Hey there, fellow hearing aid shoppers! If you‘re anything like me, you‘ve been putting off getting hearing aids because of the high cost and hassle. But when I finally bit the bullet and started researching my options, I discovered Listen Lively—an innovative online brand that‘s shaking up the hearing care industry with their convenient, affordable, and seriously sleek hearing aids.
Intrigued, I decided to take the plunge and try Listen Lively for myself. After wearing my new hearing aids for several months now, I‘m excited to share my honest review of the company, their products, and my overall experience. I‘ll cover:
- An overview of Listen Lively and how their online model works
- The features and technology inside their hearing aids
- Details on cost, insurance, financing, warranty, and trial period
- The potential drawbacks to be aware of
- My takes on sound quality, comfort, ease of use, and customer support
- What other experts and customers are saying
- My bottom-line verdict on Listen Lively
Whether you‘re a first-time hearing aid buyer or looking to switch brands, I hope this detailed review helps you decide if Listen Lively is worth trying for yourself. Let‘s dive in!
What Is Listen Lively and How Do They Work?
Founded in 2019, Listen Lively is a direct-to-consumer hearing aid brand on a mission to make better hearing more accessible and affordable. By cutting out the middleman and leveraging telehealth technology, they‘re able to offer high-quality, custom-programmed hearing aids at about half the price of traditional providers.
The biggest difference with Listen Lively is that the entire process happens online and at home, from testing your hearing to receiving ongoing care. Here‘s how it works:
- Take their free online hearing test to assess your hearing loss
- Video chat with one of their licensed audiologists to discuss your results and hearing needs
- Get your hearing aids custom-programmed and shipped straight to your door
- Access unlimited remote adjustments and support for 3 full years after purchase
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical of the online-only approach at first. But I was blown away by how simple and seamless the whole process was. The online hearing test only took about 15 minutes and actually felt pretty comprehensive. It played tones at different pitches and volumes, and I just clicked a button when I could hear them.
My virtual consultation with the audiologist was also super informative and reassuring. She walked me through my hearing test results, explained how my hearing aids would be calibrated, and answered all my questions about what to expect. I really appreciated being able to do it from the comfort of my own couch!
When my hearing aids arrived a few days later, I was impressed with how small and discreet they were. The setup was a breeze thanks to the step-by-step instructions and video tutorials in the Listen Lively app. And once I popped them in, I was amazed at how crisp and clear everything sounded. It was like a whole new world opened up!
Over the past few months, I‘ve had a few virtual follow-ups with my audiologist to fine-tune the sound settings. It‘s so convenient to be able to make adjustments without having to take time off work or travel to a clinic. Overall, I‘ve been really happy with the level of care and support I‘ve received from the Listen Lively team.
Listen Lively Hearing Aid Models and Technology
Listen Lively currently offers two behind-the-ear hearing aid models: the Air (battery-powered) and the Engage (rechargeable). Both are slim, lightweight, and come in seven neutral color options. The rechargeable model is a bit pricier, but I think the convenience is totally worth it. The portable charging case provides up to 30 hours of power on a 3-hour charge.
Aesthetics aside, I‘ve been consistently impressed with the advanced features packed into these tiny devices:
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Adaptive noise reduction: This is hands-down my favorite feature. The hearing aids automatically detect and filter out background noise like humming fans or clanking dishes, so I can focus on the conversation in front of me. It‘s been a game-changer in restaurants and open office settings.
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Bluetooth streaming: I love being able to stream music, podcasts, audiobooks, and calls from my smartphone to my hearing aids. The sound quality is amazing, and it‘s so discreet – no one even knows I‘m listening! I also appreciate being able to control the volume and settings from the Listen Lively app.
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Directional microphones: The hearing aids have special microphones that can pick up sounds from a specific direction, like the person talking across the table. I‘ve noticed a big difference in my ability to understand speech in noisy environments.
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Feedback cancellation: I was worried about that annoying whistling sound that sometimes happens with hearing aids, but I haven‘t experienced it at all with my Listen Livelys. The feedback cancellation technology is top-notch.
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Telecoil: This feature allows me to connect to hearing loop systems in public places like theaters, churches, and airports. It streams sound directly to my hearing aids for crystal-clear audio.
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Tinnitus masking: I don‘t have tinnitus, but I know it‘s a common issue for many people with hearing loss. Listen Lively‘s hearing aids have built-in tinnitus masking sounds to provide relief.
Listen Lively Accessories
In addition to the hearing aids themselves, Listen Lively also offers a few optional accessories to enhance the listening experience:
| Accessory | Price | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| TV Streamer | $300 | Streams TV audio directly to your hearing aids from up to 22 feet away |
| MultiMic | $275 | Clip-on microphone that streams speech to your hearing aids from up to 82 feet away |
| Android Phone Clip+ | $200 | Enables phone calls and media streaming for Android devices that aren‘t Bluetooth-compatible |
| Extra Charging Case | $250 | Backup portable charger for the rechargeable hearing aids |
I ended up getting the TV Streamer, and it‘s been so worth it. My husband and I can now watch movies together at night without blasting the volume or using closed captions. The MultiMic also comes in handy for work meetings and lectures.
