Hear.com Hearing Aid Costs — Our In-Depth Analysis
Hear.com offers high-quality hearing aids at prices ranging from $139 to $199 per month (over 36 months). Although more expensive than over-the-counter options, their prices are competitive in the prescription hearing aid market. Hear.com products include devices from top manufacturers with features like Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and smartphone app controls. Traditional hearing aids cost $4,000 to $5,000 per pair, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This places Hear.com’s financing options in the mid-to-upper price range for individuals seeking premium hearing solutions backed by professional audiologist support.
In this guide to Hear.com costs, we’ll walk through our experience with Hear.com, highlighting the company’s approach to hearing aids, pricing, and warranties.
Hear.com Costs: Key Findings
- Hear.com hearing aids cost $139 to $199 per month, with the higher pricing for more advanced hearing aid models.
- Hear.com includes up to five free service appointments with their partner audiologists.
- All Hear.com devices come with a risk-free 45-day trial period with full refunds available.
- Their financing program makes premium hearing technology more accessible without large up-front payments
FYI: To learn more about our hands-on experience with their services and devices, read our comprehensive Hear.com review.
Pros and Cons of Hear.com Hearing Aids
Hear.com Pros
- Wide selection of premium brands: During our consultations with Hear.com, we were impressed by their access to devices from leading manufacturers, including Oticon, Signia, and Phonak, allowing for truly personalized solutions.
- Expert guidance: When we tested Hear.com’s consultation process, their hearing specialists spent considerable time understanding our specific hearing needs and lifestyle factors before recommending devices, unlike the one-size-fits-all approach we’ve experienced with some competitors.
- Flexible payment options: Our Hear.com representative was up-front about working within our budget and confirmed that very few customers pay full price, as they have various discount options.
- 45-day risk-free trial: If you’re unsatisfied with your hearing aids, Hear.com offers a 45-day money-back guarantee with no restocking fees, which we found to be more customer-friendly compared with competitors that charge return fees.
- A nationwide network of audiologists: With over 1,600 partner providers across all 50 states, we never had to travel far for in-person appointments during our testing process.
Hear.com Cons
- Higher price point: Hear.com’s devices are significantly more expensive than affordable OTC hearing aids that can start at around $300 per pair.
- Lack of transparent pricing: During our research, it was frustrating that specific device prices aren’t listed on their website, making comparison shopping difficult without scheduling a consultation.
- Limited information about follow-up care: When we inquired about long-term service, we discovered that the number of included follow-up appointments varies by provider and isn’t always clearly defined up front.
Hear.com Hearing Aid Pricing Tiers
| Device Tier | Mid-Level | Advanced | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $139 | $169 | $199 |
| Estimated Total (36 months) | $5,004 | $6,084 | $7,164 |
| Best For | Quiet environments | Mild background noise environments that need some noise reduction | Active lifestyles in complex and noisy listening environments that need advanced features |
| Key Features | Basic noise reduction, some directional mics | Enhanced speech clarity, better directional mics | Advanced noise suppression, automatic environment adjustment |
| Bluetooth Capability | Limited or none | Basic connectivity | Full connectivity |
| Battery Type | Typically disposable | Disposable and rechargeable | Mostly rechargeable |
Pro Tip: During our consultation calls with Hear.com, representatives consistently mentioned they can work with customers to lower prices below their advertised rates. When we pressed for specifics, they indicated that most customers receive some form of discount through insurance, promotions, or negotiated pricing.
Our Favorite OTC Hearing Aids
Although Hear.com offers competitive prices on prescription hearing aids, we've found that OTC hearing aids are often cheaper. If you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, we recommend checking out one of these top-rated brands.
Hear.com Hearing Aids at a Glance
Hear.com doesn’t manufacture their own hearing aids; they partner with top manufacturers to offer a wide selection of brands. Instead of selling hearing aids by brand, they categorize them based on the style.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
BTE (behind-the-ear) models are the most powerful option in Hear.com’s lineup. When we tested several BTE models through Hear.com, we found they offer excellent sound quality and the most features, including robust Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio directly from smartphones. These models sit comfortably behind the ear with a thin tube directing sound into the ear canal.
BTE hearing aids from Hear.com partners like Phonak and Oticon typically fall in the Advanced to Premium price tiers ($169 to $199 per month).
