As an experienced audiologist, I have had many conversations with patients who are either personally experiencing hearing loss or inquiring on behalf of a loved one. One question that repeatedly comes to the forefront is about the best options for hearing aids. Among the several brands available in the market, one name that consistently emerges in these discussions is Beltone. In this comprehensive guide, we will traverse the nitty-gritty of Beltone hearing aids, providing you with everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Let's dive in and explore further!
There are 14 Beltone Hearing Clinics within the New York City area (and 11 in and around Los Angeles county!). That’s pretty impressive, if you ask us. While both of these cities are bustling and densely populated areas, the amount of clinics alone is life-changing in the realm of hearing health.
Beltone has 1,500 locations in the United States, which make them the largest hearing retailer in the country and one of the best-known names in the hearing health world.
So, imagine this: You’re new to the bright and wide world of hearing health and Beltone may already be on your radar due to their multiple locations (and advertising, no less). You may be wondering what the full story is behind Beltone. Does the brand provide good value? Is the hearing aid durable? More importantly—will it suit your everyday needs? And, more detail-oriented questions like: Does Beltone make their own hearing aids? Are they affordable? And finally—are there pricing tiers?Get the answers to the questions above and even more in our Beltone guide. Scroll on to get the brand history, newest products and technology, plus how the Beltone process works.
About Beltone
Let’s take it all back to the beginning. Once upon a time in the 1930s, a power couple named Sam and Faye Posen had a burning desire to help their dear friend hear better. But they didn't want to just settle for a run-of-the-mill hearing device—instead, they dreamed of something more personalized and groundbreaking technology.
Fast forward to 1940, when the duo opened the doors to a brick and mortar location in Chicago. And just like that, a hearing aid empire was born. Over the next six decades, Beltone became a household name, with retail stores popping up all over the country and innovative hearing aids at the forefront of their product offerings. (And, they even tapped actress Jane Wyatter in the 80s to star in this now-retro TV spot.)
In 2000, Beltone was purchased by GN—a global leader in hearing aid tech—and was also acquired alongside other top-notch hearing companies, ReSound and Jabra. As a member of the GN family, Beltone’s hearing aids are made in the same place as all GN hearing products and these devices also share technology with ReSound.
Intrigued? While the hearing aid technology is strong, keep in mind that they do not manufacture hearing aids themselves. Instead, the brand works with GN and ReSound to white label technology under the Beltone name.
The brand itself is also known for a mighty impressive retail experience with offerings like top-notch diagnostic screenings, programming, and maintenance services. And while most Beltone stores are independently owned, they all receive expert support from the brand team to ensure that every patient receives the best care possible. That being said, Beltone recently unveiled their "Great Start" program to help newbie hearing aid wearers acclimate to their new hearing devices.
Our Soundly team chatted with Beltone President Mike Halloran to learn more about how Beltone works with their network to provide unbeatable quality and care. (P.S. read more about that here.)
Beltone Hearing Aids
ReSound manufactures Beltone hearing aids, and the features and specs are updated as ReSound’s technology advances.
Beltone offers:
- Receiver-in-canal hearing aids (most popular)
- Custom-mold hearing aids (can be invisible or rechargeable)
- Behind-the-ear hearing aids (best for profound loss)
When you select the style of hearing aid from above, you’ll work with a Beltone expert to determine which technology level is appropriate for you. To note, the brand has their own name—and hierarchy—for tech levels.
Here’s the breakdown of Beltone’s technology portfolio:
- Serene - The newest technology that is also available in the microRIE style in addition to BTE and custom styles
- Achieve - Strong handling in background noise
- Imagine - Mid-price with slightly less background noise reduction (available in all styles)
- Rely - The budget option with robust features but less background noise reduction
Get more details about the Beltone range of products, and read up on ReSound NEXIA and Customs by ReSound. These hearing aid lines are practically identical to Beltone's devices under other names.
Beltone Fitting and Care
To find a Beltone flagship near you, simply head to their website and use their handy location finder tool. Chances are good that you'll be able to find a store in your local area.
Then, you have two options to set up an appointment: Either fill out the online form or give them a call.
One of the perks of visiting Beltone is their complimentary hearing screening service. During your visit, a knowledgeable professional will guide you through your options and get a better understanding of your particular hearing health goals. You can even test out different hearing aids in the office to see which ones are the best fit for you.
If you decide to purchase hearing aids from Beltone, you're in for a treat. They offer free lifetime cleanings and annual hearing exams to ensure that you're always hearing your best (this is also a huge perk if you’re a frequent traveler!). Plus, their service doesn't end after you leave the store—the company is committed to providing follow-up care and support whenever and wherever you need it.
Beltone Prices
You may have noticed that Beltone's website is missing one thing: The price lists! Cue, major frustration.
So, our Soundly experts did some sleuthing and reached out to their corporate office for more information. But, at this time, there isn't one simple answer around their hearing aid pricing.
According to Beltone, prices can vary depending on the technology level. For instance, you can get a pair of Jabra Enhance Plus for $799 or splurge on a premium set for a few grand. (Essentially, the prices can vary widely by models and technology tiers.)
After scouring some reviews, it seems like most people pay between $4,000 and $6,000 for a pair of hearing aids from Beltone, which is rather standard for the industry. So, it's safe to say that their prices fall in the middle of the pack, averaging around $4,500 for a pair.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a hearing aid and want a device from a trusted source, Beltone is a reasonable option. Beltone won’t always offer the lowest prices but their GN ownership means their underlying tech is strong.
With this in mind, Beltone also maintains social proof with noted customer satisfaction and often wins awards for excellent customer care.
And if internet shopping is more your thing, consider purchasing online from Jabra Enhance Select—a company also owned by GN—which offers lower prices through Telehealth care.
