Miracle-Ear review: Pros and cons

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Miracle-Ear hearing aids come in several different styles, ranging from behind-the-ear models that provide a high amplification level to discreet models worn entirely within the ear.

This article discusses Miracle-Ear’s products, services, and reputation. It also looks at the steps involved in getting a hearing aid.

• Best for streaming: Miracle-EarCONNECT
• Best for recharging: Miracle-EarENERGY
• Best for discreetness: Miracle-EarMINI
• Best for a budget: Miracle-EarEASY

Miracle-Ear has around 1,500 stores in the United States. While the company manages some locations, other operators run many of these outlets through franchise agreements.

Miracle-Ear is now part of Amplifon, a global hearing-aid company based in Italy.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rates some Miracle-Ear retail stores, but not all. Of those outlets, many achieve scores of A+, the highest BBB rating.

BBB has accredited many Miracle-Ear locations, meaning the stores generally meet standards relating to:

• honest advertising
• keeping promises
• guarding customer privacy
• being responsive to complaints

Online reviews also give Miracle-Ear high scores for its wide range of products and lifetime customer service. However, criticisms report the lack of pricing information on their website and that stores are not in a convenient location for everyone.

The company does not own a TrustPilot profile.

Before purchasing hearing aids from Miracle-Ear, people may wish to consider the pros and cons of this company.

All Miracle-Ear outlets provide free hearing tests. If test results show a hearing aid might improve an individual’s hearing, they can try these products in-store.

Depending on the model, a Miracle-Ear hearing aid may also include the following features:

• directional microphones
• digital noise reduction
• a telecoil, which allows connection to some phones
• echo reduction
• wireless windscreen, which reduces wind noise
• tinnitus control, which helps manage ringing in the ears
• speech isolation

After a person purchases a Miracle-Ear hearing aid, the company provides a service bundle that comes with the price tag, including:

• 30-day trial period
• 3-year limited warranty
• 3-year damage and loss protection
• lifetime hearing-aid cleaning, adjustments, and checkups, up to four times a year
• fresh battery installation with every checkup
• annual hearing tests

A person can take up these services at any Miracle-Ear location.

Miracle-Ear’s hearing aids generally fall into four product categories.

Each hearing aid benefits from 48 channels and 6 hearing programs, and connectivity to Miracle-Ear’s app which allows people to customize their hearing aid’s programs and volume.

Best for connectivity: Miracle-EarCONNECT

These hearing aids can connect to digital devices, such as smartphones, computers, or televisions, using Bluetooth connectivity.

These hearing aids can stream sound directly from digital devices into the wearer’s ear.

Miracle-EarCONNECT is available in behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) styles.

All models of Miracle-EarCONNECT have the following features:

• speech isolation
• digital noise reduction
• directional microphones
• voice recognition technology
• wireless windscreen
• echo reduction
• tinnitus control
• binaural wireless
• telecoil
• Bluetooth connectivity
• app connectivity
• iPhone direct streaming
• remote control connectivity

Best rechargeable: Miracle-EarENERGY

These hearing aids feature rechargeable batteries.

According to the company, users can recharge the battery overnight, while the charge generally lasts all day.

Miracle-EarENERGY also includes Bluetooth connectivity and is available in BTE and RIC styles.

All models of Miracle-EarENERGY have the following features:

• rechargeable batteries
• directional microphones
• voice recognition technology
• wireless windscreen
• tinnitus control
• binaural wireless
• Bluetooth connectivity
• app connectivity
• iPhone direct streaming
• remote control connectivity

Best for a discreet model: Miracle-EarMINI

Miracle-Ear claim these hearing aids are the most discreet of all its products, describing them as “virtually unnoticeable.”

The company uses custom ear molds to design these small hearing aids, which are available in-the-ear (ITE) and RIC.

However, depending on the model, added features, such as Bluetooth and directional microphones, may not be available.

