How Do I Get Hearing Aids

There are a variety of ways that hearing aids can be obtained. The following are some methods of how to get hearing aids:

  1. hearing aids through insurance
  2. hearing aids through the government
  3. hearing aids through a hearing aid clinic
  4. hearing aids through a retailer
  5. hearing aids through the internet

Hearing aids through insurance

Hearing aids are included in the individual’s personal health insurance plan, either through an employer-sponsored policy or a privately purchased one. These hearing aids may be custom hearing devices or they can be non-custom (or “ready-to-wear”), which are made to fit individuals with hearing loss based on hearing loss data compiled by the hearing aid manufacturer. With this method for hearing aid access, hearing aids are generally considered “disposable” medical devices that need to be replaced every few years.

Hearing aids through the government

Hearing aids are available at no cost to individuals regardless of age, income, or insurance status. In order to obtain a hearing aid through this program, the individual must have a diagnosed hearing loss and meet hearing aid eligibility criteria as set forth by the government agency in charge of the hearing aid distribution program (e.g. Medicare).

Hearing aids through a hearing aid clinic

Individuals can visit hearing aid clinics in order to have their hearing tested and receive a trial hearing aid. Some hearing aid clinics will fit hearing aids for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, but the majority of these clinics offer assistance or advice for how to get hearing aids to individuals with hearing loss that require hearing aids. These clinics are typically located in large clinics or hospitals, and they serve the hearing aid needs of a wide range of hearing-impaired populations.

Hearing aids through a retailer

Individuals can visit local retail outlets for hearing aids to test out hearing aids that are available for purchase. These hearing aids may or may not be custom hearing devices, and the hearing aid dispensers in these retail outlets tend to know where hearing aids can be obtained by individuals who need them (e.g., how to get hearing aids), but do not carry a wide variety of hearing aid brands and models in-store.

Hearing aids through the internet

Hearing aids can be purchased from hearing aid manufacturers or distributors that have websites. These hearing aids can be custom-made to fit each individual’s hearing loss, or they can be “ready-to-wear” models that are made for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Purchasing hearing aids through the internet typically offers a wider selection of hearing aid models and brands than what is available in local retail outlets, and individuals can often take advantage of hearing aid trial periods (or “30-day money-back guarantees”) when trying out a hearing aid for the first time.

No matter how you decide to get hearing aids, it is important that you consult with a hearing care professional to make sure the hearing aids are fitted properly and that you are using them correctly. A hearing care professional can also provide advice on how to get hearing aids and ensure that you are taking care of your hearing aids so they last as long as possible.