Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors | SeniorLiving.org (2024)

Millions of older adults avoid hearing aids because of the cost. A single pair of prescription hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, and Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids or hearing exams related to hearing aid selection.1 It leaves many older adults without optimal hearing support, which can pose a risk to their overall health.2

The good news is you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for quality hearing aids. Thanks to over-the-counter hearing aids and affordable financing options, more older adults than ever can afford hearing aids. Our team of tech experts and audiologists has tested, compared, and ranked the best affordable hearing aids on the market. We evaluated each brand for key factors like price, value, free-trial period, reputation, and payment options. Based on our experience, we found that Jabra Enhance offers the best affordable hearing aids, thanks to its quality follow-up care and high-tech devices.

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We tested all of the hearing aids on our list, including MDHearing and Jabra Enhance devices.

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Expert Insights

From Dr. Ruth Reisman, Audiologist

When counseling patients on price, I typically recommend getting the best technology they can afford. This is typically a good gauge of how much a patient should spend on their hearing aids. Below, we’ve put together a list of some of the best affordable options.

The Best Cheap Hearing Aid Providers in 2024

  • Jabra Enhance - Best value
  • MDHearing - Most affordable
  • Eargo - Most discreet

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors

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How We Tested the Hearing Aids

Our tech team conducted over 100 hours of hands-on testing to compare the top affordable hearing aids apples-to-apples. We focused on a wide range of factors that could affect the efficacy of each model, as well as the upfront and long-term costs for users on a budget.

Here’s what our testing process looked like for OTC hearing aids that could be ordered online:

  1. We tried out each brand’s online hearing test, comparing our results to evaluations from an audiologist.
  2. Then, we selected our hearing aids and made our purchase, evaluating the overall purchasing process. We considered the price and value of each hearing aid, keeping seasonal promotions, extra fees, and upfront costs in mind. We also considered how these prices compare to more expensive hearing aids we’ve tested.
  3. Once the devices arrived at our doorstep, we followed the instructions to set them up. If the brand had a mobile app, we downloaded it to our phones and set it up as well. We evaluated the ease of use and the total number of steps required to get our hearing aids out of the box and fully functional.
  4. We reached out to customer service several times to evaluate the quality of care by phone, mobile app (if applicable), and online chat.
  5. Our team tested each hearing aid for a week, using them at home, in noisy environments, and in quieter conversational settings. We evaluated the hearing aid’s features, sound quality, and ease of use in each location.

For prescription hearing aids that can’t be ordered online, we spoke with Dr. Reisman about her expertise with each brand. We used her experience prescribing and testing these hearing aids, along with feedback from her patients, to evaluate and rank them. Dr. Reisman also spoke with us about patients’ experiences and the costs they encountered when seeking refittings, repairs, or replacements for their hearing aids.

How We Chose the Best Hearing Aids

Our team of tech experts worked alongside our resident audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman, to get dozens of hours of hands-on experience with the best hearing aid brands. After testing and researching various models, we came up with a list of the best affordable options. To make the cut, the providers needed to meet the following criteria:

  • Price and value. Of course, the hearing aids on our list had to be affordable, but they also needed to offer solid value. There’s no use in purchasing a cheap pair of hearing aids if they won’t meet your needs. We also considered factors like the manufacturer’s warranty, which can help lower costs if the hearing aids don’t work as they should out of the box.
  • A good reputation. These hearing aid companies were already on our radar for providing top-quality devices. Some have been around for decades, while others have made a name for themselves in the 2010s.
  • Payment options. Paying for a pair of hearing aids in a lump sum can be difficult for seniors on a fixed income. We’ve vetted products that offer flexible payment options, allowing you to pay for your hearing aids over several months.
  • A return period. No one knows precisely if a hearing aid is right for them until they try it out. The providers on our list offer at least 45-day return policies for you to decide if the hearing aids work for you. If not, you’ll be refunded.

Why Trust Us

Our team of tech experts tries out devices for seniors. We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing and reviewing affordable hearing aids over the years.

We also worked with experts like our resident licensed audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman. She has personally tested and prescribed hearing aids from providers on this list. She worked alongside us to choose the best ones for older adults on fixed incomes or patients who simply want to pay less for their hearing aids. She offered her feedback on specific models, as well as her firsthand experience prescribing them to patients with different budgets. Dr. Reisman has more than 15 years of experience working with older adults with hearing loss.

