Most hearing aids cost thousands of dollars and require a prescription or visit to an audiologist which could suck hours from your day. But with the convenience of over-the-counter hearing products becoming more popular, it’s essential to know which ones are top-notch and which are pure junk.
This article will look at the five best Walmart hearing aids, their prices, and features and answer the most frequently asked questions about over-the-counter hearing aids.
Quick View
- Best Walmart Hearing Aid – MDHearingAid Volt
- Most Affordable – MDHearingAid AIR
- Best For Severe Hearing Loss – EarCentric EasyCharge Rechargeable Hearing Aids
- Most Discreet – Hearing Assist HA 1800 In the ear CIC hearing aid
- Best For New Hearing Aid Wearers – Hearing Assist HA-302 Rechargeable BTE Hearing Aid
Feature: | MD Hearing Aid VOLT | MD Hearing Aid AIR | EarCentric EasyCharge | Hearing Assist HA 1800 | Hearing Assist HA-302 |
Pricing | $599.98- Pair | $399.99- Single $399.98- Pair | $239- Single $389- Pair | $399.98- Single $699.88- Pair | $498- Pair |
Customer Reviews | 4.3 Stars | 3.8 Stars | 4.6 Stars | 3.8 Stars | 3.6 Stars |
Type | BTE | BTE | BTE | ITE Bluetooth compatible | BTE |
Hearing Loss Type | Mild- Moderate | Mild- Moderate | Mild- Severe | Mild- Moderate | Mild- Moderate |
Power Source | Dual charging base included | 4 Batteries Included | Dual charging base included | 16 Batteries Included | Dual charging base included |
Quick Verdict
Best Walmart Hearing Aid – MDHearingAid Volt
Our top pick is the MDHearingAid Volt series. This device is the definition of high quality and low cost with advanced features such as a two-directional microphone to separate background noise and water-resistant coating, which will protect your device during exercise or an accidental trip in the shower.
Keep reading for a more in-depth breakdown of MDHearingAid Volt.
Are Walmart Hearing Aids Any Good?
Walmart.com sells a wide range of FDA-approved and FDA-registered hearing aids, some of the same brands you’d find at a hearing center or audiologist office. Even though these devices go for a fraction of the price of prescription models, they are still high-quality items and worth the purchase.
Sound Amplifiers vs. Hearing Aids on Walmart
All hearing aids amplify sound, but not all sound amplifiers are hearing aids. It can get confusing, but the most significant difference between the two is that hearing aids are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Sound Amplifiers are not.
Walmart hearing aids come with more features, such as directional microphones, telecoil, smartphone and Bluetooth technology, and multiple sound programs for adaptability. Most importantly, these devices are for all hearing types, mild to severe, and some medical conditions such as tinnitus.
Personal sound amplifier products (PSAP) are purchased over the counter and not customized to a person’s unique hearing impairment. They’re only meant for people with very mild hearing loss and are a one size fits all model. Think of pharmacy reading glasses that only magnify words.
They’re more affordable than FDA-approved hearing aids, with Walmart’s prices starting under 20 dollars. But, these hearing aids are for people with normal hearing who want to temporarily increase sound for a specific purpose and are not meant for long-term wear.
Best Hearing Aids at Walmart
With hundreds of hearing aids and PSAPs on the Walmart.com website, we took out the guesswork and chose the top five Walmart hearing aids online. The following stand out for their high quality, outstanding features, and positive customer reviews.
1. MDHearingAid Volt – Best Walmart Hearing Aid
Pricing | $599.98 – Pair |
Type | Behind the ear |
Hearing Loss Type | Mild-moderate |
Power Source | Duel magnet recharging base |
Pros:
- Quick recharging battery.
- 24-30 hours of life on a single charge.
- Water-resistance against moisture like sweat and rain.
- Two multi-directional microphones that separate background noises.
- Feedback cancellation technology.
Cons:
- Only behind the ear designs are available.
- Not able to automatically adjust to different sound environments.
The VOLT is one of MDHearing Aids’ most popular designs and favored as a high-quality, low-cost product.