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
RIC models have a small bud that sits in the canal attached to a nearly invisible wire attached to a small behind-the-ear component, offering a balance between visibility, comfort, and features. During our fittings with Hear.com’s partner audiologists, we noticed these devices were easier to insert and remove than smaller models, making them ideal for those with dexterity challenges.
These models typically fall in the Advanced to Premium price tiers ($169 to $199 per month), depending on the specific features and technology level.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
CIC devices sit deep in the ear canal, making them nearly invisible. When we tested CIC options through Hear.com, we appreciated their discretion but found they had fewer features and smaller batteries compared to larger models. These are ideal for those with mild to moderate hearing loss who prioritize aesthetics.
CIC models typically fall in the Mid-Level to Advanced price tiers ($139 to $169 per month).
How to Purchase Hear.com Hearing Aids
The purchasing process with Hear.com is straightforward but more hands-on than buying OTC hearing aids. Here are the details about our buying experience:
- Initial consultation: Fill out Hear.com’s online form or call directly to schedule a free consultation with a hearing expert. When we tested this process, representatives responded within 10 minutes of our inquiry, as promised.
- Local audiologist appointment: Hear.com connects you with a partner audiologist in your area for a comprehensive hearing test. During our appointment, the audiologist conducted thorough testing and explained our results in detail before recommending specific devices.
- Device selection: Based on your test results and lifestyle needs, Hear.com recommends appropriate hearing aid models. We appreciated that they presented multiple options across different price points rather than pushing only their most expensive models.
- Fitting and adjustment: Once you select your hearing aids, you’ll have a fitting appointment where the audiologist customizes and programs your devices. During our fitting session, the provider took time to ensure proper fit and demonstrated all features thoroughly.
- 45-day trial period: Use your hearing aids in your daily life to ensure they meet your needs. During our trial period, Hear.com representatives checked in regularly to address any concerns and arrange adjustments as needed.
FYI: When comparing Hear.com to direct-to-consumer options, we found their audiologist-driven approach particularly valuable for first-time hearing aid users. During our testing, having professional guidance through the selection and adjustment process significantly reduced the learning curve compared to self-fitting alternatives.
Hear.com Support and Services
One area where Hear.com stands out from online hearing aid retailers like MDHearing is their comprehensive support system. Here’s what’s included:
- Free consultation: When we tested Hear.com’s consultation process, we received detailed information about hearing loss and technology options without any pressure to purchase.
- Partner audiologist network: Hear.com’s 1,600+ audiologists nationwide provide professional testing, fitting, and adjustments. During our appointments, these professionals demonstrated extensive knowledge about hearing health beyond just selling devices.
- Hearing Success Program: This 30-day structured program guides new users through the adaptation period. When we participated in this program, the daily tasks and regular check-ins significantly improved our adjustment to the new hearing aids.
- Ongoing support: Hear.com provides continued assistance via phone, email, and smartphone apps. When we tested their customer service with various questions, response times were consistently under 24 hours.
- Insurance navigation: During our consultation, Hear.com representatives helped determine our insurance coverage and explained financing options, saving us considerable time and confusion compared to contacting insurance directly.
According to research published in The Hearing Review, proper professional fitting and follow-up care significantly impact user satisfaction and outcomes with hearing aids, making Hear.com’s service-oriented approach a valuable differentiator.
Hear.com Returns and Warranties
Hear.com’s return and warranty policies vary somewhat by manufacturer, but all purchases include:
- 45-day risk-free trial: If you’re not satisfied with your hearing aids for any reason, Hear.com offers a full refund with no restocking fees within the first 45 days. When we inquired about returns, representatives confirmed this process is straightforward and doesn’t require extensive justification.
- Manufacturer warranties: Coverage extends up to three years, depending on the specific device and manufacturer. Our research found that premium devices typically included full three-year coverage, while more basic models had shorter warranty periods.
- Loss and damage protection: Some Hear.com devices include coverage for accidental damage or loss, though this varies by manufacturer and may require an additional fee. When we asked for clarification, Hear.com recommended purchasing additional coverage for higher-end devices.
- Service appointments: Up to five free service appointments with a Hear.com partner audiologist are included. During our testing, these appointments proved valuable for fine-tuning and addressing fit issues that emerged after extended use.
