Hearing amplifiers are an alternative to hearing aids that cost far less than their prescribed counterparts and start as low as $50 for a single ear. Hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, and acquiring them requires several doctor’s appointments and tests. Hearing amplifiers are budget-friendly and have a wide range of features to accommodate multiple types of hearing loss.

Choosing a hearing amplifier based solely on its cost can result in selecting the wrong amplifier for your needs. In addition to cost, research the different features and quality levels before making your selection. 

Weighing Hearing Amplifier Cost vs. Features

Hearing amplifiers are available for every budget, with high-end models costing as much as  $1,000 contrasted with low-end models at $50 per pair. Cost isn’t the only factor when selecting a hearing amplifier, however. Features, such as volume level, battery power and integration of smart technology should be considered in conjunction with cost.

The most common hearing amplifier features and benefits to look for include:

  • Price
  • Customer reviews
  • Number of settings
  • Physical or app control options
  • Battery life
  • Ease of cleaning and maintenance

Finding the right hearing amplifier for the cost requires thinking about what’s needed on a daily basis. Those wanting to wear hearing amplifiers all day may prefer to spend more on a unit with a long battery life along with rechargeable or easily swapped batteries.

How To Determine Individual Hearing Needs

Seniors not in need of hearing aids must decide which type of hearing amplifier system best suits their preferences and needs. Most models — even the most affordable options — come with standard volume-increasing options to help with overall hearing. Maximizing clarity over volume is another approach taken by hearing amplifier companies to boost audio quality. High-end audio processing uses newer technology, and the price of these amplifiers reflects that.

The factor that impacts cost the most is whether one or two hearing amplifiers are needed. Affordable models that cost $50 to $90 tend to carry the same price whether one or two are purchased. Premium hearing amplifiers that cost $500 to $1000 often have significant discounts when purchasing a pair, with the additional cost over a single unit averaging $100 to $200 instead of double the original price. Seniors have dozens of options for price point and features once they determine what qualities they’re looking for in a hearing amplifier.