Comparing the Best Cheap Hearing Aids

BrandStarting priceHearing aid typeHearing aid styleBattery lifeWarrantyFinancing options
Jabra Enhance$995 per pairOTCBTE, Mini BTEUp to 24 hours3 years (with Premium)Yes
MDHearing$297 per pairOTCBTE, ITEUp to 20 hours1 yearYes
Eargo$799 per pairOTCITE, earbudUp to 16 hours2 yearsYes
  • 1. Jabra Enhance - Best value

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    See Pricing

    What we like most

    • Prices starting at $995 per pair
    • 100-day risk-free trial
    • Three years of follow-up care with Premium packages

    Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors | SeniorLiving.org (8)

    Jabra Enhance

    See Pricing

    SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.8

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    excellent excellent excellent excellent excellent

    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    Overview:

    Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors | SeniorLiving.org (9)

    Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids

    Price: $995 to $1,995 per pair

    Warranty: Up to 3 years (with Premium packages)

    Designed for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

    Jabra Enhance has reasonably priced behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, starting at $995 per pair. They also offer affordable accessories and follow-up care to enhance your hearing experience and get the most out of your purchase. From our experience, Jabra Enhance hearing aids offer rich, full sound with better quality than many other over-the-counter (OTC) options, including MDHearing. Plus, the follow-up care from Jabra Enhance’s team is top-notch.

    Jabra Enhance’s TV Streamer accessory turns your hearing aids into wireless headphones, streaming your TV audio straight to your hearing aids, even if you’re on the other side of the room. The MultiMic is a portable microphone that streams speech to your ears, so you can hear better in tough listening situations. Plus, their Android Phone Clip+ streams calls and music from older Android phones or Bluetooth devices to your hearing aids.

    » Related Reading: Best Android-compatible hearing aids

    For those with mild to moderate hearing loss, Jabra Enhance is a great option. Unfortunately, like most OTC hearing aid providers, Jabra Enhance doesn’t have solutions for severe or profound hearing loss. You may need to look for a prescription hearing aid provider like Signia or Phonak for better (albeit more expensive) options. That said, Jabra Enhance is excellent if you’re tech-savvy or have a family member who can help you navigate the technology. Dr. Reisman notes that “Jabra Enhance hearing aids can be a great solution for someone who is independently tech savvy and wants an affordable and flexible solution to manage their hearing loss and tinnitus.

    Pros & Cons:

    Pros About Jabra Enhance

    • 100-day risk-free trial
    • Free shipping and returns
    • Free online hearing test
    • Up to three-year warranty
    • Mobile app for making adjustments
    • Direct streaming from Apple and Android devices

    Cons About Jabra Enhance

    • Three-year audiologist support requires Premium package
    • Only BTE styles are available
    • Not suitable for severe or profound hearing loss

    Pricing and Our Hands-on Experience:

    Price

    • Enhance Select 50R: $995 to $1,195 per pair
    • Enhance Select 300: $1,495 to $1,695 per pair
    • Enhance Select 500: $1,795 to $1,995 per pair

    Jabra Enhance prices are low compared to those of traditional prescription hearing aids. Even with the lower cost, consumers benefit from three years of personalized care from a Jabra Enhance audiologist with Premium packages. This ups the value of Jabra Enhance hearing aids. If you’re on the fence about Jabra Enhance, they offer a 100-day risk-free trial. That’s more than three months to try out the devices and decide if they’re the right fit for you.

    » Our Full Review: Jabra Enhance hearing aids review 2024

    The most affordable Jabra Enhance model is the Enhance Select 50R, which starts at $995. However, if you want more advanced tech for complex listening situations and Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity, you’ll need to upgrade. Two alternative models are the Enhance Select 300 and the Enhance Select 500, with starting prices of $1,495 and $1,795, respectively. These prices aren’t nearly as low as MDHearing’s prices, which start at $297 per pair, but they offer better sound quality and more bang for your buck.

    Plus, if you’re willing to spend $200 more to upgrade to the Premium package, you get customized programming, a three-year warranty, and audiologist support. We think the Premium package is worth the extra cost, but if it’s outside your budget or you want lifetime audiologist support at no extra cost, you may prefer a comparable hearing aid from Eargo.

    Our Experience With Jabra Enhance

    One of the best parts of choosing Jabra Enhance is the pricing transparency. You can buy any of their three models directly from the company’s website, and you can see exactly what perks and features you get for the price. We ordered the Jabra Enhance 300 and received them in the mail in just three days.

