HearUSA: 5 Things To Know Before Your First Visit

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If you’ve had to shop for hearing aids, you know how expensive they can be. Fortunately, there now are more options than ever when it comes to what kinds of hearing aids are available and where you can buy them.

In this article, I’ll take a close look at HearUSA, one of the top-rated hearing aid retailers in the country. I’ve researched the pricing and process of buying hearing aids from HearUSA to get an idea of what you can expect before your first appointment. 

This article was updated in January 2024 and I review it every 12 months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here

What To Know Before Your First Appointment at HearUSA

HearUSA was established in 1987 and has more than 350 locations throughout the United States. It’s also a part of The Sivantos Group, which is a globally recognized hearing aid company. 

According to a Consumer Reports survey in 2023, HearUSA is the fifteenth-highest-rated hearing aid center behind Costco, Connect Hearing, Sam’s Club and others. Reviewers gave it above average scores in the areas of programmer, follow up service, price transparency, evaluation, discussion, answering questions, courtesy, and training. Consumer Reports members can see the full ratings and reviews here

Before you schedule your first appointment to order hearing aid(s) from HearUSA, here are five things to know:

  1. What Hearing Aids Are Available at HearUSA?
  2. How Much Do Hearing Aids at HearUSA Cost?
  3. How To Book an Appointment
  4. Using Insurance at HearUSA
  5. Free Services and Warranty Information

Below, you’ll find detailed information including how much you can expect to pay, the types of hearing aids you can expect to find and how to schedule your first visit. 

1. What Hearing Aids Are Available at HearUSA?

At HearUSA, you’ll find a variety of hearing aid styles, types and brands. 

  • Completely-in-the-canal (CIC): This type of hearing aid is the smallest custom option. According to HearUSA, it’s discreet but may have a limited number of features and options. 
  • In-the-ear (ITE): This is the largest in-ear custom-made option, but it provides access to multiple features and it may be the easiest to handle. 
  • Behind-the-ear (BTE): This type of hearing aid also rests behind your ear and is attached to a tube or custom-made mold to deliver sound. 
  • Receiver-In-Canal (RIC): These hearing aids are a superior slimline version of the Behind-the-Ear aids according to HearUSA. They’re open-fit with the shell of the hearing aid hugging the outer ear. The difference is that the speaker is hidden inside the clear tube nestled in your ear.
  • Invisible-In-Canal (IIC): This type of hearing aid is very discreet and hides deep inside the ear. These are nano-aids that you tuck inside the ear canal with a clear tube that makes it easy to remove.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC): These are geared toward healthier adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Unlike typical hearing aids that are a prescription, these are an alternative as they are over-the-counter.

To learn more about each type of hearing aid as well as other hearing enhancement products and technology, visit HearUSA’s website

When it comes to specific brands and models, you’ll find no shortage of options at HearUSA. In fact, you can choose from the largest range of top brands in America according to the company’s website. Unfortunately, you can’t browse the available selection online. Instead, your hearing care provider will recommend brands and models that will best suit you after your first visit. Once you’ve chosen a device, HearUSA will order it for you directly from the manufacturer.

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I called my nearest HearUSA location to ask about the hearing aids that are available. I was told that, while their hearing care professionals most often go with a Signia hearing aid, if you have a specific brand or device in mind, they’ll likely be able to order it for you. 

In addition to hearing aids, HearUSA sells accessories, batteries and other hearing enhancing devices, including adaptive telephones and personal sound amplifiers, through the online Hearing Shop.

2. How Much Do Hearing Aids at HearUSA Cost?

Unfortunately, it can be hard to get an accurate estimate of how much your hearing aid will cost. The prices depend on several different factors. 

Like most hearing aid centers, HearUSA doesn’t list its prices online for this reason. I called my nearest HearUSA location to ask about the average cost for hearing aids, and I was told that while the price can vary greatly, hearing aids tend to range from $1,200 to $4,000 per ear. 

A 2023 Consumer Reports survey revealed that respondents typically spent $2,592 out of pocket for a pair of hearing aids. That means that a single hearing aid would cost around $1,296. Based on that data, HearUSA offers relatively average prices with advanced models that are more costly. 

Your health insurance may cover some of the costs at HearUSA, and the company offers financing through Allegro

If the total cost is an important factor for you when it comes to buying hearing aids, know that you’ll find more competitive prices available at MDHearingAid or Costco.

