Hearing aids improve all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound. But to experience the benefits, you first have to choose the right device. Our partners at ConsumerAffairs researched the best hearing aids in Buffalo so you find an affordable, comfortable aid with features that make listening and communicating easier.
Everyone deserves to make thoughtful, informed purchase decisions. The local guides provided on this website are free for consumers. WKBW may receive compensation from our partners. Learn more.
Benefits of hearing aids for kids, seniors and adults
Hearing aids improve hearing loss for kids, seniors and adults in Buffalo. Hearing loss in the U.S. is most common among older male adults, but it affects people of all ages and genders. Over 30 million Americans have hearing loss in both ears, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Hearing aids have many benefits:
You will hear sounds you did not hear before.
You can listen and communicate more easily with people, including friends and family.
Your physical and mental health may improve.
You will be safer and may have greater independence.
If you have tinnitus, your symptoms may get better.
What types of hearing aids are available in Buffalo?
All hearing aids use a microphone to pick up sound, an amplifier to make sound louder and a receiver (speaker) to deliver sound to the ear. Most hearing aids today are digital rather than analog.
Hearing aid styles
Description
Pros
Cons
Cost
Behind the ear (BTE)
Large or small device that settles behind the ear and amplifies sound into the ear
Improves all degrees of hearing loss; easy to handle
Most visible type of aid
$1,000 - $3,000
Mini BTE
Smaller version of BTE with a thinner tube; includes receiver in the ear (RITE), receiver in canal (RIC) and open fit devices
Less visible than BTE; less “plugged-up” sensation in ear
Earwax can clog speaker
$1,200 - $3,000
In the ear (ITE)
Can be one of two styles: full shell that fits over the outer ear or the half shell that only covers lower part of the ear
Adjustable volume control, longer battery life, easy to use and handle
Can pick up unwanted noise, be clogged by earwax, more visible than smaller models
$1,100 - $3,000
In the canal (ITC)
Sits partly in ear canal
Second-least visible style of aid; more features than CIC
Smaller battery and fewer features than most aids
$1,200 - $3,000
Completely in the canal (CIC)
Custom molded to fit in the ear canal
Small and less visible, does not pick up unwanted noise
Shorter battery life, limited features, can be clogged by earwax
$1,200 - $3,000
How to choose a hearing aid in Buffalo
Your choice of a hearing aid in Buffalo should take into account:
Degree of hearing loss
Quality of sound
Fit
Comfort
Style
Included services like cleanings, adjustments and annual hearing exams
Warranty length and coverage
Cost
You also need to consider which hearing aid features matter to you. Here are some of the most popular features for hearing aids in Buffalo:
Noise and wind reduction
Feedback suppression
Wireless connectivity
Directional microphones
Telecoil
Rechargeable batteries
Multiple channels
Direct audio input
Remote control
Data logging
Learning features
Binaural processing
Read hearing aid reviews to find out what customers think of a manufacturer’s products, accessories, apps and customer service.
Getting a hearing aid test and fitting
During a hearing test and fitting, an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser will test your hearing, determine whether a hearing aid can improve your hearing loss and help you select and set up your device. In Buffalo, as in the rest of New York, hearing aid providers must be registered with the New York Department of State.
If you are a candidate for hearing aids, ask your provider to explain the differences between styles, brands and models and to describe which features are a good match for your lifestyle.
Once you’ve chosen a hearing aid and it’s ready for use, your hearing aid provider will program the hearing aid and make sure it fits well. You will learn the basics: how to put the device in and remove it, how to use features, how to clean it and how to maintain the battery. The audiologist or dispenser should also talk about the adjustment period for your hearing aid and schedule a follow-up appointment.
How much do hearing aids cost in Buffalo?
Most hearing aids in Buffalo cost $1,000 - $4,000 per device. The price mainly depends on the brand and model, where you purchase and what’s included. The cost usually includes testing and fitting, a warranty lasting one to three years and adjustments, cleanings and checkups.
Few private insurance plans in New York cover hearing aids. Check your plan for hearing aids benefits. Veterans can receive hearing aids through the Department of Veterans Affairs. AARP members get discounts and other benefits through the AARP Hearing Care Program.
When buying hearing aids in Buffalo, read over the purchase agreement carefully. Under New York State law, you can return hearing aids within 45 days of purchase for a refund of at least 90 percent of the total purchase price, including accessories.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids or hearing exams. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may include hearing benefits.
New York’s Medicaid program may cover hearing aids. Call (800) 541-2831 for more information.
Eargo designs comfortable, rechargeable, nearly invisible hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss. Customers don’t need to visit an audiologist before contacting Eargo, and they have 45 days to try out hearing aids. According to reviews, Eargos have high-quality sound and are hard for others to notice.
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Miracle-Ear
Miracle-Ear has been providing hearing solutions for over 70 years. Aids come in a variety of styles and with leading digital technology, lifetime service and an industry-leading three-year warranty. Customers in Buffalo praise the professionals at local Miracle-Ear Centers.
Zounds Hearing
Zounds hearing aids, available in four models, have features like high sound quality, rechargeable batteries, noise cancellation and remote control. The company offers monthly payment options, warranties and a three-year protection plan. Customers say their Zounds hearing aids are easy to use and work well.
Beltone
Beltone, which has three Buffalo locations, has been helping people hear better for almost 80 years. Hearing aids are available for every type of hearing loss, lifestyle and budget and come with BelCare, which includes lifetime exams, cleanings and inspections, a one-year warranty and two-year protection for change in hearing loss. Reviewers love Beltone’s customer support and have positive comments about their aids.
ReSound Hearing Aids
ReSound’s hearing aids, apps and wireless accessories are built for people to use in all environments and situations. Buffalo customers can contact ReSound for help locating a hearing care professional or find ReSound products at the Costco Hearing Aid Center in Rochester. ReSound gets mixed reviews for functionality and dependability.
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Widex Hearing Aids
Widex is one of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in the world, selling devices in over 100 countries. Request a no-obligation trial of any of the company’s products, including the new EVOKE smart hearing aid. Reviews for Widex hearing aids are generally not as good as competitor reviews.
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Our partners independently research and analyze the companies mentioned in our guides and work with subject matter experts to add valuable information that helps consumers make smart purchase decisions. Our partners will not include companies on these guides that do not meet specific quality standards. The compensation we receive from our partners may impact how and where companies appear on our site, including the order in which they appear.
Our partners independently research companies, and use editorial discretion to award companies with special recognition (i.e. Best Value) based on their staff’s judgement or subject matter expert’s judgement. Our partners do this to help you identify companies that will meet your specific buying needs, and do not receive compensation for these designations.