The Best Affordable Hearing Aids

Affordability is often a concern when it comes to choosing a hearing aid, especially for seniors living on a fixed income. While some high-tech hearing aids can cost upwards of $3,000 per pair, there are a number of lower-cost options available. In this guide, we look at three hearing aids that combine quality with affordability.

Lively is one of a handful of hearing aid companies that sells its devices directly to consumers, rather than through a network of audiologists and resellers. This sales model makes it possible for Lively to offer prices that are below the industry average without compromising on quality.

All Lively hearing aids are backed with a 3-year warranty against loss and damage, and customers can complete a hearing assessment from the comfort of their own homes.

The Lively 2 Lite is Lively’s lowest-priced hearing aid, and the per-pair price is $1,195. This behind-the-ear, or BTE, hearing aid is powered by a user-replaceable size 312 battery that’s readily available in drug stores and through online retailers. Like all Lively hearing aids, the Lively 2 Lite is Bluetooth-enabled, has a directional microphone and is equipped with noise and feedback reduction. The digital sound processor automatically adjusts the microphone and speaker settings to optimize performance in any environment, and there’s an on-device volume button for ease of use.

Audicus is another direct-to-consumer company that offers well-equipped digital hearing aids at prices which are well below what seniors can expect to pay for similar models purchased through a reseller.

The company largely sells its hearing aids through its website, but unlike many other lower-priced brands, Audicus’ doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. To buy an Audicus hearing aid, consumers need to either complete the free online audio test on the company’s website, or upload the results of a recent audiology test. Audicus’ team of licensed audiologists review these test results and use that information to custom-program each users’ hearing aid.

Audicus also has a number of brick-and-mortar clinics located throughout the United States for customers who prefer to complete their audiology test and purchase their hearing aid in-person.

The Dia II is the company’s entry-level hearing aid, and it’s priced at $499 for one device or $998 for a pair. This basic BTE hearing aid uses size 312 disposable batteries, and it’s equipped with a telecoil for those with severe to profound hearing loss. Other standard features include a directional microphone, noise and feedback reduction, a physical volume button and a digital sound processor that automatically optimizes the sound settings to match the users’ environment.

Consumers with mild-to-moderate hearing loss who are looking for an affordable hearing aid that’s virtually impossible to see while in use should take a look at The Aura from Audicus.

This completely-in-canal, or CIC, hearing aid is equipped with many of the same features found in a number of receiver-in-canal (RIC) and BTE hearing aids, making it a good alternative to these larger devices. The Aura is powered by a user-replaceable size 10 battery, which is the smallest size hearing aid battery on the market.

Available in blue or red, The Aura is equipped with a digital sound processor that automatically controls the noise and feedback reduction feature to optimize sound processing in most environments. Due to its tiny size, a few common features offered on other Audicus hearing aids have been omitted on The Aura, such as Bluetooth connectivity and a directional microphone.

Users should also be aware that since The Aura is a CIC-style hearing aid, there’s no on-device volume dial or buttons. To increase or decrease the volume, users need to double-tap their hearing aid before inserting the device into their ear canal.

The Aura is priced at $699 for one device, and $1,398 for a pair.

Hearing impairment is common among older adults, and nearly one in four seniors aged 65 and older have disabling hearing loss. This level of hearing impairment can impact an individual’s ability to communicate, their day-to-day safety and even their mental wellness, given that deafness can cause feelings of social isolation.

Unfortunately, many seniors struggle to purchase the hearing aids due to the high cost of these assistive devices. Having access to affordable, high-quality hearing aids helps those living on a fixed income obtain the devices they need.

When shopping for the best affordable hearing aids, be sure to consider the following:

• Is the device FDA-approved?
• Is the hearing aid a one-size-fits-all device, or will it be programmed based on the user’s personal audiology test results?
• Does the hearing aid company or reseller offer a trial period?
• Are there additional fees for warranties, customer support or ongoing maintenance?
• How long has the hearing aid company been in business?
• Are there ongoing expenses to consider, such as the cost of disposable batteries?