Hear.com vs. Competitors
| Provider | Starting Price (Pair) | Trial Period | Audiologist Support | Number of Brands Offered | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hear.com | $5,004 ($139/month) | 45 days | In-person and remote | 12+ premium brands | Up to 3 years |
| Eargo | $799 | 45 days | Remote only | 1 (proprietary) | 1-2 years |
| Jabra Enhance | $995 | 100 days | Remote only | 1 (proprietary) | 3 years |
| Traditional Audiologists | $4,000-$7,000 | Varies | In-person | Varies | 1-3 years |
| MDHearing | $299 | 45 days | Remote only | 1 (proprietary) | 90 days |
When comparing Hear.com to competitors like Eargo and Lively, we found three key differentiators during our testing:
- Brand selection: Hear.com offered significantly more device options than direct-to-consumer companies that only sell their own products. This allowed for better customization to our specific hearing needs.
- Price point: Hear.com’s devices were more expensive than OTC options but comparable to traditional audiologist pricing. However, their financing made premium technology more accessible without significant up-front costs.
- Support model: Hear.com’s hybrid approach combines local audiologist care with their centralized support team. During our experience, this provided more comprehensive service than online-only retailers while maintaining more consistent quality than independent audiologists.
Hear.com Final Thoughts
Hear.com offers a premium approach to hearing health care that balances professional expertise with the convenience of centralized support and financing. While their pricing is higher than budget OTC options, they provide value through access to top-tier technology, professional fitting, and ongoing support.
During our extensive testing of their services, we found Hear.com particularly well-suited for:
- First-time hearing aid users who benefit from professional guidance.
- Those with moderate-to-severe hearing loss that requires sophisticated technology.
- Individuals who prefer financing over large up-front payments.
- People who value ongoing professional support and adjustments.
If budget is your primary concern, more affordable OTC options like Jabra Enhance may be worth considering. However, if you’re seeking premium technology with professional support, Hear.com is an ideal way to enter the world of hearing aids
Take a look at our complete hearing aid buying guide to learn more about your options before purchasing hearing aids.
Methodology
To evaluate Hear.com’s offerings and services, our testing team conducted a comprehensive assessment process that included:
- Consultation calls: We completed multiple consultation calls with different Hear.com representatives to evaluate the consistency of information and service quality.
- In-person appointments: Team members attended appointments with Hear.com partner audiologists in different regions to assess the quality and consistency of their provider network.
- Device testing: We tested multiple hearing aid models across different price tiers to evaluate performance, features, and value.
- Customer service evaluation: We contacted customer support through various channels (phone, email, app) with different scenarios to measure response times and resolution quality.
- Comparison shopping: We compared Hear.com’s prices and services against traditional audiologists and direct-to-consumer competitors to establish relative value positioning.
Our evaluation criteria included price transparency, device quality, customer service responsiveness, audiologist expertise, and overall user experience from initial contact through ongoing support.
Hear.com Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do Hear.com hearing aids cost?
Hear.com hearing aids range from $139 to $199 per month, typically financed over 36 months. This translates to approximately $5,004 to $7,164 for a pair, depending on the technology level selected.
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Does insurance cover Hear.com hearing aids?
Many insurance plans provide partial coverage for Hear.com hearing aids. During our consultation, Hear.com representatives checked our insurance benefits and explained exactly what would be covered. To learn more about insurance coverage for hearing aids, read our guide to hearing aid insurance coverage.
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How does Hear.com's 45-day trial work?
If you’re not satisfied with your hearing aids within 45 days of purchase, Hear.com offers a full refund with no restocking fees. When we inquired about returns, representatives confirmed this applies even if you’ve used the devices regularly during the trial period.
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Does Hear.com make their own hearing aids?
No, Hear.com partners with established manufacturers like Oticon, Signia, Phonak, Widex, and others. They function as a service provider connecting customers with the best hearing aid technology from multiple brands.
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How do I know if Hear.com hearing aids are right for me?
Hear.com offers free phone consultations and hearing tests with partner audiologists to determine if their devices are appropriate for your specific hearing loss and lifestyle needs. During our testing, this no-obligation process provided valuable information even for those who ultimately chose not to purchase.