    » Also Check Out: Jabra Enhance Select 300 review

    The hearing aids arrived with easy instructions to get everything set up. We got all our questions answered during the initial programming appointment (via Zoom) with a Jabra Enhance audiologist. Our tech expert didn’t experience any feedback noise when putting the hearing aids in or taking them out. We found the sound quality was crisp, clear, and natural.

    We did need to change the wires based on the audiologist's recommendation, and we had to handle this process ourselves. It wasn’t time-consuming, but it could prove difficult for seniors with dexterity issues. We also had the option to schedule additional appointments with an audiologist if we needed the devices reprogrammed, but the Jabra Enhance mobile app made it easy to make adjustments and customizations on the fly.

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    Making adjustments using the Jabra Enhance mobile app

  • 2. MDHearing - Most affordable

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    See Pricing

    Call for best price: Call to Order: (800) 422-9380

    What we like most

    • Prices starting at $297 per pair
    • 45-day risk-free trial
    • Lifetime support

    Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors | SeniorLiving.org (12)

    MDHearing

    Call for best price: Call to Order: (800) 422-9380

    See Pricing

    SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.7

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    excellent above average above average above average excellent

    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    Overview:

    Price: $297 to $397 per pair

    Warranty: 1 year

    Designed for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

    Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors | SeniorLiving.org (13)

    MDHearing offers BTE and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids that can be bought as a pair or as a single hearing aid, starting at $297 per pair. This gives you more options for your hearing aids than Jabra Enhance, especially if you’re looking for something a little more discreet or you only need one hearing aid. MDHearing runs discounts on their hearing aids year-round, so you’ll never pay the original sticker price. You can even score free accessories and other perks during certain promotions. MDHearing’s devices are backed by a one-year warranty.

    » Related Reading: Best hearing aids for single-sided hearing loss

    Those who aren’t looking for anything fancy and just want a reliable hearing aid at a low cost may want to consider MDHearing. They have four hearing aids to accommodate various price points and technology preferences. We recommend buying MDHearing aids in pairs. While it’s nice that you have the option to buy a single left- or right-side hearing aid, they reserve the biggest discounts for buying in pairs.

    Pros & Cons:

    Pros About MDHearing

    • Reasonable prices
    • 45-day risk-free trial
    • In-canal and BTE models
    • Smartphone app for adjusting hearing aids
    • U.S.-based customer support
    • Free shipping

    Cons About MDHearing

    • Best discounts only available when bought in pairs
    • Not suitable for severe to profound hearing loss

    Pricing and Our Hands-on Experience:

    Price

    • MDHearing AIR: $297 per pair
    • MDHearing NEO: $297 per pair
    • MDHearing VOLT: $397 per pair
    • MDHearing NEO XS: $397

    The cost of a pair of MDHearing devices is a fraction of what you’ll pay for other OTC brands like Eargo or Jabra Enhance. Their lowest-priced BTE model (MDHearing AIR) is $297 per pair, thanks to the company’s ongoing sale, which is affordable for most budgets. They also offer a payment plan for those who need it. If you don’t mind paying a bit more, the MDHearing NEO XS is $397 per pair and offers a more discreet, in-canal design.

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    MDHearing's ITE hearing aids, including the NEO XS that we've tested, are small and discrete.

    Alternatively, the MDHearing VOLT is a BTE model with an even better sound quality and more ways to reduce background noise, priced at $397 per pair. If you’re not happy with your purchase, MDHearing offers a 45-day risk-free trial. While this is about half the length of Jabra Enhance’s 100-day risk-free trial, it still gives you enough time to test out your devices and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied. We also appreciate that, like Eargo, MDHearing offers lifetime remote support at no extra cost.

    Our Experience With MDHearing

    We tested out the MDHearing VOLT and NEO XS to see how the company’s different offerings compared. The NEO XS is designed to be in-canal, but we had to change the domes to get them to rest more comfortably in our ears. Much like our experience changing the wires on the Jabra Enhance Select 300, this was slightly challenging on our own. However, the lack of in-person help is part of the experience of OTC hearing aids. If you’re looking for in-person support from a hearing professional, we’d recommend upgrading to a prescription hearing aid. While they are more expensive, they offer in-depth hearing screenings, customization, and follow-up care.

    » Learn More: Best behind-the-ear hearing aids

    Our tech expert noticed a bit of feedback when putting in the VOLT and NEO XS models that went away over time. While this may not be a huge issue, it can be annoying for some. The devices also lacked the “bells and whistles” of more expensive OTC hearing aids from Jabra Enhance and Eargo.

