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Find the Best Hearing Aids in Boston, MA

More than 16% of Massachusetts residents have hearing loss, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means many in the area are in need of hearing aids. Boston.com has partnered with ConsumerAffairs to create this guide, comparing customer reviews, local availability and hearing aid styles of 23 businesses and choosing nine favorites from the top hearing aid companies in Boston.

This content was created by a Boston.com partner. The editorial department of Boston.com had no role in writing, production, or display. Boston.com may be compensated for publishing this content and/or receive a commission on purchases of products or services described within the post.

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Types of hearing aids in Boston

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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.

Hearing aid type Price range* Average*
Completely-in-Canal (CIC) $2,450 to $4,285 per set $2,634 per set
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) $1,398 to $4,285 per set $2,691 per set
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) $1,798 to $1,998 per set $2,897 per set
In-the-Ear (ITE) $2,895 to $4,285 per set $3,536 per set

*At the time of publishing

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.

Boston hearing aids company information

Eargo

Eargo offers four styles of completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids. All styles carry a one- or two-year warranty. Some features include sound adjusting, sound matching, water resistance, remote adjustments and inductive or contact charging. The starting cost for an Eargo hearing aid is $1,450 per ear and the most expensive style is $2,950 per ear. Eargo has several showrooms across the United States and Boston. Financing is available.

Eargo Learn More

Hear.com

Hear.com offers behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. Features include almost-invisible designs, high-speech clarity and smartphone connectivity. Some hearing aids have rechargeable batteries. In-person and telecare (internet video) appointments are available for personalized hearing assessments and fittings. Hear.com offers a 45-day, risk-free trial period and a 100% money-back guarantee. Prices start at $499 for a pair.

Hear.com

Audicus

Audicus has receiver-in-canal and completely-in-canal hearing aid options. Both styles come with a 45-day trial period. Premium features are available for the behind-the-ear styles, including Bluetooth connectivity, standard battery or rechargeable battery and remote adjustment. Prices range from $699 per ear to $1,499 per ear. Audicus has a three-year protection plan that includes unlimited repairs, cleaning and care services and a one-time loss replacement. The protection plan ranges from $99 to $198.

Audicus Learn More

Embrace Hearing

Embrace Hearing offers behind-the-ear and completely-in-canal hearing aids. The behind-the-ear model includes a three-year warranty, Bluetooth for hands-free calls, rechargeable batteries and remote reprogramming. The completely-in-canal series carries a three-year warranty, control with a smartphone app and remote reprogramming. Pricing starts at $899 per ear.

Embrace Hearing Learn More (844) 832-5401

Miracle-Ear

Miracle-Ear offers behind-the-ear, in-the-ear and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid models. There is a 30-day trial, and all hearing aids come with a lifetime service guarantee. There are many Boston locations. Use the online lookup to book an appointment at a Boston Miracle-Ear hearing center near you. Hearing tests are also available online. Financing is available at many Miracle-Ear locations.

Miracle-Ear

Tobias & Battite

Tobias & Battite offers hearing testing and evaluation, hearing aid fitting, hearing aid repair and custom earplugs and headphones. Hearing aid models are available for invisible-in-canal (IIC), completely-in-canal, in-the-canal (ITC), in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) options. Tobias and Battite sells brands including Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Signia, Starkey and Widex. You can visit in person at 16 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111.

Tobias & Battite

Brookline Hearing Services

Brookline Hearing Services offers a variety of hearing aid styles from multiple manufacturers. It staffs licensed audiologists and hearing aid specialists to help with fitting and adjustments. Styles available include in-the-ear, in-the-canal, complete-in-canal, behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal and invisible-in-canal. All hearing aids come with a 30-day trial period, and most come with a three-year warranty. Brookline Hearing Services is located at 1842 Beacon St., Ste. 403, Brookline, MA 02445.

Brookline Hearing Services

Parkway Hearing

Parkway Hearing has in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, in-the-canal, completely-in-canal, invisible-in-canal and receiver-in-canal hearing aid options. Parkway Hearing also offers an extended-wear option that is 100% invisible. This hearing aid is placed completely in your ear canal. In addition to hearing aid sales, Parkway Hearing provides hearing tests, hearing aid repairs, custom hearing protection, Tinnitus therapy and assistive listening devices. The company’s location is at 639 VFW Parkway, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.

Parkway Hearing

HearingLife

HearingLife sells in-the-ear, completely-in-canal, behind-the-ear and invisible hearing aids. All come with a 30-day, risk-free trial. You schedule a hearing assessment online or by phone, purchase your hearing aids and have access to the lifetime aftercare services program. Aftercare includes free hearing aid fittings, adjustment, repair and cleaning services. Additionally, batteries are complementary for the product life of the hearing aid. Aftercare services can be obtained by phone, online chat or email. Prices range from $90 per month to $189 per month, depending on the hearing aid. HearingLife has a Boston hearing center at 44 Washington St., Ste. 102 A, Brookline, MA 02445.

HearingLife