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December 1, 2021
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According to a recent study, hearing loss among older adults can contribute to loneliness and isolation and impact well-being. Luckily, hearing aids can be an excellent solution for enhancing the quality of life and providing greater independence for individuals.
Co-founded by a board-certified physician, Otofonix hearing aids were designed with affordability and enhanced sound quality in mind. The company offers a range of rechargeable and battery-powered hearing aids to choose from such as The Helix and The Sona.
Otofonix hearing aids might be a great option for you if you have mild to moderate hearing loss because they’re affordable, FDA-registered, comfortable, and easy to use. I’ll discuss some of the benefits, pricing, and features behind otofonix hearing aids below.
FYI: Enjoy savings of up to 79% off select hearing aids during the fall sale at Otofonix.
Hearing loss can be a contributing factor in higher levels of depression in older adults. This is something Otofonix understands well. When their founder, an ENT physician with over 25 years of experience, began experiencing hearing loss, he couldn’t find an affordable or appropriate option for his needs, leading him to start Otofonix hearing aids. The company is headquartered in Cornelius, North Carolina, and it focuses on making high-quality, low-cost hearing aids for individuals with varied types of hearing loss.
Otofonix sells over-the-counter hearing aids, meaning you won’t need a prescription to get them. Since prescription hearing aids can be over $5,000 for a single pair, Otofonix offers considerably more affordable hearing aidsthan other competitors.
Pro Tip: We recently tested Otofonix hearing aids. Read our comprehensive Otofonix review to learn about the pricing, unique features, and behind-the-ear models.
MEGA SALE: Take advantage of Otofonix’s MEGA SALE for a limited time. Save up to 59-79% on top rechargeable and battery-operated hearing aids.
The Apex hearing aids are Otofonix’s most affordable option. These devices are meant to help people understand conversations in noisy environments. They can also help you hear people who speak with soft or low voices with assistance from directional microphones.
Starting at $248 for a pair, these hearing aids are Otofonix’s most basic model. It’s a great option for individuals who need to navigate loud environments and focus on a conversation with another person. As a plus, The Apex has a special Memory Recall feature that automatically recalls what your previous settings were before changing batteries or turning your device off.
These hearing aids work on 312 batteries, and users can control volume from the device itself. With a comfortable personalized fit and different sized ear domes for all, The Apex is a great choice. Additionally, these hearing aids come with three programs and eight different volume levels that you can adjust when you’re going shopping or at a loud venue.
The Elite hearing aids offer discreet protection with ten volume levels for easy control. They also offer digital noise cancellation and directional microphones, making them ideal for noisy environments. At $355 for a pair, The Elite costs a little more than The Apex, but they offer a higher, clearer volume level for older adults that spend time in environments with a lot of background noise.
The Encore hearing aids are Otofonix’s most powerful hearing aids, starting at $395 for a pair. These hearing aids have dual-directional microphones to understand what is happening in front of and behind the wearer. The devices are for moderate hearing loss, and they come with a power kit to power 53 dB of audio gain. Additionally, the hearing aids feature telecoil technology to connect with sound systems in theaters and churches.
The Helix hearing aids are Otofonix's rechargeable option, starting at $455 for a pair. While the other Otofonix models use disposable batteries, these models come with a charging station, so users may charge them at night for up to 18 hours of power. Rechargeable batteries can be a cost-effective option as the user does not have to keep replacing physical batteries. They can also save trips to the store.
Tip: You can also order refurbished hearing aid models, like The Elite, at a reduced price on the Otofonix website.
The Sona hearing aids are originally priced at $1,910 for a pair, but for a limited time during the fall sale, they’re 79% off at $395. These affordable Bluetooth hearing aids are for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. The app has a built-in hearing test, so users can get their hearing aids up and running as soon as they open the box. The app also allows users to easily adjust the volume and sound profile right from their phone. I particularly like this feature because it allows users to fine-tune their hearing experience on the go. I had a client that went on a walk with a friend to a restaurant, and on the way, she could discreetly change the sound profile from “outdoor” to “restaurant” straight from her iPhone. This allowed her to hear her companion perfectly in very different environments.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a smartphone to pair with your hearing aids, be sure to check out my rundown of the best smartphones for seniors and best iPhones for seniors.
