Everything You Need to Know About Hearing Aid Costs in 2024
Hearing aid prices vary from a few hundred dollars for over-the-counter devices to around $8,000 per pair for top-tier prescription hearing aids.
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Many of today's more advanced hearing aids can fully restore your sense of hearing, but these devices can come with a high price tag. Prescription hearing aids can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 per ear, adding up to $2,000 to $8,000 per pair. Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are typically more affordable, ranging from a few hundred dollars to $3,000 per pair.
| Brand | Price per pair |
|---|---|
| Starkey | $2,000 to $8,000* |
| Oticon | $2,000 to $8,000* |
| Phonak | $2,000 to $7,500* |
| Widex | $2,000 to $7,500* |
| Jabra Enhance | $995 to $1,995 |
| Eargo | $799 to $2,950 |
| MDHearing | $297 to $397 |
| Audien | $89 to $249 |
* Prices will vary by location and provider. Costs listed are estimates from audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman.
You can't put a price tag on the ability to hear. But the truth is, most people don't have $8,000 lying around. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce out-of-pocket expenses when buying hearing aids. Here's a closer look at what you can expect to pay for hearing aids, whether or not your insurance will help cover the cost, and different programs you can check into that provide financial assistance for hearing aid devices.
Finding Affordable Hearing Aids
Whether you’ve bought hearing aids in the past or just started your search for the first time, you probably know that they can get pricey. You might be able to find some basic models at more affordable prices, but you’ll often have to pay more for modern tech and extra features. That said, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality to find hearing aids at a price that fits your budget. To locate high-quality hearing aids at competitive prices, check out the best affordable providers we have reviewed.
What Is Included With a Hearing Aid Purchase?
When you buy a prescription hearing aid, you pay for much more than the device itself. Along with the device, the hearing aid cost usually covers a hearing test, a consultation, the initial fitting session, and multiple follow-up adjustments. The hearing aid cost covers routine cleanings plus a warranty in some cases.
What comes included with OTC hearing aids varies by provider. Many offer a free hearing test, along with follow-up care from audiologists and a mobile app for remote adjustments. Others offer hearing aids without any extra features or care.
As far as the warranty goes, many hearing aids come with up to two to three years of warranty coverage. The warranties often cover all repair expenses; some even come with a one-time replacement policy, which is of immense advantage if you lose a hearing aid.
When buying a hearing aid, you can opt for an “unbundle” pricing scheme. This pricing allows you to pick and choose which device and services you want. This way, you're not paying for services you will never use. For example, you don’t want to pay for a “loss and damage” warranty. When you opt for an “unbundle” hearing aid deal, you don't have to pay for a warranty if you don't want one. Carefully consider which features you don’t want – you don’t want to end up needing one later on and not having it.
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What Impacts How Much Hearing Aids Cost?
Most of the time, the most significant factor that impacts your hearing aid cost is the device’s technology and features. Although hearing aid prices have not gotten less expensive, the technology in these devices has become more sophisticated. Hearing aids that used to be top-of-the-line even a few years ago are now considered basic hearing aids.
Suppose you opt for the most advanced technology in a hearing aid. In that case, you can expect to receive some of the finest features available, such as wireless capabilities and advanced noise-reduction. If you're not interested in the best of the best, you can always opt for a more affordable version that still provides solid hearing capabilities.
Are Hearing Aids Worth the High Cost?
Hearing aids are most definitely worth the high cost. Think about it. Let’s say you purchase a hearing aid for $3,800 and wear it for seven years. That means you are paying $543 a year for the hearing aid. That’s $45.25 per month or $1.51 per day. Having the ability to hear is definitely worth $1.51 a day!
Oticon Hearing Aids
Does Insurance Pay for Hearing Aids?
Roughly 40 percent of Americans tap into third-party payment assistance when covering the cost of hearing aids. You should check with your insurance provider to see if any financial assistance is available for your hearing aid. Most insurance plans feature some hearing aid coverage, covering about 85 percent of the total hearing aid cost. That applies only every few years.
Those who have served in the U.S. military should check with the Department of Veteran Affairs to see whether they qualify for hearing aid payment assistance. Frequently, qualifying veterans will receive full coverage on hearing aid costs, including coverage for the device, consultations, fittings, repairs, and more.
If you’re still concerned about affording hearing aids, there are a few ways that some older adults can qualify for free hearing aids.
Are Hearing Aids Tax Deductible?
Good news! If you itemize deductions, you can deduct the cost of hearing aids and associated costs on your federal income taxes. According to the IRS, this includes the cost of hearing aids, batteries, maintenance, and repairs required to use your hearing aids.3 If your spouse or dependents have hearing aids, ensure you deduct their costs as well.
Should You Buy Hearing Aids Online?
You can find great deals for OTC hearing aids online, with many deals significantly reducing your hearing aid cost. However, it’s pertinent to understand that ordering hearing aids through the mail or online includes a significant drawback — you probably won’t receive a consultation or unique fitting session.
When you purchase hearing aids through a local hearing clinic, you can have the devices precisely calibrated to your hearing loss needs. That’s a fantastic advantage! Your consultation and fittings are instrumental in whether the hearing aid helps you achieve optimal hearing. However, many over-the-counter hearing aids come with virtual fittings and consultations, so they’re still worth considering for the discounted price. Speak with your doctor or audiologist to decide if online hearing aids suit you.
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The White House. (2015). PCAST Recommends Changes to Promote Innovation in Hearing Technologies.
The White House. (2022). FACT SHEET: Cheaper Hearing Aids Now in Stores Thanks to Biden-Harris Administration Competition Agenda.
IRS. (2023). Medical and Dental Expenses.
