Maintaining or supplementing your hearing health can be expensive and frustrating. Most of the time, purchasing hearing aids involves endless doctor’s visits and thousands of dollars for devices you desperately need to avoid sensory and social isolation.
Thankfully, many alternative, affordable hearing aids on the market can make your life easier and more cost-effective. Hearing Assist claims to be one of those brands.
But, are Hearing Assist devices really what they claim to be, or are you on your way to buying yet another glorified amplifier?
Our comprehensive review takes you through the pros, cons, and honest customer opinions that may help you decide.
Quick View: Hearing Assist Hearing Aids Reviews
Hearing Assist Hearing Aid | Price | Connectivity | Sound | Style | Battery |
Recharge! | $999.99 | Smartphone app but no audio streaming | Relatively good but lacks adequate noise reduction | Behind-the-ear, receiver in canal | Rechargeable batteries that can last all day |
Recharge! Plus | $599.98 | Smartphone app but no audio streaming | Directional mics to improve clarity, but still lacks noise reduction | Behind-the-ear | Rechargeable batteries that can last all-day |
Cool Aids | $399.99 | No mobile connectivity | Directional mics to improve clarity but still lacks adequate noise reduction. | Completely in canal | Replaceable batteries that each last for up to 70 hours of use |
Quick Verdict: Hearing Assist Reviews
Hearing Assist hearing aids offer an affordable treatment solution for mild to moderate hearing loss. However, they do not quite measure up to other affordable hearing aid brands like MDHearingAid when it comes to sound quality and noise suppression.
Who Makes Hearing Assist?
The company behind the Hearing Assist brand is a manufacturer of the same name. The company launched its first hearing aid in 2008 and has since produced a wide range of products to suit different lifestyles and personal preferences.
Hearing Assist’s top six employees have been working together for over 20 years and now focus entirely on making quality, FDA-registered hearing aids affordable to the public.
How Does Hearing Assist Work?
Hearing Assist offers three primary hearing aid models to help reduce mild to moderate hearing loss symptoms. These models include completely in-ear black hearing aids, a rechargeable hearing aid model, and high-quality behind-the-ear devices.
The company’s main aim was to make hearing aids with good sound quality accessible and affordable to people without requiring a hearing test.
Although a hearing test or hearing check can help you determine whether or not you need assistive hearing devices, Hearing Assist chose to simplify the process and provide over-the-counter hearing aids to many who may not have access to hearing specialists or audiologists.
The three Hearing Assist models are:
- Hearing Assist Recharge! Plus – Silver, receiver-in-canal rechargeable hearing aids
- Hearing Assist Recharge! – Beige, behind-the-ear rechargeable hearing aids
- Hearing Assist Cool Aids – Black, entirely in the ear hearing aids
Although Hearing Assist isn’t nearly the most stylish hearing aid manufacturer around, its varied products and reasonable prices make it a great choice for budget-conscious hearing aid seekers.
Each of the three models can be powered on by buttons on the devices themselves, and
volume levels and sound environments can be switched through a simple mobile app.
Each hearing aid comes with four sound profiles to switch between:
- Program 1: Automatically selected when the device powers on, this option is suitable for quiet environments like at home or the office. Noise reduction in this mode is lowered.
- Program 2: Suitable for noisy settings like malls and restaurants. Noise reduction in this mode is increased.
- Program 3: Reduces low and high-frequency sound, making it perfect for use while watching TV.
- Program 4: Best suited for the outdoors as noise reduction focuses on the wind and whistling sounds.
Ordering Hearing Assist Hearing Aids
You can order Hearing Assist devices directly from the website or even from your local Walmart.
The simple process for purchasing hearing aids makes it easy to order them for yourself or a family member. The Hearing Assist official website often holds promotions and provides USPS Priority mail when shipping to a location in the US.
Hearing Assist also offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee ensuring you receive a full refund should you return your devices within 60 days of delivery, no questions asked.
Maintenance and Care
All Hearing Assist devices come with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. If you’re interested in more comprehensive maintenance, their Peace of Mind protection plan covers all sorts of faults caused by earwax build-up, humidity, and the usual wear and tear.
Battery and Charging
Most Hearing Assist devices will work for up to 20 hours before needing a recharge. Recharging usually takes around 3 hours.
Manual Feedback Reduction
If your Hearing Assist device provides excessive feedback noise, lower its volume, adjust the receiver’s position, and clean the ear canal and device of any earwax build up. This should significantly reduce any interference with your sound quality.
Water Resistance
Although Hearing Assist devices shouldn’t be damaged by slight moisture from sweat or humidity, they are neither water-resistant nor waterproof and should be removed before showering, bathing, or swimming.
Hearing Assist Smartphone App
Hearing Assist also offers a smartphone app with services varying according to the model you’ve purchased, although all devices share the app’s volume control feature.
