complete idea, you should consult a hearing specialist about the programming abilities along with pre-programmed settings that can be put in use in different situations.
Style:
We have discussed six types of styles, shapes, and sizes in the article above that are designed keeping the user’s preferences in mind. You might require a BTE, CIC, IIC, ITC, etc.
The functionality, ease-of-use, cost, appearance, and many things you will be looking into. So, considering elements into consideration becomes essential and your hearing loss extent also needs to be thought about.
Directional Microphones:
The basic purpose for which people invest in a hearing aid is to hear and understand speech. You need to be informed about the directional microphones in any hearing aid you buy.
The hearing aids that exhibit directionality feature 2 or more microphones. These are installed at a specific distance from each other. There occurs a contrast in the arrival time of sound of each microphone and this dictates how the hearing aid reacts to the sound. The Specific sound source is targeted in front of you and make you hear clear sounds of speech.
Background Noise Minimization:
Feedback suppression with background noise reduction forms a part of the majority of the digital hearing aid models. This needs to be validated with the product you are considering.
Microprocessors are present in the hearing aids that can differentiate between low-frequency (background noise) and high -frequency sounds (speech). The speech is intensified by the microprocessor while everything else is vanquished.
Telecoils:
A small coil of copper integrated into the hearing aid is a telecoil. These make the connection to hearing loop systems and makes it possible for you to talk on the phone.
If the hearing loops are installed in a cinema or a church you can hear with maximum clarity. These are compatible with home theatre systems too for equivalent effect and for additional details you can consult a hearing aid specialist.
Wireless Connectivity:
How good it is if your hearing aid shows compatibility with your smartphone or iPhone. You can stream music and telephone calls directly and that too with finest sound quality. You can turn your smartphone into a hearing aid remote control. Regulation of volume and settings becomes quite easy this way.
Consider Your Dexterity:
In case you are suffering from arthritis, then opting a larger hearing aid that is easy to put and remove is advised.
Some people may be prone to ear infections and excessive build up of ear wax. Small sized hearing aids are damaged more easily and this won’t be the appropriate choice then.
Lastly, what is the reasonable price for hearing aids should be known by you and buy the one that fits in your budget and wallet. You can compare the prices of different models by doing some research.
Wrap Up:
After much detailing about the hearing aids you should pick the one wisely that suits you. With the advanced affordable hearing reviews, you get more confidence and mental peace while you invest. Enhance your life with the most suitable and the best possible option of hearing aids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does Hearing Aid Improve Hearing?
Ans: Hearing loss takes place because of obstruction in the ear canal. This is a result of ear infections in which the canal experiences swelling.
If you experience hearing loss due to inner ear damage that impacts your sensory hair cells, you must have a hearing aid to improve your hearing.
Such hearing loss may be caused by medications, being exposed to loud noises for long periods, illnesses, injuries, or age.
Important to note – it is normal for you to experience hearing loss as you age. This is known as presbycusis hearing loss. You can improve this hearing loss with the use of one or more hearing aids.
Q2. How Long Does It Take To Adjust To A Hearing Aid?
Ans: The severity of hearing loss combined with the type of hearing aid you choose to wear affects the time it takes you to adjust to wearing a hearing aid. And it is the ear that collects the noises around you, it is your brain that translates the sounds into something that you recognize.
If you don’t treat hearing loss, it becomes worse and leads to atrophy in the auditory part of the brain. It is important to wear hearing aids as described by the doctor as this improves the odds of the device being able to improve hearing loss.
Q3. Are All Hearing Aids Rechargeable?
Ans: Hearing aids available today come with either disposable or rechargeable batteries. Devices with disposable batteries are the most popular, many manufacturers are producing more hearing aids with rechargeable battery options.
Hearing aid devices that are rechargeable have inbuilt batteries. If you go for a hearing aid with disposable batteries, you will have to replace the dead batteries.
Q4. What Is The Cost Of Hearing Aids?
Ans: Hearing aids differ in prices, with the cost being determined by the technology used in the device. A hearing aid that boasts today’s most advanced technology and features will cost more than a device that only uses basic hearing aid technology.
On average, you need to spend $1,500 to $3,500 per hearing aid. If you want a pair of hearing aids, you should be ready to spend $3,000 to $7,000.
Q5. How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?
Ans: Most hearing aids last from 4 to 10 years. Just because you buy a hearing aid with a 10-year lifespan does not mean you will want to use it for that long.
Every five years, hearing aid technology becomes more advanced. This is the reason many people get new hearing aids every five years.
Q6. Is Returning A Hearing Aid Difficult?
Ans: A hearing aid may come or may not come with a trial period. You should buy ones that do because, during the trial period, you can decide for yourself, whether or not you like to return the hearing aid.
You ask yourself whether the hearing aid helps or hurts your hearing loss. If it hurts, then return the hearing aid device before the trial period is over.
Q7. Will Hearing Aids Help With Tinnitus?
Ans: Yes, living with Tinnitus can hinder your quality of life, when it comes to enjoying your surroundings and being aware of all the sounds around you. Many people with Tinnitus wear hearing aids cause they suffer from hearing loss, and lots of them notice improvements in their symptoms.
The devices enable them to hear sounds they miss due to the Tinnitus ringing. Because of the ability to hear all sounds going on around them, it minimizes Tinnitus symptoms. Also see: Can hearing aid help tinnitus?
Q8. How To Know Whether I Need A Hearing Aid?
Ans: Before buying a hearing aid, you ask yourself if your hearing loss is impacting your daily life.
Can you communicate well with others? Do your friend’s members notice that you are not hearing as well as you used to?
Your answers to these questions will impact whether you need a hearing aid. You can have an audiologist check your hearing to see whether your hearing loss needs treatment through the use of hearing aids.
Q9. What Is A Reasonable Price Of Hearing Aids?
Ans: Affordable hearing aids are real hearing aids to address the specific frequency amplification needs of those suffering from hearing loss. They don’t cost $2,000-$6,000 or more. Instead, they cost $400-$1,200 a pair.
Q10. What Is The Best Hearing Aid Under $100?
Ans:
Britzgo Digital Hearing Aid Amplifier Bha-220.
Britzgo Digital Hearing Aid Amplifiers Qty 2 BHA-220D.
IAid Digital Hearing Amplifier.
Britzgo Digital Hearing Amplifier BHA-203.
Coniler Hearing Aid.
R&L Hearing Rechargeable Amplifier C100.
Angelear Hearing Aid Amplifier.