How to save money on hearing aids
What Is the HearUSA Online Hearing Test?
Even though hearing aids are smaller and smarter than ever before (they’re nearly invisible!) the age-old stigma around having to wear hearing aids is a big reason why so many people unfortunately avoid getting tested and the treatment they desperately need. The good news is you can get started with our simple test from the comfort and privacy of home. It’s a great way to dip your toe in the water and get more information about your hearing health before you make an in-person appointment.
HearUSA wants to help you learn about the benefits of our Online Hearing Test, how it works, and what steps you can take based on your results. Keep in mind that all online hearing tests have limitations and don’t replace a professional hearing screening with a hearing care professional. Therefore, if needed, HearUSA will help you find the right hearing care professional near you to get you on the path to better hearing.
Purpose of the Online Hearing Test
Our Online Hearing Test is an easy, painless and convenient way to get insights into your hearing health, including understanding potential hearing issues and if a more in-depth hearing screening is necessary. This preliminary assessment can help you prepare for an in-person test with a hearing care professional, too, if needed. It’s a great first step toward protecting your hearing and overall well-being for the long-term.
Key Features and Advantages
The HearUSA Online Hearing Test is free and user-friendly with no guesswork involved. We made sure it was designed with an easy-to-use interface so anyone can get insights into their hearing health within minutes. The test features a series of questions about how well you’re hearing in different environments as well as tone and speech recognition exercises. You’ll be guided every step of the way so you don’t have to worry about anything other than focusing on your hearing. The best thing? The hearing test takes less than 5 minutes, so it’s easy to fit into your day.
Advantages of our hearing test include:
- Simplicity: Getting a snapshot of your hearing health shouldn’t be hard. The HearUSA Online Hearing Test is a quick, simple and straightforward way to find out if you're hearing your best.
- Quick results: Once the test is complete, your results are delivered promptly. This means you’ll know almost instantly what sounds you’re hearing well, which are more challenging, and if you need to take additional action.
- Accessible high-quality testing: HearUSA believes that high-quality hearing care and testing should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we created a test that can be accessed at home and with ease. It’s an invaluable tool for taking a step toward better hearing health.
How the Online Hearing Test Works
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking the Test
In order to help you prepare and know what to expect, here is a step-by-step guide to taking the test. Once you’re ready to move forward, you’ll follow simple instructions on each screen. Remember, following along with the test is easy and it only takes less than five minutes to complete. It’s streamlined for a great user experience in order to help you immediately understand more about your hearing health.
Step one: Visit hearusa.com/online-hearing-test/ and click on “Check My Hearing” to start the test.
Step two: A screen will appear to tell you how the test works. Select “Continue.”
Step three: The next screen will ask you to confirm your gender and age. This helps improve our ability to calculate your results.
Step four: You’ll then be asked to provide your name, email, phone number, and ZIP code so we can email your results and get in touch if needed.
Step five: The test will begin with asking you seven questions about your hearing. Example: “How would you describe your hearing?” A range of answers are then provided for you to choose from, so you’ll select the one that most closely matches your hearing ability.
Step six: You’ll next be asked if you’re in a quiet place, as the audio portion of the test will begin next.
Step seven: Confirm on the next screen if you’re using in-ear or over-the-ear headphones for the test, and then if they’re connected by wire or wirelessly. You’ll be asked to connect them and set the volume to 100%. Guidance is provided on the screen if needed.
Step eight: You’ll have a chance to test your volume setup and connection on the next screen.
Step nine: The tone testing and speech recognition will begin, first by playing sounds in your right ear, then your left.
Step 10: That’s it! It’s time to view your results!
Tips for Accurate Results
HearUSA made sure to implement best practices when developing our Online Hearing Test to make it as reliable as possible for you. In order to optimize hearing test accuracy, be sure to follow these tips:*
- Review test instructions in advance so you know what to expect on the day you take the test.
- Get plenty of sleep the night before the test so you’re well rested and focused.
- Make sure you’re sitting in a quiet room or other quiet environment with no background noise. That means turning off the TV, shutting the windows and doors, and asking family or roommates if they can remain quiet in the house for 5 minutes while you take the test.
- Use quality earbuds or over-the-ear headphones that you can connect to your desktop or laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone, depending on which device you’re using to take the test. Over-the-ear headphones may provide the most accurate results. Make sure your headphones are in good working order before the day of the test to avoid any surprises.
- Don’t rush through the test. Take a deep breath and take your time.
Benefits of Taking an Online Hearing Test
Convenience and Accessibility
HearUSA believes in accessible hearing care so everyone, no matter where they live or how much money they have, can continue to hear their best as they age. That’s why the no-cost HearUSA Online Hearing Test was crafted with online convenience in mind, offering you a fast, straightforward way to assess your hearing from home. It was important to HearUSA that our quick and easy hearing test has a user-friendly design to ensure everyone can easily navigate it.
