About 48 million Americans have significant hearing loss, but surprisingly, most wait an average of seven years before seeking help with their trouble hearing.1 Living with hearing loss can negatively impact relationships and overall health. Seniors and their caregivers need to seek hearing aid solutions quickly since older adults living with untreated hearing loss are at three times greater risk of falling and have a five times greater risk of developing dementia.2 Whether you’re experiencing mild, moderate, or profound hearing loss, a hearing aid could better your social, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
For decades, Beltone, a leading hearing aid company, has provided tailored hearing solutions for older adults experiencing varying levels of hearing loss. Their technology is manufactured by ReSound, another provider we’ve reviewed, but sold and supported through locally-owned Beltone franchises Though not the cheapest hearing aids on the market, Beltone stands firm on its foundational mission of providing innovative hearing devices with personalized care. Beltone hearing aids could cost you between $2,800 to $7,000 for a pair, but the price tag is accompanied by support from a licensed hearing instrument specialist or audiologist and ongoing care for your hearing aids. It’s important to note that Beltone’s hearing aids must be purchased in-person at a local hearing center and prices may vary by location. If a wallet-friendly option is what you need, you may want to consider Eargo’s hearing aids, as they offer budget hearing aids that can be purchased completely online. If you’re shopping around for hearing aids for yourself or a loved one, this guide will assist you in determining if Beltone hearing aids are the right fit!
Not Interested In Beltone Hearing Aids? Check Out Our Favorite Alternatives
Beltone is one of the top providers of hearing aids in the United States, offering advanced technology and quality customer service. That said, it may not be the best option for budget-conscious seniors. If you’re shopping for the most affordable hearing aids, there are plenty of less expensive products out there. Be sure to check out some of the top-rated hearing aid brands that we have reviewed to learn more.
Hearing aids are not available for purchase online
Are Beltone Hearing Aids Right For Me?
If you’re unsure whether or not you’re experiencing hearing loss, some early warning signs of hearing loss to look out for include:
Difficulty following conversations
People seem to mumble or talk too softly
Having to ask others to repeat themselves
Needing the television volume louder than others
Cannot hear the phone or doorbell ring
If you or a loved one are experiencing some of these early warning signs of hearing loss, it may be time to get a hearing assessment and determine if hearing aids may be the right solution for your lifestyle and needs. Beltone has a free online hearing test you can take on their website as well as licensed hearing professionals across the country who can administer a test in person.
Did You Know:
Did You Know: Beltone has won multiple awards for its innovative technology, including the 2020 Customer Service Organization of the Year award from the Business Intelligence Group.3
If hearing loss has caused you to become disconnected, Beltone can help you become reconnected with your loved ones and environment with hearing solutions for varying severity in hearing loss. Whether you are diagnosed with mild, moderate, or profound hearing loss, Beltone provides optimal hearing support in varying styles, ranging from behind-the-ear to in-the-canal, to fit your lifestyle. The high-quality technology may cost you more than competitors, but Beltone hearing aids come with incredible value and support.
Beltone Hearing Aids
Beltone Styles
Beltone offers several types of hearing aids. Determining the right type for you will depend on your lifestyle, severity of hearing loss, cognitive health, and cosmetic preference. Your licensed hearing specialist can guide you to a style that matches your budget and level of hearing loss. The chart below will provide you with details on the various styles offered by Beltone including behind-the-ear (BTE), microphone-in-helix (MIH), receiver-in-the-ear (RIE), and four versions of in-the-canal (ITC).
Similar to other providers we’ve reviewed, like Oticon, Beltone doesn’t offer every style in all their hearing aid devices. Depending on which type you gravitate to, you’ll want to see which hearing aids Beltone offers in that particular style.
Style
Pros
Cons
Beltone hearing aids available in this style
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
Budget-friendly; accommodates any level of hearing loss
Less discreet than some styles
Amaze, Boost Ultra, Rely, Trust
Receiver-In-Ear (RIE)
Exceptional sound quality; for any level of hearing loss
Less discreet than some styles; more expensive than traditional BTE
Amaze, Imagine, Rely, Trust
Microphone-in-Helix (MIH)
Less sensitive to wind noise, great for spending time outdoors; less noticeable than BTE, but does not go inside the canal
Requires more maintenance/cleaning due to earwax and skin build-up
Amaze, Trust, Rely
Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
Affordable; can sync with a smartphone; very discreet
Small size can be difficult to handle; may make the ear feel plugged
Not ideal for severe hearing loss; more noticeable
Amaze, Rely, Trust
In-The-Ear (ITE)
Simple to adjust; can accommodate more severe hearing loss
Less discreet than some styles
Amaze, Rely, Trust
Beltone Hearing Aid Models
Below we’ll take a closer look at each of Beltone’s hearing aid models. As we’ve mentioned, not all of Beltone’s hearing aids come in every available style.
