Walgreens Hearing Aids Review

Updated: Apr 06, 2023
Written by:
Lauren Sherman
Medically Reviewed by:
Brian Murray, H.I.S.
4 Sources Cited

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When the FDA approved the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids in October 2022, many large retailers began carrying them in one form or another. Walgreens is no exception—although the retailer’s stock is currently limited to two models: the Lexie Lumen and Lexie B2 Powered by Bose.

Walgreens also sells two models of hearing amplifiers, which are designed for people with normal hearing to amplify sound in certain situations and should not be used to treat hearing loss. For older adults struggling with high-frequency hearing loss (the most common type for this age group), this is an important distinction. 

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, hearing loss in older adults can cause social isolation and depression. Hearing aids have been shown to provide increased auditory function, as well as a reduction in cognitive and psychosocial fatigue. The availability of OTC hearing aids—which were designed to treat mild to moderate hearing loss—at common retailers like Walgreens is a positive move toward helping aging adults live happier and healthier lives.

While you’re not required to take a hearing test or visit an audiologist in order to purchase OTC hearing aids, an audiologist will provide a more thorough exam and rule out any medical concerns, as well as determine hearing aid candidacy. Lexie offers an online hearing test and consultation with hearing professionals.

How We Evaluated Walgreens Hearing Aids

Hours Researched: 8
Models Considered: 2
Metrics Evaluated: 10+
Experts Consulted: 4

Review of Walgreens Hearing Aids

  • Price: $799
  • Style: Behind-the-ear (BTE)
  • Battery type: Replaceable
  • Bluetooth? Yes, for app connection only, no streaming or phone calls
  • Warranty: One year

Pros

  • Lower price point

  • Auto-adaptive features

  • Remote adjustments through app

  • Telecoil and companion mic

Cons

  • Must replace battery every five to eight days

  • Not waterproof so drying capsules are necessary

  • No Bluetooth streaming

  • Only color available in-store is gray

Lexie Lumen OTC hearing aids are an affordable, BTE option that come with quite a few advanced tech features, including feedback cancellation, noise reduction, and multidirectional microphones. Currently, they are the lowest-priced model offered by Lexie. They use a standard, replaceable 312 zinc-air battery which lasts five to eight days and can be purchased from most drug stores. A “low battery” voice prompt will emit every eight minutes when it needs to be replaced.

Customization

Available in beige, light gray, bronze, metallic black, or silver, Lexie Lumen OTC hearing aids can be customized directly from the Lexie app to suit your unique hearing loss profile. Note: Gray is the only color available in the store. All other colors are only available online. 

There are six programmable profile settings: everyday use, indoor noisy, outdoor, music, telecoil, and companion mic.

A telecoil is a wire that receives signals from a loop system, which is often found in venues like  movie theaters and concert halls. It bypasses background noise and provides direct audio output to your hearing aids. Not all hearing aids have this feature.

The in-app technology allows you to test your own hearing (with a built-in screening test) and auto-calculate the level of sound required for your hearing levels. Adjustable features such as volume and environment listening options as well as the auto-adaptive features such as noise reduction, feedback management, microphone directionality, and wind noise reduction enable a customized listening experience. Or if you want expert help from Lexie, advisors are available by phone, email, web inquiry form, or through the app and can help you make adjustments remotely. 

Bluetooth

While the Lumen hearing aids connect to the Lexie app via Bluetooth for real-time adjustments, they do not support Bluetooth streaming, which means no hands-free calling. 

Domes

This model comes with open or closed domes (silicone tips that fit in your ear canal) in multiple size options. Open domes, which allow sound and air through, are better for people who have normal low frequency hearing, whereas closed domes are best for those who have low frequency hearing loss.

Tech features include:

  • Feedback cancellation
  • Noise reduction
  • Multidirectional microphones
  • App auto-calculates settings based on testing
  • Auto-adaptive features such as noise reduction, feedback management, microphone directionality, and wind noise reduction

Drying Capsules

The Lumen hearing aids come with drying capsules, packets of silica crystals which absorb moisture from the air. They work by pulling the moisture from the hearing aids when added to a sealed case for about four hours. Use of the drying capsule may be inconvenient because the battery must be removed. However, using them will prolong the life of your devices, especially in humid environments. Lexie does not provide any information on how frequently to use the drying capsules. Capsules only last a few months, so they must be replaced regularly if used frequently.

