A Plus Hearing Aid Centers: What They Offer and How They Work
A Plus Hearing Aid Centers is a chain of hearing aid retailers with locations across multiple states. They sell hearing aids, offer hearing tests, and provide fitting and adjustment services. Unlike some hearing aid sellers that operate online-only or through mail order, A Plus operates physical locations where you can meet with staff in person, have your hearing tested on-site, and try devices before purchasing.
The chain carries hearing aids from several major manufacturers, including Phonak, Signia, Widex, and Oticon. Prices and specific brands available vary by location. Like most hearing aid retailers, A Plus charges for the hearing test itself, though some locations may waive this fee if you purchase hearing aids from them.
Key Takeaways
- A Plus operates physical retail locations where you can have your hearing tested and try hearing aids in person before buying.
- They carry hearing aids from multiple manufacturers, but the specific brands and models available depend on your local store.
- Hearing tests at A Plus are not free, though some locations may discount or waive the fee if you purchase from them.
- Prices for hearing aids at A Plus are set by the individual location and may differ from online retailers or other brick-and-mortar stores.
- A Plus typically offers a trial period and warranty on hearing aids, but the terms vary by location and manufacturer.
How to Find Your Nearest A Plus Location
A Plus Hearing Aid Centers are located in several states, but not nationwide. To find whether there is a location near you, visit their website and use the store locator tool, or call their main customer service line to ask about locations in your area. The store locator will show you the address, phone number, and hours for each location.
Once you identify a nearby store, call ahead to schedule a hearing test appointment. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but scheduling in advance ensures you will not have a long wait and that a hearing specialist will be available to spend time with you.
What to Expect During a Hearing Test at A Plus
A hearing test at A Plus typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. The hearing specialist will ask about your hearing history, any noise exposure at work, and what situations make it hardest for you to hear. They will then conduct a formal audiometric test in a soundproof booth, where you listen to tones at different pitches and volumes and signal when you hear them.
After the test, the specialist will show you your results on an audiogram — a graph that maps your hearing ability across different frequencies. They will explain what the results mean and discuss whether hearing aids might help you. This conversation is informational; the specialist is not making a medical diagnosis, which only an audiologist or physician can do.
The hearing test fee at A Plus varies by location but typically ranges from $25 to $50. Ask when you call to schedule whether your location offers a discount or waiver if you purchase hearing aids from them.
Hearing Aid Prices and Payment Options at A Plus
A Plus hearing aids range widely in price depending on the brand, model, and features. Basic models may start around $1,000 to $1,500 per pair, while advanced models with more features can cost $3,000 to $6,000 or more per pair. Prices at A Plus are typically higher than online-only retailers but may be comparable to other brick-and-mortar chains.
Most A Plus locations accept cash, credit cards, and financing plans. Some offer in-house financing or work with third-party lenders to spread payments over months or years. Ask your local store what payment plans they offer and what the interest rates and terms are before you commit to a purchase.
Check whether your health insurance covers any portion of hearing aid costs. Medicare does not cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans do. Medicaid coverage varies by state. Veterans may be covered through the VA. If you have coverage, bring your insurance information when you visit so the store can check your benefits.
Trial Periods and Warranties
A Plus typically offers a trial period — usually 30 days — during which you can wear the hearing aids and return them for a refund if you are not satisfied. The exact length and terms of the trial vary by location and manufacturer. Some locations may charge a restocking fee if you return the aids, while others do not. Ask about the trial period and any associated fees before you purchase.
Hearing aids also come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty length varies by brand and model but is typically one to three years. The warranty usually does not cover damage from dropping, water exposure, or normal wear and tear. A Plus can explain what your specific warranty covers and what it does not.
Adjustments and Follow-Up Care
After you purchase hearing aids from A Plus, you will need follow-up appointments for adjustments and fine-tuning. The hearing specialist will program the aids to match your hearing test results and your preferences. You may need several visits over the first few weeks as you adjust to wearing the devices and as the specialist makes small changes to the volume and frequency response.
A Plus locations typically offer these adjustment visits at no extra charge during the first year of ownership. After that, some locations may charge a small fee for adjustments, while others continue to offer them free. Ask your local store about their adjustment policy before you leave with your new hearing aids.
If your hearing aids stop working or need repair, bring them back to the A Plus location where you purchased them. Most repairs are handled by the manufacturer and take one to two weeks. Ask whether A Plus offers a loaner device while yours is being repaired.
How A Plus Compares to Other Hearing Aid Retailers
A Plus is one of several brick-and-mortar hearing aid chains, alongside Miracle-Ear, Beltone, and Starkey. Online retailers like Costco Hearing Centers, LensCrafters, and direct-to-consumer brands like Lively and Eargo offer lower prices but no in-person fitting or trial. Audiologists in private practice often charge more but may spend more time with you and may accept more insurance plans.
The main advantage of A Plus is the ability to see a specialist in person, try devices before buying, and return for adjustments at the same location. The main disadvantage is typically higher prices than online options. If you value convenience and personal service, A Plus may be worth the extra cost. If price is your primary concern, comparing quotes from online retailers and other chains is worth your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does A Plus accept Medicare or Medicaid?
A Plus does not directly bill Medicare, which does not cover hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans do cover hearing aids, and some Medicaid programs cover them in certain states. Call your local A Plus store with your insurance information, and they can tell you whether your plan covers any portion of the cost.
Can I return hearing aids after the trial period ends?
No. Once the trial period ends — usually 30 days — you own the hearing aids and cannot return them for a refund. If you are unhappy after the trial period, you would need to sell them privately or donate them. This is why using the full trial period to test the aids in real-world situations is important.
What if I lose or damage one hearing aid?
A Plus can order a replacement from the manufacturer, but you will pay the full cost of a single aid, which is typically half the price of a pair. Some manufacturers offer loss and damage coverage for an additional annual fee. Ask about this option when you purchase.
Do I need a prescription or doctor's referral to buy hearing aids at A Plus?
No. You do not need a prescription or referral to purchase hearing aids at A Plus. However, if you have not had your hearing tested by an audiologist or physician recently, the hearing test at A Plus is a good first step to understand your hearing ability.
How often do I need to replace hearing aids?
Hearing aids typically last four to seven years with proper care and maintenance. After that, the batteries become harder to find, repairs become more expensive, and newer technology may offer better features. Most people replace their hearing aids every five to six years.