It is important to understand different hearing aid prices for you to make more informed decisions as to which is best suited for you – and your wallet. According to the World Health Organization close to 466 million people around the world have disabling hearing loss.

However, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that only 25% of people who live with hearing loss, and could benefit from a hearing aid, actually wear one. Sadly, one of the biggest contributing factors to this low statistic is high hearing aids prices. 

Hearing aids prices can vary greatly depending on factors such as hearing aid features, accessories, and services included, as well as the amount of research invested in a specific hearing aid. On average, traditional hearing aid prices cost around $4,500. Hearing aid prices of one, and in some cases, two devices can set you back financially. However, is it really necessary to break the bank?

What makes hearing aid prices vary?

The type and intensity of your hearing loss is an important factors to consider when choosing your hearing aids. All hearing aids, no matter the price, have the same basic components, but not all ears and hearing losses are the same. What kind of hearing loss you experience will determine the types of hearing aids your hearing health professional may discuss with you.

Different hearing aids use different technology to fit different lifestyles. For example, unique hearing aid features such as Bluetooth functionality will increase hearing aid prices but also offer tangible benefits. Additionally, prices also depend on three other factors:

1. Type of hearing loss

Firstly, hearing aid prices will depend on whether you have sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. What kind of hearing loss you experience will influence how it would be managed, as well as the price of the device that will best help you.

For instance, sensorineural hearing loss means the hearing nerves in your inner ear are damaged, while a conductive hearing loss means sound cannot be fully transmitted through the middle or outer ear. Experiencing both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, or mixed hearing loss, will also impact hearing aid prices and options available to you.

2. Which ears experience hearing loss

Hearing aid prices will change based on which of your ears are affected by hearing loss. If only one of your ears is affected, you can save money by only purchasing one hearing aid. However, if you have hearing loss in both ears, you may require two hearing aids which could be more expensive. While you could still benefit from having just one device, purchasing two hearing aids helps you regain hearing in both ears, locate where sounds are coming from, and experience less sound feedback from your hearing device.

3. Degree of hearing loss

Lastly, hearing aid prices will depend on the severity or degree of your hearing loss. Some hearing aids are designed to help people with mild to moderate hearing loss, while others are designed for people with more severe hearing loss.

Hearing aids that are made for people with severe hearing loss will cost more than other hearing aids; simply because they will need to provide more “power” than hearing aids for individuals with less severe hearing loss.

Hearing Aid Prices Comparison: Affordable vs. Cheap

When looking at hearing aid prices, it is important to distinguish between what options are affordable vs. cheaply made. Affordable hearing aids are high-quality options that allow you to save on hearing aid prices without sacrificing performance—or worse, putting your ear health at risk.

On the other hand, some cheap hearing aids are poorly made and provide little to no benefits. Many cheaply made hearing aids are not even FDA-registered. Hearing aids from unreputable hearing aid manufacturers may waste your money and even cause further damage to your hearing or overall ear health.

Characteristics of cheap hearing aids:

• Not FDA-Registered
• Not medical devices
• Amplify all sounds equally
• No advanced hearing aid technology
• Useless in complex listening environments
• Zero feedback control
• Potentially dangerous

Characteristics of affordable hearing aids:

• Directional hearing
• Noise reduction
• Streaming functionality
• Crisp phone calls
• Crystal clear sound
• Sweatproof 
• Multichannel compression
• Bluetooth functionality

The good news is that with advances in the hearing aid industry’s level of technology, it is now possible to buy hearing aids online at much lower prices. Affordable hearing aids, like the Lexie models, can help you save money on hearing aid prices while offering the same features as more expensive hearing devices. 

What’s included in hearing aid prices?

In addition to the hearing aids themselves, sometimes additional services and features are traditionally included in hearing aid prices. Some of the most common features that can be included in the cost of hearing aids are:

• A hearing exam and diagnoses
• Hearing aid batteries and additional batteries
• Extra slim tubes and domes (fittings)
• Adjustments and fine-tuning
• Ongoing after-purchase expert support and care
• A trial period
• A manufacturer’s warranty

Does insurance cover the cost of hearing aids?

In addition to comparing hearing aid prices and quality, it is important to check if your health insurance covers the cost of hearing aids. This depends on which insurance plan you have and which state you live in. For those with original Medicare, the cost of hearing aids is not covered, however, there may be exceptions for those on the Medicare Advantage Plan.

Medicaid hearing aid coverage for adults over 21 varies by state. While many states do offer some coverage for the cost of hearing aids, hearing-related services, or products, it is important to check your state’s coverage with your Medicare provider.

If you have private health insurance, consult with your benefits manager or the insurance company to determine if coverage is offered with your plan to save money. In general, it is uncommon for private health insurance companies to cover hearing aids unless mandated by the state. However, insurance coverage for hearing aids will vary across providers and states.

The list looks impressive at first glance, but you may find that very few hearing aid prices and packages include all of these extra options. A helpful way to compare and evaluate hearing aid prices would be to divide the cost of hearing aids by the length of the manufacturer’s warranty in days. This provides a per-day cost of purchasing a hearing aid and is a reliable way to compare hearing aid prices relative to their warranty. 

The takeaway on hearing aid prices

While high costs often discourage people from purchasing proper devices, it is possible to find a hearing aid that fits your needs and saves money. By comparing the available types of hearing aids, understanding what type you need, and taking advantage of insurance coverage, you can find hearing devices at an affordable rate. With recent changes in technology and the emergence of new options, it is both possible and important to find hearing aids and prices that work for you.

Don’t overspend on hearing aids in 2024

At Lexie Hearing, we believe no one should have to forgo the sounds of life’s simplest pleasures such as nature, a conversation with loved ones, or entertainment. 

This is why we offer all-inclusive hearing care at an unbeatable price. You can purchase a pair with a one-time payment from $799, or through flexible payment terms with Klarna. Every purchase comes standard with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, access to our team of Lexie Experts®, a 45-day trial period, as well as access to Lexie Rewards® – the only program to reward you for simply wearing your hearing aids. 

Compared to other hearing aid prices and packages on the market, Lexie Hearing balances affordability with uncompromising functionality. Get started with our free online hearing aid test. Our team of Lexie Experts® is available to help you find the option that suits your needs best.