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HearingLife Hearing Aids: Products, Services, Pricing, and User Reviews
An audiologist's independent review of HearingLife hearing aids and services so you can decide if they're right for you)
Veröffentlicht am Mar 25, 2024
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HearingLife is part of the Demant hearing aid retail group and offers primarily Oticon hearing aids for around $2,400 to $7,000 per pair, depending on the style, model, technology level, and your hearing needs. Operating more than 600 hearing care centers in 42 states in the United States and 350 stores in Canada, HearingTracker estimates that HearingLife is the third-largest hearing aid retailer (by office locations) in North America after Beltone and Miracle-Ear.
The Denmark-based Demant Group is the world's second-largest hearing aid manufacturer. Along with owning HearingLife, it is the maker of Oticon and Bernafon hearing aids and Philips-branded hearing aids found at Costco. Its group portfolio also includes companies that manufacture diagnostic audiology equipment used to test and diagnose hearing disorders and the enterprise headset manufacturer EPOS.
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HearingLife employs state-licensed audiologists and hearing aid specialists who test your hearing and recommend appropriate hearing aids, as needed. It provides care after your hearing aids are fitted to ensure a proper physical fit and optimal acoustic benefit. The aftercare includes maintenance of the hearing aids. The company states that its goal is to “provide life-changing hearing health delivered by the best personalized care.”
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about HearingLife, including how their hearing aid fitting process works, their products and pricing, and what people say about them and their services.
More than 900 stores around the U.S. and Canada, helping to ensure you’ll have service near you
Complementary standard, disposable batteries for the life of the hearing aids
3-year repair warranty for most technology levels
On-demand after-hours service
Wide range of world-class products
Backed by a long-standing and reputable global leader in hearing aids
Overall cost of hearing aids and some repairs may be higher than that of competitors
Use of Best Practices does not appear to be universal throughout stores
Only offer a 30-day trial period
Poor ratings for customer service
No OTC option available in stores
HearingLife can both test your hearing and, in some cases, provide you with hearing loss solutions on the same day. Here is how the process works.
First, you will need to have a valid and up-to-date hearing test. A test by a HearingLife audiologist or hearing aid specialist is free and will provide a clear picture of your hearing status. Before beginning the test, they will also examine your outer ear and ear canal to ensure earwax is not an issue.
If you are unsure if you have hearing loss, you may want to start with HearingLife’s free online hearing test. While the test is only a screening, it can provide you with some information about your hearing status. Keep in mind that there are numerous free online hearing tests available, many of them associated with other retail hearing centers. Note that even if you bring online hearing test results with you to the store, the hearing provider at HearingLife will want to conduct an in-person test.
If your online test indicates that you likely have a hearing loss or if you simply prefer an in-person and more thorough hearing examination, you can book a free hearing test at your nearest HearingLife office.
If your hearing test indicates a hearing loss that is appropriate for hearing aids, HearingLife will recommend several different hearing aid options.
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HearingLife is owned by Demant, and it is likely that only Oticon hearing aids will be recommended to you. However, Oticon produces many different hearing aids to match most hearing losses and budgets. It is possible that you may be able to order from a different manufacturer, such as Phonak, Signia, or Starkey, if you prefer a different brand of hearing aid. However, HearingLife may not work with some manufacturers, like ReSound, and the hearing provider may not have as much fitting experience with brands other than Oticon.
During your appointment, ask your hearing provider questions to ensure you find hearing aids that match your needs. For example, if you are still working and/or frequently find yourself in varied and complex listening situations, you may want higher-tier technology. However, if you rarely find yourself in noisy and changing listening environments, more basic technology may suit you well. If streaming audio to your hearing aids is important (music, podcasts, video, etc.), make sure to ask about Bluetooth wireless capabilities and compatibility with your phone. You might also ask for a demonstration.
Finally, discuss options such as rechargeable batteries and accessories such as remote microphones, TV listening devices, etc. While your budget certainly plays a factor in which hearing aid you choose, do not let it be your only consideration. HearingLife offers financing through CareCredit (subject to credit approval), which allows you to pay over time. Talk to your provider about learn about ways to lessen the financial sting by using insurance and other cost-cutting strategies.
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Note that on the same day as your hearing test, it is possible to leave with hearing aids fit to your hearing loss. Keep in mind that a same-day fitting is possible for “typical” hearing losses and for those wanting to wear Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) type hearing aids; Oticon calls these Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) aids, but these terms are used interchangeably in the industry. “Receiver” refers to a very small speaker that produces sound for the hearing aid.
However, RITEs may not be appropriate for every hearing loss, or you may prefer a different style of hearing aid. For example, if you prefer smaller, custom in-ear hearing aids or need a custom mold for the RITE (which is common when more power/volume is needed), then it may take a week or more to be fit as those components will need to be made specifically for your ears.