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    Expert Insights

    From Dr. Ruth Reisman, Audiologist

    Some MD Hearing models may provide more amplification than required for a mild to moderate loss. So if things sound too loud, they just might be. You can navigate this by reducing the volume to the lowest setting and slowly navigate to a volume that is comfortable for the user. Alternatively, the in-the-ear models tend to have gain levels that are more appropriate.

    MDHearing discontinued its mobile app, so all adjustments are either made remotely with a hearing care professional or directly on the devices themselves. This was a drawback for us, as we love the convenience of a mobile app. However, those without smartphones or less tech-savvy users won’t mind the lack of an app. Additionally, the company doesn’t offer Bluetooth hearing aids, so if you want to stream sound directly from your phone or TV, we’d recommend other OTC providers like Jabra Enhance.

    » Our Full Review: MDHearing reviews

  • 3. Eargo - Most Discreet

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    See Pricing

    Call for best price: Call to Order: 855-922-3431

    What we like most

    • Prices starting at $799 per pair
    • 45-day risk-free trial
    • Lifetime support

    Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors | SeniorLiving.org (17)

    Eargo

    Call for best price: Call to Order: 855-922-3431

    See Pricing

    SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.3

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    excellent excellent excellent excellent excellent

    Please scroll to the right for more info.

    Overview:

    Price: $799 to $2950 per pair

    Warranty: Up to 2 years

    Designed for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

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    We’re impressed with the sleek design and affordability of Eargo’s in-the-ear products, starting at $799 per pair. They have three in-ear and one earbud-style models, which are all rechargeable and nearly invisible for daily comfort. Each pair includes a charging case, lifetime customer support, and a one- or two-year warranty. The Flexi Palms and ear tips on the devices also make for a comfortable fit for most ear shapes and sizes. One of our favorite things about Eargo is the mobile app, which makes remote adjustments and customizations a breeze.

    » Our Full Review: Eargo hearing aid review

    Similar to the other OTC brands on our list, Eargo’s devices are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss.

    Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors | SeniorLiving.org (19)

    Expert Insights

    From Dr. Ruth Reisman, Audiologist

    If Eargo is an option for your hearing loss and discretion is very important to you, Eargo hearing aids are certainly worth a try. Eargo also recently released a prescription hearing aid that can be customized by an audiologist.

    Pros & Cons:

    Pros About Eargo

    • Flexible financing options
    • 45-day money-back guarantee
    • Nearly invisible devices
    • Free shipping
    • Smartphone app that can adjust most of the models
    • Lifetime telecare support

    Cons About Eargo

    • Only in-the-ear styles are available
    • Not suitable for severe or profound hearing loss
    • Relatively short listening time on a single charge

    Pricing and Our Hands-on Experience:

    Price

    • LINK by Eargo: $799 per pair
    • Eargo SE: $1,650 per pair
    • Eargo 6: $2,250 per pair
    • Eargo 7: $2,950 per pair

    Ranging from $799 to $2,950 per pair, Eargo’s top models are some of the highest-priced hearing aids on our list. For comparison, Jabra Enhance’s top-tier model, the Enhance Select 500, costs $1,995 with a Premium package. That’s around $1,000 less than the Eargo 7. However, Eargo’s devices are all rechargeable and nearly invisible — which is worth the boost in price for some users. Plus, the company offers monthly payment options starting at $26 per month if you’re on a budget.

    » Learn More: Best rechargeable hearing aids November 2024

    Keep in mind that each Eargo model is very different. For example, the earbud-style LINK by Eargo is the most affordable option. It features Bluetooth connectivity, but it isn’t compatible with the mobile app. Also, it only offers up to nine hours of listening time on a single charge. On the other hand, the completely-in-canal models (Eargo SE, Eargo 6, and Eargo 7) cost far more and lack direct-to-device Bluetooth streaming. These models do offer a bit more discretion and allow for longer battery life, with up to 16 hours of listening time. You’ll need to consider which model works best for your budget and needs.

    » For Optimal Discretion: The best invisible hearing aids of 2024

    Our Experience With Eargo

    When we tested Eargo’s hearing aids, we found them best suited for those who may be new to hearing aids and want a discreet, rechargeable option. You can find less expensive BTE hearing aids from Jabra Enhance or MDHearing, but you won’t find an in-the-ear, rechargeable option with advanced features for much less. Eargo also comes with an intuitive mobile app, but it was disappointing to see that the app only worked with newer Android or iPhones. Also, it was not compatible with the LINK by Eargo.