Hearing Assist Help and Customer Service
Hearing Assist provides a dedicated hotline and email address for all customer service queries. If you’d like to return your Hearing Assist devices, you should give their customer care hotline a call and ask for refund authorization.
Any questions you have about the devices’ maintenance and usage can be asked through their quick-response email address.
Hearing Assist Pros and Cons
If you’re thinking of buying a Hearing Assist hearing aid, here are some of the pros and cons of the brand.
Pros
- It offers a rechargeable hearing aid option
- Four volume and noise reduction settings based on your sound environment
- Sound profiles can be adjusted on the smartphone app
- FDA registered hearing aids
- Very affordable prices for good quality hearing aids
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- It offers a variety of fits, including behind the ear and in the ear models
- Hearing check on the app automatically adjusts settings to suit your environment and personal preferences
Cons
- It only helps treat the symptoms of mild to moderate hearing loss
- It does not offer extensive noise or interference reduction capabilities
- Sound quality is not as high as other hearing aids
- Hearing aids can’t be used without a smartphone to adjust volume profiles
- You can’t customize the sound profiles
Hearing Assist Customer Reviews
Hearing Assist customers have lots to say about their products. Although some instantly become fans of the hearing aid models, others find more problems than benefits from their assistive hearing devices.
One user with moderate hearing loss applauded the hearing aid’s value and quality, writing:
Another customer who bought Hearing Assist hearing aids for his father was amazed at how much he could hear once he got the correct tubes, reviewing:
Another happy reviewer loved how much more reasonably priced the devices were and how many lost sounds he could hear again:
Despite the value, the controls on the app and devices themselves can be challenging to use, especially for the elderly, with one buyer writing:
Hearing Assist Complaints
Not all Hearing Assist customers loved their products, and some buyers returned their hearing aids soon after purchasing.
One of the biggest complaints regarding the Hearing Assist devices is their lack of background noise control and reduction. One user wrote:
While another reviewer with similar problems commented on the lack of sound clarity and quality:
Another buyer found the devices challenging and confusing to use, commenting:
Hearing Assist Hearing Aids Reviews
1. Hearing Assist Recharge!
Feature | Description | Star Rating |
Price | $999.99 | 4.5/5 |
Style | Silver behind-the-ear model, receiver in canal | 3.5/5 |
Sound Quality | Directional mics for amplification, although noise reduction and feedback suppression is lacking | 2.5/5 |
Connectivity | Bluetooth connection to a smartphone app, but no streaming capabilities | 2.5/5 |
Volume Profiles | Four, non-customizable volume levels for varying sound environments | 3/5 |
Pros
- Fully rechargeable hearing aid
- Water-resistant to rain and sweat
- Very affordable price relative to other similar devices
- Smartphone app to control volume and sound profiles
- Simple volume adjustment on the devices themselves
Cons
- Large, noticeable design
- The devices don’t always fit properly
- The noise reduction features are not robust
The Hearing Assist Rechargeable! offers a behind the ear, receiver in canal device aimed at helping amplify sound while reducing noise interference. Although it does act as more than just a sound amplifier, many users have found the background noise cancellation feature lacking and believe this disadvantage does not justify the cost.
A better alternative, the MDHearingAid VOLT+, also comes as a behind-the-ear device, has excellent sound quality and noise reduction, along with all the other Recharge! features, at only a marginally higher price.
Bottom Line:
Despite the Hearing Assist Recharge! being marketed as a complete hearing aid, the noise reduction can be tricky to manage. Still, the hearing aid offers more clarity than typical sound amplifiers and many other features only found in hearing aids, at a fraction of the price.
2. Hearing Assist Recharge! Plus
Feature | Description | Star Rating |
Price | $599.98 | 4.5/5 |
Battery | Fully rechargeable, with no need to replace its batteries | 4/5 |
Sound Quality | Directional microphones and better feedback suppression | 3.5/5 |
Connectivity | It works with a Bluetooth app but offers no streaming abilities | 2.5/5 |
Style | Slim, beige behind-the-ear devices | 4/5 |
Pros
- Fully rechargeable
- Sleeker design than the Recharge!
- Improved sound clarity due to directional mics
- Hearing check on the app can automatically optimize your devices
- Adjustable amplification and noise suppression according to your sound environment
Cons
- Volume and sound profiles can’t be adjusted without the smartphone app
- Only offers four programs for amplification and feedback suppression adjustments
- Despite directional mics, background noise is still a problem
The Hearing Assist Recharge! Plus offers a sleek alternative to the classic Recharge! Not only can an app-based hearing check help customize the devices’ sound profiles, but you can take control of amplification, reaching up to 43dB to suit whatever sound environment you choose.
Despite the improvements in voice clarity, the Recharge! Plus models still lack robust feedback and noise reduction features, and a similar device model, the MDHearingAid AIR, offers a higher quality, affordable behind-the-ear alternative.
MDHearingaid AIR is not only customizable to suit your sound environment perfectly but eliminates background noise more effectively for an even lower price.
Bottom Line:
Although the Recharge! Plus has a better design and more robust noise reduction capabilities, it still doesn’t offer the high-quality feedback and background sound suppression expected from quality hearing aids.
3. Hearing Assist Cool Aids
Feature | Description | Star Rating |
Price | $399.99 | 5/5 |
Style | Almost invisible, completely in-the-ear design | 4/5 |
Battery | Up to 70 hours of use from each exchangeable battery | 4/5 |
Sound Quality | Directional microphones but noise suppression is still lacking | 3/5 |
Connectivity | It does not offer smartphone connectivity | 0/5 |
Pros
- Universal fit for the right and left ear
- Almost invisible design
- Up to 70 hours of use from each battery
- Automatic and improved background noise reduction
- Simple to insert and use
Cons
- Volume can’t be controlled remotely
- Batteries are non-rechargeable
The Hearing Assist Cool Aids provide nearly invisible hearing assistance at a fraction of the cost of similar devices. Each battery can be used for up to 70 hours, making the devices relatively low maintenance. The hearing aids are also an excellent option for people wearing glasses or hats, as they don’t get stuck or interfered with.
The completely-in-canal setup is a good choice for those who feel self-conscious about their hearing loss and are looking for an inconspicuous hearing aid.
Bottom Line:
As with all Hearing Assist devices, the fit and overall quality of the Cool Aids are excellent. Their only downfall comes from a lack of noise reduction, which could leave many users frustrated that they can’t isolate speech or specific sounds.
If you’re looking for a similarly priced alternative to Hearing Assist listening aids that offer better overall sound quality and clarity, take a look at our MDHearingAid Review.
4. Hearing Assist Accessories
To improve your overall hearing experience, Hearing Assist provides a variety of accessories, including:
- TV listener and hearing amplifier: Comes with a remote microphone to help you hear your TV’s audio more clearly
- Earwax removal spray: An important part of your hearing aids’ maintenance is keeping your ears clean of excessive wax build-up
- Additional charging bases
- Carrying case
- Hearing aid cleaning spray and wipes
- Extra packs of ear tubes and caps
How Much Does Hearing Assist Cost?
Hearing Assist devices range between $399.99 to $999.99. The process of buying them also works out, costing less money as you don’t need a hearing test to order.
Where Can I Buy Hearing Assist Hearing Aids?
Hearing Assist devices can be bought over-the-counter without a hearing test or audiologist’s recommendation. They can also be ordered online.
Hearing Assist Walmart
Hearing Assist is one of the various brands of hearing aids Walmart sells. Walmart hearing aids can range from very cheap products to surprisingly quality devices.
One advantage of buying Walmart hearing aids like Hearing Assist is that Walmart labels electronic devices honestly and helps you know for sure whether you’re purchasing an FDA-registered hearing aid or just a sound amplifier.
Hearing Assist Prices: Are They Fair?
Hearing Assist Cool Aids and Recharge! Plus prices are very reasonable if you’re looking for a simple device to help your mild to moderate hearing loss symptoms.
However, the Recharge! model costs about $999.99 for a pair, which is only a little cheaper than the MDHearingAid AIR, which arguably offers far better sound quality and noise reduction.
If you’re considering the Recharge! hearing aids, take a look at the MDHearingAid CORE, which offers higher sound quality at nearly the same price.
Does Hearing Assist Take Insurance?
Hearing Assist, like most hearing aid manufacturers, does not take insurance. However, they do have finance plans to help you pay the total price for the hearing aids over several months.
Does Hearing Assist Give Refunds?
Yes, hearing assist offers a full refund for any hearing aids returned within 60 days of delivery.
FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions about Hearing Assist devices.
Does Hearing Assist Really Work?
Hearing Assist devices are FDA registered hearing aids that, unlike sound amplifiers, can effectively treat the symptoms of mild or moderate hearing loss.
They do work as described, although many users lament their lack of noise reduction abilities.
Is Hearing Assist FDA Approved?
Hearing Assist devices are only FDA-registered, not approved.
If you are specifically looking for FDA-approved, budget-friendly hearing aids, take a look at our MDHearingAid review to find the most reasonably priced options in this category.
Who Does the Hearing Assist Commercial?
The famous Hearing Assist commercial actor is Robert Shepherd, who hails from southern Missouri.
Conclusion
Hearing loss can be stressful. At least with an affordable hearing aid, the condition doesn’t have to break the bank.
Hearing Assist devices are a good option for cheap, legitimate hearing aids, although they don’t always measure up to their similar alternatives.
However, if you’re looking for a simple device that won’t max out your credit card and you’re not in the market for anything special, they may be the right choice for you.