Best Buy is expanding its existing hearing device experience in select stores and says an additional 200 stores will have an in-store hearing experience this summer, with an additional 100 added in the fall, bringing the total number of stores carrying hearing devices to over 600. 

The company says it  also adding a selection of new hearing aid sets in store and online, expanding the number of brands we offer our customers overall. 

Growing the OTC Market

Come this fall, the expanded assortment of hearing devices at Best Buy will include nearly 30 over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), TV amplifiers and hearing accessories from some of the most trusted brands in the space. Devices will range anywhere from $199-$3,000 for a pair, the company says. 

Before buying a device, customers are encouraged to complete the online hearing assessment tool—powered by its partners at hearX—that will help them identify their specific level of hearing loss and give them an idea of which hearing solution might best fit their needs.  

Starting in August, customers will also be able to use a hearing aid selector tool online to determine the right device for them. The tool will recommend specific products based on hearing loss level and lifestyle needs, based on questions like “Are you comfortable using an app on your phone?” and “Do you need an all-day hearing aid or situational use only?” As they select answers, products will appear to shop from.   

Further reading: Professional Hearing Services in the OTC Era

When shopping in one of the company’s select stores, customers can get assistance from experts who will have gone through training on topics like the anatomy of the ear, stages of hearing loss, general fitting techniques, and different features of various devices and brands. This training is in partnership with Best Buy’s expert partners, who are leaders in the hearing device category, and aim to ensure Best Buy employees feel confident when explaining to customers the specific features of each device. 

The in-store hearing experience will include the following devices, with more from Sony, Lexie and Go Hearing coming this fall: 

  • Sony CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids 
  • Lucid Hearing OTC ENGAGE BTE Rechargeable Hearing Aids 
  • Lucid Hearing OTC Enlite Deluxe Hearing Aids 
  • Jabra Enhance Select 50R OTC Hearing Aids  
  • HP Hearing Pro OTC Hearing Aids 
  • Go Prime OTC Hearing Aids 
  • Lexie B2 OTC Hearing Aids Powered by Bose 
  • Eargo 5 
  • Go Hearing Go Ultra OTC Hearing Aids 
  • Lucid Hearing Tala Hearing Aids 
  • Sennheiser All Day Clear Slim Hearing Aids 
  • Williams Sound Pocketalker Ultra PKT D1 Personal Amplifier

Photo: Best Buy