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    Using the Eargo app to adjust our hearing aid settings

    We would have liked to get more listening time with each charge. All Eargo charging cases hold at least two charges, but none of them offer a full 24 hours of listening time on one charge. While 16 hours is sufficient to get you through the day if you set your Eargo SE, Eargo 6, or Eargo 7 to charge overnight, we found the LINK by Eargo had to be charged in the middle of the day if we wanted to use it for more than nine hours at a time.

The Runners-Up

While our team picked Jabra Enhance, MDHearing, and Eargo as the best affordable hearing aids on the market, there were other contenders that almost made the cut. Here are a few runners-up you may want to consider:

  • Lexie: This online-only company sells three BTE hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, ranging in price from $699 to $999 per pair. In addition to the competitive prices, the Lexie app makes it easy to adjust the volume and settings to match your noise environment. Check out our Lexie review to learn more about our hands-on experience with the brand.
  • Otofonix: Otofonix offers BTE, OTC hearing aids that start as low as $249 per pair. Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, some models are rechargeable and can be adjusted through an app on your smartphone, though the most affordable options use traditional batteries. In our Otofonix review, we found the devices are best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss who don’t spend a lot of time in challenging sound environments.
  • Signia: Signia offers innovative and stylish hearing aids suitable for every level of hearing loss, from mild to profound. Keep in mind that Signia only offers prescription hearing aids, which can cost twice as much (or more) than most OTC alternatives. However, they offer excellent value. Learn more about our thoughts in our Signia hearing aid review.
  • Phonak: Like Signia, Phonak is a great option for older adults who have severe or profound hearing loss. The prices may not be quite as predictable or competitive as OTC hearing aids, but they do offer more advanced, in-person support from hearing care professionals. Learn more about Phonak’s offerings in our 2024 Phonak review.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Affordable Hearing Aid

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When you’re shopping for an affordable hearing aid, it’s helpful to list what you want in a hearing aid. Whether you pay a few hundred dollars for a hearing aid or a few thousand, they are an investment in your hearing health, so don’t make a rushed decision.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself during the shopping process:

  • Will these hearing aids work for my level of hearing loss?
  • If I’m new to hearing aids, will the provider offer enough support and resources for me?
  • What kind of warranty does the provider offer?
  • Is there a trial period? If so, how long is it?
  • Does the provider offer financing options?
  • If I choose a model with traditional batteries, how much will replacement batteries cost?
  • Are features like sound streaming, rechargeability, and remote adjustments important to me, or can I do without them?

How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?

Hearing aids come at a wide range of prices. Depending on your needs, you could pay hundreds or thousands for a pair of hearing aids.

Hearing aids from top-tier brands, such as Widex, Starkey, and ReSound, could cost up to $8,000 per pair if you get the latest technology and custom-fit hearing aids. You have to purchase these prescription hearing aids in person with a hearing care professional. The high price tag usually includes the costs of in-person adjustments from a licensed professional, cleanings, repairs, and routine hearing exams. So, when it comes down to it, you’re getting more than just hearing aids, which adds to the value. For older adults who struggle with technology or have profound hearing loss, cognitive decline, or reduced dexterity, this kind of assistance can be extremely valuable or even necessary.

Hearing Aid Scams

It feels good to get a great price on an item, especially something as valuable as hearing aids. Unfortunately, there have been reports of scammers preying on older adults in need of low-cost hearing aids.3 We pride ourselves on standing with older adults to protect them from fraud and scams. Beware of offers for “free” hearing aids or marketing gimmicks that attempt to lure you into a rushed decision. Trust your gut; if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Money-saving tip:

Money-saving tip: Our experts go in-depth on the cost of hearing aids. Learn everything you need to know in our hearing aid cost guide.

[hearing-On the other hand, if you are well versed in new tech and have mild to moderate hearing loss, ordering hearing aids online for a lower price is another option. These affordable hearing aids are still an investment, ranging from $250 to $3,000 per pair. This is still significantly less than prescription hearing aids cost. Remember, while you’ll get improved hearing with these lower-priced hearing aids, you typically won’t get in-person support or a custom fit.

What Factors Impact the Cost of Hearing Aids?

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Jabra Enhance hearing aids offer advanced features for an OTC hearing aid, so they are more expensive than more basic OTC models from other brands.

