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Health

How do I Find Cheap Hearing Aids?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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While many insurance plans cover at least part of the cost associated with purchasing a hearing aid, people without health coverage often find that obtaining hearing aids can be costly venture. Fortunately, there are a few ways to locate and purchase hearing aids at rates far below the normal retail rates. If you need a hearing device, here are some suggestions on how to find cheap hearing aids that carry a low price tag but still provide excellent service.

One of the best places to begin your search for inexpensive hearing aids is to talk with your doctor or audiologist. Often, health care professionals are aware of local resources that can help people on limited incomes obtain low cost or even free hearing aids. These resources may include local businesses that offer substantial discounts off retail prices to customers who are retired or meet other criteria necessary to join the program, or local charities that provide discount vouchers for new hearing aids at different suppliers operating in the area.

If a source of cheap hearing aids is not found in the local area, consider contacting manufacturers who design and sell different types of hearing equipment. There is a chance that at least a few companies offer direct sale services and will sell a hearing aid at a price below current retail prices. For people who do not have health insurance and do have proof from a licensed physician that they do need a hearing aid, the manufacturer may have an unadvertised program the defrays part or possibly all of the cost. Depending on the circumstances, the consumer may pay nothing more than the shipping costs in order to receive a fully working hearing aid.

Even if there are no local resources or the consumer does not qualify for manufacture discounts or assistance plans, there is still the option of purchasing cheap hearing aids from an online store. Internet stores may carry discounted models that are new, but are last year’s models. Others may provide excellent lines of refurbished devices that are fully functional, have a limited warranty, and cost a fraction of the cost associated with new units. Purchasing hearing aids online also offers the benefit of comparing pricing on several different cheap hearing aids in a short period of time, and arranging for delivery without ever leaving the comforts of home.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum , Writer
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
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Discussion Comments

By anon924760 — On Jan 07, 2014

I needed a hearing aid that was under $500 and purchased it online. It works almost as well as the Unitron I had previously (and lost) for about 15 percent of the cost.

By anon310625 — On Dec 25, 2012

My father has lost 78 percent and 88 percent hearing in his left and right ear. I'm urgently in need of buying a hearing aid. I'm looking for a used digital aid. Could anyone tell me anywhere I can buy one for no more than USD500?

By anon307423 — On Dec 05, 2012

The hearing aid industry (a powerful lobby) is totally freaked out that the days are coming when they can no longer charge exorbitant prices for devices that cost about $350 to manufacture--what they charge to the VA. It's disgusting.

I live on a limited income and must purchase hearing aids every four years for about $4K. One of them isn't working right and I was told that Starkey would charge a minimum of $400 for a repair. I was in despair and finally started researching, which I wish I had done years ago. All you need to do to purchase new ones is get a hearing test somewhere and order online. Audicus is one I'm checking out now, but there are plenty of others with reviews. Also, you can send them back if they need adjustment--they have trial periods.

Thank God I've found you get things repaired online with guarantees too. The Internet is changing the face of this industry (even Apple is working on this) and it's about time.

By anon301056 — On Nov 02, 2012

No one wants a "cheap" hearing aid. What we want is a great hearing aid at a reasonable price. I don't think that is available from a local hearing aid dealing audiologist. I bought a set of Personal Programmable hearing aids online and I adjust the sound settings myself. When I have a question, the company people can do the adjustment for me over the computer. I have done it for almost four years now and could not be happier. I saved a ton of money also. I hopefully will never have to buy another hearing aid again from an audiologist.

By anon252807 — On Mar 06, 2012

Just got back from third appointment with audiologist who was recommended by the ear doctor in the office next door.

At the first appointment she tested my hearing. The next year, the doctor sent me next door. The audiologist tested again and found hearing loss. She told me to come for a third appointment.

At the third appointment she informed me it would cost me $5,000 but did not suggest letting me test the product without first paying the money. Too much of a gypsy for me.

By anon201800 — On Aug 01, 2011

I believe the audiologist is mistaken. I too have researched the Acoustitone and i can only find great reviews for it. It certainly seems like a good choice for those with hearing loss and limited money to spend on hearing aids. I can provide an expert opinion and I would strongly recommend against purchasing any Acoustitone product. They have performed very poorly in technical tests, they require regular and expensive repairs, and my greatest concern is that users have numerous complaints, particularly seniors.

By anon200373 — On Jul 26, 2011

I too believe in the self programmable/adjustable hearing aids. I've been wearing hearing aids for 20-plus years due to loss during military service. Yes, I do get free hearing aids from the VA but I'm an IT type and like to experiment with them and I have yet to be able to get my hands on the programming software made by the manufacturer.

I found my hearing world and bought a set of the mid level hearing aids and their programmer and do it myself. I use these hearing aids for athletic type events and the starkey for work etc. --RANGER77

By anon195167 — On Jul 11, 2011

You’ve been purchasing hearing aids for some time, but there may be pertinent questions you haven't asked in a long time, or perhaps never thought to ask at all. For example, when you go to your hearing aid dispenser to purchase a hearing aid, do you ask to see a hearing aid that includes a telecoil program? Do you know how many microphones the hearing aid has?

By anon186939 — On Jun 16, 2011

contact the manufacturer? Forget it. Find hearing aids on the internet and be done with it.

By drjesse — On Feb 28, 2011

I believe the audiologist is mistaken. I too have researched the Acoustitone and i can only find great reviews for it. It certainly seems like a good choice for those with hearing loss and limited money to spend on hearing aids. - Dr Jesse

By anon135429 — On Dec 18, 2010

I am a audiologist and researcher in this field. I can provide an expert opinion and I would strongly recommend against purchasing any Acoustitone product. They have performed very poorly in technical tests, they require regular and expensive repairs, and my greatest concern is that users have numerous complaints, particularly seniors.

Sorry to say, but you get what you pay for.

By anon128965 — On Nov 21, 2010

I wear and recommend HearSource "Personal Programmable" hearing aids.

I don't see how you could buy a set of hearing aids over the internet and have much success without the ability to have the sound settings adjusted to your particular hearing loss and preferences.

With the HearSource hearing aids you are able to do just that: use your own home computer and adjust your own hearing aids sitting in your own home.

If you have difficulties, the HearSource people can do the adjustments for you remotely using a internet connected computer. And the best part, the whole system including two hearing aids, cables, programmer, software, etc is only $1990. That is less than half of what my audiologist wanted to charge me.

These hearing aids are very high quality and made in the USA. I think that is important!

By anon71096 — On Mar 17, 2010

The Acoustitone hearing aid is quite impressive given its low price!

By anon55973 — On Dec 10, 2009

I am a physician and I recommend the Acoustitone hearing aid to my patients that cannot afford more expensive hearing aids.

Malcolm Tatum

Malcolm Tatum

Writer

Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Read more
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