You may have read that when buying hearing aids, best practice guidelines indicate that you should receive a thorough case history, a needs assessment, a hearing test that includes speech understanding measures in both quiet and noise, and a general agreement between you and the provider on your treatment goals. Once the hearing aids are chosen and programmed for your hearing loss and listening needs, best practices further dictate that they need to be expertly verified. That is, real-ear measurements (also called “probe microphone measures”) should be part of the fitting process.
Real-ear measurement (REM) verification helps ensure that the hearing aids are giving you the personalized amplification you need. When adjusting the amplification of your hearing aids, hearing professionals rely on “prescriptive targets” that are based on averaged data from large populations of people (also known as "normative data"). But it's possible that the individual acoustics of your ears and ear canals are significantly different from the norm, as can be your tolerance for loudness, the hearing aid's coupling to the ear, etc. Because of this, it's important to verify that the hearing aids are programmed appropriately for you, and real-ear measures are one of the best ways to do that. Research indicates that conducting REM can lead to better hearing and improved satisfaction with hearing aids.
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Unfortunately, it does not appear that all HearingLife Centers utilize real-ear measures. One store that I called noted that they did not currently have the equipment, but expected to have it soon. Another store was not even familiar with the term! This is not to say that there are no HearingLife offices that adhere to best practices; the company may be in the process of implementing best practices across the stores. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, I could not verify the HearingLife policy with one of their corporate representatives.
As always, act as your own best advocate, ask about the fitting process, and understand how the hearing aids will be adjusted and verified for you. HearingTracker strongly recommends that you get real-ear measurements during your hearing aid fitting, regardless of what provider you visit.
Additionally, HearingLife providers are paid commissions for hearing aid sales as part of their pay structure. While this is a fairly common practice in the industry, it is worth keeping in mind when you are provided with a recommendation for hearing aids. This doesn’t mean that the professional is motivated by the cost of the hearing aids. In my experience, the vast majority of hearing care professionals truly care about finding an appropriate solution(s) for your hearing loss at a fair price.
Still, it is essential to ask questions. Specifically, you should understand why a particular hearing aid (or brand) is recommended, what the benefits are, and, most importantly, how they will help you achieve your goals in the specific listening environments you deem most important.
Once you have made the decision to try hearing aids, you have 30 days to wear and judge how the hearing aids from HearingLife work for you. The hearing aids will be fit specifically for your hearing loss and listening needs, and from the day of the fitting, you will have 30 days to decide whether or not you are going to keep them. If you decide to return the hearing aids within the 30-day trial period, you will be refunded the purchase price of the hearing aids. Of course, the hearing aids need to be returned in good working order and in good condition.
Some hearing providers will allow for longer trial periods (e.g., up to 60-90 days). However, when I contacted HearingLife, the 30-day trial period appeared to be a solid rule. Note that some states mandate trial periods of varying lengths, so be sure to discuss your specific trial period with your provider and understand all associated costs. As an example, if your hearing aids require any type of customization, these fees likely will not be refunded.
After you receive your hearing aids, HearingLife offers several services. Their website indicates you will “receive a range of complementary, lifetime aftercare services designed to ensure you get the most out of your hearing aids.” This means that you should enjoy hearing aid cleanings, annual check-ups, repair services, and adjustments for the life of your hearing aid.
Higher-tier technology products also come with a 3-year repair warranty should the devices need to be returned to the manufacturer for repair. For hearing aids that require disposable batteries, HearingLife will also provide these at no charge for the life of your hearing aid. Finally, there is also a 1-year loss and replacement coverage included in the price of your hearing instruments.
Some HearingLife locations may offer telehealth appointments with your hearing provider, which is becoming a standard service. If that is appealing to you as a matter of convenience or necessity, be sure to ask your hearing provider about availability. HearingLife also offers after-hours assistance via phone or a virtual consultation.
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Oticon produces a wide array of hearing aid styles and technologies, and the company is known for being one of the first to integrate machine learning systems within its hearing aids. In other words, these hearing aids use artificial intelligence (AI) to help change settings in the hearing aids based on your listening preferences and environments.
All Oticon hearing aids offered by HearingLife, except the economy-level Zircon models, utilize processing called “Deep Neural Network” or DNN, which is a type of machine learning and AI. This means that they have “trained” the hearing aid’s brain (chip platform) with more than 12 million real-life sounds so that the hearing aid can recognize a wide array of sounds in your listening environments. It uses this information to control parameters within the hearing aid like directional microphones, noise reduction, compression, etc.
All models at HearingLife are designed with Oticon's BrainHearing philosophy. In a nutshell, this is the idea that a hearing aid should not reduce too much sound in the environment such that important speech and/or environmental cues are missed. Essentially, the hearing aid allows sound to pass through so that our brains can naturally process them from a 360-degree soundscape. Oticon Intent further builds upon these concepts by incorporating its 4D Sensor technology.
