Key Takeaways
- Walmart now offers OTC hearing aids, making them more accessible and cost-effective, starting at just $18.99.
- These OTC hearing aids, including the FDA-registered Lexie Lumen, are for adults with mild to moderate hearing difficulties.
- Walmart hearing aids do have some drawbacks, such as non-rechargeable batteries and limited suitability for severe hearing loss or specific conditions.
- Nano Hearing Aids provide FDA-registered OTC hearing aids for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
Walmart has been offering affordable goods and services since 1962.
With the slogan Save Money Live Better, Walmart has been offering their customers a wide variety of goods and services since they were founded in 1962. From tires to diapers, and from chicken breasts to gardening supplies, Walmart truly has it all.
Starting on October 17, 2022, Walmart began selling multiple over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and amplifiers, which made shopping at Walmart a whole lot more useful for people with hearing loss. Prices start at $18.99, and countless people who might have otherwise missed out on getting a hearing aid can benefit greatly.
Why Did Walmart Start Selling Hearing Aids?
This OTC hearing aid development began in 2017, after the Over-the Counter Hearing Aid Act was passed.
Later, in August 2022, President Joe Biden ensured that the law would be implemented across the nation when he signed an executive order in mid-August, giving the country 120 days to comply with his order.
“Reducing health care costs in America has been a priority of mine since Day One and this rule is expected to help us achieve quality, affordable health care access for millions of Americans in need. Today’s action by the FDA represents a significant milestone in making hearing aids more cost-effective and accessible.” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
People who struggle with hearing loss will be able to purchase hearing aid products for mild to moderate problems with an exam, prescription, or trip to the audiologist.
According to an article on Reuters, “Products start at $200 and will be available at Walmart.com and its vision centers.”
This is a huge victory for consumers who are suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss, as before this act was passed, customers had to go to hearing centers and would typically spend thousands of dollars on products.
The White House has estimated that the change is expected to save consumers about $2,800 per hearing aid pair. The executive order signed by Biden will open a whole new auditory world to many, without the need for costly appointments.
Nano Hearing Aids are FDA-registered, Class I devices. These OTC hearing aids are designed for individuals over 18 years of age with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. Nano won the Top ENT Solution Provider 2023, has 24/7 customer care, and has an affordable price compared to others.
Making Hearing Aids More Accessible
Hearing aids have come a long way in the last several decades - and Walmart offers hearing aids to those who do not have a prescription. This is a huge victory for those who may be suffering, but are unable to afford a doctor or expensive exam.
“Of the 38 million people in the U.S. who have self-reported auditory difficulties, only about 20 percent of them use hearing aids,” states a report by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. “Among adults who are 70 and older, that figure is slightly higher at 31.8 percent.”
But now that hearing aids are more widely available in stores and online, nearly 30 million people could benefit from this positive change.
Where Do Lexie Hearing Aids Come From?
At Walmart, one of the main hearing aid products is Lexie.
Lexie hearing aids are created by Lexie Hearing, an accredited Better Business Bureau business that is part of the hearX Group. This is a parent company that is active in the production of screening tools, hearing tests, and other hearing devices.
If you or someone you love is experiencing hearing loss, you can check out Lexie Lumen. This behind the ear (BTE) device can fit different people who have different hearing profiles.
Are Lexie Hearing Aids the Real Deal?
A Lexie hearing aid is the real deal, and being able to get the FDA-registered Lexie Lumen Hearing Aid from Walmart has made millions of people’s lives much easier. For people with mild to moderate hearing loss, this OTC choice is a good choice.
And speaking of options, the Lexie Lumen comes with a variety of tubes and domes, which makes it easy for you to find the perfect fit. It comes with an easy-to-follow guide, so that you can figure out for yourself how to adjust it.
One of the best features about the Lexie Lumen is the hearing app you can use to adjust the settings, depending on the environment you find yourself in. You can also adjust the settings manually on the device itself.
Its dual microphone can also help you or your loved one to minimize background noise and pick up the sounds that you want to hear. These hearing aids also have telecoil and Bluetooth - so that you can use loop systems and phones. Communication is much easier, regardless if the person in need is right there or separated from you.
You can get these Lexie Lumen hearing aids over the counter at your local Walmart.
Unfortunately the batteries are not rechargeable, and the battery life tends to be shorter than in other comparable models. But this is a small price to pay for a good hearing experience.
Are Walmart Hearing Aids Any Good?
Here’s a list of hearing aid equipment that Walmart is carrying now (at the time of writing).
Hearing aids at Walmart are designed to adapt to your individual needs. They offer features like smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity, directional microphones, and multiple sound programs. FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. says it best: “Hearing loss is a critical public health issue that affects the ability of millions of Americans to effectively communicate in their daily social interactions.”
“Establishing this new regulatory category will allow people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss to have convenient access to an array of safe, effective and affordable hearing aids from their neighborhood store or online.”
And the most fantastic thing about it is that now you can add hearing aids to your grocery list!
Nano Hearing Aids vs Walmart Hearing Aids
While Walmart hearing aids can benefit many folks, Nano Hearing Aids are a more personalized and high-quality option than Walmart hearing aids.
As FDA-registered Class I devices, they are for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, with features like customizable settings, rechargeable batteries, and Bluetooth compatibility. Nano also comes in different sizes to make sure each user gets a comfortable fit—something a one-size-fits-all device from Walmart might not be able to do.
The Audacity® RIC is our top model with Bluetooth technology.
What really sets Nano apart is our focus on customer care and accessibility. We provide 24/7 customer support and guidance from hearing specialists. You don't have to go through the confusing process of selecting and adjusting a hearing aid alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of hearing aids does Walmart offer?
Walmart sells many types of OTC hearing aids, including FDA-registered devices like the Lexie Lumen, designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Are Walmart hearing aids a good option for severe hearing loss?
No, Walmart hearing aids are not a good option for severe hearing loss. For such conditions, consult a specialist for a more advanced solution.
Can I return Walmart hearing aids if they don’t work for me?
Policies vary by product, so check Walmart's return guidelines for hearing aids before purchasing. Most OTC hearing aids, including those sold at Walmart, offer a trial period or return option.
How do Nano Hearing Aids compare to Walmart hearing aids?
Nano Hearing Aids are FDA-registered Class I devices designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They have customizable settings, rechargeable options, and 24/7 customer support. With Nano, you’ll get a more personalized and premium experience compared to many OTC hearing aids available at Walmart.