Important Note:
Important Note: The price of Beltone’s hearing aids will vary by location, as every hearing clinic can set its own prices. The best way to find out how much your devices will cost is to visit your local Beltone center, which you can find by using Beltone’s locator tool.4
Beltone Imagine
Introduced in August of 2020, the Imagine is the world’s first model to use a combination of both a microphone and a receiver in the ear, according to Beltone. Using Microphone & Receiver-in-Ear (M&RIE) technology, the hearing aid offers natural sound by filtering and delivering optimal sound even in noisy environments. This technology can distinguish multiple sounds at once and make sure you can focus on the important ones. That means you can listen to the grandkids play outside without being distracted by the sound of the wind or cars passing by.
FYI:
FYI: Visit our guide to hearing aids for seniors to learn everything you need to know before purchasing. From styles of hearing aids to the different types of hearing tests, we cover it all!
The Beltone Imagine is compatible with Apple devices and Android smartphones, so users can stream audio from their favorite devices to their hearing aids. The rechargeable battery in the hearing aid lasts up to 30 hours, so you won’t have to worry about a dead battery in the middle of the day. Also, this top-of-the-line hearing aid won a gold 2020 Stevie Award for the Most Valuable Medical Innovation.
Beltone Amaze
Great for mild to severe hearing loss, the Beltone Amaze features background noise and wind noise reduction. Whether you’re enjoying a musical, going to the movies, or watching TV with the family, you’ll always experience full, rich sound. Available in multiple styles, eight different colors, and a rechargeable batteries option, there is a Beltone Amaze to fit any lifestyle and preference.
Pro Tip:
Pro Tip: Visit our list of the top hearing aids in 2023 to compare Beltone to other leading providers.
Just like the Imagine model, you’ll be able to connect to your Apple or Android phone and stream music, movies, or take calls directly through the hearing aid, no extra device needed! You’ll also be able to remotely control your hearing aids’ settings through a Beltone mobile app, making it easy to adjust your hearing experience on the go.
Beltone Sound Remote
Beltone Boost Ultra
The Beltone Ultra Boost provides the maximum support needed by those with severe to profound hearing loss. As far as style goes, the Ultra Boost is limited to BTE, since this style is usually best at providing optimal hearing support. It is available in five colors and seamlessly connects to smart devices for easy sound streaming. If you are an individual with tinnitus, the Boost Ulta may be a great fit since it has a built-in tinnitus breaker. Users can easily adjust their device settings through a Beltone mobile app, or, if you need more support, you can live stream with a hearing professional for instant advice and recommendations.
Money-Saving Tip:
Money-Saving Tip: Check out Beltone’s purchasing options. They offer hearing aid leasing for lower monthly rates and a buyback program to help you save.
Beltone Rely
This rechargeable model comes in every type of hearing aid that Beltone offers, from BTE to ITE. Beltone Rely features a battery life of up to 30 hours, direct streaming to compatible smartphones, and a mobile app to easily control your hearing aids. These devices are built with what Beltone labels its “standard technology,” and they are suitable for all types of hearing loss.
Beltone Trust
Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, the Trust comes in every type of hearing aid Beltone offers. Trust hearing aids can connect with your smartphone for easy streaming, whether you want to answer a call or listen to music directly through your hearing aids. You can control all of your settings through one mobile app for easy adjustments. Trust models feature Beltone’s advanced technology, and they automatically adjust to your listening environment. From wind and background noise reduction to tinnitus management technology, these hearing aids really have it all.
Beltone Innovative Apps and Add-Ons
Beltone’s wireless accessories and apps make their hearing aids even more convenient and versatile. Their apps provide discreet adjusting of hearing aids, remote care video chats, smart device control, and tinnitus relief. Accessories use a 2.4 GHz frequency band for quick adjusting of the volume of televisions, phones, and even conversations. The Beltone apps are free, while you can expect to pay between $250 and $350 for a remote, microphone, or link device. Again, prices will vary by location and provider.
