Beltone is a hearing aid manufacturer owned by GN Store Nord, a Danish company that also owns Resound

Beltone sells hearing aids through a network of independently owned clinics across the United States and Canada. The company does not sell directly to consumers online or through retail stores — you must visit a Beltone clinic to be fitted and to purchase. Beltone offers several product lines at different price points, from basic analog models to advanced digital devices with wireless connectivity and smartphone control.

Because Beltone clinics are independently owned franchises, pricing, service policies, and available models can vary by location. A Beltone clinic in one city may stock different products or charge different prices than a Beltone clinic fifty miles away. This means the cost and features you encounter depend partly on which clinic you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Beltone hearing aids are sold only through independently owned Beltone clinics, not online or through big-box retailers.
  • Beltone offers digital hearing aids with wireless features, rechargeable batteries, and smartphone apps, as well as simpler analog models at lower price points.
  • Pricing and product availability vary by clinic location because each Beltone clinic is independently owned and operated.
  • Beltone clinics typically include hearing tests, fitting, adjustments, and a trial period as part of the purchase process.

Beltone product lines and technology features

Beltone's current product lines include Beltone Imagine, Beltone Trust, and Beltone Rely, each aimed at different hearing loss levels and budgets. The Imagine line is positioned as the premium option and includes features like direct streaming from phones and televisions, rechargeable batteries, and artificial intelligence that adapts to your environment. The Trust and Rely lines offer fewer features but still include digital processing and wireless capability.

Beltone also manufactures analog hearing aids for people who prefer simpler technology or need a lower-cost option. Analog models amplify all sound equally rather than processing different frequencies separately, and they do not connect to phones or other devices. The choice between digital and analog depends on your hearing loss pattern, lifestyle, and budget — your Beltone clinician will test your hearing and discuss which type fits your needs.

All Beltone digital models include a smartphone app that lets you adjust volume and switch between listening programs without touching the hearing aid itself. Some models allow remote adjustments by your clinician over the phone or internet, which can reduce the number of in-person visits you need for fine-tuning.

How Beltone pricing works and what affects the cost

Beltone hearing aids range from roughly $1,000 to $6,000 per pair, though exact prices depend on the model, the clinic, and any discounts or promotions running at the time you visit. Because each clinic is independently owned, two Beltone clinics may quote different prices for the same model. Some clinics offer bundle pricing that includes the hearing aids, fitting, adjustments, and follow-up care in one package; others price these services separately.

Most Beltone clinics include a trial period — typically 30 to 45 days — during which you can return the hearing aids for a refund if you are not satisfied. Trial periods and return policies vary by clinic, so ask about this before you buy. Some clinics also offer payment plans or financing options through third-party lenders, which can spread the cost over 12 to 60 months.

Insurance coverage for hearing aids varies widely. Medicare does not cover hearing aids, though some Medicare Advantage plans do. Many private insurance plans do not cover hearing aids either, though a few offer partial coverage. Your Beltone clinic can check your insurance to see whether any benefit applies, but you should also contact your insurance company directly to confirm.

Beltone versus other hearing aid brands

Beltone competes with brands like Phonak, Signia, Widex, Oticon, and Resound (which is owned by the same parent company). The main differences lie in the specific features each brand offers, the price points at which they compete, and how they distribute their products. Phonak and Signia, for example, are sold through both independent clinics and large retail chains like Costco, which can lower prices. Widex and Oticon are sold primarily through independent hearing aid clinics, similar to Beltone's model.

All major hearing aid brands use similar underlying technology — digital signal processing, wireless connectivity, and smartphone apps are now standard across the industry. The real differences are in how each brand tunes that technology, which features come in which price tier, and how well the devices work for your specific hearing loss pattern. A hearing aid that works well for one person may not work as well for another, even if both have the same degree of hearing loss.

Beltone's main advantage is its clinic network — there are Beltone clinics in most U.S. cities, so you may find one nearby. The main disadvantage compared to some competitors is that you cannot buy online or through a big-box retailer, and prices are not standardized across clinics. If you want to compare prices or features, you will need to visit clinics in person or call them directly.

What to expect during a Beltone fitting appointment

A typical Beltone appointment starts with a hearing test, usually performed by an audiologist or hearing aid specialist. The test measures how well you hear at different pitches and volumes and produces an audiogram — a graph showing your hearing loss pattern. The clinician uses this information to program hearing aids that match your specific needs.

After the test, the clinician will discuss which Beltone models fit your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget. They will show you how to insert and remove the hearing aids, how to change batteries or charge them, and how to use the smartphone app. Most clinics schedule a follow-up appointment one to two weeks after you pick up your hearing aids to check the fit and make adjustments based on how they feel and sound in your daily life.

Beltone clinics typically offer ongoing support, including adjustments, cleaning, repairs, and battery replacement (for non-rechargeable models). Some clinics charge for these services after the initial warranty period; others include them as part of a service plan. Ask about the warranty and service plan before you buy so you understand what is covered and for how long.

Beltone hearing aid batteries and maintenance

Beltone offers both rechargeable and disposable battery options, depending on the model. Rechargeable models use a charging case that fully charges the hearing aids overnight, and the battery typically lasts three to five years before it needs replacement. Disposable battery models use standard zinc-air batteries (usually size 312 or 13) that last one to two weeks and cost a few dollars per pack.

Rechargeable models are more convenient if you remember to charge them daily, but they cost more upfront. Disposable battery models are cheaper initially but require you to buy and replace batteries regularly. Some people prefer disposable batteries because they can carry spares and never run out of power unexpectedly.

Beltone hearing aids are water-resistant but not waterproof, so you should remove them before showering, swimming, or being in heavy rain. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth and a wax pick (usually provided by your clinic) keeps the speaker and microphone clear. Your Beltone clinic can perform professional cleaning and maintenance during your follow-up visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Beltone hearing aids online?

No. Beltone sells only through its network of independently owned clinics. You must visit a clinic in person for a hearing test and fitting. You cannot buy Beltone hearing aids through mail order, online retailers, or big-box stores.

Do all Beltone clinics charge the same price?

No. Because each Beltone clinic is independently owned, prices vary by location. Two clinics may charge different amounts for the same model. It is worth calling or visiting multiple clinics in your area to compare prices and services before you decide.

Does Medicare cover Beltone hearing aids?

Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans do offer hearing aid benefits, but coverage varies by plan. Contact your insurance company directly to find out whether your plan covers hearing aids and how much it pays.

What is the difference between Beltone's rechargeable and disposable battery models?

Rechargeable models charge overnight in a case and last all day; the battery lasts three to five years before replacement. Disposable battery models use standard zinc-air batteries that last one to two weeks and cost a few dollars per pack. Rechargeable models cost more upfront but are more convenient; disposable models are cheaper initially but require regular battery purchases.

Can I return Beltone hearing aids if I am not satisfied?

Most Beltone clinics offer a trial period of 30 to 45 days during which you can return the hearing aids for a refund. Trial periods and return policies vary by clinic, so ask about this before you buy. Get the policy in writing so you know exactly what is covered.