Like any device, the cost of hearing aids can vary based on many factors, ranging from the brand to the technical capabilities of the model you choose. Here are a few of the most common factors that can impact the cost of hearing aids:

  • Prescription vs. OTC: This is one of the most important factors when determining the price of hearing aids. Some brands are OTC-only, others are prescription-only, and still others offer both types of hearing aids. Over-the-counter options were introduced in 2022 to make hearing aids more accessible to people who couldn’t afford the higher prices of prescription models. It’s also important to consider that prescription hearing aids cost more because they include in-person fittings and adjustments with a hearing professional.
  • Level of hearing loss: Typically, low-cost hearing aids will only be suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss. If you need a hearing aid for severe or profound hearing loss, you’ll have to pay more. All hearing aids for severe or profound hearing loss are prescription-only.
  • Advanced tech: If you want the latest and greatest technology to enhance speech recognition using AI or Bluetooth streaming to enjoy your favorite TV shows or music, you’re going to have to pay more. On the other hand, if you just want a basic hearing aid that amplifies sound and reduces feedback (and not much else), you can save by foregoing the more advanced features.
  • Style: Hearing aid style can impact price in many cases. For example, a tiny ITE or CIC hearing aid will often cost more than a standard BTE hearing aid. However, this isn’t always the case. BTE hearing aids are much larger, allowing them to have more advanced features. So, you’ll need to consider both the style and the level of tech when shopping for affordable hearing aids.

Pro Tip:

Pro Tip: If you want a more discreet hearing aid, check out our guide to the best invisible hearing aids.

Does Medicare and Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

No, Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. However, if you qualify for Medicaid, you might be able to get partial coverage, depending on the Medicaid benefits in your location. Some private insurance plans — including many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans — offer basic hearing benefits. These are typically limited to annual hearing exams, but some plan providers offer more comprehensive hearing coverage, including hearing aid benefits.

Insurance Tip:

Insurance Tip: Interested in getting a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing benefits? Check out our guide to the best Medicare Advantage plans.

How Can I Save Money On Hearing Aids?

Since over-the-counter hearing aids became available in the U.S. in 2022, they’ve become one of the easiest ways for older adults to access hearing care at more affordable prices. One of the best ways to save money on hearing aids is to compare OTC providers and take advantage of risk-free trial periods to see which ones work best for your needs.

You may also be eligible for financial assistance in purchasing hearing aids. The Hearing Aid Project has a full list of organizations in your state that provide resources for those who need hearing aids but can’t afford them. Some other common options to consider include your state’s Medicaid program, the Veterans Health Administration, or even private insurance.

FYI:

FYI: Check out our guide on how to get free or discounted hearing aids to learn more!

Hearing Aid Scams

It feels good to get a great price on an item, especially something as valuable as hearing aids. Unfortunately, there have been reports of scammers preying on older adults in need of low-cost hearing aids. We pride ourselves on standing with older adults to protect them from fraud and scams. Beware of offers for “free” hearing aids or marketing gimmicks that attempt to lure you into a rushed decision. Trust your gut; if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Additional Hearing Aid Resources

Want to compare your options? We’ve tested and reviewed hearing aids for several other categories to help you find the right device for your needs.

  • Best Hearing Aids for Alzheimer’s Patients
  • Best iPhone Hearing Aids
  • Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
  • Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids
  • Best Hearing Aids for Severe Hearing Loss
  • Best Hearing Aids for Active Seniors

FAQs

  • Are cheap hearing aids worth buying?

    While buying the cheapest hearing aids you can find may result in poor sound quality, annoying feedback, and frequent repairs or replacements, buying low-cost hearing aids can be a great investment. Over-the-counter brands like MDHearing offer some of the most affordable hearing aids on the market — without sacrificing quality.

  • Do $99 hearing aids work?

    If you find hearing aids for less than $100 per pair, they’re probably not a good investment. They are far more likely to break or provide poor sound quality. You’re better off spending a bit more for a quality brand.

  • How long do cheap hearing aids last?

    Longevity depends entirely on the brand, the style, and even how you use your hearing aids. That said, you can generally expect an affordable pair of hearing aids to last for at least two to three years with regular use. If you buy from a quality provider like Eargo or Jabra Enhance, they could last up to five years.

  • What is an affordable alternative to hearing aids?

    Personal Sound Amplifiers (PSAPs) offer adults with hearing loss a way to amplify the sound in their immediate environment at a lower cost than hearing aids. However, these products are much more basic than most hearing aids and cannot offer the same quality listening experience.

Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors | SeniorLiving.org (2024)

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Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.