What Beltone Is and How It Operates

Beltone is a hearing aid manufacturer and retailer with locations across the United States. The company sells hearing aids directly to consumers through company-owned and franchised stores, and also fits and adjusts those devices in-office. Beltone does not manufacture all its own hearing aids — it partners with other manufacturers and rebands some devices under the Beltone name — but the company handles the fitting, programming, and ongoing support for whatever device you purchase through them.

Beltone operates as a for-profit business, not a nonprofit or government program. You pay out of pocket for devices and services, though some insurance plans and Medicare Advantage plans cover part of the cost. The company has been in business since 1940 and operates hundreds of locations, though availability varies by region.

Key Takeaways

  • Beltone sells hearing aids through physical store locations where you can get a hearing test, device fitting, and ongoing adjustments in person.
  • You pay the full cost of the device upfront unless your insurance or Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids, which varies by plan.
  • Beltone offers a trial period (typically 30 days) during which you can return the device for a refund if it does not work for you.
  • After purchase, you can return to a Beltone location for adjustments, repairs, and battery replacements without additional fitting fees.
  • Beltone hearing aids come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects, though accidental damage and normal wear are usually not covered.

How the Fitting and Testing Process Works

When you visit a Beltone store, you will start with a hearing test, usually called an audiogram. A Beltone employee (often called a hearing aid specialist or hearing instrument specialist) will place you in a soundproof booth and play tones at different volumes and frequencies to measure which sounds you can and cannot hear. This test takes 20 to 30 minutes and shows the pattern and severity of your hearing loss.

After the test, the specialist will discuss which Beltone devices might suit your needs, explain how they work, and talk through price. If you decide to move forward, the specialist will program a device to your specific hearing loss pattern, place it in your ear, and make adjustments so it feels comfortable and sounds right to you. This fitting appointment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes.

Beltone offers a trial period during which you can wear the device at home and in real-world situations. The length of this period varies — most Beltone locations offer 30 days — and you can return the device for a refund if it does not work for you. Some locations may charge a restocking fee; ask about this before you leave the store.

Beltone Hearing Aid Models and Price Range

Beltone sells hearing aids at different technology levels, which affects both price and features. Entry-level devices are simpler and less expensive; premium models have more advanced noise reduction, directional microphones, and wireless connectivity to phones and televisions. Beltone does not publish a single price list — costs vary by location, model, and whether you are buying one device or two.

Hearing aids generally range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per device. A pair (one for each ear) will cost roughly double a single device. Beltone may offer financing options or payment plans; ask your local store what they offer. Some employers, unions, and nonprofit organizations also offer hearing aid discounts to members, so check whether you have access to one before you pay full price.

If your insurance or Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids, bring your insurance card to your appointment. The Beltone specialist can check your coverage and tell you what your out-of-pocket cost will be. Original Medicare (Part A and B) does not cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans do.

Warranty, Repairs, and Ongoing Support

Beltone hearing aids come with a manufacturer's warranty that typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for one to three years, depending on the model. The warranty does not cover accidental damage (dropping the device, water damage from sweat or rain), normal wear and tear, or lost devices. If your device stops working during the warranty period and the damage is covered, Beltone will repair or replace it at no cost.

After your initial fitting, you can return to a Beltone location for adjustments, reprogramming, and battery replacements. Batteries typically last one to two weeks depending on device size and usage, and you can buy them at the store or order them online. Beltone does not charge a separate fee for routine adjustments or reprogramming visits — these are included as part of your purchase.

If your device needs repair outside the warranty period, Beltone will charge a service fee. The cost depends on what is wrong with the device and your location. Ask your Beltone specialist what their repair fees are before you leave after your fitting.

What Happens If You Lose or Damage Your Device

If you lose a Beltone hearing aid or damage it beyond repair, you will need to buy a replacement. The cost is the same as buying a new device — there is no separate "replacement" price. Some Beltone locations offer optional loss and damage insurance that you can purchase at the time of fitting; this insurance covers accidental damage and loss for a monthly or annual fee. Ask whether your local Beltone offers this option and what it costs.

If you damage your device during the trial period, you may still be able to return it depending on the terms your local store offered. Read your paperwork carefully or call your Beltone location to ask what their policy is on trial returns for damaged devices.

Insurance Coverage and Payment Options

Coverage for hearing aids through insurance varies widely. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids; others do not. Some employer health plans cover them; many do not. The only way to know what your plan covers is to call your insurance company or bring your insurance card to your Beltone appointment and ask the specialist to check.

If your insurance does cover hearing aids, there is usually a limit on how much they will pay per device or per year. You will pay the difference between what the device costs and what your insurance covers. Beltone can often bill your insurance directly, so you only pay your out-of-pocket amount at the time of fitting.

If you do not have insurance coverage, Beltone may offer a payment plan or financing through a third-party lender. Interest rates and terms vary. Ask your local store what options they have before you commit to a purchase.

Finding a Beltone Location Near You

Beltone has locations in most states, but not all areas are served equally. You can search for a store on the Beltone website by entering your zip code. The search will show you nearby locations, their hours, and phone numbers. Call ahead to schedule a hearing test and fitting appointment; most locations do not require an appointment, but calling ahead ensures a specialist will be available when you arrive.

If no Beltone location is near you, you have other options: other hearing aid retailers, independent audiologists, and some hospitals and clinics also fit and sell hearing aids. Your primary care doctor can refer you to a hearing professional in your area if you need help finding one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription from a doctor to buy a Beltone hearing aid?

No. Hearing aids are sold over the counter in the United States, and you do not need a doctor's prescription to buy one. However, it is a good idea to see your doctor first to rule out medical problems that might be causing your hearing loss, such as earwax buildup or an ear infection, which can sometimes be treated without a hearing aid.

Can I return a Beltone hearing aid after the trial period ends?

No. Once the trial period ends (usually 30 days), you own the device and cannot return it for a refund. If the device is not working well for you after the trial period, you can return to Beltone for adjustments and reprogramming at no extra cost, but you cannot get your money back. This is why the trial period is important — use it to make sure the device works for you before it ends.

What if I only need one hearing aid instead of two?

You can buy a single hearing aid if you have hearing loss in only one ear or if you prefer to start with one device. However, if you have hearing loss in both ears, most hearing professionals recommend two devices because they help you locate where sounds are coming from and provide better balance. Ask your Beltone specialist whether one or two devices would be best for your situation.

Can I use Beltone hearing aids with my smartphone?

Many Beltone models have wireless connectivity and can connect to iPhones and Android phones via Bluetooth. This lets you stream phone calls and audio directly to your hearing aids. Not all Beltone models have this feature, so ask your specialist which models are compatible with your phone before you buy.

How often do I need to replace my hearing aids?

Hearing aids typically last three to seven years depending on how well you care for them and how often you use them. After that time, the internal components may wear out and repairs may become expensive. Many people replace their devices every five years or so, though some keep them longer. Your Beltone specialist can tell you when replacement might make sense based on the age and condition of your device.