It comes with a rechargeable case that holds three full charges, perfect for traveling, vacations, outdoor adventures, or long commutes for work.
Volt’s rechargeable batteries only take 2 ½ hours to charge and last for a full 24 hours—there’s also no need to worry about replacing the batteries every few months. These guys last for at least 500 charges.
The dual microphone and feedback technology on VOLT work together to create a comfortable atmosphere for the wearer in various environment settings. For example, you can easily take a phone call in a crowded stadium with crystal clear sound and without background noise interference.
VOLT cannot connect with a smartphone or work through Bluetooth, but the four different audio settings make it much easier to hear phone conversations with or without the use of a speakerphone.
2. MDHearingAid AIR – Most Affordable Walmart Hearing Aid
Pricing | $399.99 – Single $399.98 – Pair |
Type | Behind the ear |
Hearing Loss Type | Mild-moderate |
Power Source | 4 Batteries Included |
Pros:
- Four audio settings.
- Almost invisible, measuring at 1 inch.
- Excellent noise reduction and feedback cancellation.
- Telecoil technology, making AIR easy to use with other audio equipment.
Cons:
- Not rechargeable.
- Not fully water-resistant.
AIR is the most affordable MDHearingAid model in the Walmart.com catalog, with a buy one get the second one free price tag. It’s also one of the smallest BTE options for nearly invisible wear.
With four control settings, it’s easy to go from watching TV with your family and friends to having individual conversations without interference or background noise getting in your way.
The battery life with AIR is a little shorter than the other models, lasting 21-26 days, but Walmart sells packs of 40 batteries for a very reasonable price, no matter which AIR model you have.
3. EarCentric EasyCharge Rechargeable Hearing Aids – Best for Severe Hearing Loss
Pricing | $239 – Single $389 – Pair |
Type | Behind the ear |
Hearing Loss Type | Mild-severe |
Power Source | Duel magnet recharging base |
Pros:
- Advanced feedback cancellation technology.
- Adaptive layered noise reduction
- Fits well with glasses.
- Wind-blocking and voice detection technology.
- Two distinct audio channels.
Cons:
- Does not automatically adjust to different hearing environments.
- Not water or moisture-proof.
EarCentric Easy Charge provides two distinct program settings, one for everyday environments that boosts all sounds evenly and a program for speech in sound, which is perfect for noisy environments like restaurants and outdoor stadiums.
Their advanced feedback and noise cancellation technology provide the wearer with a clear sound experience in most environments, eliminating background noise while focusing on the voices you want to hear.
There are 12 volume levels on this device operated by a simple up/down button on the base. This range of sound and the other elements makes these the appropriate hearing aids for people with significant hearing loss.
4. Hearing Assist HA 1800 In the ear CIC hearing aid – Most Discreet Hearing Aid
Pricing | $399.98 – Single $699.88 – Pair |
Type | ITE, Bluetooth compatible |
Hearing Loss Type | Mild-moderate |
Power Source | 16 batteries included |
Pros:
- Fully in the ear and complete in the canal for invisible wear.
- Four adjustable programs, including one for tinnitus.
- 70 hours of use for each battery.
- Easy to wear with glasses.
- Advanced background noise reduction.
Cons:
- Batteries are not rechargeable and can be difficult to change.
- Not custom-fitted for the individual wearer, making it uncomfortable for some.
Hearing Assist HA 1800 are the smallest hearing aids on our list. This black device resembles a small shadow and fits entirely in the canal for almost invisible wear. Each device is made for universal fit and is excellent for people with glasses.
Not only does this hearing aid have advanced background noise reduction, but it comes with a noise compression process, which allows speech recognition in a noisy environment, great for talking on the phone during social events.
The size of these devices can make it difficult to adjust, but Hearing Assist has included an Ear Tap function that allows the wearer to change the volume with a simple ear tap.
5. Hearing Assist HA-302 Rechargeable BTE Hearing Aid – Best For New Hearing Aid Wearers
Pricing | $498 – Pair |
Type | Behind the ear |
Hearing Loss Type | Mild-moderate |
Power Source | Duel magnet recharging base |
Pros:
- Directional microphone.
- Four customized program levels.
