Hearing aids improve the lives of those with hearing loss due to aging, loud noises, head trauma, illness or genetics. The hearing aid you wear should be comfortable and have features compatible with your lifestyle. We researched the best hearing aids in Oklahoma City so you find an affordable device that makes it easier for you to listen and communicate.
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Benefits of hearing aids for kids, seniors and adults
Hearing loss is most common among older males, but it can affect all genders and age groups. Over 28 million Americans can benefit from wearing hearing aids, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Hearing aids have many benefits for kids, seniors and adults:
Improved hearing for individuals with mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss
Better physical and mental health
Greater independence
Increased safety
Reduced tinnitus symptoms
What types of hearing aids are available in Oklahoma City?
Hearing aids use a microphone, amplifier and speaker, or receiver, to magnify sound vibrations entering the ear. Most new hearing aids in Oklahoma City are digital rather than analog, delivering higher-quality, more customized sound to users based on their unique hearing needs.
Hearing aid styles
Description
Pros
Cons
Cost
Behind the ear (BTE)
Sits behind the ear; a tube connects to an earmold or earpiece
Easy to clean and handle; good for children; used for all degrees of hearing loss
Largest and most visible type
$1,500 - $3,000
Mini BTE
Includes receiver in the ear (RITE), receiver in canal (RIC) and open fit devices; all are smaller BTEs with a thin tube connecting to earmold or earpiece
Less visible than BTE; reduced “plugged-up” sensation in ear, more comfort; less feedback
Earwax can clog receiver
$1,700 - $3,000
In the ear (ITE)
Sits in outer part of ear
Small but easy to handle; available with many features
Earwax can clog speaker; more wind noise than smaller aids
$1,600 - $3,000
In the canal (ITC)
Sits partly in ear canal
Second-least visible type of aid; has features unavailable on CIC
Can be difficult to handle; smaller battery and fewer features
$1,700 - $3,000
Completely in the canal (CIC)
Sits entirely in ear canal
Most discreet aid
Few features; relatively low power and battery strength
$1,700 - $3,000
As you explore hearing aids in Oklahoma City, you may come across other devices called hearing amplifiers, or personal sound amplifiers. Hearing-impaired people should not substitute hearing amplifiers for hearing aids in Oklahoma City. They can damage hearing further, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
How to choose a hearing aid in Oklahoma City
Choose a hearing aid in Oklahoma City by finding a device that:
Is appropriate for your degree of hearing loss
Is a style you like
Fits well
Is comfortable
Has high-quality sound
Includes services like annual hearing exams, cleanings and adjustments
Is backed by a warranty of at least one year
Fits within your budget
Also, make sure the hearing aid you choose comes with the features you want. Hearing aids have advanced significantly in technology in recent years. Popular features to consider include:
Noise reduction
Feedback suppression
Directional microphones
Telecoil
Rechargeable batteries
Multiple channels
Wireless connectivity
Remote control
Direct audio input
Binaural processing
Data logging
Learning features
Getting a hearing aid test and fitting
A hearing test and fitting is the process of meeting with an audiologist or hearing care professional to evaluate your type and degree of hearing loss, going over hearing aid options, selecting a device based on your needs and preferences and setting it up for use.
Here are some questions to ask your audiologist or hearing care professional before you choose a device:
What type and degree of hearing loss do I have?
Do I need hearing aids in both ears?
How do my hearing aid options differ in style, features, maintenance requirements, services, warranty and cost?
Once your hearing aid is ready, the audiologist or hearing care professional will program it and show you how to put the device in, take it out and perform other functions, like cleaning the device and recharging/changing the battery.
Here are several questions to ask your audiologist or hearing care professional after setup of your hearing aid:
What should I expect while adjusting to my hearing aid? How long is the adjustment period?
How do I use the different features?
How frequently will I need checkups of my hearing and hearing aid?
In Oklahoma, you are entitled to a 30-day trial of a hearing aid. If you decide to return the hearing aid (and as long as it’s in original condition, minus normal wear and tear), you will receive a refund of at least 90 percent of the purchase price.
How much do hearing aids cost in Oklahoma City?
Most hearing aids in Oklahoma City cost between $1,000 and $4,000. Hearing aid costs usually include testing and fitting and a warranty lasting one to three years. It’s common for hearing aid companies and dealers to include services like an annual exam, cleanings and adjustments over the lifetime of the device.
Private insurance plans in Oklahoma don’t generally include coverage for adults, but the state does require plans to include hearing benefits for children up to 18. Check with your plan for details.
Many hearing aid manufacturers and fitters offer financing options to help customers pay for hearing aids in Oklahoma City. Veterans get hearing aid benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. AARP members should explore the Hearing Care Program. For other sources of financial assistance, visit the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services website.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids or exams. Some Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans include hearing benefits. Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, SoonerCare, covers hearing aids for children.
Eargos, designed for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, are comfortable, rich in sound and nearly invisible. You don’t need to visit an audiologist before contacting Eargo, and you have 45 days to decide if a hearing aid is the right fit. Active military members and veterans get a 20 percent discount. Many customers are satisfied with their Eargo hearing aids and recommend them to others.
Miracle-Ear
Miracle-Ear has been helping customers find hearing solutions for over 70 years. Hearing aids come in a variety of styles and with leading digital technology. Customers get lifetime cleanings, adjustments, repairs and hearing tests, plus an industry-leading three-year warranty. OKC reviewers like the friendly and knowledgeable assistance from the licensed and trained professionals at local Miracle-Ear Centers.
ReSound Hearing Aids
ReSound has been a pioneer in the hearing aid industry since it started over 75 years ago. Its expertise in audiology, connectivity, apps and design have produced award-winning products. ReSound customers give mixed reviews: Some say they have improved hearing loss, while others have experienced multiple problems with devices.
Widex Hearing Aids
Widex is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hearing aids, selling devices in over 100 countries. The company calls its EVOKE brand the “first truly smart hearing aid.” Customers like that Widex offers a free no-obligation trial of any of its hearing aids, but reviews overall are less positive than those for competitors.
Beltone
Beltone, which has six locations in the Oklahoma City area, has hearing solutions for every lifestyle, type of hearing loss and budget. Every device comes with BelCare, which includes an annual hearing exam, complimentary inspections and cleanings, a one-year warranty and two-year protection for change in hearing loss. Customers in Oklahoma City give local Beltone Hearing Centers five-star reviews.
Zounds Hearing
Zounds offers four different hearing aid models, with features like unmatched sound quality, rechargeable batteries, noise cancellation and remote control. Monthly financing and comprehensive three-year protection plans are available. Customers say Zounds hearing aids are easy to use and have enhanced their lives.
ConsumerAffairs content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. Before you make any investment, it is very important to do your own analysis based on your own personal circumstances and consult with your own investment, financial, tax and legal advisors.