CVS Hearing Aids

Kristen Knight, LHIS

November 11, 2024

CVS sells OTC hearing aids on its website, with prices ranging from $199 to $999. In November 2022, select CVS pharmacy locations began selling hearing aids, allowing customers to conveniently purchase in person.

CVS is well-known due to its brand awareness campaigns in all forms of media. Also known as CVS Pharmacy, it enjoys a 91% awareness rate among those who shop for health and beauty online.

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However, in line with the FDA's ruling on OTC hearing aids, CVS introduced them in 2022. Is this a viable option for those seeking assistance with hearing loss?

This article will cover various aspects of hearing aids available at CVS and their suitability for specific audiences. Read on as we discuss the purchasing options, warranty policies, and user reviews of CVS hearing aids.

Who Are CVS Hearing Aids Best Suited For?

According to the FDA, only individuals 18 years old and above are eligible to use OTC hearing aids. These devices are specifically designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association uses dB HL (decibels hearing level), which describes the degree of hearing loss measured in decibels.

Mild hearing loss typically starts at around 26 to 40 dB HL. Meanwhile, moderate hearing loss ranges from approximately 41 to 55 dB HL. Such levels help professionals determine the severity of an individual's hearing impairment.

CVS OTC Hearing Aids vs. Prescription

Generally, OTC hearing aids offer fewer premium and fine-tuning features than prescription devices, but the trade-off is lower prices. Prescription hearing aids can range from $2,000 to $8,000 on average.

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It's crucial to note, however, that people who self-prescribe themselves OTC devices may overlook underlying conditions causing hearing loss. These conditions require evaluation by a doctor. For a more thorough understanding, a hearing test is essential before considering OTC hearing aids.

How to Purchase CVS Hearing Aids

CVS Hearing Aid Options

Lucid Hearing

Enrich

Starting Price: $199.99
Style and Features: Behind-the-ear (BTE) device with digital sound processing and three listening profiles; lightweight (less than 1/4 ounce)

Enrich Pro

Starting Price: $299.99
Style and Features: BTE with advanced 8-channel digital sound processing. It only has two listening profiles

Engage

Starting Price: $799.99
Style and Features: In-the-ear (ITE) device with Lucid technology. It is app-controlled and Bluetooth-compatible

Starting Price: $999.95
Style and Features: ITE with app-controlled and Bluetooth-compatible features; has a rechargeable battery

Go Hearing

Prime

Starting Price: $299.99
Style and Features: Rechargeable, ITE digital hearing aid; provides clear sound with wireless functionality; small and discreet design; easy volume adjustment

Lite

Starting Price: $199.99
Style and Features: Rechargeable ITE; wireless, small, and discreet with optimal performance in small groups or for watching TV

Ultra

Starting Price: $499.99
Style and Features: Rechargeable BTE with digital sound processing and advanced audio features, including a hands-free mode and Bluetooth-streaming capabilities for phone calls, music, and media directly through the hearing aids

Lexie Hearing

Starting Price: $849.99
Style and Features: Receiver-in-canal (RIC) self-fitting hearing aid with adjustable volume, treble and bass settings, listening environment settings, and directional listening settings; requires replaceable batteries

Starting Price: $999.95
Style and Features: RIC; does not require professional fitting; has rechargeable batteries with up to 18 hours of battery life on a three-hour charge; features from the B1 and directional hearing for a personalized experience

RxEars

Starting Price: $399.00
Style and Features: BTE; offers 100% digital processing, speech enhancement, omnidirectional microphone, digital rocker volume control, three listening programs, adaptive noise reduction, feedback cancellation, 16 processing channels, and bands

Starting Price: $899.99
Style and Features: BTE with everything from its previous generations, optional companion microphone, four listening programs, customizable programs through a cellphone app, comfort-tuned frequency control bands (up to six bands), and bass boost

iHEAR

XPLORE

Starting Price: $499.99
Style and Features: Rechargeable RIC; easy to use with no app required; provides up to 43db of crystal-clear amplification; equipped with a 4-channel digital signal processor; essential digital feedback suppression and background noise reduction

Axis

Starting Price: $799.99
Style and Features: Rechargeable receiver-in-canal (RIC); comes with a portable charging case for three additional charges; personalization through the MyiHEAR app; directional microphones; customizable sound environment with four programs and 11 volume levels

CVS Policy and Warranty

The drugstore chain provides a free 60-day return policy for all OTC hearing aids and a 12-month parts and labor warranty. Customers can return eligible non-prescription items within the said period at any CVS location or via mail.

Audicus vs. CVS Hearing Aids

When comparing Audicus and CVS hearing aids, it is important to consider the key differences. CVS is an affiliate offering a more limited online hearing aid selection. Meanwhile, Audicus stands out with personalized hearing aids, a more robust hearing test, and telehealth care consultations.

The devices we offer at Audicus may be more expensive. However, they offer more advanced technology compared to CVS, which focuses on one-size-fits-all tech ideal for individuals seeking sound amplification.

CVS Hearing Aid Reviews

To give you a balanced view of some CVS OTC hearing aids, we’ve sourced the most positive and critical ones. Some of the reviews are from Vine Voice badge holders, meaning they have access to products before their release.

The following reviews are sourced from the flagship store of Go Hearing on Amazon, providing valuable insights from customers:

Go Prime (3.5 out of 5 stars)

“These hearing aids perform well. I'm taking away one star due to a bad policy of ordering replacement domes. Go Hearing will not sell stand accessory domes. You have to purchase the whole accessory kit for 16 dollars.” – Barefoot Larry (4 stars)

“Because these units are going mostly to the elderly, I cannot recommend them. They are too hard to work with. After several days I still haven't adjusted them to a working level. The sound was harsh and the adjustment was confusing.” – Anonymous user (1 star)

Go Lite (3.4 out of 5)

“I bought this hearing aid device for my father, he told me that now he can hear with clarity,, Also he said that feels a little discomfort for long used. ( so his ears hurts for long period of used) but in general for hearing is all good..” – Diana (4 stars)

“…I personally find the price excessive for what you get. The form factor is small enough to make them highly discrete and volume levels have a good range, but volume adjustment is difficult.” – Rich M, with a Vine Voice badge (3 stars)

Go Ultra (4.2 out of 5)

“Overall, these are a way to fill the void if this is all your budget can afford. They’ll definitely help most people hear the world around them with a good level of quality, and discreetness.” – Anonymous user, with a Vine Voice badge (4 stars)

“I couldn’t get it to stop feedback and screeching. I am returning.” – S. Felts (2 stars)

FAQs

Does CVS offer an online hearing test?

CVS provides a screener that assesses an individual's ability to comprehend speech amidst background noise, a common challenge for those with hearing difficulties.

Does CVS sell FDA-approved hearing aids?

Yes, CVS does sell FDA-approved hearing aids. They comply with the FDA's regulations and standards for OTC hearing aids.

What brand of hearing aids does CVS offer?

CVS offers a range of hearing aids from reputable brands, including Lucid Hearing, iHear, RxEars, Lexie Hearing, and Go Hearing.

How much are CVS hearing aids?

CVS hearing aids vary in price depending on the specific model and features. Prices can range from $199 to $1,699.

Are CVS hearing aids prescribed?

Hearing aids from CVS are not prescribed. They are considered OTC devices and can be purchased directly without a prescription.