As noted above, HearingLife will most likely recommend an Oticon product. The product line is appropriate for most mild to profound hearing losses and comes in varying technology (think features/price) levels. The cost for a pair of hearing aids will vary based upon several factors, including the level of technology and style, and will range from about $2,400 to $7,000.
HearingLife works with numerous insurance companies, so be sure to check with your provider to see if you have a hearing aid benefit. In addition, the company does run promotions and offers financing options through CareCredit. HearingTracker also provides A Guide to Paying for Hearing Aids that addresses the various options and cost-cutting strategies when purchasing a hearing device.
If you are interested in an Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aid, HearingLife does not offer those products, at least at this time.
Below is a brief overview of HearingLife's core product portfolio; if you would like more details about the products, click on the product name within the description.
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Oticon Intent™ is HearingLife's latest and most advanced hearing aid to date, introduced by Oticon in February 2024. Intent is based on an entirely new chip (Sirius™ platform) and said to be “the world’s first hearing aid with 4D Sensor technology to understand each user’s listening intentions and seamlessly support individual listening needs, while giving access to the full sound environment.”
Translated, this means the hearing aids are using sensors to measure your head and body motion while also paying attention to the listening environment and conversation activity. The hearing aid’s brain then uses this information to help guide internal settings. It can also learn your preferences over time. As with any hearing aid with advanced features, the overall goal is to minimize listening effort by reducing noise you do not want to hear while amplifying speech you do want to hear.
From a practical standpoint, Oticon Intent also offers Bluetooth® LE connectivity (i.e., Auracast-ready), an optional and free smartphone app, and also features rechargeability.
Oticon Intent is currently only being offered in a small RITE style, which Oticon terms miniRITE. While only one style is offered, it does provide several technology-level options. At HearingLife, these technology levels are termed “Essential,” “Advanced,” “Premium,” and “Ultimate.” As you can imagine, “Essential” technology will provide fewer features but comes at a lower price, while “Ultimate” will give you a fully-featured product but at the highest price. For example, DNN is only available in the top 3 technology tiers.
HearingLife includes the charger with the cost of any rechargeable hearing aid, but other options/accessories, such as a TV connector, will come at an additional cost. You can expect to pay approximately $300 for additional accessories for Oticon products.
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Oticon Real™ is another hearing aid family from Oticon and, until recently, was their flagship product. Introduced in February 2023, Real uses the same AI systems and advanced controls for wind and environmental noise as Intent. According to HearingLife, it “Provides access to a complete and balanced sound scene, in a way that feels natural, unlike traditional hearing aids.” Oticon’s BrainHearing and Deep Neural Network (DNN) work together to provide 360-degree access to sound. However, this product is working on an older chip platform (Polaris R), compared to the Intent product.
Oticon Real is available in miniRITE and miniBTE (Behind-The-Ear) style options. It also offers a choice of rechargeable or disposable battery-type hearing aids. Like Intent, it features Bluetooth connectivity, a free smartphone app, and several technology levels.
Put on a pair of quality headphones or earbuds and listen to the sound samples below:
The Oticon Own product family is a line of custom hearing instruments based upon the Polaris technology platform. It also integrates DNN and the BrainHearing philosophy. As these are custom in-the-ear hearing aids, they cannot accommodate more profound degrees of hearing loss but can fit up to severe hearing losses. Be sure and discuss your options with your hearing provider. Varying styles are available from Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) to a full shell In-The-Ear (ITE).
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Unlike some of its competitors (e.g., Starkey, ReSound, and Signia), Oticon does not offer custom rechargeable hearing aids. That is, all of the Own products utilize a standard, disposable hearing aid battery. However, depending on the size of the instrument, the hearing aid will accommodate Bluetooth connectivity and support their smartphone app (only possible in the larger style hearing aids like ITCs and ITEs).
The Oticon Zircon line of products falls into the “value” or "basic" line of hearing aids offered by HearingLife. Despite this, it too is based upon the Polaris technology platform that powers Real and Own, integrating the same BrainHearing philosophy, but not DNN. It is available in the same styles as the Oticon More products, offering both miniRITE and miniBTE options. Despite being a cost-conscious product, Bluetooth connectivity and tinnitus features are standard. The optional free smartphone app, Oticon ON, is also available.
HearingLife offers a simple comparison of its hearing aids on its webpage. HearingTracker also provides a Compare Hearing Aid page you can use for comparison of most popular hearing aids, including the above Oticon products.
A quick check on HearingLife with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) indicates a rating of only 1.29 out of 5 based upon 77 submissions. Consumer Reports gave HearingLife an overall score of 70, which places it around the middle of its rankings (#10 of 17) of sources for hearing aids. However, Facebook reviews show a 3.8/5 rating based on 203 reviews. Some complaints center on aggressive marketing tactics, poor service, and cost. For example, one customer complained about the excessive cost of a replacement receiver even though the hearing aids should have been under warranty.
