Buying hearing aids

Questions to ask before buying hearing aids

Last update on 03/18/2025

Dr. Victoria Zambrano, Au.D.

Miracle-Ear Audiologist

Ask the right questions to choose the right hearing aid

Hearing aids are a major investment in your health and overall quality of life. It’s important that you’re getting the right solution for your needs, lifestyle and budget. Below are some important hearing aid questions to ask before making a purchase.

Key takeaways

Hearing aid buyers have many choices — asking the right questions helps narrow down the selection.
Getting a hearing test isn’t required, but it is the key to finding effective hearing solutions.
There are different types of hearing aids that offer a range of appearances, power and features.
Hearing aid options are available for all budgets, but it’s important to be aware of what the purchase prices includes.
Learning the details of maintaining your hearing aids will help your investment last longer.
Not all hearing aids include one-on-one service and follow-up care.

Do I need to have my hearing tested or can I just buy hearing aids?

When asking this question, consider that what is possible and what is good for your hearing are two different things.

Taking a hearing test is the key to effective hearing treatment. A hearing test evaluates your unique hearing loss — noting things like which pitches are harder for you to hear, whether one ear has better hearing than the other and much more. That information is used to determine which of the many available hearing aid options will actually help you.

Without a hearing test, you might end up spending money on a product that won’t be as effective. So, while it’s possible to buy hearing aids without a test, it’s a better idea to get fully tested before spending your money.

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Questions about hearing aid selection

Hearing test results provide technical information about your hearing loss, but there’s much more to consider when selecting hearing aids. These questions can help you narrow down your options and find the devices that are right for you.

There are three main types of hearing aids available at Miracle-Ear: behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. Learn more about the pros and cons of each style, below.

BTE hearing aids: behind-the-ear hearing aids are a powerful and easy-to-use style. They offer the strongest sound amplification capabilities of any hearing aid style, making them the best style for those who have severe or profound hearing loss. However, this powerful amplification means they’re also the largest style of hearing aid. The receiver, microphone and amplifier are all housed together in a shell that sits behind the ear; this is connected to an earpiece or a customized earmold that sits in the ear canal via a wire or a clear plastic tube. Since all sensitive electronics rest in the case outside of the ear, this style is less susceptible to moisture and wax, and it is easier to clean and maintain.
RIC hearing aids: with receiver-in-canal hearing aids, the receiver sits directly in the ear canal, as the name suggests. The receiver placement, plus the non-occlusive design of the silicone domes often used with this style, combine to offer the most natural sound experience of any hearing aid style. Though they still have a shell that sits behind the ear, like a BTE style, it’s slimmer and smaller, and the wire that connects the shell to the receiver is very discreet. This style works for the widest range of hearing losses.
ITE hearing aids: in-the-ear hearing aids is a category that includes a few different device styles, including in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC). These are very discreet options since the device sits directly in the ear canal, with no components that loop behind the ear. They’re also comfortable and secure for those with active lifestyles, since the earpiece is custom-molded to fit the contours of your ears. However, because of the smaller design, they can’t fit as many technological components, and the battery life tends to be a bit shorter than other styles. ITE hearing aids are best suited to those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Wondering what style of hearing aid is best for you? Explore the pros and cons of BTE vs. RIC hearing aids, and then talk to your hearing care professional (HCP) about what style is best for your hearing loss and lifestyle needs.

Modern hearing aids have so much technology packed into ever-smaller and more discreet designs. Some of the most popular hearing aid features include:

Bluetooth connectivity: With Miracle-EarCONNECT™ Bluetooth hearing aids, you can wirelessly connect your hearing aids to your smartphone, TV, laptop or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This allows you to stream sound directly into your hearing aids for a superior listening experience when chatting on the phone or watching your favorite TV shows.
Waterproof protection: With HydroGuard™ technology, the Miracle-EarBLISS™ line of waterproof hearing aids are designed to withstand sweat, rain, dirt and dust.
Rechargeable batteries: By choosing hearing aids with rechargeable batteries from the Miracle-EarENERGY™ line, you can simply place your hearing aids in their charging dock while you sleep rather than carrying around spare batteries and regularly changing them.
360-degree listening: With Miracle-Ear’s new M-E Conversation+ technology, your hearing aids can now identify and follow multiple voices within a 6.5-foot radius while minimizing distracting background noise— so you can fully participate in every conversation.

