Lively Hearing Aids 2022 Review
Updated for December, 2021
Key Takeaways
- Lively hearing aids are sold exclusively online
- They are significantly less expensive than most traditional brands with similar features
- Lively Hearing Aids are meant for those with mild to moderate hearing loss
- They’re not designed for people with severe or profound hearing loss
- You don’t need an audiogram or in-person audiologist visit to purchase Lively hearing aids
Pros and Cons of Lively Hearing Aids
Lively is a direct-to-consumer brand that is sold online. This sales model eliminates certain barriers that may keep people who need hearing aids from getting them. However, Lively Hearing Aids aren’t right for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of their pros and cons.
Pros
- Significantly less expensive than other brands of comparable hearing aids
- Monthly financing makes your purchase even more affordable
- You don’t need an audiogram to purchase Lively hearing aids
- Lively’s online hearing test is quick, easy, and doesn’t require a doctor’s appointment
- Their hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled for streaming music, television, and podcasts
- The Lively app makes follow-up care and setting customization convenient and easy
- Unlimited video chats with a licensed hearing specialist are included in your hearing aids package
- Adjustments can be made remotely by Lively’s audiology team, via the app, as needed
- Your purchase includes three years of follow-up care
- Each pair of hearing aids come with a 100-day risk free trial, three-year warranty, and three-year loss and damage protection
Cons
- Lively hearing aids are not appropriate for people with severe or profound hearing loss
- A credit application is required prior to purchase, and rates may be as high as 29.99% APR for some people
- The only hearing aid option available is worn behind-the-ear (BTE)
- Lively Hearing Aids require the use of a compatible smartphone or tablet. You will also be required to do an online training with a member of their audiology team once you get your hearing aids. People who are not comfortable with this level of technology may find it challenging to use Lively hearing aids
Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review
Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent collectively more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:
- Engaged in ongoing independent research
- Consulted with independent audiologists
- Consulted with geriatric care experts
- Mystery shopped the brands
- Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
- Tested various models of hearing aids
- Interviewed experts in the field
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports
Why Lively is One of Our Top Picks
Lively is one of our top picks for hearing aids because they offer personalized, prescription-strength products through a convenient online process at much lower prices than some competitors. We like that Lively hearing aids can be customized to accommodate each person’s needs and that they offer audiologist support both before and after you purchase them. Lively hearing aids come with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, three-year loss and damage protection, and three years of follow-up care from professional audiologists. Plus, they come with a 100-day risk-free trial.
Lively hearing aids are also Bluetooth compatible so you can connect them to your smartphone and other devices. The Lively app allows you to customize settings on-the-go so you can adjust to different environments or noise levels. On top of all this, Lively hearing aids are significantly less expensive than other brands, making them a better fit for more budgets. Lively also offers a free online hearing test, which may be particularly beneficial for people who aren’t sure if they have hearing loss.
| Features | Rechargeable | Battery-powered |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,900 or $62 monthly | $1,350 or $44 monthly |
| Type of hearing aid | Behind-the-ear (BTE) | Behind-the-ear (BTE) |
| Type of hearing loss | Mild to moderately severe | Mild to moderately severe |
| Rechargeable battery? | ||
| Bluetooth streaming? | ||
| Customization | ||
| Water resistant (not waterproof) | ||
| Telecoil (MultiMic accessory with telecoil is available and sold separately) | ||
| Directional microphones (360 sound) | ||
| Noise reduction | ||
| Processing channels | 12 Channels |
12 Channels |
Models Offered
Lively offers two types of hearing aids: rechargeable and battery-powered. The only differences between the two are chargeability, cost, and, in some instances, streaming capability.
Both Lively rechargeable and battery-powered hearing aids support direct stereo streaming for Apple devices. Most Android devices support direct streaming for the rechargeable model. Some Android devices require an additional accessory for streaming. Lively’s battery-powered hearing aids always require an additional accessory for Android devices.
Lively hearing aids are designed to prioritize the human voice and reduce background noise. Both the rechargeable and battery-powered models are worn behind the ear.
Both types of Lively hearing aids are meant for people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss not caused by an underlying medical issue.
Your Lively hearing aids can be used to stream media such as audiobooks, TV, music, and podcasts. You can even use them to make and receive phone calls and make sound adjustments, as needed.
When choosing between the two, keep hand dexterity in mind. The batteries used in hearing aids are very small. According to data published in the American Journal of Audiology, hearing aid batteries can be challenging to manage for people with dexterity issues. If you live with arthritis or hand tremors, you may prefer the rechargeable option.
Comes with:
- One pair of Bluetooth-enabled rechargeable hearing aids
- Charging case that provides three full charges of 10 hours each
- Three-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Three-year loss and damage protection
- Three years of follow up with the Lively audiology team, including unlimited video calls, support, and remote adjustments
- Access to Lively’s mobile app
- Free shipping and returns
Comes with:
- One pair of Bluetooth-enabled battery-powered hearing aids
- One full year’s worth of batteries
- Three-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Three-year loss and damage protection
- Three years of follow up with the Lively audiology team, including unlimited video calls, support, and remote adjustments
- Access to Lively’s mobile app
- Free shipping and returns
How Lively Works
Lively offers the best of both worlds: direct-to-consumer availability at low costs coupled with years of technological know-how and medical-grade quality.
