Why does this tool not give me an average price?

Because there is no published figure worth quoting. Prescription pricing varies enormously by provider, by region, by whether it is bundled or unbundled, and by what level of follow up is included. A national average printed on a page would be invented precision, and this site returns nothing rather than a number it cannot stand behind.

What does bundled pricing mean?

A bundled price includes the devices plus the evaluation, the fitting, the programming and a period of follow up appointments in one figure. An unbundled price separates them, so the device looks cheaper and each visit is charged. Neither is better in itself, but comparing a bundled quote against an unbundled one without noticing is how people end up surprised.

Is the cheaper route always the right one?

No, and cost is the wrong place to start. If an evaluation shows severe or profound loss, loss in one ear only, or anything needing medical attention, the prescription route is not a preference but the only appropriate one, and over the counter devices are not labelled for any of it. Establish which routes are open to you before comparing prices.

What is included in an over the counter price?

Usually the hardware and a self-fitting app, and that is all. Some premium over the counter devices are sold as a package with remote audiology support included, which is much closer to what a prescription price covers and is priced accordingly. Confirm what level of support is included before ordering, because that is most of the difference.

How long do hearing aids last?

Commonly quoted as around five years, which is the default in this tool, but it is a rule of thumb rather than a specification and real service life varies widely with care, with moisture exposure and with earwax. Drying a device overnight and changing its wax guards is the single biggest thing within anyone control.

Comparing over the counter and prescription cost

Quick answer

Compare the two routes over a service life rather than at the till. The prices are yours to enter, because there is no published average and any figure printed as one would be invented. What a prescription price usually includes that an OTC price does not is the evaluation, the fitting and the follow up.

Related equipment Premium OTC hearing aids

Jabra Enhance

Jabra Enhance Select 700

FDA regulated OTC hearing aid

$1,995.00

A receiver in ear device sold as a package with remote audiology support rather than as hardware alone, which is the single clearest difference between this tier and a boxed OTC aid. Jabra publishes Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast support and hands free calling on compatible phones.

Check before buying: The listed price spans a wide range depending on the support package and configuration chosen at checkout. Confirm what level of audiology support is included before ordering, because that inclusion is most of what distinguishes this from a cheaper device.

FDA device class: OTC hearing aid
Fitting method: Remote fitting with audiology support
Labeled for: Perceived mild to moderate loss, adults 18+
Wearing style: Receiver in ear (RIE)
Power source: Rechargeable
Bluetooth: Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast

Check price on Amazon

Jabra Enhance Select 700 published specifications

Prices change often. Every figure shown is the manufacturer's own published specification, and the labelling on the device you receive is what governs.

OTC against prescription cost

Trade convention This answer comes from a convention taught everywhere in the clinic and the trade, and published as a standard by nobody. It is useful, and it is not a standard.

Enter real figures: the price of the device you are looking at, and the quote you have actually been given. This site publishes no national average, because none exists that is worth printing.

Enter values above to see the answer.

Equipment this answer points to

Mid-range OTC hearing aids

Ear Centric

EarCentric EasyCharge

$159.00

FDA regulated OTC hearing aid

Published specs

A rechargeable pair sold with a desktop charging station, from a brand that has been in the direct to consumer hearing market since before the OTC rule.

Best for: A first pair for someone who wants a charging dock rather than handling batteries.

Check price on Amazon

Mid-range OTC hearing aids

JVC

JVC Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids, entry model

$199.95

FDA regulated OTC hearing aid

JVC entry self-fitting device, explicitly labeled for mild to moderate hearing loss and built on an FDA cleared self-fitting process.

Best for: The $200 shopper who wants a mainstream brand and a real self-fitting procedure rather than a volume knob.

Check price on Amazon

Mid-range OTC hearing aids

Ceretone

Ceretone Horizon

$226.99

FDA regulated OTC hearing aid

Published specs

A dual microphone receiver in canal device at the bottom of the mid range, a form usually found several hundred dollars higher.

Best for: A buyer who wants the receiver in canal form without the premium price.

Check price on Amazon

Mid-range OTC hearing aids

ELEHEAR

ELEHEAR Delight

$299.00

FDA regulated OTC hearing aid

Published specs

ELEHEAR entry model at $299, keeping Bluetooth in the specification.

Best for: Someone who wants a branded OTC device at the bottom of the mid range.

Check price on Amazon

Common questions

Why does this tool not give me an average price?: Because there is no published figure worth quoting. Prescription pricing varies enormously by provider, by region, by whether it is bundled or unbundled, and by what level of follow up is included. A national average printed on a page would be invented precision, and this site returns nothing rather than a number it cannot stand behind.
What does bundled pricing mean?: A bundled price includes the devices plus the evaluation, the fitting, the programming and a period of follow up appointments in one figure. An unbundled price separates them, so the device looks cheaper and each visit is charged. Neither is better in itself, but comparing a bundled quote against an unbundled one without noticing is how people end up surprised.
Is the cheaper route always the right one?: No, and cost is the wrong place to start. If an evaluation shows severe or profound loss, loss in one ear only, or anything needing medical attention, the prescription route is not a preference but the only appropriate one, and over the counter devices are not labelled for any of it. Establish which routes are open to you before comparing prices.
What is included in an over the counter price?: Usually the hardware and a self-fitting app, and that is all. Some premium over the counter devices are sold as a package with remote audiology support included, which is much closer to what a prescription price covers and is priced accordingly. Confirm what level of support is included before ordering, because that is most of the difference.
How long do hearing aids last?: Commonly quoted as around five years, which is the default in this tool, but it is a rule of thumb rather than a specification and real service life varies widely with care, with moisture exposure and with earwax. Drying a device overnight and changing its wax guards is the single biggest thing within anyone control.

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