The main places seniors buy hearing aids
You can buy hearing aids from an audiologist's office, a hearing aid dispenser, a big-box retailer like Costco or Sam's Club, or online directly from a manufacturer. Each route differs in cost, the amount of testing and fitting you get, and what happens if something goes wrong. There is no single "best" place — it depends on whether you want in-person support, how much you want to spend, and whether you have insurance that covers hearing aids.
The person fitting your hearing aids matters more than where you buy them. A good fit requires testing your hearing, adjusting the device to match your specific loss, and follow-up visits to fine-tune the settings. A bad fit leaves you with devices you won't wear.
Key Takeaways
- Audiologists charge the most but provide the most testing and follow-up; hearing aid dispensers offer similar service at lower cost but require less training.
- Costco and Sam's Club sell name-brand hearing aids for less than audiologists do, with basic fitting included in membership.
- Online-only brands are cheapest but offer no in-person fitting or adjustment — you do most of the setup yourself using an app.
- Medicare does not cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans do; check your plan documents or call the plan directly.
- Many states require a doctor's referral or a recent hearing test before you can buy hearing aids; ask before you schedule an appointment.
Audiologists: the most support and the highest cost
An audiologist is a licensed professional with a doctoral degree (Au.D.) who tests hearing and fits hearing aids. They perform comprehensive hearing tests, take ear impressions, program devices to your specific loss, and typically offer unlimited follow-up adjustments for the life of the device. If something breaks, they can often repair it in-house or send it to the manufacturer.
Audiologists charge between $2,000 and $6,000 per pair of hearing aids, depending on the brand and features. That price usually includes the device, the fitting, and follow-up care. Some audiologists bundle everything into one price; others charge separately for the hearing test, the device, and the fitting. Ask for an itemized quote before you commit.
To find an audiologist, ask your primary care doctor for a referral, search your insurance company's provider directory, or use the American Academy of Audiology's provider finder at audiology.org. Many audiologists require a referral from a doctor or a recent hearing test (within the past year) before they will fit you.
Hearing aid dispensers: similar service, lower cost
A hearing aid dispenser is licensed to test hearing and fit hearing aids but does not have the doctoral degree an audiologist has. Licensing requirements vary by state — some states require a high school diploma and a passing exam; others require some college coursework. Dispensers typically offer the same fitting and follow-up services as audiologists.
Hearing aid dispensers usually charge $1,500 to $4,000 per pair, less than audiologists for comparable devices and service. The trade-off is that they may have less training in complex hearing loss or in fitting children. For straightforward age-related hearing loss, the difference in outcome is usually small.
To find a dispenser, search your state's licensing board website (search "[your state] hearing aid dispenser license") or ask your doctor. Like audiologists, many dispensers require a doctor's referral or a recent hearing test before they will fit you.
Costco and Sam's Club: brand-name devices at lower prices
Costco and Sam's Club sell hearing aids from major manufacturers like Phonak, Signia, and Rexton at prices 30 to 50 percent lower than audiologists charge. Both warehouse clubs employ licensed hearing aid dispensers or audiologists on staff. You get a hearing test, fitting, and follow-up adjustments included in the price.
The catch is that you must be a member. Costco membership costs $60 per year for the basic Gold Star level; Sam's Club costs $50 per year for the basic membership. Both offer a 90-day trial period — if you are not satisfied, you can return the hearing aids for a refund.
Costco's hearing aid prices range from about $1,500 to $3,500 per pair depending on the model and features. Sam's Club pricing is similar. Neither warehouse requires a doctor's referral, though both will ask for a recent hearing test (within the past year) or will perform one on-site for a small fee.
Walk into the hearing aid department at your nearest Costco or Sam's Club and ask to schedule a hearing test. You can also call ahead to check wait times.
Online-only brands: the lowest cost, the least support
Direct-to-consumer hearing aids are sold online by companies like Lively, MDHearing, Eargo, and Audien. You order the device, receive it by mail, and use a smartphone app to adjust the settings yourself. Some companies offer video calls with an audiologist for an extra fee; most do not. Prices range from $400 to $2,000 per pair.