The Groove hearing aids are both rechargeable and customizable so you don’t need to purchase additional batteries. With a sleek, invisible design, these hearing aids help you adjust the volume directly from your smartphone and connect to an app for a customizable audio experience. While they retail at $1,910, they’re currently on sale for $545 for a pair.
| The Apex | The Elite | The Encore | The Helix | The Sona | The Groove | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price for a Pair | $248 | $355 | $395 | $455 | $395 | $545 |
| Fitting Required | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Style | Behind-the-ear | Behind-the-ear | Behind-the-ear | Behind-the-ear | Behind-the-ear | Behind-the-ear |
| Batteries | Disposable | Disposable | Disposable | Rechargeable | Disposable | Rechargeable |
| Battery life | 6-8 days | 6-8 days | 6-8 days | 18 hours | 4-6 Days | 18 hours |
| Hearing Loss | Mild to moderate | Mild to moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | No | No | No | No | Yes, but only to the smartphone app | Yes, but only to the smartphone app |
| Smartphone App | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trial Period | 45 Days | 45 Days | 45 Days | 45 Days | 45 Days | 45 days |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 year |
You may purchase Otofonix online or over the phone. There is no prescription, hearing test, or fitting required for purchase. To purchase hearing aids online, simply navigate to the Otofonix website, add your preferred model to the online shopping cart, apply any applicable coupons, and proceed to checkout. Once you select your preferred products, enter your billing and shipping details. You may pay with a credit card, PayPal, or use a service called Affirm to pay in monthly installments.
You may also order Otofonix hearing aids over the phone. This allows you to speak with a representative (a trained hearing expert) and ask questions to choose a model that works best for your lifestyle.
Pro Tip: Otofonix often offers discounts. Sometimes there are promotional codes on the website that apply a discount at purchase. Ordering over the phone may also qualify you for further discounts.
It’s important to maintain and thoroughly clean your hearing aids on a regular basis. To learn more, read my article, How to Clean Your Hearing Aids. Otofonix offers several accessories to maintain and care for your hearing aids.
Otofonix offers several accessories with its hearing aids. Since Otofonix does not require fittings, these accessories help fit the devices to any ear size. Users may order replacement sound tubes and ZipTips for every hearing aid model. This medical-grade plastic tube wraps around the ear and keeps the hearing aid in place comfortably. These materials should be replaced periodically when the plastic becomes discolored or stiff. Ear domes can be purchased to help amplify audio naturally. These are offered in three sizes and should be replaced every three months or whenever they become stiff or discolored.
For the more advanced models, users may order the EarHook Power Kit, which boosts the device’s volume. The EarHook must be trimmed prior to use, and Otofonix provides a guide with helpful instructions on how to do this.
The Otofonix Protection Plan provides insurance against all types of damage. This includes water damage, battery corrosion, or other accidental damage. The only things the protection plan doesn’t cover are loss, theft, or unauthorized repairs.
FYI: If you’re looking for a hearing aid with Bluetooth capabilities or more advanced features, read my article, Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids.
Otofonix has a 45-day return policy. If you would like to return your hearing aids, you may do so within 45 days of the date of purchase for a full refund. In order to return hearing aids, fill out a form on the Otofonix website to request a return merchandise authorization number. A representative will get back to you with return instructions. Customers must return devices in their original packaging with all included manuals and accessories.
Devices are also protected by a one-year factory warranty. This covers any defects in the devices or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Simply send the devices back, and Otofonix will examine them and either repair or replace the devices for free.
FYI: Your insurance might be able to pick up some of the cost of hearing aids. Read our article, Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?
Otofonix offers high-quality and low-cost hearing aids for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. The important thing to keep in mind with this brand is that these hearing aids do not require a prescription. While that means they are much less expensive than prescription options, it also means they are not as powerful and do not require an audiologist appointment for purchase.
If you have severe to profound hearing loss, these hearing aids may not be for you. However, if you simply have trouble following along a conversation at dinner, Otofonix provides budget-friendly hearing aids. We offer a handy guide on how to choose a hearing aid that will help you figure out which type of hearing aid will work for you.
Otofonix hearing aids do not require a fitting prior to purchase. They do offer additional accessories and sound tubes to make sure the models fit any ear size.
Users may adjust The Sona and The Groove models through a dedicated smartphone app. The other models have a physical “rocker switch” the user presses to adjust audio settings. Otofonix offers a manual and video tutorials with detailed instructions.
All Otofonix hearing aids come with two-day free shipping and a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try your hearing aids risk-free. The shipping and handling for select accessories ranges between $2.77 to $21.95.
No, these hearing aids are offered “over-the-counter” and do not require a prescription or insurance for purchase.