Our online test provides ease and flexibility, especially for those with busy schedules or limited mobility. It’s a great way to save time and find out if you have hearing challenges before making and driving to an in-person appointment with a hearing care specialist.
Early Detection and Peace of Mind
The HearUSA hearing test is not just a great way to increase your hearing health awareness, but also a convenient tool for early detection of hearing loss. By identifying potential concerns early, you can address challenges before they worsen, take action to prevent long-term damage, and reduce impacts on your health, daily life and communication. In addition, the test delivers quick results and peace of mind and clarity about whether professional follow-up is necessary.
It may also help you or your loved one take the first step toward improving hearing health. If someone in your life has hearing loss, but won’t take action, this hearing test may be a great early intervention tool, as it may seem easier and less scary than in-person appointment.
Tips for Saving Money on Hearing Aids
While hearing aids’ costs can seem high, there are several ways to reduce the overall price and get more value for your money.
1. Shop around: Compare prices at different hearing aid providers to ensure you’re getting a good offer.
2. Look for bundled services: Some providers include hearing tests, fitting, and follow-up services in the price, which can save you money in the long run.
3. Use financing options: Take advantage of hearing aid financing options that allow you to spread the cost out over time and help you stay within your monthly budget.
4. Consider refurbished or basic models: If you’re on a tight budget, refurbished hearing aid models or hearing aids with fewer features may still meet your needs at a lower price point.
5. Use your health insurance or veterans benefits: Many insurance providers offer coverage for hearing aids, and veterans may be eligible for significant discounts or free services.
Check your insurance or ask HearUSA to check for you.
Your policy may cover some hearing-related services. Some states now require insurance companies to cover hearing aids. We’ll check your insurance for you and look for every possible discount to help you save.Use your flexible spending or health savings account (FSA or HSA).
Using one of these accounts that are a part of certain health plans allows you to save money and spend it tax free on qualified medical expenses like hearing aids.Take a hearing test with us at no cost.
We offer a free online hearing screening to get a quick snapshot of your hearing health. You can also book a complimentary hearing evaluation at a HearUSA center near you online or by calling us directly at 1-855-898-1320Research pricing.
We want to help you get the best price for your budget. That’s why we encourage you to shop around. While we believe we have the lowest prices for the best technology, if you find a lower price through another company, we’ll match it as part of our Price Match Guarantee. We’d love to have you as part of the HearUSA family and benefit from the lifelong perks.Check payment and financing options.
We offer affordable financing programs for every budget. This can help you get the highest level of technology for your level of hearing loss and stay within your monthly budget.No risk options.
When you do invest in hearing aids with HearUSA, you can rest assured you're protected. You’ll receive a 2-year warranty on your devices and enjoy peace of mind with a 60-day return policy. If your hearing aids aren’t working well in your life within 60 days, you can return them for a full refund, no questions askedGo to one of our local providers.
With your HearUSA hearing aid purchase, you’ll be able to go to a HearUSA hearing aid specialist (we have 400 located around the country), where you can easily visit for optimizing and cleaning, check-ups at no added cost.If you’re a veteran, ask us about a discount.
You can also check with Veterans Affairs (VA), as you may be able to get low-cost hearing aids as part of your VA benefits.Explore different levels of technology.
It’s important to have your hearing tested so you know what level of technology you need. You may not need the highest level of tech, which will save you some money. Our specialists are committed to your best hearing.Consider over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
OTC hearing aids are now available for mild hearing loss as part of a federal law. However, it’s still important to have your hearing tested at a HearUSA center near you so you know your level of hearing loss. A specialist can let you know if OTC hearing aids are right for you, as moderate to severe loss would require prescription-grade hearing devices. It’s important to keep in mind that using the wrong type of hearing aid can damage your hearing further. Be sure to book your testing appointment before you invest, so you’re not wasting your money.
Do's and dont's
Do act sooner than later and don’t delay:
Do get the right technology and don't compromise on quality to save money:
Do see a professional and don’t skip the exam:
You can depend on HearUSA
1 Aishwarya Shukla, et al. Hearing Loss, Loneliness, and Social Isolation: A Systematic Review. National Library of Medicine. March 10, 2020. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32151193/.
2 Mener, David J., et al. Hearing Loss and Depression in Older Adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. September 2013. agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.12429.
3 Rutherford, Bret R., et al. Sensation and Psychiatry: Linking Age-Related Hearing Loss to Late-Life Depression and Cognitive Decline. American Journal of Psychiatry. March 2018. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29202654/.
4 Lin, Frank R., et al. Hearing Loss and Incident Dementia. Journal of the American Medical Association. February 2011. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/802291.