Lively is a relatively new resource in the hearing aid space. However, their roots are long. Lively hearing aids are manufactured by ReSound, a hearing aid company that was established in 1943. ReSound is part of the GN Group, a global audio solution company. ReSound also manufactures Beltone, another hearing aid brand.
Lively hearing aids are purchased entirely online. You start by taking the free online hearing test, which takes about five minutes and only requires a pair of standard headphones. Your hearing aids are then fine-tuned and programmed based on your test results and delivered to your home. From there, you can work directly with Lively’s audiology team through the app to set up and adjust your hearing aids.
Lively Online Hearing Test
To determine the type of hearing loss you have, Lively offers a free, five-minute hearing test you can take on your computer, tablet, or phone. This hearing test uses pure tones to measure your hearing ability at specific frequencies. It is not a diagnostic test that analyzes the overall health of your entire hearing system. To get your results, you’ll have to agree to be contacted by Lively’s sales team. You are not, however, required to make a purchase.
According to New York-based audiologist Dr. Michelle Brady, custom fittings are not needed for hearing aids to be effective. However, Dr. Brady cautions against buying hearing aids without an in-person audiological assessment. “There are many acoustical parameters that are achieved by the physical fit of a hearing aid. If the hearing care professional is unable to see exactly how the hearing aid fits inside the ear, the patient can miss out on the maximum benefit from their new hearing aids,” she says.
If you want an in-person audiologist’s input, but still want to save money by buying Lively hearing aids, you can upload an audiogram, rather than take their online hearing test. You’ll still get the full Lively bundle, plus reap the benefits of having a full hearing assessment done by a professional in person.
How Much Do Lively Hearing Aids Cost?
Lively’s rechargeable hearing aids can be purchased for a one-time payment of $1,900, or for monthly payments of $62.
Lively’s battery-powered hearing aids can be purchased for a one-time payment of $1,350, or for monthly payments of $44.
Lively offers several financing options through their partner, Bread. These are subject to approval of your credit application. Your rates may vary anywhere from 0% to 29.99%.
Hearing aids are eligible for reimbursement through flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).
Hearing aids are not currently covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your hearing aids may be a covered expense.
Hearing aids are also covered by some private insurers. Check your plans’ specifics to determine what your out-of-pocket costs for hearing aids will be.
Lively App and Accessories
Lively offers several enhancement accessories, plus an easy-to-use app for download on Apple or Google Play.
The Lively App
You can use Lively’s smartphone app to make adjustments to your hearing aids that suit specific environments, such as crowded restaurants and outdoor spaces.
You can personalize your settings for specific sound locations and environments. A menu at the top of the app lets you save your favorite settings for fast changes from place to place.
A sound enhancer lets you manually adjust your noise reduction and volume levels. You can also use the app to enhance the quality of music by boosting the bass or treble.
The app contains a tinnitus manager that you can enable to play natural sounds or white noise.
If you need help adjusting your settings, you can request support and have Lively adjust your settings remotely through the app.
Misplaced your hearing aids? A map in the app shows you their last known location.
MultiMic
For the added boost of a telecoil microphone, you can include MultiMic in your package for an additional $275. MultiMic extends your hearing range by streaming sounds, including the human voice, directly to your hearing aids. MultiMic is a clip-on microphone that you can attach to your clothing. You can also discreetly place it somewhere nearby in your environment to pick up a broad range of nearby sounds.
MultiMic has a minijack you can connect directly to your car, computer, or tablet for enhanced hearing while streaming media.
Android Phone Clip
If you have an old Android that you love too much to let go, you can purchase an Android Phone Clip for $199. This will enable you to stream phone calls and media directly to your hearing aids from your device.
TV Streamer
This $299 add-on lets you stream television and audio directly to your hearing aids, from up to 22 feet away.
Lively Hearing Aids Customization
The Lively audiology team will customize your hearing aids to compensate for your level of hearing loss for high, mid, and low frequencies in each ear.
Once you get your hearing aids home, the Lively Care Team will work with you on customization for various environments via a Zoom training.
The Lively app is your go-to tool for customizing your hearing aids to specific locations and situations. To do this you will swipe cards in the app that allow you to change programs that match your listening environment. These include settings for outdoor activities and indoor conversations. You can also personalize your settings to meet your specific listening needs.
Customer Service and Satisfaction
Lively has a 3.3 out of 5 star rating at the Better Business Bureau, and very few complaints. Some customers mention experiencing a “hard sell” from the Lively sales team.
We found Lively’s personnel to be easy going, friendly, and informative. After taking the hearing assessment our reviewer did get a lot of phone messages, but these were stopped upon request.
