Hearing aids are devices you wear in or behind your ear to make sound louder so you can hear better in conversation, at home, and out in the world
A hearing aid has a microphone that picks up sound, an amplifier that makes it louder, and a speaker that sends it into your ear. Modern hearing aids are small, often invisible, and many connect wirelessly to your phone or TV. They run on batteries or rechargeable power, and they come in different styles depending on how much hearing loss you have and where you want to wear them.
The path to getting hearing aids usually starts with a hearing test from an audiologist or your doctor, then choosing a device that fits your hearing loss and budget, and finally learning how to use and care for it. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from first appointment to wearing them regularly.
Key Takeaways
- A hearing test from an audiologist or your doctor is the first step and tells you what type and power of hearing aid you actually need.
- Hearing aids range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, and Medicare covers some of the cost for people 65 and older as of 2024.
- You can buy hearing aids from an audiologist's office, a hearing aid retailer, or online, and each route has different levels of support and fitting service.
- Most hearing aids need a few weeks of adjustment before they feel natural, so plan to visit your audiologist multiple times to fine-tune the settings.
- Over-the-counter hearing aids are available without a prescription for mild to moderate hearing loss, though they do not include professional fitting or adjustment.
What happens during a hearing test
A hearing test is painless and takes 30 to 60 minutes. An audiologist or your primary care doctor will ask about your hearing history, then place you in a quiet room and play sounds at different volumes and pitches through headphones. You raise your hand or press a button when you hear each sound. The results show which frequencies (high and low sounds) you struggle with and how severe the loss is.
After the test, the audiologist will explain the results using an audiogram — a chart that maps your hearing across different sound frequencies. They will tell you whether hearing aids would help, what type might work best, and what to expect. If you are not ready to buy, you can take this information to another provider or think it over at home. Many people get a second opinion, and that is normal.
Types of hearing aids and how they differ
Hearing aids come in several styles. Behind-the-ear (BTE) devices sit on top of your ear with a tube running into the ear canal — they are durable, straightforward to handle, and work for mild to severe hearing loss. In-the-ear (ITE) aids fit partly or fully inside the ear canal and are less visible, but they are smaller and harder to adjust. Receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices are a middle ground: they sit behind the ear with a thin wire to a speaker in the canal, offering good sound and easier handling than full ITE models.
Hearing aids also differ by features. Basic models amplify sound and that is it. Mid-range models add noise reduction and directional microphones so you hear conversation better in noisy places. Premium models connect to your phone, automatically adjust to your environment, and let you control volume through an app. More features mean higher cost, but you do not always need the most expensive option to hear well.
Medicare and other ways to pay for hearing aids
As of 2024, Medicare Part B covers hearing aids for people 65 and older. The program pays for a hearing test, up to two hearing aids per year, and fitting and adjustment visits. You pay a copay for the test and the aids themselves — the exact amount depends on which hearing aid you choose and your specific Medicare plan. Call your Medicare plan or visit Medicare.gov to learn what your copay will be.
If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, coverage may differ, so check your plan documents or call the plan directly. Veterans may be covered through the VA, and some state Medicaid programs cover hearing aids for younger adults — coverage varies by state. Private insurance rarely covers hearing aids, but some employers offer hearing aid discounts through workplace benefits programs.
If you do not have insurance coverage, hearing aids range from $500 to $6,000 per pair depending on style and features. Some audiologists offer payment plans, and nonprofit organizations like the Hearing Loss Association of America maintain lists of programs that offer reduced-cost or donated hearing aids in your area.
Where to buy hearing aids and what to expect
You have three main routes: an audiologist's private practice, a hearing aid retailer (like Costco, Best Buy, or a local chain), or online. An audiologist's office typically offers the most personalized service — they do your hearing test, help you choose a device, fit it to your ear, and adjust the settings over several visits. This route costs more upfront but includes ongoing support. A hearing aid retailer offers similar services at lower cost in many cases, though the range of brands may be smaller. Online retailers ship hearing aids to your home, which is cheapest, but you do your own fitting using a video call or app, and support is limited.
No matter where you buy, you should expect to visit for adjustments at least two or three times in the first month. Hearing aids feel strange at first — sounds may seem too loud, or you may notice your own chewing or footsteps. These are normal, and adjustments fix most of these issues. If a provider will not offer follow-up visits or charges heavily for them, that is a sign to look elsewhere.
Over-the-counter hearing aids: what they are and who they suit
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids became available in 2022 and do not require a prescription or hearing test. They are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss and cost $200 to $1,500 per pair. You can buy them at drugstores, online retailers, and some electronics stores. Popular brands include Walmart's Great Value, CVS's Lively, and Amazon's Eargo.
OTC hearing aids work well for some people, especially those with mild hearing loss who want to try amplification before committing to a prescription device. However, they come without professional fitting or adjustment — you set them up yourself using an app or video guide. If your hearing loss is severe, uneven between ears, or mixed with other ear problems, an OTC device may not help, and a professional fitting is worth the extra cost. Many people start with OTC aids to see if amplification helps, then move to prescription devices later.
Getting used to hearing aids and caring for them
The first two weeks of wearing hearing aids are an adjustment. Start by wearing them for a few hours a day in quiet settings, then gradually increase time and try noisier environments. Your brain needs time to relearn how to process amplified sound. Many people report that after a month, they stop noticing the device and just hear better. If you are frustrated after two weeks, contact your audiologist — settings can almost always be tweaked to feel more comfortable.
Hearing aids need daily care. Wipe them with a dry cloth each evening to remove earwax and moisture. Store them in a dry container overnight, and replace the battery or charge them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Earwax buildup is the most common reason hearing aids stop working well, so clean your ears gently and keep the device clean. If a hearing aid stops working, your audiologist can usually repair it within a few days, and most devices come with a warranty covering defects for one to three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hearing test before I buy hearing aids?
If you are buying prescription hearing aids from an audiologist or hearing aid retailer, yes — a hearing test is required and is the only way to know what settings your device needs. Over-the-counter hearing aids do not require a test, but a test helps you decide whether OTC aids will work for your hearing loss or whether you need a prescription device.
How long do hearing aids last?
Most hearing aids last three to seven years before they need replacement. The lifespan depends on how well you care for them, how often you wear them, and how much moisture and earwax they are exposed to. Batteries in non-rechargeable aids last one to three weeks depending on the size and your usage.
Can I wear just one hearing aid if I have hearing loss in both ears?
You can, but two hearing aids work better for most people. Wearing two helps your brain locate where sound is coming from and makes conversation easier in noisy places. If cost is the barrier, talk to your audiologist about starting with one and adding a second later, or look into payment plans and reduced-cost programs.
What if I lose or damage my hearing aid?
Most hearing aids come with a one- to three-year warranty that covers defects but not loss or damage from accidents. Some retailers and audiologists offer optional loss and damage insurance for a yearly fee. If your device is damaged beyond repair, your audiologist can usually order a replacement, though you will pay out of pocket unless insurance covers it.
Are there any side effects from wearing hearing aids?
Hearing aids do not cause permanent damage to your hearing. Some people experience temporary discomfort, itching in the ear canal, or feedback (a whistling sound), but these are usually fixed by adjusting the fit or settings. If discomfort continues after a few visits to your audiologist, tell them — a different style or size may work better for you.