2024 ZipHearing Review and Pricing
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855-312-4755
SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
855-312-4755
ZipHearing helps customers save on hearing aids by selling name-brand products for up to 50 percent off the retail price. You’ll find popular prescription brands such as Phonak, Starkey, and ReSound, and you can easily compare all your options in one place. Our tech experts and resident audiologists have tested and reviewed all those brands, and many of them made our list of the best hearing aids.
Another perk: ZipHearing gives you the freedom and flexibility to have your hearing aids adjusted and programmed by any local dispenser. That means you aren’t tied to one specific office or audiologist. If you’re looking for hearing aids that can be purchased online or more affordable over-the-counter (OTC) brands, however, you may want to look elsewhere. In this guide, I’ll discuss my experience trying ZipHearing to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.+
Phonak offers a variety of hearing aids for all levels of hearing loss.
Pros About ZipHearing
- Easily compare hearing aids from the industry’s leading providers in one place
- Save up to 50 percent compared to retail prices
- Large nationwide network of audiologists
- Hearing-loss levels from mild to profound
Cons About ZipHearing
- Requires traveling to an audiologist for an in-person consultation
- No cheaper over-the-counter options
Not Interested In ZipHearing? Check Out These Quality Alternatives
ZipHearing is not a standard hearing aid manufacturer. Rather than simply getting access to one brand of hearing aids, ZipHearing brings together a large network of hearing aid providers so you can choose from some of the best brands on the market. ZipHearing works only with prescription hearing aid brands, however, which are typically more expensive than OTC options that can be purchased directly from providers online. If you’d prefer to purchase directly from an OTC hearing aid manufacturer or you simply want to know what else is out there, take a look at some other top-rated brands we have reviewed.
Comparing Hearing Aid Brands Available From ZipHearing
Here’s an overview of some hearing aids available through ZipHearing. Note that prices are estimates and may vary based on provider.
| Brand | ReSound | Widex | Starkey | Signia | Oticon | Phonak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Nexia | Moment | Edge AI | Pure Charge&Go IX | Intent | Virto Paradise |
| Styles available | Receiver-in-ear (RIE), micro-RIE, CROS (one-sided hearing loss), in-the-ear (ITE), completely-in-canal (CIC), in-the-canal (ITC) | Receiver-in-canal (RIC), mini-RIC, CIC, micro-CIC, BTE, custom, XP (severe to profound) | RIC, mini-RIC, ITE, CIC, CROS, RIC | RIC (T-coil and CROS options available) | Mini-RIE(CROS and T-Coil available) | CIC, ITC, invisible- in-canal (IIC) |
| Hearing loss level | Mild to profound | Mild to profound | Mild to profound | Mild to profound | Mild to profound | Mild to profound |
| Battery type | Rechargeable and disposable options | Rechargeable and disposable options | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable and disposable options | Disposable |
| Average cost per pair (local care included) | $3,198 to $4,598 | $2,798 to $4,598 | $3,198 to $4,798 | $2,398 to $4,790 | $2,898 to $4,898 | $2,798 to $4,598 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth low-energy (LE) audio enabled | Some models are Bluetooth enabled | Bluetooth LE audio enabled | Requires add-on accessories | Bluetooth LE audio enabled | No |
| Hands-free calling | Yes | Some models | Yes | Requires add-on accessories | Yes | No |
For a closer look at the brands ZipHearing sells, check out our hands-on reviews below.
My Experience With ZipHearing
Chatting With Customer Service
Unlike OTC hearing aids, ZipHearing sells prescription hearing aids you get fitted for in person. To find out more about how their service works, I gave them a call.
It was a great opportunity for me, because I’ve been worried about my 80-something-year-old neighbor, Deborah, whose hearing and mobility have both deteriorated lately. I’ve been worried about her increasing isolation, and I was looking for a way to help her get affordable hearing aids. Through my work testing hearing aids for SeniorLiving.org, I knew OTC hearing aids, which are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss, wouldn’t be enough for her. After my call, I think ZipHearing may be the answer!
Did You Know? Hearing loss in seniors is linked to ever-increasing amounts of isolation. It also exacerbates the risk of falls and dementia.1
I spoke to Derek, who was friendly and knowledgeable. At no time did I feel like I was being upsold. Derek explained that ZipHearing works with hundreds of clinics and audiologists around the country. He texted me the information for the one closest to me in Brooklyn, New York, with no strings attached. I have the option to set up an appointment for Deborah with the audiologist or, if I prefer, a different one in ZipHearing’s network. Deborah has already taken an online hearing test, but the ZipHearing audiologist would do their own testing.
Based on Deborah’s audiogram, the audiologist would then recommend several types and brands of hearing aids, taking her lifestyle and unique needs into account. Her hearing aids would be calibrated to meet her hearing loss needs and fitted in person.
