Find the Best Hearing Aids in Boston, MA

Types of hearing aids in Boston

Because hearing aids are worn daily, it’s important to have the right fit in terms of comfort and functionality. With several hearing aid styles available, it can be hard to know where to start. Here is a breakdown of styles, and the features each offers:

• In-the-Ear: In-the-ear hearing aids come in two styles; full shell and half shell. The full-shell style fits the bowl-shaped area of your outer ear. Half-shell hearing aids fill only the lower part of your outer ear. In-the-ear hearing aids are best if you have mild-to-severe hearing loss. Some features include volume control, easy handling and longer battery life.
• In-the-Canal: In-the-canal hearing aids are custom molded to fit partly in your ear canal. This style is helpful if you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss. In-the-canal hearing aids are less visible.
• Completely-in-Canal: A completely-in-canal hearing aid fits inside your ear canal, and is best for mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Completely-in-canal styles are the least visible and less likely to pick up wind noise.
• Behind-the-Ear: Behind-the-ear hearing aids are very common and hook over the top of your ear. The hearing aid rests behind your ear with a tube that connects to an ear mold. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are best for any type of hearing loss. Features include rechargeable batteries, directional microphones and more amplification than other styles.
• Invisible-in-Canal: Invisible-in-canal hearing aids are custom fit to your ear and are the smallest, most discreet option. The device sits in the second bend of your ear canal. Invisible-in-canal hearing aids are best for mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss.
• Receiver-in-Canal: Receiver-in-canal hearing aids are a good introductory hearing aid. This style fits smaller than a behind-the-ear hearing aid. Receiver-in-canal hearing aids have an open fit, with a tube from the hearing aid body that goes over your ear and into your ear canal.

Most hearing aid styles can be custom fit to your ears and all have a variety of features. Many companies partner with local hearing aid specialists who can help you try on different styles to find the best fit.

How to buy hearing aids in Boston

If you’re ready to look for hearing aids, getting a check-up with your doctor and taking a hearing test is a good first step. Hearing tests can be done in a provider’s office, at a hearing center or many companies offer hearing tests online. Once you are sure that hearing aids are a good option for you, you can ask your doctor for a referral to an audiologist. Audiologists can help assess hearing, choose the best hearing aid fit and work on adjustments, as needed.

When buying hearing aids, there are several factors to consider. These include brand, price, size, style and additional features. Features may include charging method, Bluetooth connectivity and adjustment options. Most hearing aids come with some type of warranty and trial period. Typically, insurance does not cover hearing aid costs, but be sure to check your policy.

How much do hearing aids cost in Boston

Boston hearing aid costs typically fall between $1,000 and $3,500 per ear at the time of publishing. Depending on your hearing loss situation, you may need one or two hearing aids. Factors affecting hearing aid costs include brand, style and technology level.

To help provide a more affordable hearing aid option, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently ruled that you can purchase hearing aids directly from stores or online retailers without a medical exam or prescription. And a fitting by an audiologist is not required. There are pros and cons to professional hearing aid fittings. Pros include customized fit and an in-person experience. But a drawback is that professional fittings can be more expensive.

Boston hearing aid FAQ

How do I choose a hearing aid provider? For professional hearing aid fittings, you’ll want to work with a reputable audiologist, if you can afford it. Ask your doctor for a referral or ask family members and friends for a recommendation. An audiologist can help you find the best fitting hearing aid.

Does Medicare cover hearing aids? Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. You will pay 100% of the cost. Some private insurance or supplemental insurance policies may offer coverage. Check your policy for information.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive hearing aids? Less expensive hearing aids may pick up more outside noise and the sound quality won’t be as clear. Additionally, more expensive hearing aids will have more features like Bluetooth connectivity. Pricing will vary depending on personal preference about features and style.

How do you get hearing aids when you can't afford them? Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aid costs or exams. Some private insurance or supplemental insurance policies may help cover these costs. And the Veterans Administration provides hearing aids to qualified military veterans. With the recent FDA ruling on over-the-counter hearing aids, hearing aid costs are expected to be lower.