All models of Miracle-EarMINI have the following features:

• speech isolation
• digital noise reduction
• echo reduction
• tinnitus control
• binaural wireless
• app connectivity
• remote control connectivity

Best for a more affordable model: Miracle-EarEASY

The company claims these models represent a more affordable hearing aid.

They are available in RIC and BTE styles.

However, this range does not feature Bluetooth connectivity.

All models of Miracle-EarEASY have the following features:

• speech isolation
• binaural wireless
• app connectivity
• manual volume control

The following table compares Miracle-Ear’s hearing aids.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), people buying a hearing aid can talk with their audiologist to determine which features are important to them.

Individuals may wish to ask the following questions:

• What are the hearing aid’s total costs?
• How long is the warranty and what does it cover?
• Can I return the hearing aid after a trial period?
• Are any fees not refundable after the trial period?
• Can the audiologist make minor repairs and adjustments?
• Are loaner aids available during repairs?

According to NIDCD, hearing aids are most suitable for people with sensorineural hearing loss. This condition results from damage to a certain type of cell in the inner ear known as hair cells. Possible reasons that may lead to this include:

• aging
• noise
• certain health issues
• certain drugs

A hearing test is the first step for someone interested in getting a hearing aid. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommends visiting a doctor, such as an ear, nose, and throat specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist. They can investigate medical causes of hearing loss, such as infection or injury.

The FDA warns that some ear conditions may need medical attention, including:

• blood, pus, or other fluid coming from the ear
• ear pain or discomfort
• excessive earwax
• dizziness
• feeling something blocking the ear canal
• sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss

An individual needs a prescription to obtain a hearing aid. Depending on the state, a physician, audiologist, or hearing instrument specialist might write this prescription.

Once a person has their new hearing aid fitted, they can work with the audiologist to learn how to use its features. They can also adjust to their new hearing aids by wearing them regularly.

People can extend the life of these devices through proper care. NIDCD offers the following tips:

• Turn off hearing aids when not using them.
• Replace dead batteries promptly.
• Keep the devices cool and dry.
• Clean hearing aids according to instructions to prevent damage from ear drainage or earwax.
• Do not use hair products, such as hairspray, while wearing hearing aids.

In addition to Miracle-Ear, other popular hearing aid brands may be worth considering. They include:

• Eargo Max: This company offers a range of hearing aids that are compatible with the Eargo app for customization.
• Starkey: Their hearing aids are available at hearing centers across the U.S. The company features a variety of models, with some offering rechargeable and Bluetooth options.
• Oticon: Among the company’s offerings is Oticon More, a hearing aid built with a “deep neural network.” According to the brand, this technology offers a more natural representation of sounds and may improve the user’s understanding of speech.
• ReSound: Their hearing aids include a popular tinnitus-relief feature. They are available through hearing-care centers.
• Kirkland: Available at Costco stores, these hearing aids may appeal to customers seeking value.

Here we answer some common questions about this company.

Does Miracle-Ear take insurance?

Miracle-Ear states that it accepts most major insurance companies.

However, the company recommends people call one of its hearing centers to ensure that the center accepts their insurance.

Does Medicare cover Miracle-Ear?

Original Medicare plans do not cover hearing aids. However, some Medicare Advantage Plans do pay some of the costs of hearing exams and hearing devices.

If a person does not receive coverage, Miracle-Ear offers the Miracle-Aid Foundation. To be eligible for this aid, a person must be below a certain income and meet other eligibility criteria.

Does Miracle-Ear help tinnitus?

Several of Miracle-Ear’s hearing devices have tinnitus control features, which may help reduce the symptoms of this condition.

However, people with tinnitus should discuss their needs with Miracle-Ear’s hearing care professionals to choose the best hearing aid for their requirements.

Miracle-Ear sells a variety of hearing aids with various high-tech features. Someone buying a hearing aid may wish to talk with an audiologist about which features work best for their hearing loss type and lifestyle.

Whether certain features are worth the additional cost is another key question.

In addition to features and cost, a person may wish to consider any ongoing services that a company provides.