Hearing Aid or Hearing Amplifier

Shopping research | 7/11/25 | Bernard

[Bernard]

I have been looking into buying some assistance for my hearing loss. I got prices from a local Beltone rep and from a Miracle Ear rep, both in the multiple $1,000 range. ($3,995 to $6,500)

And, of course, just looking anything up on the internet results in ads and suggestions for all sorts of alternatives, including "Amplifiers" for less than $1,000. (All of this out of pocket.)

Any suggestions or recommendations from this group?

Thanks

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TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: hearingaid; purchasing; recommendations; using

[Bernard]

I have been looking into buying some assistance for my hearing loss. I got prices from a local Beltone rep and from a Miracle Ear rep, both in the multiple $1,000 range. ($3,995 to $6,500)

And, of course, just looking anything up on the internet results in ads and suggestions for all sorts of alternatives, including "Amplifiers" for less than $1,000. (All of this out of pocket.)

Any suggestions or recommendations from this group?

Thanks

[Red Badger]

Mine are from Resound. Programmable. Got them thru the VA.

https://www.resound.com/en-us/

[BipolarBob]

Would this do anything for tinnitus?

[xp38]

If your hearing loss is mild the current Apple AirPods Pro 2 has an app which tests your hearing and will then be a hearing aid for you. Cost is around 2 to 3 hundred. Maybe cheaper if you get a deal. It’s meant to be wireless earphones but it’s pretty sophisticated and has now become a hearing aid.

[Dustoff45]

I am on my 5th hearing aid. Somehow I made it to retirement without them, but suffered high frequency hearing loss from choppers in ‘Nam.

I have been to several audiologists and have had hearing tests for over 50 years. The tests I have had at their hearing center has been the best yet.

If you are a Costco member, I would strongly recommend asking for a hearing test. They can then know more of your needs to point you to a good fit. They have high quality models from reputable manufacturers.

[curious7]

You might consider bone conduction devices. Depends on the nature of your hearing loss whether bone conduction is suitable. Here’s one example:https://www.amazon.com/Conduction-Headphones-Frequency-Non-invasive-Long-Term/dp/B0DNZ4KY7G/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I-yBviawR5Gvs5LQSnQgR_YOcFGa6wwgaWrSPalRwhLkCwuSo10veREeOaNyZKy_5A7pITmekfh0dT6JJFGBeWS-0jAHnV_Mtf-FAIjjyYGiKQs0F48un6HlgO2Pos6r_YpIYBn1f_2KvVDZaJBsHWSaj-onBptO7V7BhY356DP1LxBhUClXtVfGWpTyo138tBa2pN03EJ_A5YfvEJfO6lblP9Jg155o7pdjlDR0HeG8VYPHS17g6N7PRF3G78mJN7nAFDykKN4n1KZ147XSTK1SpzCnaZ5IfDiHJIpuAAs.lO0vgrefqDU-EcI2aMthGSQty0xyLFNQkzPke4-XEgI&dib_tag=se&keywords=bone+conduction+hearing+aid&qid=1752262868&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

There are numerous options.

[Jamestown1630]

You want something that can be programmed for your particular hearing loss across frequencies.

[Vermont Lt]

Go to an independent audiologist and get a decent, professional hearing test.

They can help you figure out what kind of hearing assistance you need.

It’s been too long since I helped my mom with hers—and she didn’t like them.

But, get professional assistance. It is likely going to cost you less in the long run.

[Blueflag]

I took recommend the Costco route. Great price, free cleanings, built in loss insurance. Bluetooth to your phone. Very pleased.

[ChildOfThe60s]

I have been using Lucid aids sold by Liberty which has clinics in Sams Clubs. I am a member, but I don’t think it is required.

I’ve had the same audiologist there for all 8 years. They have all the tech for testing. My ENT told me that there was no reason to pay more at the big chains.

I will be getting new ones soon and they will run $3900. They will be the 2nd from the top one. I have had my current ones for 8 years which is the outside of their expected life span.

Testing and evaluation is free. At least in my experience it was no pressure to buy. You can’t lose by checking it out. I have to pay out of pocket, so I am careful.

[GOPJ]

Do you have early minor hearing loss? If so go to a local Audibel or COSTCO center. Cheap hearing aids with a decent test thrown in ... They’re competitive now that over the counter aids are available. Consumer Reports also has nice recommendations for members...

If your hearing loss is worse - and you want something to allow you to hear conversations, TV voices etc and you’re in the privacy of your home - I found the perfect answer and it’s cheap. I use it with my Iphone ear buds. Great sound. I’ll come back with a link...

[Mean Daddy]

I have the Osia Baha which requires the hearing nerve being in good shape and a plate is inserted under the skin. The hearing aid can be clipped on with a magnet. I have the magnetic one. It is covered by insurance but you have to go to an ENT for evaluation.

[drSteve78]

Beltone has like six different lines.

Buying cheap will leave you disappointed. I have Resound now for four years, and the things I was missing were significant. Listening to music 🎶 is a whole new experience.

[Karoo]

I do NOT need amplification if that means louder.

My hearing loss is garbled sound....sounds like the speaker has mouth full of marbles.

Don’t know if that is correctable. Reading lips seems to help for me. Hearing over cell phone is impossible as well as phone messages.

Just enunciate and speak slowly and clearly

[Jamestown1630]

Hearing loss is very individual. Mere amplification can be more confusing and debilitating than doing without any aid at all.

[plain talk]

"You want something that can be programmed for your particular hearing loss across frequencies."

THIS. Depending on your situation it may be important to be able to make adjustments. Just turning everything up can be particularly annoying in restaurants etc. Get a specialist's opinion on what to buy based on actual testing of your hearing problem.

[Jamestown1630]

Also, hearing changes. A programmable aid can be reprogrammed within a certain range to keep up with changes,

It starts with an audiogram. You have to know what’s really wrong before you can do anything.

[Rio]

Join COSTCO and get theirs. The prices are far better due to their bulk buying. First rate modern hardware and good service.

[Jamestown1630]

When I was working in this area, we had a surprising number of older people whose main problem was a bad buildup of wax. We sent them for ear cleaning before we even attempted to assess their hearing loss.

[RBStealth]

The Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, which was passed by Congress in 2017 and fully implemented by the FDA in 2022. It allows adults with mild to moderate hearing loss to buy hearing aids without a prescription, medical exam, or fitting by an audiologist.
🔍 What Changed?
- Before: Hearing aids could only be purchased through licensed professionals, often costing $3,000–$7,000 per pair.
- Now: Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are available at pharmacies, electronics stores, and online—often for under $1,000.
✅ Benefits
- Greater accessibility for millions of Americans
- Lower costs due to increased competition
- Easier entry point for people hesitant to seek professional help
⚠️ Limitations
- OTC devices are not suitable for severe hearing loss or children
- Lack of custom fitting and professional tuning may affect performance
- Some users may struggle with setup and maintenance without guidance
This shift is part of a broader push to make hearing care more affordable and reduce barriers to treatment.