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HearingLife is a group of hearing clinics that can diagnose hearing problems and recommend treatments. Its main service is fitting hearing aids.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 2–3% of children and 15% of adults in the United States have some degree of hearing loss. Regular hearing tests and hearing devices can help prevent and manage hearing impairment.

This article discusses the HearingLife brand, its products and services, and alternatives. It also covers the relationship between hearing devices and hearing health.

HearingLife has origins dating back to 1904 when a man whose wife had hearing loss started the company. It is now a large group of audiology practices with offices in 42 states. Partner organizations also operate in several countries outside the U.S.

HearingLife products and services include:

  • hearing tests
  • referrals to hearing experts
  • hearing aid fitting
  • hearing aids that connect to digital devices

HearingLife customer reviews

HearingLife has mixed and often negative reviews. Better Business Bureau reviews reported that the company offered free hearing tests before sending people recommendations for expensive hearing aids that insurance does not cover.

Many reviewers also claimed that its customer service is lacking, its employees cannot resolve their problems, and they can only get help when their hearing aids are under warranty.

Glassdoor reviews indicate many employees love helping people hear and support the company’s mission. However, some complained about mismanagement or problematic marketing practices.

Positive reviews by customers often emphasized the ease of accessing HearingLife clinics instead of contacting a doctor or independent audiologist.

Consumers can schedule an appointment and have a hearing aid fitting all at once. Many say this saved them time and money and helped them regain their hearing more quickly than anticipated.

Customers also say that being able to try on hearing aids in the office to see how they look and feel convinced them to try HearingLife.

Furthermore, HearingLife states that it has over 500,000 satisfied customers. Its website also displays a few customer stories praising the customer service and personalized care that the team offers.

HearingLife offers a wide range of hearing aids and services, such as:

Ordering products from HearingLife begins with making an appointment. New customers can contact the company to find a location near them.

Repeat customers may order new hearing aids or other products over the phone by contacting the location they last visited.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, HearingLife has been offering drive-up services, telehealth, and other options depending on a customer’s needs.

HearingLife may be suitable for anyone looking to receive advice about their hearing health and purchase hearing aids.

The company states that its hearing care specialists offer comprehensive hearing assessments and issue results on the same day. The specialists may personalize their services depending on each person’s requirements.

HearingLife states that its hearing care specialists can advise people on the hearing aids that may be suitable, taking into account a person’s preferences and budgets.

The company also offers cleaning and repair services.

HearingLife offers several different types of hearing aids ranging from $1,000–3,000. The company states that the average cost of purchasing a hearing aid is around $5.25 per day.

People can also book a 30-day risk-free trial before purchasing a hearing device.

HearingLife offers the financing option of applying for a CareCredit credit card, which offers flexible payment options, payback period options, and automatic monthly payments.

The company also states that it checks the insurance coverage of each of its customers. Several insurance companies cover HearingLife’s services, such as United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Anthem. The company states that it also accepts worker compensation insurance plans in several states.

A person may wish to consider the advantages and drawbacks of HearingLife before using the company’s service.

Pros

  • no need for a doctor’s referral to attend a free hearing assessment
  • people may be eligible for monthly payment plans for hearing devices
  • HearingLife accepts several insurance plans
  • a 30-day risk-free trial before purchasing hearing devices

Cons

  • some customers say that they felt pressured to purchase a hearing aid after seeing a HearingLife specialist
  • some customers say that the customer service team is not helpful when dealing with issues and concerns
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Some alternative brands to HearingLife include:

  • Eargo: Provides a range of hearing aids that are discreet and rechargeable. Learn more here.
  • MDHearingAid: The company only offers hearing aids, and customers do not need a prescription to place an order. Learn more here.
  • Costco: In a Consumer Reports survey, consumers gave Costco high ratings for convenience and service.
  • hear.com: An online hearing aid service that connects people to local retailers offering various hearing options.

People can also ask a doctor for audiologist referrals. Traditional audiology or medical practice may offer a more personalized approach.

Many diseases can lead to hearing loss, including genetic conditions that cause hearing loss in babies and young children.

However, age-related hearing loss is the most common type of this condition. It usually occurs because of chronic exposure to loud noises that damage the inner ear.

Age-related hearing loss is permanent, and no medical treatment can reverse it. However, hearing aids can help manage hearing loss and reduce the stress of hearing difficulties.

An audiologist or otolaryngologist can also make recommendations to protect the ears and prevent further hearing loss.

Some strategies that can protect the ears include:

  • wearing ear protective equipment, such as headphones, when doing yard work or attending loud concerts
  • turning down the volume on the television or stereo
  • following workplace noise safety regulations
  • avoiding loud environments when it is not possible to protect the ears

Some rarer types of hearing loss, such as sudden deafness, may be treatable and even reversible. This is why it is important to speak with a doctor or audiologist at the first sign of hearing loss.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved some hearing aids for over-the-counter use. No matter what type of hearing aid a person chooses, there are some important things to consider when purchasing hearing aids:

  • They work similarly to microphones, meaning they amplify all sound, including background noises.
  • A person may need to adjust the hearing aid settings for different locations and sounds. It is advisable to speak with an audiologist about how and when to do this.
  • Hearing aids often require an adjustment period. A person may wish to follow up with a provider if they still experience difficulties with their hearing aid.
  • As with any medical device, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the hearing aid out of children’s reach, especially when the device is small enough to be a choking hazard.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders recommends contacting a doctor if a person is experiencing hearing loss.

A healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, is likely to perform a medical exam, such as checking the ears for wax buildup. They may refer people to hearing care professionals, such as an audiologist, otolaryngologist, or hearing instrument specialist for further treatment.

A person should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any pain or discharge in their ears alongside hearing loss.

Below are some frequently asked questions about HearingLife.

Is HearingLife legitimate?

HearingLife has accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, and the organization gives the company an A+ grade.

However, the company has mixed customer reviews. People may wish to read these reviews carefully before using HearingLife’s services.

Who owns HearingLife?

The Demant Group owns HearingLife.

According to the company’s website, Hans Demant founded Demant in 1904, who sought hearing healthcare solutions for his wife.

How many locations does hearing life have?

HearingLife has clinics in 42 states. People can find a list of its clinics on the company’s website.

HearingLife offers an easy, one-stop-shop style to the world of hearing aids and hearing loss correction. However, the company receives mixed reviews online.

There are alternative brands available, so people can seek guidance from a doctor for a referral if they are unsure about which device to choose.