ReputationAs of writing this, reviewers on Walgreens.com gave the Lexie Lumen 4.8/5 stars from more than 60 customer reviews. Best Buy customers gave the Lumen 4.5/5 stars with more than 30 customers reporting. From more than 65 reviews on Amazon, the Lumen was rated 3.6/5 stars. Most users found the app easy to use and the adjustments and customer service helpful. There were some reports of difficulty using the companion mic, but this may be more of a problem with the clarity of the instructions. A few complaints filed were regarding billing issues.

  • Price: $1,000
  • Style: Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth? Yes, for app connection only, no streaming or phone calls
  • Warranty: One year

Pros

  • Rechargeable battery

  • Easy-to-adjust app with self-tuning feature

  • Treble and bass adjustments

Cons

  • No Bluetooth streaming

  • Not submersible

  • No telecoil

  • Only comes in light gray

Walgreens recently added Lexie’s latest and most sophisticated model, the B2 Powered by Bose. It’s a discreet, RIC style with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 18 hours of use after a three-hour charge. 

Domes

It comes with three tip sizes of both open and closed domes and an ear measuring tool to determine the proper length of the receiver wire, which is connected to the body of the hearing aid. If the included receiver wire is not the correct size, Lexie will send you a free replacement. The following video demonstrates the simple process of changing the receiver wire and gives you an up-close look at the hearing aids.

Customization

In addition to volume, listening environment programs, and directionality of the microphone, you can adjust the treble and bass through the self-tuning feature on the app. Increasing treble can often help with speech clarity, especially if you have a higher frequency loss. You can also adjust balance, which allows you to control the level of sound coming into each ear individually.

 Tech features include:

  • Self-tuning/adjusting through the app
  • Four listening programs
  • Treble and bass adjustments
  • Ability to select microphone direction
  • World Volume amplifies quieter sounds more than louder sounds
  • Adaptive noise reduction including wind noise reduction

Reputation

Across retailers, the B2 is rated fairly highly. At Walgreens, customers gave the B2 model 4.8/5 stars from more than 80 reviews, while Best Buy customers gave it  4.3/5 stars from more than 40 customer reviews. Ratings dropped somewhat with Amazon reviewers, with 3.5/5 stars from more than 50 reviews. Customers were generally pleased with the assistance provided by Lexie representatives when customizing their devices upon setup.

Lexie Hearing, the manufacturer of both models in this review, had 2.9/5 stars on Trustpilot, but with minimal reviews, and 4.08/5 stars and an A+ rating with BBB and more than 20 reviews. Customers were generally happy with the performance of their products and stated that they functioned as advertised. They also were quite pleased with the support provided by Lexie representatives over the phone. The few complaints filed are mostly regarding billing issues.

Comparison of Lumen and B2 Against Other Popular Hearing Aid Models

Price
Lexie Lumen $799
Lexie B2 $999
Eargo 6 $2,600
Sony C10$1,000
Jabra Enhance Plus$800
Hearing Assist CONTROL$700
Audien Atom Pro$249
Audicus Wave$1,798
Style
Lexie Lumen BTE
Lexie B2 RIC
Eargo 6 CIC
Sony C10CIC
Jabra Enhance PlusITC
Hearing Assist CONTROLRIC
Audien Atom ProITC
Audicus WaveRIC
Type of Hearing Loss Treated
Lexie Lumen Mild to moderate
Lexie B2 Mild to moderate
Eargo 6 Mild to moderate
Sony C10Mild to moderate
Jabra Enhance PlusMild to moderate
Hearing Assist CONTROLMild to moderate
Audien Atom ProMild
Audicus WaveMild to moderate
OTC or Prescription
Lexie Lumen OTC
Lexie B2 OTC
Eargo 6 OTC
Sony C10OTC
Jabra Enhance PlusOTC
Hearing Assist CONTROLOTC
Audien Atom ProOTC
Audicus WaveOTC
Battery type
Lexie Lumen Replaceable
Lexie B2 Rechargeable
Eargo 6 Rechargeable
Sony C10Replaceable
Jabra Enhance PlusRechargeable
Hearing Assist CONTROLRechargeable
Audien Atom ProRechargeable
Audicus WaveReplaceable or rechargeable
Battery life
Lexie Lumen 5-8 days
Lexie B2 18 hours
Eargo 6 16 hours
Sony C1070 hours
Jabra Enhance Plus12 hours
Hearing Assist CONTROL24 hours
Audien Atom Pro18–24 hours
Audicus Wave4–5 days for replaceable or 18 hours for rechargeable
Bluetooth
Lexie Lumen No streaming or hands-free calls
Lexie B2 No streaming or hands-free calls
Eargo 6 No streaming or hands-free calls
Sony C10 No streaming or hands-free calls
Jabra Enhance Plus
Hearing Assist CONTROL No streaming or hands-free calls
Audien Atom Pro
Audicus Wave
Telecoil
Lexie Lumen
Lexie B2
Eargo 6
Sony C10
Jabra Enhance Plus
Hearing Assist CONTROL
Audien Atom Pro
Audicus Wave

Pros and Cons of Buying Hearing Aids From Walgreens

It may feel like there’s a Walgreens on every corner. That’s probably because there are nearly 9,000 stores nationwide. We like that Walgreens offers a convenient place to purchase OTC hearing aids, especially for someone already familiar with and/or going to their pharmacy. Walgreens keeps their hearing aids behind the pharmacy counter, so you’ll have to speak with a pharmacist in order to make a purchase. Their pharmacists reportedly have some training with hearing aids but are certainly not hearing specialists. If you’re unsure about your needs or preferences, you may be better off shopping online or somewhere like Costco, which employs hearing specialists. But if everything you’ve read about these Lexie models sounds appealing to you, Walgreens is an exceptionally convenient option.

Pros

  • Convenient to purchase

  • Free shipping in two to four days

Cons

  • Small selection

  • Must go through pharmacy

  • No expert help

How Much Do Walgreens Hearing Aids Cost?

Our survey of 1,000 respondents found that cost is the No. 1 reason people are hesitant to buy hearing aids. The Lexie Lumen, at just $799, is a great way to purchase hearing aids without exceeding your budget. For just $200 more, the newer, more sophisticated B2 may also be a more affordable option for you.

Walgreens Hearing Aids Payment Options

There are some ways to get assistance with the purchase of OTC hearing aids from Walgreens.

Medical Expense Accounts

Although standard health insurance policies generally do not typically cover OTC hearing aids, these types of devices are generally eligible for reimbursement through flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and health reimbursement accounts (HRSs). These accounts are designed to allow you to contribute a portion of your salary (before taxes) to later be used for certain out-of-pocket health care expenses. Walgreens makes a point to label products which are FSA-eligible.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Traditional Medicare currently does not offer any assistance with the cost of hearing aids. But, a few Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, contact them directly to find out if your particular plan covers OTC hearing aids.

Walgreens Hearing Aids Customer Service

You’ll need to speak with the pharmacy department in order to purchase hearing aids from Walgreens, or order through their website. Walgreens offers several means of contacting customer service including by phone (800-WALGREENS), by online inquiry, or by live chat through their website. When we reached out by live chat, the bot agent transferred us to a live agent who said, “I would be happy to look into this for you” and then never responded even after over an hour of waiting.

The Walgreens website does connect you to Lexie’s website by clicking their “find care services: hearing aids and free test,” which is more comprehensive and helpful. Once you purchase a Lexie product from Walgreens you have lifelong support from Lexie. Lexie can be reached at 800-499-1336, [email protected], or by online help request form. They also have an online support center full of FAQ answers, instructional videos and brochures, and help with  processing returns. You can also get help through the Lexie mobile phone app where you can video chat with their support team.

Walgreens Hearing Aids Warranties and Trial Periods

Lexie hearing aids purchased through Walgreens come with a one-year warranty and 45-day trial period, the same as if you purchase through Lexie directly. You may receive a full refund from Lexie by contacting them no later than 5 p.m. (ET) on the 45th day after receipt of your devices. One benefit of ordering through Walgreens is that they claim a shipping time of two to four days compared to Lexie’s four to six days of shipping.

Walgreens Online Hearing Test

Walgreens does not have its own online hearing test but directs you to Lexie’s. This is a screening test meant to inform you of your degree of hearing loss. Unlike many other online hearing tests, this test is clinically validated, with greater than 90% accuracy. It takes approximately two to five minutes and may be performed on a computer, tablet, or smartphone with any headphones or earbuds. A voice speaks 23 sequences or three numbers over varying levels of static background noise and you are asked to select the numbers on the screen.

It’s designed to determine your “speech recognition threshold,” which reflects your ability to understand speech in the presence of background noise. The results are vague and tell you only if you have slight or significant hearing loss. The results can then be used to auto-fit your new Lexie hearing aids. Because OTC hearing aids are only for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, those with significant hearing loss should seek a consultation with an audiologist rather than pursue OTC hearing aids.

