Hearing aid cost is more than the price of the devices.
The cost of hearing care varies because quotes may combine different devices, professional services, warranties, supplies, financing terms, and follow-up. The useful question is not only “What do the hearing aids cost?” but “What is included, for how long, and what will I pay later?”
What can affect price?
Device & technology
Technology and feature level, style, rechargeable components, accessories, manufacturer warranty, loss-and-damage coverage, earmolds, and other hardware can all affect price.
Professional care
Evaluation, fitting, verification, follow-up visits, future service fees, financing terms, and the provider’s service model may be bundled or billed separately.
Compare written estimates, not just model names
Ask each provider to identify the device make and model, number of devices, professional services, return terms, warranty length, future visit fees, financing terms, and expected out-of-pocket amount after any verified benefit.
What Merit Hearing’s online price includes
Additional diagnostic testing and earwax removal from the ear are not included and may be billed to the patient’s health plan when applicable. One package of domes and one package of filters are included. Disposable-battery models include the small initial manufacturer supply, usually four to eight batteries.
Service after the first year
For non-economy hearing aids purchased from Merit Hearing, manufacturer warranty repairs and device drop-offs are free for the remainder of the manufacturer warranty. Audiologist visits after the first year start at $65 and may cost more depending on the services provided.
Economy models & third-party plans
Economy models include the evaluation, fitting, and real-ear measurements, but use a shorter service plan defined in the model’s pricing table. Most include three months of service; some lower-priced models include only 30 days. Purchases made through TruHearing, Nations Hearing, or another third party follow that program’s pricing and service terms rather than the package offered with hearing aids purchased from Merit Hearing.
Returns, repairs & warranty details
30-day trial and professional-service amount
All hearing aids have a 30-day trial period beginning on the hearing-aid fitting date. For hearing aids purchased from Merit Hearing, devices are fully refundable during that period when returned according to policy, but completed professional services are not refundable. The hearing-aid consultation, fitting, and real-ear measurements currently total $195.
Patients are asked to call ahead before returning devices. Merit Hearing encourages an appointment with the audiologist so fit, programming, or product concerns can be addressed and an exchange can be considered. If the patient is certain about the return, the devices may be dropped off at the front desk within the applicable trial period.
Chargers, accessories and damaged devices
To receive a refund, return the charger and any separately priced accessories, such as a TV streamer or remote microphone. Small items such as cases, filters, batteries, and domes do not need to be returned.
Hearing aids and required chargers that are damaged beyond normal wear can only be refunded if the manufacturer accepts the return. Hearing aids are not returnable after a loss-and-damage claim has been used.
Exchanges and refund timing
If the patient exchanges into a different hearing-aid product, the $195 professional-service amount is not charged a second time for the exchanged-product fitting.
Credit-card device refunds are processed back to the card the same day in most cases, although they may take one to two weeks to appear. Check refunds generally take about 30 days to be issued and mailed. Refunds through third-party programs follow the program’s timeline and may take several months in some cases.
Loss-and-damage coverage
Most models carry a three-year manufacturer repair warranty and three-year loss-and-damage coverage, but economy and some lower technology models have shorter warranties. Always review the current model table for exact terms.
All loss-and-damage claims processed through Merit Hearing currently have a $300 deductible per device. We recommend searching carefully before filing because a submitted claim may not be cancellable. If the original hearing aid is found later, it must be returned to the manufacturer. Non-custom replacements are often available within about one week, while custom devices may take several weeks. A programming or dispensing fee may apply. Claims handled through third-party programs may follow different terms.
Service for hearing aids purchased elsewhere
Merit Hearing can service and program many hearing aids purchased from other providers, including most major prescription brands. Some private-label or locked devices may require proprietary software that we cannot access. Fees depend on the device and service needed. See our current service pricing for up-to-date rates.
Insurance and Medicare
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or examinations solely for fitting them. Some Medicare Advantage and commercial plans offer hearing benefits, allowances, or contracted networks. Coverage changes, so benefits should be verified for the individual member before treatment.
Merit Hearing collects the insurance name, member ID, patient name, and date of birth when scheduling and strives to check hearing-aid benefits before the appointment. All locations work with TruHearing, NationsHearing, UHC Hearing/EPIC Hearing/Ear Professionals Network, YHN, Amplifon, and Start Hearing; Iowa locations also work with VA Care in the Community. Most third-party plans include three first-year follow-up visits, but plan-specific terms control.
Questions to ask before you buy
Frequently asked questions
Why can the same hearing aid have different prices?
Are appointments included after the first year?
Are real-ear measurements included?
Does every model have a three-year warranty?
Is everything refundable during the 30-day trial?
Ready to compare actual options?
Review current model prices, verify insurance when applicable, and request a written recommendation and estimate after your hearing needs are understood.