how we do business
How can you sell hearing aids legally?
All of Hearing Help Express's hearing aids are listed with the FDA. The FDA regulates the hearing aid industry, and Hearing Help Express’s business model exists because of the regulatory actions the FDA has taken to promote the availability and accessibility of hearing aid devices to consumers.
- Historically, the FDA required a waiver to be signed by the consumer before he/she could purchase a hearing aid from a direct mail or online hearing aid company. In addition, Licensed Hearing Aid Dispensers are required to be on staff.
- In December of 2016, the FDA dropped the waiver requirement allowing adults (over 18 years old) to access hearing aids without being seen by a hearing care professional. See the press announcement from the FDA here.
- In early 2016, the National Academies of Sciences published a report on hearing aid accessibility and affordability. Referring to hearing loss as a “significant public health concern,” they explained that if it were easier to get hearing aids, more people might try them.
You may find more information pertaining to how the FDA supports our business model on FDA's website.
Are these real FDA-listed hearing aids?
Our devices are FDA-listed, safe, and effective. Our hearing aids are designed by IntriCon, our parent company in Minneapolis, with design inputs from their own on-staff doctor and audiologists. In addition, IntriCon receives frequent design input from its customers whom are doctors and audiologists dispensing IntriCon's digital hearing aids under several different brand names.
Try it for yourself - once you order a hearing aid we will include everything you need to start using your hearing aids right away. The first 21 days are the most important as your brain is adjusting to hearing new sounds again; so, at Hearing Help Express, you get a full 45 days to try our hearing aids in the comfort of your own home while experiencing real-world listening situations (going to work, restaurants, shopping, movies, coffee shops, etc).
How are these hearing aids so affordable?
Hearing Help Express is owned by IntriCon, a Class III medical device company that designs, develops, and manufactures hearing aids. Cutting out the middleman allows us to keep quality high and prices low, saving you as much as 85% compared to your local hearing aid store.
When you buy from Hearing Help Express, you are buying directly from the manufacturer which means huge savings for you. These savings come from the fact that we have a low-cost-business-model (direct from manufacturer without middleman markups) and higher sales volumes than the inefficient local retail channel with middleman markups. Specifically, a typical retail store only sells ~20 hearing aids a month, which means the average selling price for those 20 hearing aids needs to be $2,300 or more for each hearing aid. The low volume of hearing aid sales requires a huge markup to cover the high costs of retail rental space, marketing costs, and labor. We pass on the savings of our efficient business model onto you, the consumer!
Our superior products and service make the journey to better hearing affordable and more enjoyable! In an article by hearing healthcare industry expert Dr. Sergei Kochkin, PhD, he explains how our hearing aids make our customers far happier than hearing aids from a local store. Click here to read the study.
How do you fit me with hearing aids?
The fitting process begins with a hearing assessment which you can do on your own online, submit an audiogram for one of our hearing health specialists to review or speak to one of our hearing specialists directly at 800-467-4515. Upon determining your level of hearing loss you can choose or with the help of one of our hearing health specialists we will identify the right hearing aid for you. Try the hearing aid at home for 45 days and if you're not completely satisfied we will help you find another hearing aid to try for 45 days. If we can't get a hearing aid that works best for you then the hearing aid can be sent back, within the 45 day trial periods, and we will refund your order.
How can HHE support me?
We're here to support you now and at any point after your purchase. If you are unsure if you need a hearing aid our team of hearing health specialists is available to help you determine your needs. Our team is available to help you setup and get accustomed to your hearing aid and if you have any questions, at any point, we are just a phone call, chat, video chat, or email away. Being able to easily connect and get support within a phone call further increases savings and convenience.
Contact us at web@hearinghelp.com at 800-467-4515.
How do you offer the best value and quality?
Why are digital hearing aids better?
Just like telephones and televisions, hearing aid technology took a huge leap when it moved to digital. But what’s the difference?
Analog is an older technology and analog devices amplify all sound and noise (good and bad). This is particularly troubling in a noisy environment such as a restaurant. In addition, the sound that is amplified is not improved, but can be distorted, leading to further misunderstanding of words.
Digital is the latest technology and is continuously improved to ensure that lower sounds are amplified, and that loud noises (such as crashing dishes) are minimized. In addition, sounds are “cleansed” as they are digitized, helping to reduce distortion and improve understanding of words (for example, digital technology blocks and “cleans” wind noise).
