Walmart is America’s biggest retailer and one of the biggest in the world. Especially with the introduction of over-the-counter hearing aids in October 2022, many people wonder what hearing aids Walmart sells (or will sell). In this revised overview, I’ll introduce the different hearing aids you can buy at Walmart in stores and on their online selling platform. As you might expect, the hearing aids your local Walmart sells might be different.
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Hearing aids in Walmart stores
The introduction of over-the-counter hearing aids did not mark the first time Walmart sold hearing aids in stores. For a while, people could buy cheap hearing amplifiers in the store (a version of the New Ear or Medca on this website). Rightfully so, these devices were largely ignored by customers and Walmart alike.
With the introduction of new laws in 2022, proper hearing aids could be sold over-the-counter. In a reaction to the law changes, Walmart announced it would start carrying some brands and models. The hearing aids Walmart now sells in stores are the Lexie B1 and Go-Lite hearing aids. They also have the Equate hearing aids – their discounted home brand.
Now, there is a caveat. For example, a store might not have the actual hearing aids for you. Walgreens was selling the Lexie Lumen well before October 2022, but in the form of a voucher. You pay Walgreens $799, and they ask Lexie to send you a pair of hearing aids. There’s a good chance Walmart adopts a similar approach.
Do Walmart stores have good hearing aids?
When it comes to over-the-counter hearing aids, the Lexie brand is an excellent choice. I’ll have to look into the Go-Lite hearing aids, but since they’re all sold out, it will be a while until Walmart actually starts selling these.
My main concern with Walmart selling hearing aids isn’t the quality of the hearing aids, but the fear that nobody in the store will understand hearing aids. I’m not a qualified audiologist, but I’ve been researching hearing aids for years. When I recommend a hearing aid, it’s because I understand everything on the box and in the manual, and can compare those features to similar hearing aids and their prices.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big supporter of over-the-counter hearing aids, but I’d hate to buy a $900 device from someone who can’t distinguish one hearing aid from another.
Does Walmart have a good selection of hearing amplifiers?
Walmart has started selling a selection of hearing aids in their stores, but their online offer seems much more impressive. While Walmart.com does offers 2-Day shipping on a handful of hearing amplifiers, most will arrive within a week. Make sure to take advantage of the free shipping over $35, or have your item delivered to your local store for free.
A quick search on the website will produce over 300 results. It’s important to remember that Walmart’s online platform is also open to third party sellers. This means over 80% of the hearing amplifiers you’ll see in your search are sold by someone other than Walmart.
These products are not eligible for Walmart’s in-store or online return policy, as each seller has their own return policy. If you are unhappy with your product and hope to return it, you’ll have to mail it to those third party sellers. Usually this also means a restocking fee, paying for return shipping out of your own pocket, or maybe a denial of your return.
It is our recommendation that you avoid buying from any retailer that you do not know and trust. To easily avoid this, simply filter your search results so that you are only seeing the hearing amplifiers sold by Walmart.com. To do this, scroll down and search the left side of the screen for the option to filter retailers. Tick the box next to Walmart.com, and you will only be shown hearing amplifiers sold by Walmart in your search results.
From these results, you have a small selection of hearing amplifier options to choose from, including two top performers. Both of our recommendations are eligible for Next Day shipping, free store pickup, and they are FSA and HSA eligible.
Best hearing aids sold at Walmart
Once Walmart starts selling hearing aids, I think the Lexie will be your best bet. Their current best model (November 2022) is the Lexie B2 – the Lexie B1 is the same, but uses batteries. The other model they introduced, the Go-Lite hearing aids, seem to be a slimmed-down budget version. While the two brands are very different, they have the same parent company, with the Lexie brand as a flagship model and Go-Lite as a budget alternative.
Buying hearing aids at Walmart Using FSA and HSA
Many of the hearing amplifiers at Walmart are FSA and HSA eligible, but only through reimbursement. Walmart does not accept FSA or HSA cards as payment. The only way to pay for your new hearing amplifiers from Walmart with your FSA or HSA account is to first pay for them out of pocket, then request reimbursement per your policy plan.
To pay for your hearing aids with a HSA or FSA card, it’s best to go straight to the manufacturer. Lexie, MDHearing, Otofonix, Neosonic, and other reputable brands can help you set up a payment with these cards.
More shopping? Find the best hearing amplifiers available on Amazon here.
If your Walmart sells hearing aids in the store, you’ll find them in the health section; usually near the pharmacy.
Before you buy in the store, make sure to double-check the price with the manufacturer. Prices for hearing aids can change regularly, and manufacturers often have special promotions.
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