People who use Lively hearing aids review them with enthusiasm. Users report quick access to the Lively’s Care Team. They also typically report high rates of satisfaction for the hearing aids themselves.
Customer Support
Customer support is available seven days a week through the Lively app. You can also get in touch with the company by emailing [email protected] or by calling (800) 854.2772.
After purchasing hearing aids, you will have on-demand, unlimited access to an audiologist for virtual consultations and adjustments. This service is part of your bundle for a three-year period.
Comparing Lively to Other Brands
| Brand | Brand | Brand | Hearing Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lively | $1,350 - $1,900 | Behind-the-ear (BTE) | Mild to moderately severe |
| Phonak | Varies by seller, range from $1,399 - $6,000 | Behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), custom shell | Mild to profound |
| Oticon | Varies by seller, range from $1,200 - $5,500 | Behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in the-ear (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-canal (RIC) | Mild to profound, including single-sided deafness |
| MDHearingAid | Range from $400 - $1,000 | Behind-the-ear (BTE) | Mild to moderately severe |
What to Consider Before Buying Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are an investment that can impact your wallet and your quality of life. According to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, untreated hearing loss has hidden costs, including isolation and an increased risk for dementia.
Your level of hearing loss, as well as any underlying conditions you may have, such as tinnitus, should determine the type of hearing aid you choose.
Lively hearing aids are all behind-the-ear models. “Behind the ear hearing aids rest at the top of the ear. They have a tube that sits at the front of the ear and an ear mold in the canal that delivers sound to the ear,” says Meryl Miller, a doctor of audiology based in Atlanta. Dr. Miller adds that these types of hearing aids can help in noisy environments because of their directional microphones. Some pros of behind the ear hearing aids are their directional microphones, which can help in noisy environments. There are also cons to consider. Unfortunately, according to Dr. Miller, these types of hearing aids do “compete for space with glasses and mask ear loops” and “since their speaker rests at the top of the ear, they have some potential disadvantages when compared to hearing aids with a speaker in the ear canal.”
Hand dexterity for battery changing, as well as technological ability and app use, may also impact your choice.
Lively Hearing Aid Customer Reviews
“These are much better than my old ones. With the app you can adjust it the way you like it with several choices. The volume is also controlled by a button on each hearing aid. An android phone won’t work on Bluetooth streaming, but works with the app for adjustments. Great customer service.”
via BBB
“Fast, great service. People who know all about hearing problems and how to help them. The online support is good. Once in a while it takes a while to respond but always do get an answer. Hearing aid works great and is very customizable. I find them comfortable, easy to use and great battery life.”
via BBB
“So pleased! I love these hearing aids. They are tiny, discreet and comfortable. Best of all, they are effective. I’m not cranking up the tv volume or endlessly asking people to repeat themselves.”
via Lively
For our review of Lively hearing aids, we looked at a number of different factors, including price, the types of hearing aids available, the types of hearing loss covered, comfort and fit, customer reviews, warranty options, and additional features.
We recommend Lively because they make high-quality hearing aids more accessible and affordable through their online purchasing and virtual audiologist support. The free online hearing test makes it easy to start the process of finding the right hearing aid for you. The Lively app also impresses as it allows you to adjust and customize your settings on-the-go.
Lively won’t work for everyone, however. They only offer behind-the-ear hearing aids, and their devices are not meant for severe or profound hearing loss. There is also no model designed specifically for children living with hearing loss. While convenient, Lively’s online hearing test is not meant to diagnose underlying medical conditions that can impact hearing. For any sudden loss of or change in hearing, it’s important to still see an audiologist in person.
Bottom Line
Lively comes from a trusted manufacturer known for producing high-quality audio products. Their hearing aids are an accessible, affordable option for people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. They are not well suited to people with underlying medical conditions that impact hearing, or those with severe or profound hearing loss.
Is Lively a real hearing aid?
Lively hearing aids are registered with the FDA as hearing aids. They meet all of the FDA’s requirements to be sold as hearing aids. They are not simple amplification devices.
What brand of hearing aids does Lively use?
Is Listen Lively any good?
Does Medicare cover Lively hearing aids?
RESOURCES
- B.J., Lively consultant. Telephone interview. October 29, 2021.
- Brady, Michelle. Telephone interview. October 30, 2021.
https://accessaudiology.com/about/ - Gabby, Lively consultant. Telephone interview. November 4, 2021.
- Hearing loss. (2021).
https://www.cdc.gov/hearingloss/default.html - Miller, Meryl. Telephone interview. October 30, 2021. https://drmerylmiller.com/
- Overview hearing loss. (2018).
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-loss/ - Pratt, S.R. Profound hearing loss: addressing barriers to hearing healthcare. (2018).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30374213/ - Quick statistics about hearing. (2021).
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing - The hidden risks of hearing loss. (n.d.).
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss - Woodruff, T.A., et al. Disposable hearing aid battery management: survey assessment of providers and qualitative interviews of patients. (2021).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34464535/
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