Questions about hearing aid prices

Hearing aids are an investment in your health. Costs can vary widely, as can the quality of the product and the services that may or may not be included with your purchase. A hearing care professional (HCP) can help match you with the hearing aids that are right for both your needs and your budget. Ask these questions when you meet with an HCP to fully understand what you’re getting for your money.

Miracle-Ear hearing aid prices vary by style, operating system and the technology with which they’re equipped —but, in general, they range from $1,000-$8,000 per pair.

When you purchase a pair of Miracle-Ear hearing aids, you’ll receive free lifetime service and aftercare*. This includes quarterly cleanings and check-ins with your HCP, device adjustments and repairs, plus an annual hearing test. We also offer a three-year warranty*** on nearly every Miracle-Ear hearing solution.

For all of these hearing aid services, you’ll work with a highly trained and licensed HCP.

We want everyone who needs them to be able to enjoy the life-changing benefits of hearing aids. That’s why we offer hearing aid financing options at all Miracle-Ear locations. Talk to your HCP for more details.

If hearing aids still feel out of reach, explore your eligibility for the Miracle-Ear Foundation Gift of Sound™ program.

Getting help with hearing loss is incredibly important — but that help should be effective and safe. When shopping for hearing aids, learn to identify the true value of a product by asking what you’re getting for your money.

Less expensive options might be what are known as “personal sound amplification products” or PSAPs, which have simple technology and are not technically hearing aids. They turn up the volume on everything in your surroundings — the things you’re trying to hear as well as the background noise — to the same level. That can mean even more excessive sound exposure. Some less expensive options technically qualify as hearing aids but have fewer features, while others have no support or follow-up care included.

Get to know what’s important to you when it comes to hearing aids and consider whether those factors are included in the price.

Miracle-Ear offers a wide range of hearing aids for different budgets, needs and preferences. When you buy from Miracle-Ear, you get best-in-class hearing aids but also hearing tests, follow-up care, maintenance, cleanings and more, all included in the price that you see — with no hidden or added fees.

Miracle-Ear does not buy back hearing aids. However, we offer a 30-day risk-free trial period** that helps ensure that you find the right hearing aids for you.

Feel confident with your hearing aid

It’s very important to us that you feel comfortable and confident about the hearing solution that you choose. Schedule your free hearing test today so we can help you get all the answers you need to your hearing aid questions.

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Questions about service and protection plans

When you make an investment in hearing aids, you want to protect them. Before you buy, ask for information about warranties, risk-free trials and what protections are included with your purchase.

Yes, Miracle-Ear provides a purchase agreement, which acts as a highly detailed receipt. It outlines what you are purchasing, as well as specifics around terms of service, return policies and more.

Miracle-Ear offers an industry-leading three-year warranty*** on all new ME-Solution levels 2-5 hearing aids. Solution level 1 hearing aids have a 1-year warranty. These warranties cover your new hearing aids against defects in material and workmanship. It also includes a time period of loss and damage protection. However, the warranty doesn’t cover earmolds, BTE accessories, receiver cords or batteries. This limited warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original purchaser.

Talk to your HCP for our full warranty details outlining everything that’s covered in our limited warranty.

Our 3-year limited warranty*** includes loss and damage protection. Your hearing aid will be repaired or replaced in the event of accidental loss or damage within the loss and damage warranty period. With that in mind, purchasing additional coverage to protect against loss and damage isn’t necessary — but it is entirely up to you if you would like to purchase additional third-party protection.

Miracle-Ear offers a risk-free hearing aid trial** with the purchase of a pair of hearing aids. This trial varies in length depending on the store, so talk to your HCP about the specific terms and conditions. But first, you’ll want to take advantage of our free hearing test, review results with your HCP and get fitted for hearing aids that are customized and programmed for your specific hearing and lifestyle needs.

During the trial period, test your hearing aids in a variety of sound environments. At the end of your trial, you can keep and continue wearing your hearing aids if you like them. However, if you aren’t satisfied or are curious about other options, meet with your HCP to discuss other options. You can either return them for a full refund (minus a restocking fee) or exchange them for devices that better suit your needs.

Are hearing aids covered by insurance?

Hearing aid insurance coverage varies by individual plans, the state you live in and other factors. In general, it’s uncommon for hearing aids to be covered by insurance, but the good news is that there are other options that can help you afford the devices you need. Find answers to the most common questions in our complete guide to hearing aids and insurance.

Questions about hearing aid maintenance

Once you have hearing aids, you’ll need to take care of them every day. Making sure that your devices are clean and functioning well is part of your hearing care journey, so be sure to ask these questions while you’re shopping.