Beltone myPAL Pro Controls
App/Device
Functionality
Best for
HearMax App
Control and adjust your hearing aids and participate in live remote care with your hearing specialist
Those who have trouble adjusting hearing aids manually
HearPlus App
Control and adjust older Beltone hearing aid models
Those who have trouble adjusting hearing aids manually and have an older Beltone model hearing aid
Tinnitus Calmer App
Users can be distracted from their tinnitus symptoms with relaxing, customizable soundscapes
Those among the 15 percent of the American population5 with Tinnitus
Beltone myPAL Micro and Pro
These microphones can be placed near a television or person you want to capture sound from. The sound is sent directly to your hearing aids.
Those who want to amplify sound without having to turn up the television or sit closer to a speaker.
Beltone Direct TV Link 2
The device wirelessly streams stereo sound from the television to your hearing aids
Those who watch TV frequently in a noisy environment or with the volume turned loudly
Beltone Remotes
Easily adjust the volume of your hearing aids and volume of the TV or stereo through this remote
Those who aren't comfortable using a smartphone app
Beltone Phone Link 2
Users can hear their phone ring in their hearing aids, as well as continue the conversation by answering the call with the Phone Link 2
Those who have trouble hearing phone conversations or hearing their phone ring
Beltone DirecTV Link
How to Purchase Beltone Hearing Aids
Unlike other low-cost options, such as MDHearingAid’s affordable devices, which you can purchase online, you will need to visit a store to purchase a Beltone hearing aid. The first step you’ll want to take is to visit the Beltone website and locate a hearing center near you. You can also call Beltone6 to schedule an appointment. At your appointment, you can expect to take a lifestyle assessment questionnaire, go over your hearing and health history with a licensed hearing specialist, take a hearing evaluation, and review your results. Lastly, you’ll be able to explore various Beltone hearing aids and even try them on to see what you think. The hearing aids that you select will be customized to support your specific hearing loss and ear anatomy. You’ll get a detailed introduction to your new hearing aids and be able to follow up with your hearing specialist anytime after your appointment with questions or adjustments.
Beltone Phone Link 2
Helpful Tip:
Helpful Tip: It can take several adjustments to get your hearing aid working exactly right for you. Follow up with your hearing specialist two to four weeks after your initial appointment to get them fine-tuned if needed!
In March of 2020, Beltone began offering convenient live video visits with hearing specialists via the HearMax app. Additionally, as of June 2020, Beltone customers can now purchase batteries, cleaning supplies, and accessories for their hearing aids through the Beltone online store. The hearing aids themselves still need to be purchased through a local hearing store.
Fun Fact:
Fun Fact: Beltone’s Remote Care Live won two prestigious 2020 Stevie Awards in the Most Valuable Medical Innovation and Most Valuable Service categories.
BelCare
BelCare is a benefit program offered by Beltone that supports your hearing health and provides protection coverage for the life of your hearing aid. We found it to be one of the most comprehensive protection plans in the hearing care industry.
A few highlights of the BelCare benefit program include:
An annual hearing evaluation
Follow-up care at over 1500 Beltone Hearing Care Centers
A 30-day refund policy
Warranty and lost, stolen, or damaged coverage
Two-year protection for a change in hearing loss
When you visit a Beltone Hearing Care Center, ask the hearing specialist for more details on Beltone’s BelCare benefit program.
Final Thoughts
Beltone is all about personalized service and providing seniors with quality hearing solutions. We appreciate the company’s new online offerings for accessories, repairs, and convenient remote care. Though their hearing aids are more expensive than some others on the market, costing upwards of $7,000 per pair, these innovative devices are worth the investment. A Beltone hearing aid purchase is accompanied by valuable support including a professional hearing test, custom fitting, and follow up maintenance and cleaning. With solutions for mild to profound hearing loss and styles ranging from behind-the-ear to completely-in-canal, most seniors will be able to find a Beltone hearing aid to meet their needs. Want more information on Beltone? Take a look at our in-depth review of Beltone.
For a pair, Beltone hearing aids could cost you between $2,800 and $7,000, but the purchase is partnered with support from a licensed hearing specialist and ongoing care for your hearing aids. Prices will vary based on location and Beltone hearing center.
Original Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids. Some supplemental plans may cover a portion of the cost. You’ll want to check with your provider to confirm your plan benefits.
The average lifespan of a Beltone hearing aid is about six years. Check with your local Beltone licensed hearing specialist about the warranties they offer.
If you choose a hearing aid with traditional batteries, you’ll probably need to replace them every 5-7 days. Beltone also offers hearing aids with rechargeable batteries that last 30 hours between charges.
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As a practicing audiologist since the 1990’s, Brad Ingrao, AuD has fitted thousands of hearing aids to seniors and people of all ages. Brad is the Official Audiologist for the International Committee on Sports for the Deaf and a well-known… Learn More About Brad Ingrao