Unlike many low-cost internet companies who sell analog hearing aids made in China, we only sell high-quality digital hearing aids manufactured with USA-made electronics.
Is hearing loss common?
Hearing loss is very common. According to a recent article, AARP’s Jo Ann Jenkins points out that 48 million Americans have hearing loss. 1 in 3 people older than age 60 have some hearing loss, and 1 in 2 over the age of 85 have hearing loss.
Typically, friends and family will notice difficulty in hearing before it becomes apparent to the person with the loss. Other factors, like diabetes, poor circulation, and certain medications can make things worse.
Take our online hearing assessment now to find out if you're experiencing hearing loss.
service faq's
Who will service my hearing aids?
All hearing aids are covered under a one-year limited manufacturers warranty. The manufacturers warranty covers any problems that are related to a manufacturers defect. If the hearing aid is in fact defective within the one-year period, the hearing aid will be repaired or replaced free of cost.
If the hearing aid isn't defective or the one-year limited warranty has expired, you can contact us at web@hearinghelp.com to obtain details about sending your product in for a repair or cleaning. You can also call us at 800-467-4515 or at web@hearinghelp.com to get details about having your hearing aid repaired or cleaned.
You may also consider purchasing a Cleaning Care Plan or the Protection Service Plan. Through the Cleaning Care Plan you may send your hearing aids to be tested, cleaned, for ear wax removal, or the replacement of tips or tubing. Loaner hearing aids are provided while your hearing aids are worked on. The Protection Service Plan includes adjustments, reprogramming and the replacement of broken parts.
Can the programming of my hearing aid be personalized?
Based upon the results of your hearing assessment, conversations with our Licensed Hearing Aid Dispensers, and/or receipt of your Audiogram your hearing aids can be programmed to your specific level of hearing loss. In addition, all of our hearing aids have volume controls and 3 to 4 different listening environment settings to help you customize the hearing aid to your ideal listening comfort.
Our hearing aids are delivered to you fully programmed with a complete program range that is designed to fit your level of hearing loss.
Can the hearing aids be fitted?
Absolutely! We offer two different options that can be customized to your individual ear. The first option we offer is for the Diplomat hearing aid series. The Diplomat hearing aids can be fitted by creating a personalized mold which changes and customizes the hearing aid. The fitting process involves sending out an impression kit which is used to outline the structure of each individual ear. After ordering your hearing aid, the impression kit will be mailed out to you. Once the impressions are received we will review them to ensure that a suitable impression was created and will create your custom fitted hearing aids. You can expect your custom fitted digital hearing aids to be mailed out to you within 2-3 weeks.
The second option is suitable for hearing aids outside of the Diplomat series and involves customizing the hearing aid tips. To create custom hearing aid tips we will send out an impression kit, create the tips and send them out within 2-3 weeks.
What if my hearing aid needs repair?
If your hearing aid needs repair you can email us at web@hearinghelp.com or call us at 800-467-4515. We will try to diagnose the problem or identify a solution to have your hearing aids repaired. If your hearing aid is no longer covered by the warranty or a service plan we can service your hearing aids on a need by need basis.
What if my hearing aid needs cleaning?
If your hearing aid needs cleaning, you can use the hearing aid cleaning kit that was included in your purchase. We advise our customers to purchase the Cleaning Care Plan with their hearing aids. The Cleaning Care Plan offers up to 4 professional hearing aid cleanings a year. Through the Cleaning Care Plan we will send out loaner hearing aids to use while your hearing aids are being worked on so that the service is uncomplicated for you. You can also email us at web@hearinghelp.com to find out about hearing aid cleanings as needed.
What can I do if my hearing aid is broken?
If your hearing aid is broken you can email us at web@hearinghelp.com or call us at 800-467-4515. You can mail your hearing aid back to us to review the condition of your hearing aid. If your hearing aid is broken due to a manufacturer defect we will replace or fix your hearing aid at no cost to you. If you purchase the protection plan along with your hearing aids we will also replace or fix your hearing aid for free. If your hearing aid is no longer covered by the limited manufacturer warranty or the protection plan we can review your hearing aid and determine the cost of fixing or replacing your hearing aid. For more details, email us at web@hearinghelp.com.
contact us: web@hearinghelp.com - 800-467-4515