- Improved volume control.
- Feedback suppression.
- Advanced layered background noise reduction.
Cons:
- Sound quality is not as good in the higher volume range.
- Not made for people with profound hearing loss.
Hearing Assist HA 302 comes in two colors, beige, and grey, and has four programing levels—quiet, louder, tv mode, and outdoors.
The directional microphone makes it easier to pick up voice sounds from multiple directions making clear distinctions between home and office environments and social events and restaurants.
The multi-channel digital signal processor enables the device to analyze the sound constantly, and along with the easily adjustable volume control, gives the wearer an excellent, crystal clear digital sound experience.
How To Choose a Hearing Aid on Walmart
Walmart.com offers an extensive list of items to choose from, but there are a few things you should consider before making your next purchase:
- Degree of hearing loss: Hearing aids are customized for individuals with mild, moderate, or severe hearing impairment. Check out the best online hearing tests to find out your degree of hearing loss.
- Pricing: Don’t be fooled by an expensive price tag. There are many low-cost hearing aids that are just as good as prescription brands.
- Features: Hearing devices come with various features such as directional microphones, telecoils, feedback prevention, and noise reduction. Consider which features are necessary for your convenience, comfort, and degree of hearing loss.
- Hearing aid models: The four basic designs are behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) receiver in the canal (RIC), and completely in the canal (CIC). BTE models are considered most comfortable, but if you prefer something less visible, ITE and CIC models are the way to go.
- Analog vs. digital: These are the two types of electronics within hearing aids, with digital being the strongest and analog the least expensive.
- Rechargeable battery: This may be a better option if you decide on a smaller hearing aid such as a CIC or if you have dexterity issues since you won’t have to worry about changing tiny batteries.
- Warranties and guarantees: Most Walmart merchandise come with specific manufacturer warranties and money-back guarantees.
FDA-Approved
Hearing aids are medical devices and must be registered and approved by the FDA, whereas PSAP or hearing amplifiers are another story. These products are not FDA-approved and are only meant for short-term wear. Walmart labels all of its devices as either hearing aids or PSAP.
Quality Manufacturer
Walmart uses reputable manufacturers for their listed devices, but only a few of those produce FDA-registered hearing aids. Therefore, it’s necessary to confirm your device is, in fact, a hearing aid and not a PSAP.
Good Customer Reviews
Walmart.com uses its customer review section as a contact point between the buyer and brands, and the product manufacturers are pretty quick to reply to customer complaints and suggestions. Here’s a look at a few reviews we found on hearing aids:
FAQ
We scoured the internet and answered other common questions people have regarding Walmart hearing aids to provide the most comprehensive guide.
Are Walmart Hearing Aids Real Hearing Aids?
Yes. Walmart correctly labels each device as either a hearing aid or hearing amplifier. In addition, all their hearing aids are FDA approved or FDA-registered and are, in fact, actual hearing aids.
What Is the Best OTC Hearing Aid?
Our team found that MD Hearing Aid provides the most superior over-the-counter hearing aids, with affordable devices for all hearing ranges. Their products are audiologist-designed and FDA-registered. If you want to learn more, visit our MD Hearing Aid Review for online deals and customer reviews.
How Much Are the Hearing Aids at Walmart?
Hearing aid prices range from $40 for a single to $1900 for a pair. However, hearing amplifiers with fewer device features will be less expensive than the FDA-approved hearing aids.
Are Walmart Hearing Aids Better Than an Audiologist?
Walmart hearing aids are designed by audiologists and are the same brands you would find in an audiologist’s office or hearing center. For more custom-designed devices, find your local hearing center at an Audiologist Near Me.
Conclusion
You no longer have to spend thousands of dollars on a premium hearing aid. Instead, Walmart.com has a great selection of medically approved hearing aids and accessories that can accommodate most individuals.
Walmart can keep its prices low by cutting out the middleman and selling products directly from the manufacturer, ensuring that you’ll get top-notch devices from the most reputable companies.
If you have questions about different hearing aid designs or if you’re deciding on whether a hearing aid is right for you, talk to a healthcare professional or your local hearing clinic.