Dr. Reisman uses Verifit equipment to test Phonak hearing aids and ensure the best experience for her patients.
Finding a Local Audiologist Through ZipHearing’s Website
ZipHearing has a network of several hundred local providers and audiologists, so users have the most diverse selection of hearing aid brands and models. All you have to do is visit ZipHearing’s website and enter your ZIP code. You’ll be given a list of providers near you and the brands they sell. That makes it easy to compare your options all in one place.
FYI: Are you new to hearing aids? Visit our hearing aid buyers guide to learn everything you need to know, from hearing tests and audiologist visits to price and important features to consider.
When I entered my ZIP code, I was told that there were four local providers I could choose among. I noticed that the ZIP code finder had only two options: within 35 miles or 50 miles of home. If you live in a rural or remote area, you may have to travel a ways to get to a ZipHearing audiologist. That’s one of the downfalls of needing prescription hearing aids, and a major reason some people prefer OTC options instead.
Comparing Hearing Aid Brands and Models
ZipHearing sells a large variety of the industry’s best hearing aids, so you can easily compare all your options before your appointment.
Testing out ReSound BTE hearing aids
They also include data on a number of hearing aid models they sell, along with the percentage of people who return them. That transparency gives you real information about the efficacy and ease of use of each hearing aid. I haven’t seen that anywhere else. They also include easy-to-read data about tech level, number of channels, number of programs, tinnitus tools, and more.
Did You Know? Approximately 90 percent of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. Hearing aids can be beneficial for alleviating both conditions.2
One final thing that impressed me about ZipHearing is that their intro video is open captioned. That may not seem like a big deal, but ZipHearing is making a statement about their understanding of hearing loss and their desire to make their message accessible to anyone who needs it. It’s a seemingly insignificant detail, but it means a great deal to those with hearing loss.
ZipHearing Costs and Insurance Coverage
ZipHearing’s prices are much lower than standard prescription hearing aid costs. On the website, it mentions discounts of up to 50 percent. To get a reality check, I asked Derek about that. He said the average savings on hearing aids is around $1,500 to $2,000.
ZipHearing does not take insurance, but Deborah has a Medicare Part C plan that pays a small benefit for hearing aids. I asked Derek if insurance would be accepted by the audiologist if they were in Deborah’s network, but, unfortunately, that would not be the case. Unlike Deborah, if you have health insurance with an out-of-network benefit, you may be able to get coverage for ZipHearing’s hearing aids.
ZipHearing vs. the Competition
Here’s how ZipHearing compares to some other online hearing aid distributors so you can make an informed purchase.
| ZipHearing | DirectHearing | Bluemoth | OnlineHearing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brands | Phonak, Oticon, Signia, Starkey, Widex, ReSound | Phonak, Signia, Widex, Starkey | Phonak, Signia, Widex, Starkey | Phonak, Signia, Widex, ReSound, Unitron, Sony (OTC) |
| In-person visit required | Yes, in an audiology clinic | No | Yes, at home | No |
| Locations | Nationwide | Online only | 44 States | Online only |
| Trial period | 45 days | 60 days | 45 days | 60 days |
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Reviewed ZipHearing
To learn about ZipHearing, we researched their website extensively. We compared ZipHearing’s offerings to those listed directly on each manufacturer’s website. We then compared the hearing aids they sell to OTC brands to gauge the differences in technology, special features, and cost. We also consulted with our resident audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman, for her opinions on ZipHearing, which informed our review.
We reached out to the company directly to learn more about their process. Based on our hands-on experience, we’ve broken down ZipHearing’s attributes into the following categories:
- Cost: ZipHearing offers significant discounts on prescription hearing aids. Even so, they’re much more expensive than OTC options.
- Ongoing care and audiological support: Seeing an audiologist in person can be inconvenient in some instances, but the hands-on care you receive is hard to beat. Having your hearing aids fitted to your ears and calibrated to correct your specific type of hearing loss is highly beneficial, especially if your hearing loss is severe to profound.
- Customer service: Our experience with ZipHearing was highly positive. Their phone reps are patient, knowledgeable, and willing to answer tons of questions. They are not pushy or salesy, which is a nice plus for seniors.
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Our Final Thoughts on ZipHearing
ZipHearing makes it easy to compare all your options for hearing aids and local audiologists in one place. I appreciate the convenience the platform offers. I also found ZipHearing’s representatives helpful and kind, and they didn’t pressure me to make a purchase. If you’re looking for a prescription hearing aid solution and you’re not sure where to begin, ZipHearing is an excellent option. On the flip side, if you have mild to moderate hearing loss and would prefer a more affordable OTC hearing aid, you may want to expand your search. Overall, ZipHearing is worth considering in my book.
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Minnesota Department of Human Services. (2022). Tinnitus: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments.
Hopkins Medicine. (2023). The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss.