Walmart Hearing Aids: Review And Prices
Walmart sells OTC hearing aids, ranging from $199-$999 per pair. Brands include Lexie powered by Bose and Go Hearing.
Walmart Hearing Aids: Review And Prices
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The chain sells a wide range of hearing aid brands to combat hearing loss. Walmart hearing aids can be purchased easily and at a low price.
Walmart and other big-box retailers in the United States are well-known for offering a wide selection of health-related products at a lower price. But did you know you can also purchase hearing aids at Walmart?
A 2022 ruling by the FDA has approved the sale and outlined regulations for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids to be sold nationwide. Prior to this, hearing aids could only be sold through an audiologist’s office, or online requiring a hearing test and oversight from an audiologist or audiology team. These new regulations aim to make hearing loss treatment more affordable and more accessible to Americans with mild-to-moderate perceived hearing loss.
While stores like Walmart are already selling OTC hearing aids under the new regulations, its important to consider whether purchasing your hearing aids over-the-counter is the right choice for your hearing loss. In exchange for reduced prices and easier access, OTC hearing aid customers will forego things like a formal hearing test, expert recommendations, custom fitting, and ongoing audiology support after purchasing. If you perceive your hearing loss to be mild-to-moderate and are considering purchasing OTC hearing aids, Walmart has a range of options available both in-store and online.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart sells affordable OTC hearing aids.
- OTC hearing aids at Walmart are for those with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
- If you buy from Walmart, you won’t have as much access to hearing care by audiologists.
- You can purchase Walmart hearing aids online or in select retail stores.
Walmart Hearing Aids Pros and Cons
Pros
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Walmart offers a wide selection of affordable hearing aids.
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OTC hearing aids are FDA-regulated.
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Walmart carries well-known brands, like Lexie and Lucid.
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Ordering hearing aids online is easy, and the devices can be shipped directly to your home.
Cons
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Audiologists are not available to you.
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A hearing test is not required to purchase a hearing aid.
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It’s easy to confuse hearing aids with personal sound amplification products.
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During the purchasing process, there is very little customer support or assistance.
Walmart Hearing Aid Availability
A variety of OTC hearing aid models are currently available from Walmart online, at many Sam’s Club Hearing Aid centers, and at select in-store Walmart Vision Centers. All models shown online may not be available at all in-store locations, however Walmart’s sale of OTC hearing aids plans to expand to more Walmart Vision Centers nationwide.
Walmart.com Sells These Hearing Aid Brands
- Go Hearing
- Lexie
- Lucid
Walmart’s Most Popular Hearing Aids
The following are six of the current OTC hearing aid models offered by Walmart in-store or online.
- Bose sound technology
- Receiver-in-canal design
- Rechargeable batteries
- Charging case
- Ambient noise reduction
- Feedback suppression
- World Volume amplifies quiet sounds
- Self-fitting, includes ear measuring tool and multiple dome sizes
- Pairs with Lexie app through Bluetooth for adjustment and customization
- 12-month parts and labor warranty
- 3- or 4-year protection plan available
- Bose sound technology
- Receiver-in-canal design
- Uses size 312 disposable batteries
- Ambient noise reduction
- Feedback suppression
- World Volume amplifies quiet sounds
- Self-fitting, includes ear measuring tool and multiple dome sizes
- Pairs with Lexie app through Bluetooth for adjustment and customization
- 12-month parts and labor warranty
- 3- or 4-year protection plan available
- Behind-the-ear design
- 8-channel sound processing
- Low-level noise suppression
- Feedback cancellation
- Omni-directional microphones
- Multiple listening modes
- Water and sweat resistant
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- 3- or 4-year protection plan available
- Behind-the-ear design
- Three listening modes
- Feedback cancellation
- Omni-directional microphones
- Low-level noise reduction
- Wind noise filter
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- 2- or 3-year protection plan available
- In-the-ear design
- Rechargeable batteries
- Up to 30 hours of listening per charge
- Charging case stores power for up to six charges
- Feedback cancellation
- Noise reduction
- Memory recall function to restore last listening settings
- 12-month warranty on parts
- 3- or 4-year protection plan available
- In-the-ear design
- Rechargeable batteries
- Up to 30 hours of listening per charge
- Charging case stores power for up to six charges
- Ideal for socializing in small groups or watching TV
- Volume control for hearing comfort
- 12-month warranty on parts
- 2- or 3-year protection plan available
PSAPs Available at Walmart
Along with OTC hearing aids, Walmart sells a wide variety of personal sound amplification products, or PSAPs. While they look very much like hearing aids, PSAPs feature much more basic functionality. The purpose of a PSAP is to simply amplify quiet sounds, increasing the volume of all sounds coming into your ears, whereas hearing aids can be customized to your specific hearing loss and adjusted for things like tone, direction, and frequency. PSAPs are designed for use by people with normal hearing, but may be an attractive option for some people with mild hearing loss due to their low price point – as low as $20 per pair. The following are some of the top-rated PSAPs available at Walmart:
- EarCentric EX2: Rechargeable, dual charging case, two environment settings (all-around and outdoor), 12 digital volume levels
- Audien ATOM: Rechargeable, up to 20-hour battery life, nearly invisible design, silicone comfort tip
- KIBVOE Sound Amplifier: Rechargeable, Five volume levels, three listening modes (normal, noisy ambient, weak shielding), two-hour recharge and up to 45 hours listening time
- Doosl Hearing Amplifiers: Rechargeable, noise reduction, waterproof and sweatproof, up to 40 hours listening time, very affordable
Walmart Hearing Aid Prices
Walmart OTC hearing aids cost between $195-$999 per pair. They also carry an extensive selection of hearing amplifiers, also referred to as personal sound amplification products (or PSAPs). These hearing amplifiers range from $20-$799 per pair.
Payment Options
Many people have to pay out of pocket for traditional hearing aids because most private insurance companies don’t offer coverage. For example, original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids and hearing aid fitting exams. However, some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) may provide additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Contact your insurance company before you purchase a hearing aid to find out more about your Medicare coverage or your private insurance through your employer.
Another popular payment option through Walmart is Affirm, which offers financing on eligible purchases between $144-$2,000. Affirm is an independent loan company that partners with merchants to offer monthly payment options between 3-48 months, with payment terms for hearing devices depending on which one(s) you purchase. Payment online with Affirm through Walmart is quick and easy during checkout, and checking eligibility does not affect your credit score.
Contact your insurance company before you purchase a hearing aid to find out more about your Medicare coverage or your private insurance through your employer.
Guarantees and Warranties
Walmart sells hearing aids made by different companies. It’s best to read the description of the hearing aid on the website to determine whether it comes with a warranty or guarantee. Most hearing aids include a manufacturer’s warranty that covers parts, services, and/or labor for a specific period. You should verify the coverage with the manufacturer as many brands of hearing aids are sold by Walmart. In addition, Walmart offers an optional protection plan for some hearing aids for an additional cost. The product page provides details about the price and the coverage period.
Customer Satisfaction
Two things are important for customer satisfaction and service for hearing aids:
- Walmart’s overall customer satisfaction rating
- Customer satisfaction with the individual hearing aid
When you’re looking at a product on Walmart.com, pay attention to the Customer Ratings and Review section. This forum rates the product based on five stars and a percentage recommendation.
The Lexie B1 Self-fitting OTC hearing aid Powered by Bose, for example, has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars (from 23 reviews) on Walmart.com. The Go Hearing Go Prime OTC hearing aid has a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating, with 50 reviews at Walmart.com
Bottom Line
Walmart has low-cost digital hearing aids to offer you better hearing. However, when choosing to go with this option, you’ll end up missing out on many necessary services for using your hearing aids effectively. These services include a hearing test, professional fitting, and adjustment, as well as ongoing customer service from audiologists to write a new prescription or resolve any issues with your hearing aid. In addition, you may miss out on the best hearing aid brands to help your hearing loss that aren’t offered at Walmart, like Jabra Enhance (formerly known as Lively) or Audicus.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You might call your local Walmart to find out if the local branch near you sells hearing aids. The selection can be limited, and it will often vary from one location to the next. The majority of Walmart hearing aids can only be purchased online.
Other Hearing Aids Guides
- Best Hearing Aids
- Best Small Hearing Aids
- Best Invisible Hearing Aids
- Best Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids
- Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
- In-The-Ear Hearing Aids Review
- Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids
- Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids
- Best Cheap Hearing Aids
- Best TV Listening Aids for The Hearing Impaired
- Best Hearing Amplifiers
Learn More About Hearing Aids
WRITTEN BY
Sara Lindberg is a freelance writer specializing in health, fitness, senior care and nutrition. With a master’s in education and bachelor’s in exercise science, she has worked as a personal trainer and group exercise specialist for older adults. Her work has appeared in several national print and media publications. In her own life, caring for a parent with health issues has allowed her to see firsthand how critical it is for seniors and their families to have accurate, compassionate, and relatable information as they make decisions about aging in place.
View AuthorMEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Dr. Kupfer is an Audiologist and Hearing Aid Specialist in NYC, where she works with adults and older adults daily. In addition to diagnosing hearing loss, tinnitus and fitting cutting-edge hearing aids in her private practice, she serves as adjunct clinical faculty for the CUNY Audiology Doctoral Program.
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