Listen Lively Pricing, Payment Plans, and Insurance
Now, let‘s talk cost. Listen Lively‘s prices are significantly lower than the $4,600 average for a pair of hearing aids in the U.S., according to a 2019 Consumer Reports survey. The Air model costs $1,850 per pair, while the Engage is $2,400.
Granted, that‘s still a big chunk of change. But Listen Lively offers some helpful payment options:
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Financing: They partner with Bread to provide monthly payment plans, with terms ranging from 6-36 months. Depending on the term length, you could get the Air for as low as $78/month or the Engage for $99/month.
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FSA/HSA: You can use your flexible spending account or health savings account to pay for Listen Lively hearing aids and accessories.
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Insurance reimbursement: While Listen Lively doesn‘t accept insurance directly, you may be able to get reimbursed by your insurance company after purchase. They provide itemized invoices to submit to your plan.
It‘s also worth noting that all Listen Lively hearing aids come with a generous 3-year warranty and 3 years of loss and damage protection at no extra charge. Plus, you get a 100-day risk-free trial to make sure you‘re fully satisfied (minus a $99 professional fee if you return them). Shipping is always free both ways.
What Real Customers and Experts Are Saying
Of course, you don‘t just have to take my word for it. Listen Lively has hundreds of glowing reviews on their website, with an average rating of 4.6/5 stars. Here are a few highlights:
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"I love how easy it is to adjust the sound settings on my phone. I can quickly switch between programs for different environments without fiddling with the hearing aids themselves." -Maria G.
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"I‘ve had my Listen Livelys for about 6 months now, and they‘ve completely transformed my social life. I no longer feel left out of conversations or avoid noisy gatherings." -Tom S.
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"The customer support has been phenomenal. Whenever I have a question or issue, I can easily schedule a video chat with my audiologist and get it resolved right away." -Jenna P.
Several reputable hearing publications have also given Listen Lively high marks:
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Retirement Living gave them 4.5/5 stars, praising the affordable prices, generous trial period and warranty, and helpful online resources. They noted the lack of in-person care could be a downside for some.
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Health.com named Listen Lively the best online hearing aid provider, commending their innovative telehealth model and attentive follow-up care. However, they pointed out that the online test may not be as precise as an in-person exam.
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The Hearing Review, a leading trade magazine, published an independent study showing that Listen Lively hearing aids significantly improved speech understanding and quality of life for participants. The researchers noted the results were on par with traditional hearing clinic fittings.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
As much as I love my Listen Livelys, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
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Online-only model: If you‘re not comfortable with technology or prefer in-person care, the online-only approach may be challenging. Listen Lively does have a brick-and-mortar clinic in Manhattan for local customers.
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No custom earmolds: Listen Lively uses standard silicone domes that fit most ear anatomies. But they don‘t offer custom earmolds, which some people with unique ear shapes may need for an optimal fit.
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Not for profound hearing loss: The company states their hearing aids are intended for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. If you have profound impairment, you‘ll likely need a more powerful device prescribed in person by an audiologist.
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Incompatible with some Android phones: Listen Lively hearing aids can directly stream from iPhones, but some Android devices require a separate clip accessory. Be sure to check compatibility before ordering.
The Bottom Line: Are Listen Lively Hearing Aids Worth It?
If you‘re looking for high-quality hearing aids at a more affordable price point, Listen Lively is absolutely worth considering. For me, the convenience of at-home testing and remote care, combined with the advanced technology and attentive support, made them a clear winner.
I also love that Listen Lively is bringing much-needed innovation and accessibility to the hearing care industry. By leveraging telehealth, they‘re able to help so many more people get the treatment they need, even if they live far from a clinic or have busy schedules.
That said, Listen Lively may not be the best fit for everyone. If you have profound hearing loss, feel more comfortable with in-person care, or struggle with technology, you might prefer a traditional hearing clinic. And while the prices are much lower than average, there are some even cheaper OTC hearing aids on the market (though they may lack the customization and support).
Ultimately, the right hearing aid for you depends on your specific hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget. If Listen Lively sounds like a good match, I‘d highly recommend taking advantage of their 100-day trial to see how they work for you. With their $100 off promotion, free shipping and returns, and 3-year warranty, you really have nothing to lose.
To wrap up, here are my key takeaways:
- Listen Lively offers a convenient, affordable, and tech-savvy alternative to traditional hearing clinics
- Their online testing and remote care model is simple and user-friendly
- The hearing aid technology and sound quality are impressive
- They provide comprehensive support and generous warranties/trial periods
- The online-only approach and lack of custom molds may not work for everyone
- Overall, Listen Lively is an excellent option for most people with mild to moderate hearing loss
I hope this honest review of Listen Lively hearing aids has been helpful! If you have any other questions or want to share your own experience, feel free to reach out. Here‘s to happy hearing!