On average, hearing aids have a lifespan of three to seven years, and a number of factors affect how long they last. For more information, check out our guide on this topic.

In most cases, hearing aids can be repaired by a licensed professional. That’s why we offer lifetime repair and aftercare* services alongside our three-year warranty***. Between these two benefits, anything that can be repaired will be. However, if you purchase your Miracle-Ear hearing aids with insurance, you won’t be eligible for all benefits and not all hearing aid repairs will be covered. Talk to your HCP for more details.

There are more than 1,500 Miracle-Ear Hearing Aid Centers nationwide — so if you’re traveling domestically and need a hearing aid repair, you can make an appointment at the nearest location.

It’s normal for your hearing to change over time, even when you wear hearing aids. Fortunately, today’s hearing aids are designed with those changes in mind. As your hearing changes, your HCP can make adjustments to the programming on your hearing aids, so that your devices continue to meet your evolving needs.

Over time, your hearing may change enough that you will need a different hearing aid style to better meet your needs — but your HCP can provide guidance on if and when this is the case. If you experience a dramatic or sudden change in hearing, visit your doctor right away, as it may be indicative of a more serious condition.

If you’re wondering how to clean Miracle-Ear hearing aids, there are a few key things to remember: have the right tools, make it a habit and clean according to your devices. Get the full details in our comprehensive guide for how to clean Miracle-Ear hearing aids.

Hearing aids and accessories

As a shopper, you have many choices for buying hearing aids — more today than ever before. This information can help you decide where and how you ultimately want to spend your money.

When exploring where to buy hearing aids, know that, in general, they can be purchased both in-person and online. However, there are some important differentiators to be aware of.

In-store: by purchasing hearing aids in-person, you’ll get a hearing aid that’s much more customized to your needs by working with a licensed professional. That’s why Miracle-Ear hearing aids can only be purchased in-person at one of our neighborhood Miracle-Ear locations. When you visit Miracle-Ear, our licensed HCPs will conduct a free hearing exam to analyze your level and type of hearing loss so they can recommend the type and style of hearing aid that will best suit your needs. By purchasing hearing aids at Miracle-Ear, you also have access to lifetime aftercare*, so you can get your hearing aids cleaned and serviced, and your hearing re-checked — free of charge — for the lifetime of the device. Want to give us a try? Book your appointment today.
Online: while buying hearing aids online may seem convenient, there are a number of drawbacks and pitfalls to this approach. When shopping online, you won’t have access to personal guidance or assistance from an HCP who understands the ins-and-outs of both hearing loss and different hearing aid styles and features. You’ll also miss out on the opportunity to get your hearing tested, get custom-fitted hearing aids and have them programmed to your specific hearing needs. Essentially, you’re getting a DIY versus custom experience — which may not give you the most effective and safe experience with your hearing aids.

Over-the-counter hearing aids are available for purchase online as well as in some pharmacy chains and electronics stores. However, when purchasing in these environments, you will not receive a hearing test or a consultation with a trained hearing care professional. Support services may not be included.

Hearing aid domes can be purchased online or at Miracle-Ear locations. By visiting a Miracle-Ear location in person, your HCP can ensure that you purchase the correct hearing aid domes for your specific hearing aids.

You can buy hearing aid batteries in a variety of locations, from pharmacies to big-box retailers. You can also purchase them from your neighborhood Miracle-Ear location — and while you’re there, you can drop off used batteries for safe and environmentally friendly recycling. When possible, Miracle-Ear refurbishes batteries to give them to people in need as part of the Miracle-Ear Foundation Hear Again Recycling Program.

Rechargeable hearing aids typically come with a charger, but if you need an extra or a replacement, it’s best to go to the location where you bought your hearing aids. At your neighborhood Miracle-Ear location, your HCP can ensure that you get the charger that’s right for your specific hearing aids.

Miracle-Ear hearing aid range

If you have questions about hearing aid filters or you’re looking to find the right fit, schedule an appointment with a licensed HCP at your local Miracle-Ear.

Contact our experts Learn about device features

*Miracle-Ear® lifetime aftercare not included with hearing aids purchased utilizing some insurance benefits.

**Risk-free trial available at participating locations. If you are not completely satisfied, the aids may be returned to the store of trial within the trial period in satisfactory condition as determined by Miracle-Ear. See store for additional details.

***Limited warranty; see store or miracle-ear.com/warranty for details.