3. How To Book an Appointment

You can schedule an appointment at your nearest HearUSA location online or over the phone.

If you want to request an appointment online, visit HearUSA’s website and click “Book Appointment.” Then, use the locator tool to find your nearest location. Once you’ve found the hearing center you’d like to visit, click “Request Appointment.” 

Requesting an appointment online at HearUSA
Screenshot from HearUSA

On this page, you’ll fill out some basic information including your contact information, current questions, whether you currently wear hearing aids and your day/time preferences for an appointment. Once you request an appointment, HearUSA says that someone will contact you within 24 hours (or the next business day) to complete your scheduling request. 

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The second way to schedule an appointment is by finding your nearest location online and clicking “Show Details.” From there, you can see the phone number to call the location and schedule your appointment over the phone

You can also call 855-898-1320 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET to talk to a staff member who will help you find your nearest location and schedule an appointment for you. 

4. Using Insurance at HearUSA

HearUSA accepts most major insurance plans, but coverage can vary based on your specific plan and location.

Your health insurance may cover the cost of your hearing aid and other hearing services. You may also be able to use funds from an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account)

The company recommends that you schedule a free hearing screening at your nearest HearUSA center to discuss your insurance coverage. Of course, you can also use the online store locator to find the phone number of a center near you and call to ask for a benefits check. When you call, you should have your insurance card with you, and make sure it has your policy and group numbers on it.

In addition to accepting health insurance, financing is also available at HearUSA through Allegro.

5. Free Services and Follow-Up Care Information

HearUSA offers a few free services including an instant online hearing evaluation that can help you determine whether or not you may need a hearing aid. 

You can also schedule a free in-person hearing screening to talk to a hearing care professional about your hearing status and options. During the free hearing screening, you’ll also be able to determine whether or not your insurance will cover the cost of hearing devices. 

Additional limited-time offers and exclusive savings may also be available. At the time of writing, HearUSA was offering a $25 gift card when you take a free hearing screening. That’s a great deal!

Generally speaking, the length of a hearing aid’s warranty and the cost of follow-up care will likely depend on your insurance provider

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When I called my nearest HearUSA center, I was told that patients who pay out of pocket generally receive free follow-up care for the lifetime of the device along with a three-year warranty, which covers manufacturer defects and other issues excluding loss or damage. You can also get a one-time replacement device if yours is lost or damaged. The cost for this service is $450.

Final Thoughts

Overall, HearUSA could be a great place to order your next hearing aid. 

You’ll get a free hearing screening on your first visit along with an insurance benefits check, and you can even check your hearing online from home. However, you won’t be able to order a hearing aid online, and the prices can get steep depending on which model and features you need. 

Based on my research, below are a few of the biggest pros and cons of buying hearing aids at HearUSA:

Pros: 

  • Free Hearing Test: You can take a free hearing evaluation online and get a free in-person hearing screening at your nearest HearUSA location. Plus, the free in-person exam is easy to schedule. 
  • Large Selection: HearUSA offers hearing aid brands from well-known manufacturers including Signia, Rexton, Widex and more. Plus, there are five different styles of hearing aids to choose from.
  • Free Follow-Up Care: Patients who cover the full cost of their hearing aids on their own get free follow-up care during the lifetime of the device they purchase from HearUSA. Plus, you’ll typically get a three-year limited warranty.

Cons:

  • Pricing: The cost of hearing aids at HearUSA can range from $1,200 to $4,000 each. If the total cost is a big factor for you, you might find better deals at MDHearingAid or Costco. 
  • Ordering: Unfortunately, you can’t order many aids online from HearUSA. You will have to call or schedule an appointment online and visit in person to buy a hearing aid. 
  • Location: Be sure to check and see if there’s a HearUSA close by. I wasn’t able to find stores in a handful of major cities. 

If you do decide to make an appointment at HearUSA, take advantage of the free hearing screening. Also, be sure to check for special offers online to get the best deal.

No matter where you ultimately decide to purchase your hearing aid(s), be sure to take the time to ask about your insurance benefits, what follow-up care is included and if your purchase will come with a warranty. 

For more options, check out our top picks for the best places to buy hearing aids.

Where do you purchase your hearing aids? Let us know in the Clark.com Community!

Article Updates
  • January 26, 2024: Updated Consumer Reports ratings, added Over-the-counter information along with the number of locations currently across the country.
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