How good are miracle ear hearing aids?

Question

My grandmother is thinking about spending $2300 for a hearing aid. Miracle Ear is the brand that she is looking at. Is there a website that has evaluations on hearing aids on other information?

She has already been to an audiologist and I know that Miracle Ear only sells their own brand. So in order for anyone to help me, I need to know if anyone has had any experience with Miracle Ear and if it was a good or bad experience, why.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm an Audiologist.

Miracle Ear is a company that manufactures hearing aids and has a chain of franchise dispensaries that deal with their product exclusively.

As far as the technology of their devices goes, they are fairly compatible with other brands. However, they tend to charge more, as they need to recoup the money for their advertising.

I've had several patients that have had bad experiences with Miracle Ear products and Dispensers. But then again, if they were happy, they wouldn't be coming to see us. Still, it is an important investment she is making, and she needs to not only consider the cost and convenience, but also the service and professional support she will receive.

I strongly recommend that she consult a few Audiologists rather than Hearing Aid Dispensers in the area, to shop around for the product and service. Especially if she has never worn hearing aids before, it is important that she fully understand the options available to her; and to have someone that will explain to her what to expect, how to adapt to hearing all the sounds she's been missing, and how to get the most from her investment. For example, if both of her ears hear about equally, she would do much better if she had amplification for both ears.

No matter where she purchases, she should get a trial period that is AT LEAST 30 days long, during which she has the option to return the aid(s) with no questions asked (most places do have some portion of the cost that is not refunded). Make sure she goes in for at least one follow-up visit during that trial period and that she gets all her questions answered promptly and professionally.

If at all possible, have someone accompany her to these visits -- it's a lot of information, and the some of my patients can seem intimidated by the process. Unfortunately, some seniors can be easily influenced or will simply just want to keep it simple and just stay with the first person they talk to. She's spending a lot of money and these devices need to help her for the next five years or so -- it's better not to make a hasty decision.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to click on my name/avatar and the on Contact hearkat and send me a note.

Answer 2

Miracle Ear Hearing Aids

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I've worked for Miracle Ear now for over 18 yrs.Doing audiology for 26.Worked in Ca.,Nv.,Ut.Sold different brands.Best tech is from Europe,not us,although all have factories here.If Miracle Ear had poor tech,I 4 one wouldn't work 4 them!They are by far better than most and cost arent any more expensive than our competitors And almost always alot less expensive than what local ENT will charge.All hearing aid dispensers advertise in multiple avenues.Miracle Ear has lifetime service in any Miracle Ear nationwide.Person who said Miracle Ear only fit some losses has us mixed up with a warehouse hearing aid i think.3 yr warranties on ALL computerized hearing aids.Funny that with over 40 hearing aid companies in US,sites only talk about Miracle Ear,who has been in business for almost 70 yrs,has best warranties,service,and product on the market.Yes there are a few bad apples in any form of business.SO i would try MiracleEar and see 4 yourself how well you'll Hear!

Answer 5

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Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How good are miracle ear hearing aids?
My grandmother is thinking about spending $2300 for a hearing aid. Miracle Ear is the brand that she is looking at. Is there a website that has evaluations on hearing aids on other information?

Answer 7

Miracle Ear hearing aids are no better or worse than any other hearing aid and they cost sooo much more. Your hearing aid is only as good as the specialist caring and programming your hearing aid. I wear hearing aids and I worked for Miracle Ear for 14 years. They closed down their offices in Tucson, Green Valley and Sierra vista with no warning, no severance and no sympathy whatsoever to their employees. When I reported a breach of ethics, I was reprimanded. They are a heartless and greedy company. Their concern for their clients is only lip service. Once they have your money, you will get very little help or service with your hearing aid.

Answer 8

Honestly, Miracle Ear is my least favorite brand of hearing aid.

I have worked as a hearing instrument specialist for 12 years now. I am qualified in the United Kingdom and also in America, where I live now. I have dispensed almost every major brand of aid out there. For six years I worked for independent companies that really didn't care what brand I dispensed.

In my experience Miracle Ear is one step up from the kind of junk you can order online or by mail order. They use cheap imported parts, and their technology is lagging far behind the better hearing aids.

For me I am a big fan of Starkey and Audibel. They make quality American hearing aids. Their latest nFusion technology is the most advanced out there. I also like Oticon and ReSound if you don't mind non-American companies. I think Siemens is a shade overrated and expensive.

Whatever you buy check that they have a good follow up program. Make sure you can listen to a real hearing system before you buy; any good hearing center will have BTE digital test aids you can listen to. Make sure you get a trial period of at least 30 days. Make sure you trust and believe in the hearing professional you are dealing with. Do not be afraid to ask for references. Good hearing professionals keep a list of patients who don't mind being contacted.

Avoid buying on price alone. A good hearing aid will cost over $2,500. Once you have settled on a price try and push for a longer factory warranty at no extra price. You may or may not get it, but it is worth having.

Good luck.

Answer 9

Mak_nit_crimson you are completely wrong about Miracle Ear hearing aids work for only those who have SOME hearing loss. A good dispenser can fit even the worst of hearing. I have worked for Miracle Ear for 9 years, I am very good at what I do. I have people who come to me from other states, just by what my patients say. It isn't the aid, its a specialists who knows what I am doing. As for the AUD's on this blog, I've seen several of your patients who aren't as happy as you think.

Answer 10

I am an audiologist. I would encourage your grandmother to seek some opinions outside of Miracle Ear. Miracle Ear does have a good product. If it were my grandmother I would make sure that she will have top notch professionals dealing with her to assure that she has proper counseling and adjustment of the product. In many cases you can get a comparable product cheaper than Miracle Ear. Other hearing aid manufacturers do no franchise and advertise which does add costs on to the end product that they sell.

I would advise you to check out AARP. Often they will publish consumer comparisons of products. They have no hearing aid manufacturers interest, only the interest of the elderly reader. They have published the Consumer Guide to Hearing Aids that you should check out.

Good Luck!