Hearing Aids FAQ

The average cost of a hearing aid is around $2500 in the United States for a professionally fit, prescription hearing aid. However, this cost can vary depending on a number of factors. First, are you paying for just the hearing aid or are there also professional services included with the pricing? Bundled pricing for hearing aids can include all the supportive services that are required to be fit with prescription hearing aids. These services can include hearing testing, hearing aid selection, hearing aid fitting & adjustment, and hearing aid troubleshooting & maintenance.

Prescription hearing aids are fit by a licensed professional such as an audiologist (Doctor of Audiology) or a hearing aid dispenser (aka hearing instrument specialist), so the cost of the professional’s expertise will contribute to the hearing aid price. Check with your provider’s office to see what services are included with the purchase of your new hearing aids. Other factors that contribute to hearing aid price is the technology level and available features.

Alternatively, an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid does not offer these professional services so the pricing is lower. OTC hearing aids are limited to mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physican and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

Generally, no. “Cheap hearing aids” are often considered basic hearing amplifiers. These basic amplifiers are not worth buying as they often amplify all sounds equally and are not custom tuned to your degree of hearing loss. Cheap hearing aids also can be too loud and possibly expose the user to sounds at unsafe volume levels. These devices are also likely to be excessively noisy, and the physical fit of the hearing aid could be uncomfortable.

Your first experience with hearing aids should be positive, so avoid cheap devices. Alternatively, consider an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid or prescription hearing aid if you’re a candidate. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

The 5 types of hearing aids are completely-in-canal (CIC), in-the-canal (ITC), in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE), and receiver-in-canal (RIC). Some manufacturers offer variations of these types including the smallest invisible-in-canal (IIC), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) which is the same as RIC, and CROS/BiCROS (contralateral routing of signal/bilateral contralateral routing of signal) which sends sound from one side to the other for single sided deafness. The smallest to largest device is IIC, CIC, ITC, ITE, RIC, and BTE.

The selection of the hearing aid depends on personal preference but also the degree of hearing loss. IIC and CIC are very small, less noticeable, and have limited or no manual controls. ITC fills up more of the ear canal, offers a larger battery, and has more room for a control to adjust the device. ITE is like the ITC but is even larger and fills up the entire ear. BTE and RIC sit behind the ear with a tube or wire along the side of the ear and an eartip inside the ear.

Hearing aids that sit deeper inside the ear can take advantage of the ear’s natural resonance for improved speech clarity. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids could be considered better than in-the-ear (ITE) in the sense that they are more versatile. BTE hearing aids can be adjusted louder for severe to profound hearing loss if needed. They also have the flexibility of using an earmold which can be easier to clean. A BTE hearing aid is less likely to have damage due to excessive ear wax and moisture reaching the hearing aid internal electronics. Also, a behind-the-ear hearing aid is often less noticeable as it can hide under the ear and hair. Of course, BTE vs ITE is a matter of personal preference. Some may prefer to have a small hearing aid that just fits inside the ear. Your provider can help assist you in the selection process. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

Costco hearing aids are cheaper compared to other hearing aid providers, because Costco is one of the largest buyers of hearing aids in the United States. This can help lower the price for the consumer. As of 2024, they offer hearing aids from Rexton, Phillips, and Jabra. Costco’s prior Kirkland brand of hearing aids has been discontinued. Contact your local Costco for more information on the nearest Costco hearing aid center. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

A hearing aid that’s best for older age would be one that is easier to physically manipulate and use on an everyday basis. This would typically be either a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid or an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid. Both of these hearing aids styles are larger and easier to hold onto. Also, it’s best to try a hearing aid with rechargeable batteries. Disposable hearing aid batteries can be easy to drop and hard to insert/remote. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

You may be able to negotiate hearing aid prices with a local business in your area. Ask your provider if the hearing aid pricing includes bundled services that may be optional. Also, there could be payment plans available depending on the clinic. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

A hearing aid can last many years if you take good care of it by keeping it dry and cleaning it everyday. Exposure to heat and moisture can damage a hearing aid over time. Replacing a hearing aid after about four years or more is a good rule, since hearing aid technology continues to improve rapidly. Upgrading your hearing aids will give you access to the latest improvements in hearing aid technology. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

The only way to know for sure if you need a hearing aid is to have a hearing test. Your audiologist can evaluate your hearing and determine whether there is hearing loss that can benefit from a hearing aid. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

The number one reason for hearing loss is older age. We all lose our hearing gradually over time in the high frequencies which impacts speech clarity and understanding. We may hear that someone is speaking to us but not understand. Hearing loss can also be caused by many other factors throughout our lives. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

No, not everyone can hear with a hearing aid. Success with a hearing aid depends on the degree of hearing loss and also when the hearing loss occurred. Prolonged and untreated hearing loss can be more difficult to treat with a hearing aid. Some hearing loss is severe enough that words are still not clear even with an appropriately adjusted hearing aid. Your physician and audiologist can provide guidance on the most effective treatment for you. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

There is no specific percentage of hearing that you need for a hearing aid. Percentages are used in audiology to measure a person’s speech discrimination ability. The higher the percentage, the better success with hearing aids. Discuss your speech scores with your audiologist to determine the best treatment option for you. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

There is no normal hearing level for a 70 year old. There are no age normed hearing levels as hearing ability can vary widely across ages. A 70 year old is likely to have some degree of hearing loss in the high frequency sounds which affects speech clarity. This is due to gradual hearing loss that is associated with older age. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

There is no average hearing range by age as hearing ability can vary widely across ages. An older person is likely to have some degree of hearing loss in the high frequency sounds which affects speech clarity. This is due to gradual hearing loss that is associated with older age. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

There is no normal hearing level for a 60 year old. There are no age normed hearing levels as hearing ability can vary widely across ages. A 60 year old is likely to have some degree of hearing loss in the high frequency sounds which affects speech clarity. This is due to gradual hearing loss that is associated with older age. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

60 year olds often can not hear in the high pitch frequencies. This usually occurs anywhere from 2000-8000+ Hz which is the high frequency sound range. This is due to gradual hearing loss that is associated with age. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

You can overcome poor hearing with a combination of communication strategies, environmental sound modifications, and the latest hearing aid technology. These include maintaining good eye contact with the speaker, use of visual cues, repeating & rephasing the message if misunderstood, reducing background noise, and sitting in close proximity to the speaker. Hearing aids amplify speech sounds so that it’s easier to hear and understand the person you are communicating with. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

Sensorineural hearing loss is considered permanent. This type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear auditory nerve and/or hair cells. These hair cells do not grow back once damaged. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common permanent hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear auditory nerve and/or hair cells. These hair cells do not grow back once damaged. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.

You know hearing loss is permanent if it is sensorineural. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common permanent hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear auditory nerve and/or hair cells. These hair cells do not grow back once damaged. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician and audiologist. For more information on hearing aids, visit our hearing aid information guide.