What Are The Best Affordable Hearing Aids in 2023?
The average price of hearing aids in the U.S. is $4,500. That's a big ticket item by anyone's standards and leaves many people looking for alternatives.
The good news is that there has never been a better time to buy hearing aids (at any price).
While prices for traditional prescription devices have not gone down (and likely won’t anytime soon), the number of quality options for consumers has dramatically increased.
Just a few years ago, you had one credible option - prescription hearing aids through a local clinic.
In 2023 you can get quality devices through prescription, telehealth, or OTC channels. You can even get hearing aids at big box stores like Sam's Club.
What are the options for affordable hearing aids?
Our research led us to three main options to get cheaper (but still quality) hearing aids.
Option 1: Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids (Starting At $300 / pair)
OTC hearing aids are the brand new disruptors on the market as of October 2022. Unlike the previous three options, OTC hearing aids put programming in the hands of the user and cut out the need for hearing professionals. OTC hearing aids aren’t right for everyone but they can be a good place to start.
Option 2: Telehealth ($1,200 - $2,000 per pair)
Jabra Enhance Select and Audicus are two leading Telehealth brands that jumped into the hearing health mainstream during the pandemic.
Both brands have a team of in-house hearing professionals that walk you through a test, program your hearing aids and provide follow up services all through your phone or computer.
The process is significantly more efficient than local care and those savings get passed to consumers.
Option 3: Discount Local Care($1,200 - $4,500 per pair)
Let’s say you want to get a prescription hearing aid with in person care. Typically you would call a local clinic, set up a test and pay around $4,000-$7,000 for a pair with three years of service.
That's not your only option though. Retailers like Sam's Club offer in-person care at over 500 locations around the country with with free testing and strong underlying technology.
Why We Rank MDHearing #1 For Affordability
If you’ve spent much time searching for affordable hearing aids online, there’s a good chance you’ve read something about MDHearing. The Chicago-based brand has sold over 500,000 pairs since 2009 and is a leader in low-cost, online hearing aids.
MDHearing devices are not the fanciest on the market, but the company is credible, with audiologists on staff and a good return policy. They are one of the only sub-$300 products we suggest. MDHearing devices get the job done and deliver on the essential points.
Pros:
✅ Products available at under $300
✅ The company has extensive experience and good returns
✅ VIP care packages are available
✅ Respectable sound processing
Cons:
❌ No Bluetooth connection
❌ Less fine tuning