Amplifon is a hearing aid retailer, not a government program or insurance plan

Amplifon is a for-profit company that sells and fits hearing aids. It operates hearing aid stores in the United States and other countries. When you visit an Amplifon location, you pay out of pocket for the hearing aids, the fitting appointment, and follow-up care — unless your insurance covers part of the cost. Amplifon does not determine who needs hearing aids, does not provide them free, and does not work with Medicare or Medicaid to cover the full cost.

If you are looking for hearing aids because you have hearing loss, you have other options besides Amplifon. Some people buy from other retailers, some order online, and some use hearing aids covered by insurance or veterans' benefits. This guide explains what Amplifon offers, what it costs, and how to compare it to other ways to get hearing aids.

Key Takeaways

  • Amplifon sells hearing aids at retail prices, which typically range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per pair, depending on the model and features.
  • You pay Amplifon directly; Medicare does not cover hearing aids, and most private insurance plans do not either, though some do offer partial coverage.
  • Amplifon offers in-person fitting and adjustment services at its stores, which is useful if you want hands-on support but adds to the total cost.
  • You can buy hearing aids from other retailers, online vendors, or through your insurance plan, so comparing prices and services before you buy is worth your time.
  • If you are a veteran, the VA may cover hearing aids at no cost; if you have Medicaid, your state plan may cover them, so check your benefits first.

What Amplifon sells and how much it costs

Amplifon sells hearing aids made by major manufacturers — brands like Phonak, Signia, Widex, and others. The price of a hearing aid pair varies widely depending on the model, the level of technology, and the features. Basic models may cost $500 to $1,500 per pair. Mid-range models typically run $1,500 to $3,000 per pair. High-end models with advanced features can cost $3,000 to $6,000 or more per pair. These are retail prices that Amplifon sets; other retailers may charge differently for the same hearing aid.

When you buy from Amplifon, the price usually includes the hearing aids themselves, a fitting appointment where an audiologist adjusts them to your ears and hearing loss, and a period of follow-up care and adjustments. Some Amplifon locations offer payment plans or financing options, so you do not have to pay the full amount upfront. Ask your local Amplifon store what payment methods they accept.

How to get a hearing aid fitting at Amplifon

To buy hearing aids from Amplifon, you first visit a store and have a hearing test. The test measures how well you hear at different volumes and frequencies. An Amplifon audiologist or hearing aid specialist will review the results with you and recommend hearing aid models that match your hearing loss and lifestyle. You then choose a model, pay, and schedule a fitting appointment.

At the fitting, the audiologist inserts the hearing aids in your ears, programs them based on your hearing test results, and teaches you how to use them. You may need to return for adjustments as you get used to wearing them. Amplifon typically offers a trial period — usually 30 to 45 days — during which you can return the hearing aids for a refund if you are not satisfied, though some locations may charge a restocking fee.

Insurance coverage and what you actually pay

Medicare does not cover hearing aids, hearing tests for the purpose of buying hearing aids, or fittings. This is true whether you buy from Amplifon or anywhere else. If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you will pay the full retail price out of pocket.

Some private insurance plans do cover hearing aids, but coverage varies widely. Your plan may cover a percentage of the cost, may limit coverage to one pair every few years, or may only cover hearing aids from certain retailers or manufacturers. Check your insurance card or call the customer service number on the back to ask whether hearing aids are covered and what your out-of-pocket cost would be. If your plan does cover hearing aids, ask whether Amplifon is an in-network provider — if it is, you may pay less than the full retail price.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), some of those plans include hearing aid coverage, though most do not. Call your plan to ask. If you have Medicaid, coverage depends on your state — some state Medicaid programs cover hearing aids, and some do not. Contact your state Medicaid office to find out.

Veterans and other government programs

If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may cover hearing aids at no cost to you. The VA provides hearing aids to veterans with service-connected hearing loss and to some veterans without service-connected loss. You do not buy from Amplifon in this case — you work with the VA directly. Contact your local VA medical center or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to learn whether you are covered and how to start the process.

If you are a federal employee or retiree, your health plan may cover hearing aids. Check your plan documents or call your benefits office. Some state and local government employees also have hearing aid coverage through their health plans. If you work for a large employer, ask your human resources or benefits department whether hearing aids are covered.

Other ways to buy hearing aids besides Amplifon

You can buy hearing aids from other brick-and-mortar retailers, such as Costco, Best Buy, or independent audiologists. Costco often charges less than Amplifon for the same hearing aid models because it operates on a lower profit margin. Best Buy's Hearing Test Centers offer hearing tests and hearing aids, sometimes at lower prices than specialty retailers. Independent audiologists may offer personalized service and may work with multiple manufacturers.

You can also order hearing aids online from retailers like Lively, Audicus, or Eargo. Online retailers typically charge less because they do not have physical stores, but they may offer less in-person support. Some online retailers offer remote fitting and adjustment through video calls, while others require you to visit a local audiologist for fitting. If you order online, check the return policy and warranty before you buy.

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are now available without a prescription or professional fitting. These are less expensive than prescription hearing aids — often $500 to $2,000 per pair — but they are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss and do not include professional fitting or adjustment. OTC hearing aids may work well for some people, but they are not right for everyone. If you have severe hearing loss or complex hearing needs, a professionally fitted hearing aid from Amplifon or another retailer may be a better choice.

What to compare before you buy

Before you buy from Amplifon or anywhere else, compare the following: the price of the hearing aid model you want at different retailers, what your insurance covers (if anything), the length of the trial period and whether there is a restocking fee, the warranty and what it covers, the cost of batteries or charging (if the hearing aids are rechargeable), and the availability of follow-up adjustments and support.

Get a hearing test from at least one provider so you know your hearing loss level. Some retailers charge for the test, and some do not. If you already have a recent hearing test from an audiologist or your doctor, you can bring those results to another retailer and may not need another test. Ask whether the retailer will accept outside test results before you schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Amplifon take insurance?

Amplifon accepts insurance from plans that cover hearing aids, but only if Amplifon is an in-network provider for your plan. Call your insurance company to ask whether hearing aids are covered and whether Amplifon is in-network. If Amplifon is not in-network, you may pay more out of pocket. If your plan does not cover hearing aids, you pay the full retail price to Amplifon.

Can I return hearing aids to Amplifon if I change my mind?

Most Amplifon locations offer a trial period of 30 to 45 days during which you can return the hearing aids for a refund. Some locations charge a restocking fee, usually $100 to $300. Ask your local Amplifon store about its return policy and any fees before you buy.

Are Amplifon hearing aids better than cheaper online brands?

Amplifon sells hearing aids from well-known manufacturers, and the quality is generally good. Cheaper online brands may work well for mild hearing loss, but they do not include professional fitting or ongoing adjustments. The best choice depends on your hearing loss level, your budget, and whether you want in-person support. Comparing specific models and prices is more useful than comparing brands.

What if I buy hearing aids from Amplifon and they do not work for me?

Use the trial period to test the hearing aids in your daily life. If they do not work well, return them during the trial period. If you keep them past the trial period and later find they do not work, you may be able to return them for a partial refund or exchange, but this depends on Amplifon's policy. Ask about the return policy in writing before you buy.

Do I need a prescription to buy hearing aids from Amplifon?

No. You do not need a prescription from a doctor to buy hearing aids from Amplifon. You do need a hearing test, which Amplifon can provide at its stores. If you already have a recent hearing test from another provider, you can bring those results to Amplifon.