These devices work best for mild to moderate hearing loss and for people comfortable troubleshooting technology on their own. If you have severe hearing loss, complex medical history, or you struggle with apps, this route will likely frustrate you. There is no in-person fitting, no ear impression, and no one to call if the device stops working.
Most online brands offer a 45-day trial period and a warranty covering defects. Some offer a subscription model where you pay a monthly fee instead of buying the device outright. Read the return policy carefully before you order — some companies charge a restocking fee.
Insurance coverage: Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and private plans
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover hearing aids or hearing tests. This is a federal rule that has not changed.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, usually up to a set dollar amount per year, often $500 to $2,000. Coverage varies widely by plan and by state. Call your plan's customer service number (on the back of your card) and ask: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If so, what is the annual limit, and do I need a referral?" Write down the answer and the date you called.
Private insurance plans vary. Some cover hearing aids; some do not. Check your plan documents or call the customer service number on your insurance card. Ask whether you need a doctor's referral and whether the plan has a network of preferred providers.
Veterans with service-connected hearing loss can receive hearing aids through the VA. Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit va.gov to learn whether you may have access to.
State requirements: referrals and hearing tests
Many states require a doctor's referral or a recent hearing test (usually within the past year) before a hearing aid dispenser or audiologist will fit you. A few states have no requirement at all. Check your state's rules before you schedule an appointment — you may need to see your primary care doctor first.
To find your state's requirement, search "[your state] hearing aid fitting requirements" or call your state's health department. If you cannot find the answer online, call an audiologist or dispenser in your area and ask what they require.
If you do not have a recent hearing test, most audiologists and dispensers can perform one on-site, usually for $50 to $150. Costco and Sam's Club perform hearing tests for free or a small fee. Online brands do not perform hearing tests — you must bring a recent test from a doctor or audiologist.
What to expect during a fitting appointment
A typical fitting takes 60 to 90 minutes. The provider will review your medical history, perform or review a hearing test, take an ear impression (if you are getting custom-molded devices), and program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss. They will show you how to insert and remove the devices, how to change the battery or charge the device, and how to use any app or remote control.
You will usually leave with the hearing aids that day. The provider will schedule a follow-up appointment in one to two weeks to check the fit and make adjustments. Bring a list of situations where you struggle to hear — a crowded restaurant, a family dinner, a phone call — so the provider can fine-tune the settings for your real life.
Most providers offer unlimited adjustments for the first 30 to 90 days. After that, adjustments may be free or may cost $25 to $75 each, depending on the provider. Ask about this before you leave the fitting appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy hearing aids without a doctor's referral?
It depends on your state. Some states require a referral or a recent hearing test; others do not. Call an audiologist or dispenser in your area and ask what they require. Costco, Sam's Club, and online brands typically do not require a referral, though they may ask for a recent hearing test.
What is the difference between a hearing aid and a hearing amplifier?
A hearing aid is programmed to your specific hearing loss and adjusted by a professional. A hearing amplifier straightforward makes all sound louder and is not customized. Hearing amplifiers are cheaper but usually less effective for age-related hearing loss. If you have a hearing test showing hearing loss, a hearing aid is the better choice.
Do I need to buy hearing aids from the same place I got my hearing test?
No. You can get a hearing test from your doctor or an audiologist and take that test to any hearing aid provider — an audiologist, a dispenser, Costco, or an online brand. Bring a copy of the test results with you.
What happens if the hearing aids do not work for me?
Most providers offer a trial period, usually 30 to 90 days, during which you can return the devices for a refund if you are not satisfied. Some charge a restocking fee of $100 to $300. Ask about the trial period and any fees before you buy.
Are expensive hearing aids better than cheap ones?
More expensive hearing aids usually have more features — better noise reduction, more channels for fine-tuning, wireless connectivity, rechargeable batteries — but they are not necessarily a better fit for your hearing loss. A $1,500 hearing aid fitted well by an audiologist will work better than a $5,000 device fitted poorly. The fit and the follow-up matter more than the price.