Miracle Ear review Brand services and products
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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Miracle-Ear offer a range of hearing aids with features such as rechargeable batteries or Bluetooth connectivity. The company also sell more basic and affordable models. Share on PinterestMiracle-Ear hearing aids come in several different styles, ranging from behind-the-ear models that provide a high amplification level to discreet models worn entirely within the ear. This article discusses Miracle-Ear’s products, services, and reputation. It also looks at the steps involved in getting a hearing aid. A quick look at Miracle-Ear hearing aidsBest for streaming: Miracle-EarCONNECTBest for recharging: Miracle-EarENERGYBest for discreetness: Miracle-EarMINIBest for a budget: Miracle-EarEASY What is Miracle-Ear Miracle-Ear has around 1,500 stores in the United States. While the company manages some locations, other operators run many of these outlets through franchise agreements. Miracle-Ear is now part of Amplifon, a global hearing-aid company based in Italy. Customer reviews The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rates some Miracle-Ear retail stores, but not all. Of those outlets, many achieve scores of A+, the highest BBB rating. BBB has accredited many Miracle-Ear locations, meaning the stores generally meet standards relating to:honest advertisingkeeping promisesguarding customer privacybeing responsive to complaints Online reviews also give Miracle-Ear high scores for its wide range of products and lifetime customer service. However, criticisms report the lack of pricing information on their website and that stores are not in a convenient location for everyone. The company does not own a TrustPilot profile. Pros and cons Before purchasing hearing aids from Miracle-Ear, people may wish to consider the pros and cons of this company. ProsThe company offers hearing aids with a range of features.The company offers lifetime service and aftercare.People can visit any of the company’s 1,500 stores for replacements and repairs.Miracle-Ear employs state-licensed hearing care professionals. ConsMiracle-Ear does not list the prices of its hearing aids on its website.The stores may not be in a convenient location for everyone. Services All Miracle-Ear outlets provide free hearing tests. If test results show a hearing aid might improve an individual’s hearing, they can try these products in-store. Depending on the model, a Miracle-Ear hearing aid may also include the following features:directional microphonesdigital noise reductiona telecoil, which allows connection to some phonesecho reductionwireless windscreen, which reduces wind noisetinnitus control, which helps manage ringing in the earsspeech isolation After a person purchases a Miracle-Ear hearing aid, the company provides a service bundle that comes with the price tag, including:30-day trial period3-year limited warranty 3-year damage and loss protectionlifetime hearing-aid cleaning, adjustments, and checkups, up to four times a yearfresh battery installation with every checkupannual hearing tests A person can take up these services at any Miracle-Ear location. Products Miracle-Ear’s hearing aids generally fall into four product categories. Each hearing aid benefits from 48 channels and 6 hearing programs, and connectivity to Miracle-Ear’s app which allows people to customize their hearing aid’s programs and volume. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for connectivity Miracle-EarCONNECT These hearing aids can connect to digital devices, such as smartphones, computers, or televisions, using Bluetooth connectivity. These hearing aids can stream sound directly from digital devices into the wearer’s ear. Miracle-EarCONNECT is available in behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) styles. All models of Miracle-EarCONNECT have the following features:speech isolationdigital noise reductiondirectional microphonesvoice recognition technologywireless windscreenecho reductiontinnitus controlbinaural wirelesstelecoilBluetooth connectivityapp connectivityiPhone direct streamingremote control connectivityLEARN MORE Best rechargeable Miracle-EarENERGY These hearing aids feature rechargeable batteries. According to the company, users can recharge the battery overnight, while the charge generally lasts all day. Miracle-EarENERGY also includes Bluetooth connectivity and is available in BTE and RIC styles. All models of Miracle-EarENERGY have the following features:rechargeable batteriesdirectional microphonesvoice recognition technologywireless windscreentinnitus controlbinaural wirelessBluetooth connectivityapp connectivityiPhone direct streamingremote control connectivityLEARN MORE Best for a discreet model Miracle-EarMINI Miracle-Ear claim these hearing aids are the most discreet of all its products, describing them as “virtually unnoticeable.” The company uses custom ear molds to design these small hearing aids, which are available in-the-ear (ITE) and RIC. However, depending on the model, added features, such as Bluetooth and directional microphones, may not be available. All models of Miracle-EarMINI have the following features:speech isolationdigital noise reductionecho reductiontinnitus controlbinaural wirelessapp connectivityremote control connectivityLEARN MORE Best for a more affordable model Miracle-EarEASY The company claims these models represent a more affordable hearing aid. They are available in RIC and BTE styles. However, this range does not feature Bluetooth connectivity. All models of Miracle-EarEASY have the following features:speech isolationbinaural wirelessapp connectivitymanual volume controlLEARN MORE Comparison chart The following table compares Miracle-Ear’s hearing aids.StylesBluetooth connectivityRechargeable batteriesTinnitus controlMiracle-EarCONNECTRIC and BTEyesnoyesMiracle-EarENERGYRIC and BTEyesyesyesMiracle-EarMINIRIC and ITEsome modelsnoyesMiracle-EarEASYRIC and BTEnonono What to look for with hearing products According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), people buying a hearing aid can talk with their audiologist to determine which features are important to them. Individuals may wish to ask the following questions:What are the hearing aid’s total costs? How long is the warranty and what does it cover?Can I return the hearing aid after a trial period?Are any fees not refundable after the trial period?Can the audiologist make minor repairs and adjustments? Are loaner aids available during repairs? Hearing devices and health According to NIDCD, hearing aids are most suitable for people with sensorineural hearing loss. This condition results from damage to a certain type of cell in the inner ear known as hair cells. Possible reasons that may lead to this include:agingnoisecertain health issuescertain drugs A hearing test is the first step for someone interested in getting a hearing aid. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommends visiting a doctor, such as an ear, nose, and throat specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist. They can investigate medical causes of hearing loss, such as infection or injury. The FDA warns that some ear conditions may need medical attention, including:blood, pus, or other fluid coming from the earear pain or discomfortexcessive earwaxdizzinessfeeling something blocking the ear canalsudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss An individual needs a prescription to obtain a hearing aid. Depending on the state, a physician, audiologist, or hearing instrument specialist might write this prescription. Once a person has their new hearing aid fitted, they can work with the audiologist to learn how to use its features. They can also adjust to their new hearing aids by wearing them regularly. People can extend the life of these devices through proper care. NIDCD offers the following tips:Turn off hearing aids when not using them.Replace dead batteries promptly.Keep the devices cool and dry.Clean hearing aids according to instructions to prevent damage from ear drainage or earwax.Do not use hair products, such as hairspray, while wearing hearing aids. Alternatives In addition to Miracle-Ear, other popular hearing aid brands may be worth considering. They include:Eargo Max: This company offers a range of hearing aids that are compatible with the Eargo app for customization.Starkey: Their hearing aids are available at hearing centers across the U.S. The company features a variety of models, with some offering rechargeable and Bluetooth options.Oticon: Among the company’s offerings is Oticon More, a hearing aid built with a “deep neural network.” According to the brand, this technology offers a more natural representation of sounds and may improve the user’s understanding of speech.ReSound: Their hearing aids include a popular tinnitus-relief feature. They are available through hearing-care centers.Kirkland: Available at Costco stores, these hearing aids may appeal to customers seeking value. Frequently asked questions about Miracle-Ear Here we answer some common questions about this company. Does Miracle-Ear take insurance Miracle-Ear states that it accepts most major insurance companies. However, the company recommends people call one of its hearing centers to ensure that the center accepts their insurance. Does Medicare cover Miracle-Ear Original Medicare plans do not cover hearing aids. However, some Medicare Advantage Plans do pay some of the costs of hearing exams and hearing devices. If a person does not receive coverage, Miracle-Ear offers the Miracle-Aid Foundation. To be eligible for this aid, a person must be below a certain income and meet other eligibility criteria. Does Miracle-Ear help tinnitus Several of Miracle-Ear’s hearing devices have tinnitus control features, which may help reduce the symptoms of this condition. However, people with tinnitus should discuss their needs with Miracle-Ear’s hearing care professionals to choose the best hearing aid for their requirements. Summary Miracle-Ear sells a variety of hearing aids with various high-tech features. Someone buying a hearing aid may wish to talk with an audiologist about which features work best for their hearing loss type and lifestyle. Whether certain features are worth the additional cost is another key question. In addition to features and cost, a person may wish to consider any ongoing services that a company provides. Last medically reviewed on February 18, 2021Uncategorized 4 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Frequently asked questions about the Better Business Bureau (BBB). (n.d.)https://www.bbb.org/frequently-asked-questionsHearing aids. (n.d.).https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aidsHearing aids. (2017).https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-aidsHearing aids. (2021).https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/consumer-products/hearing-aidsFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — By Elaine Goodman and Stefano Iavarone — Updated on August 16, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat's to know about deafness and hearing loss?Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH People with a hearing impairment, hearing loss, or deafness will have either a partial or a total inability to hear sound. Some will rely on lip…READ MOREDoes Medicare pay for hearing aids?Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP Hearing aids can be vital for navigating the world with hearing loss. However, what coverage does Medicare provide for hearing technology? Read more…READ MORETinnitus: What is this ringing in my ears?Medically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP Tinnitus is a ringing, whistling, or another sound in a person's ears that only they can hear. It can be temporary or long term, but there are ways to…READ MOREThrough my eyes: My first 48 hours with hearing aids I'm not even 30 years old, and I need hearing aids. The discovery was a shock, but just 48 hours in and an exciting new world of sound is unfolding. READ MOREWhat do otolaryngologists do?Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. If you have an ear infection, sinus problems, or a throat infection, it will likely be an otolaryngologist that helps you back to full health. Find…READ MORE