There are also glowing reviews for the company, indicating excellent service and high satisfaction with the hearing aids. Here at HearingTracker we recommend that you do your research and search for reviews on the specific store you plan to visit. Also, ask questions of your friends/peers before making any purchase to ensure you have all of your questions/concerns addressed.
Numerous retail hearing aid alternatives exist for purchasing your hearing aids. HearingLife offers an in-person, client-centered approach to hearing healthcare. If this is your preference, a good alternative is private audiology and hearing aid specialist offices for care, which will likely offer a wider selection of manufacturer options. Other larger network hearing aid chains include Connect Hearing, Beltone, Miracle-Ear, HearUSA, and Audibel.
You also have the choice of big-box stores like Costco and Sam’s Club that provide in-person care. There are even online sites, including Zip Hearing, Yes Hearing, and Hear.com, that can connect you to a provider for in-person care.
If you are comfortable ordering online and believe an OTC product might work for you, you might consider products such as Jabra Enhance, Lexie, Sony, Sennheiser, and Audicus to name a few.
So, how do you know where to start?
First, we recommend that you find out about your hearing status. For many, the free online hearing tests or in-person testing completed at retail hearing centers may be enough. However, if you are experiencing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, have had previous ear surgeries or ear diseases, have had a sudden change in hearing, suffer from balance issues, or have bothersome tinnitus, then a more medical/diagnostic model is recommended. In this case, see an audiologist and/or your local Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician to assess your overall hearing health. However, for millions of people who have a typical age-related and/or noise-induced hearing loss with gradual onset, the care you receive at one of the many retail options will likely suffice, and many will refer you to a medical professional if needed.
Secondly, do your research, both on the HearingTracker website and others, to understand the overall process and what brand and pricing choices are available to you. If you can, do not simply focus on price; ask about how the hearing aids’ settings are verified on your ear, if they will conduct speech in noise testing, and what validation procedures they follow. You may also want to reach out to friends or family to see what their experiences have been with various providers.
Ask questions! If your hearing provider is not comfortable answering them or is impatient with you, then move on to another provider.
Consider your own comfort level with the different hearing care delivery models. If, after some testing, you find your hearing is mild or moderate and you are comfortable ordering a hearing aid online and setting it up yourself, then you may want to start there (if appropriate for your hearing). If you know that you will have questions and may need extra help with the technology, then in-person care is likely best for you.
No rechargeable custom product available
Angela Flores erhielt ihren Master-Abschluss in Audiologie von der University of South Alabama und absolvierte ihre CFY in der Mayo Clinic. Sie erhielt ihren AuD von der Salus University im Jahr 2009. Sie arbeitete über 8 Jahre lang klinisch in der Mayo Clinic und im Pediatric Program der University of Florida. Dr. Flores arbeitet derzeit als Adjunct Professor für die University of New Hampshire und als Beraterin.
Das Oticon Real Hörgerät ist das neueste Flaggschiff-Modell von Oticon und verfügt über fortschrittliche Technologien wie Bluetooth-Audio-Streaming, Deep Neural Network (DNN)-Technologie und Wasserfestigkeit. Es bietet erhebliche Verbesserungen gegenüber früheren Modellen mit neuen Funktionen wie dem Wind- und Handhabungsstabilisator und dem Sudden Sound Stabilizer, die die Sprachklarheit verbessern und Hintergrundgeräusche reduzieren, um ein natürlicheres Hörerlebnis zu bieten.
Das Oticon Own Högerät ist ein anpassbares In-Ear-Gerät, das fortschrittliche Hörlösungen mit der neuen Polaris-Chip-Plattform des Unternehmens bietet. Mit fünf Stiloptionen und fünf Technologiestufen verfügt es über die innovativen BrainHearing- und Deep Neural Network-Technologien für verbesserte Soundklarheit und reduzierte Höranstrengung, was es für ein breites Spektrum von Hörverlusttypen geeignet macht.
Das Oticon Zircon ist ein kostengünstiges Hörsystem, das Oticons fortschrittliche Polaris™-Chip-Plattform integriert und hochwertige Soundverarbeitung sowie wesentliche Funktionen wie freihändiges Telefonieren, Audio-Streaming und Tinnitus-Unterstützung bietet. Das Zircon ist in zwei Technologiestufen und mehreren Ausführungen erhältlich und bietet Flexibilität für verschiedene Hörbedürfnisse. Es ist sowohl mit wiederaufladbaren als auch mit Standard-Batterieoptionen erhältlich und stellt eine vielseitige Wahl für Benutzer dar, die moderne Hörsystemtechnologie zu einem niedrigeren Preis suchen.