Walgreens Ratings

Walgreens is a huge corporation with multiple departments. While customers who have purchased Lexie hearing aids through Walgreens were generally happy, Walgreens as a company has poor customer reviews online. Walgreens Pharmacy received 1.16/5 stars from 710 reviews and an A+ grade with BBB. It’s worth noting that Walgreens has been accredited with BBB since 1993 and in business for 122 years. Multiple complaints were about pharmacy mishaps and poor customer service in general. As would be expected because they are so new, none of the reviews pertain specifically to the hearing aids.

Trustpilot reported a similarly grim profile with 1.3/5 stars from more than 2,200 reviews. Again, these reviews were not specific to hearing aids but do speak to Walgreens’ reputation for poor customer service.

Walgreens Hearing Aids Accessories

In addition to Lexie hearing aids, Walgreens also sells accompanying accessories. The retailer sells Lexie brand replacement domes (silicone tips), replacement tubes (the filament connecting the in-the-ear part of the device to the behind-the-ear part), and electric hearing aid dryers (important for humid climates). Acu-Life brand cleaning kits, dehumidifiers, and air blowers are also available.

What to Consider Before Buying OTC Hearing Aids

OTC hearing aids are not for everyone. Watch Brad Ingrao, Au.D., an audiologist with the Department of Veterans Affairs, in the below video to learn more:

If your hearing loss is on the mild side and you’re comfortable forgoing formal testing with an audiologist, OTC hearing aids may be a great option. Once you have decided to go this route, there are several considerations to compare when determining the right model for you:

  1. Price: OTC hearing aids can cost anywhere from about $200 to around $6,000.
  2. Style: OTC hearing aids come in behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, and fully-in-canal style options.
  3. Battery type: OTC hearing aids come with replaceable or rechargeable battery options.
  4. Smartphone and app compatibility: Not all devices are compatible with all types of smartphones (for instance, some only work with iPhones).
  5. Bluetooth capabilities: Some use Bluetooth only to connect to the app, while others employ Bluetooth streaming and hands-free phone calls.
  6. Additional tech features: Different devices will have varying levels of noise and feedback reduction, programming modes, microphone directions, and auto-adjustment features.
  7. Care and durability/water resistance: Some devices are fully submersible in water while others are barely water resistant.
  8. Warranty and trial periods: Warranties can vary from one to two years and trial periods from zero to 60 days.
  9. Customer service: Some manufacturers offer 24/7 support from experts while others may have much more limited help available.
  10. Customer reviews: A look at what customers have said about both the devices and the manufacturer is a key component to shopping for OTC hearing aids.

Other Retailers Selling OTC Hearing Aids

Several large retailers now carry OTC hearing aids:

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve collectively spent more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:

  • Engaged in ongoing independent research
  • Consulted with independent audiologists
  • Consulted with geriatric care experts
  • Mystery shopped the brands
  • Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
  • Tested various models of hearing aids
  • Interviewed experts in the field
  • Read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot

See our full Hearing Aids Ratings Methodology.

Bottom Line

OTC hearing aids are not for everyone. But if you’re experiencing mild to moderate perceived hearing loss and feel comfortable selecting and setting up hearing aids yourself, they may provide an affordable and functional solution. There are many ways to shop for and purchase OTC hearing aids, and Walgreens is one of those options. The main drawback is that the retailer currently only offers two models: the Lexie Lumen and the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose. They are both highly-rated, reasonably priced options with an easy-to-use accompanying app for self or Lexie professional-assisted adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Walgreens currently carries two models of OTC hearing aids: the Lexie Lumen and the Lexie B2.

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WRITTEN BY

LAUREN SHERMAN

Writer & Contributor
Linked In Email Website

Lauren Sherman, M.S., is a health content writer with a master's degree in human genetics from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, laboratory experience at National Jewish Health, and clinical experience at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She has extensively researched products to help those wanting to age in place such as medical alert systems, walk-in tubs, adjustable beds, and oxygen concentrators.

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MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY

BRIAN MURRAY, H.I.S.

Hearing Instrument Specialist
Linked In

Brian Murray earned a bachelor's of science degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology in 2010 from Ithaca College. He is licensed to dispense hearing aids in New York, North Carolina, and Virginia, where he has worked in both private practice and retail clinics. He is currently a workshop consultant with Alpaca Audiology. 

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