If you’ve had to shop for hearing aids, you know how exhausting the process can be.
In this article, I’ll take a close look at Lively hearing aids: a convenient option for ordering your hearing aids online.
I’ve recently researched the pricing and process of buying hearing aids from Lively Hearing Aids to get an idea of what you can expect before your first purchase.
What To Know Before Buying Lively Hearing Aids
Lively, or Listen Lively, is a hearing aid retailer that brings the entire process online. According to its website, Lively offers powerful, nearly-invisible hearing aids and at-home audiologist care for 50% less than the national average. Lively is also a reputable company: It’s accredited by the Better Business Bureau and maintains an “A” rating. Plus, the hearing aids are FDA-approved.
Ordering hearing aids online is a little different than visiting an audiologist in person. Before you order from Lively, here are five things to know:
- What Hearing Aids Are Available at Lively?
- How Much Do Hearing Aids at Lively Cost?
- Using Insurance at Lively
- How It Works
- Return Policy and Warranty Information
Below, you’ll find detailed information including how much you can expect to pay, the types of hearing aids you’ll find at Lively and information on available aftercare.
What Hearing Aids Are Available at Lively?
Lively currently offers two different models of “The Lively Bundle” hearing aids: rechargeable and battery-powered. The hearing aids are sold as pairs and aren’t available individually. You can get them in seven different shades.
According to the company website, Lively hearing aids are developed with leading sound quality and noise-canceling technology designed to meet FDA requirements. The devices are described as “nearly invisible” for their behind-the-ear fit.
Along with the actual devices, you’ll either receive a charging case that holds three full charges if you purchase a rechargeable model or a year’s worth of batteries if you purchase a battery-powered model.
All hearing aid purchases from Lively include a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, three-year loss and damage protection and three years of follow-up care with Lively’s audiology team. The company offers a free mobile app for iPhone and Android for easy Bluetooth adjustments. Customers can also get support from Lively’s Care Team, which is available seven days a week.
How Much Do Hearing Aids at Lively Cost?
Compared to many in-person hearing aid retailers, you’ll find that Lively offers good prices on hearing aids. While its prices can be beaten by other online retailers, the remote follow-up care available with a purchase from Lively makes it a competitive option.
When I checked out Lively, a “Summer Sale” included $400 off Lively hearing aids. With this sale, the cost of a pair of battery-powered hearing aids was $1,450. The cost of a pair of rechargeable hearing aids was $2,000. Without the sale discounts, a pair of battery-powered hearing aids would be $1,850 while a pair of rechargeable hearing aids would be $2,400. Shipping is free.
While this figure may seem high initially, it’s closer to the norm than you may think. In fact, a 2019 survey by Consumer Reports revealed that respondents typically spent $2,691 out of pocket for a pair of hearing aids.
To put this into perspective, Costco’s hearing aids start at $749 per device while Miracle-Ear hearing aids range from $1,000 to $4,000 each. That means the prices at Lively are pretty average in comparison.
“Knowing where to shop is so important, says money expert Clark Howard on hearing aids. “You’re not going to get a worse hearing aid; you’re only going to get the price difference.”
Lively also offers financing through Cross River Bank. You can get prequalified online to pay as low as $47-$65 monthly.
Using Insurance at Lively
According to Lively’s website, whether or not your insurance will cover the cost of your hearing aids varies by provider and plan.
If your plan does cover all or part of your hearing aids, Lively says they will provide you with all of the necessary receipts and documentation needed to submit a claim for reimbursement.
Lively does recommend calling your health insurance provider directly to verify your coverage before making a purchase. You can also use an FSA or HSA account to help cover the costs.
How It Works
Ordering hearing aids from Lively is a very straightforward process. You don’t have to have a professional audiogram from a doctor, but you will need to take an online hearing aid test to see if you’re a candidate for Lively hearing aids.
The hearing test begins with a few simple questions about your hearing loss and lifestyle. After you’ve answered these questions, you can enter your contact information to discuss your hearing care options with a Lively expert. You can also skip this step and continue straight to the online hearing test.
To get started, grab your headphones and find a quiet space without background noises.
The actual test asks you to listen to various frequencies and indicate when you can just barely hear them. It takes about 5-10 minutes to complete the test. To view your results, you’ll have to enter your name and email address. Then you can log in to review your results and submit them with your order.
According to the company website, Lively’s doctors will review your test results and program your hearing aids before they’re sent to you. When you are ready to order your devices, simply visit the product page, choose between rechargeable and battery-powered devices, choose a color and click “add to cart.”
Click “view cart” to check out. There, you’ll see the selected devices, the included charging case or year’s supply of batteries for free. Shipping and returns are also free.
Lively accepts a variety of payment methods including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, PayPal and HSA/FSA cards. Financing is also available during checkout.
Once you receive your hearing aids, you’ll be able to meet with a licensed audiologist via Zoom for a follow-up appointment. You’ll also be able to connect your hearing aids to Lively’s free smartphone app so that your audiologist can adjust your settings for you remotely.
Return Policy and Warranty Information
Lively offers a 100-day risk-free trial period for its hearing aids. If you aren’t completely satisfied with the devices within that time, Lively says it will refund your entire order with free shipping and no restocking fees. To initiate a return, simply call or email Lively directly.
In addition to the 100-day trial, Lively hearing aids come with a three-year warranty. According to the website, if you have any issues with the devices, Lively’s Care Team will help you replace them.
The three-year warranty includes loss and damage protection. However, there is a $195 deductible per device. You can find more details about Lively’s warranty in the company’s Terms and Conditions online.
Final Thoughts: Pros and Cons
Overall, Lively hearing aids could be a great fit for you. The company has a strong reputation online, and the prices of the hearing aids are lower than you’ll likely find at your average brick-and-mortar retailer.
Based on my research, here are a few major pros and cons I found about buying hearing aids at Lively:
| Pros: | Cons: |
| 100-Day Trial: Once you purchase your Lively hearing aids, you’ll have 100 days to try them out risk-free. The website offers a great guide on what to expect from your hearing aids during the first 100 days. If you decide to send them back, Lively says there will be no restocking fees and no shipping fees. | Price: Lively’s hearing aids range from $1,850 to $2,400 per pair unless you can grab them on sale. This price is low compared to those at in-store hearing aid retailers, but you can find lower prices at stores like MDHearingAid and even Costco. |
| Three-Year Warranty: Even after the initial 100-day trial, Lively hearing aids come with a three-year warranty and three years of loss and damage protection. | Selection: Lively currently offers only two different hearing aid models: battery-powered or rechargeable. Both are the behind-the-ear style. |
| Remote Care: While you can’t visit a doctor in person at Lively, you will have access to on-demand audiology care with a doctor via the Lively app. Most online hearing aid retailers don’t offer this kind of follow-up care. | In-Person Service: If you order your hearing aid online, you won’t be visiting a qualified medical professional in person to discuss the best options for you. If this is important to you, visiting a brick-and-mortar hearing aid center may be a better choice. |
While you’ll be making some sacrifices by ordering your hearing aids online, you’ll also likely be saving money. But if free services and in-person professional help are priorities for you, you may be happier making your purchase from a hearing aid center like Costco.
Have you purchased hearing aids from Lively? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
