Name: Miracle-Ear
Brand: Miracle-Ear

Miracle-Ear Review

Miracle-Ear began in 1948 with a single hearing aid created by Dahlberg Electronics. In the early 1950s, the company incorporated then-new transistor technology into its hearing aid product, and by the early 2000s, all of the brand’s products were digitally based. The company has continued to innovate new technologies to improve hearing aid function, developing proprietary Speech Isolation, new digital noise reduction capabilities and integrated smartphone app functionality.

Currently owned by the Amplifon family of companies based in Plymouth, Minnesota, Miracle-Ear is now a worldwide company. Its extensive network of local stores throughout the country offer hearing tests, hearing aid fitting and service help to set them apart from other direct-to-consumer companies with no local presence or way to shop for hearing assistance devices in store.

Instead of selling purely by mail-order or over the internet, Miracle-Ear has brick and mortar store locations in all 50 states to provide in-person service from certified representatives. The company also runs the Miracle-Ear Foundation, supplying free hearing aids to adults and children without the financial means, insurance or government support to otherwise acquire a hearing aid device.

Pros

One of the oldest makers of portable hearing aids
Wide range of hearing aid products, customizable options
Lifetime customer service
In-person fitting and customization
Foundation to help those in financial need

Cons

Cost
Store locations may not be close to all consumers

Miracle-Ear Hearing Aid Cost

Miracle-Ear doesn’t list the price of its hearing aid products on their website. Miracle-Ear says its products can run between $1,000 and $5,000 and according to the AARP, the average cost in the United States for a single hearing aid is approximately $2,300. It’s important to note, hearing aid cost will vary depending on your specific hearing needs, type of hearing aid and the technology included in the hearing aid. After doing some online research, we discovered customers paid within the following price ranges for hearing aids, including Miracle-Ear products.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid: $1,000-$5,600
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid: $450 (basic technology)-$5,600 (advanced technology)
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid: $150 (basic)-$5,000 (advanced technology)

Miracle-Ear Hearing Aid Technology

All hearing aids consist of three basic parts: a microphone, an amplifier and a speaker, which is sometimes called the receiver. The microphone takes in sound, the amplifier makes the sound louder and the speaker plays the sound into the ear. Beyond the basics, Miracle-Ear’s proprietary technologies help make its hearing aids and hearing assistive devices appealing to modern wearers. For example, its GENIUS™ noise reduction and directional programming and speech recognition technology, which recognizes and gives preference to speech sounds and filters the rest for a better understanding of conversations. Miracle-Ear also offers smartphone apps to manage your hearing aid without having to carry a separate remote control device.

Miracle-Ear hearing aids come in several styles, including receiver-in-the-ear canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) options. These aids have a similar look, with a small battery pack worn behind the ear and a wire attached to the small receiver inside the ear canal. However, there are differences in the receiver location and how it works.

Miracle-Ear also carries more discreet and often custom-fit styles, such as completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids, which fit into the ear canal and do not have external packs behind the ear. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids also fit inside the ear but have larger casings and do not go as deep into the ear canal. Miracle-Ear also offers tiny, self-contained invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids designed to go unnoticed when worn.

miracle-ear technology

Screenshot: Miracle-Ear Technology

Miracle-Ear Products

Miracle-Ear offers six different hearing aid products plus custom-fit devices in several styles.

The GENIUS™ 3.0 RIC is a leading receiver in canal device. It comes in eight colors and offers two case designs with different battery options. Like most Miracle-Ear products, it includes Bluetooth connectivity and can be controlled through the Miracle-Ear smartphone app, along with the technology to adjust for tinnitus, noise reduction and feedback cancellation.
The Rechargeable LI RIC is the rechargeable version of the GENIUS 3.0 RIC and comes with a built-in lithium-ion power cell that provides up to 24 hours of use per charge.

Miracle-Ear GENIUS 3.0 RIC. Source: Miracle-Ear

The Mini RIC stands out for its compact size. It has the same remote control features through the Miracle-Ear app as other products, as well as speech isolation and wind noise reduction.
The ReadyFit CIC, an entirely in-canal device that does not have to be custom fit. It is flexibly designed to fit the majority of users comfortably without the need for custom work. It uses Miracle-Ear’s proprietary SingleMic™ sound collection technology and can connect via Bluetooth to the Miracle-Ear smartphone app.
The Miracle-Ear Mirage™ IIC is an ultra-compact hearing device within the invisible in canal category, providing the most privacy for those who do not want anyone to know they use a hearing aid.
Miracle-Ear distinguishes itself from competitors by offering custom hearing aids. The CIC, ITC and ITE devices are customizable, available in five skin-tone colors and include the same innovative technology and app connectivity as other Miracle-Ear products. Custom devices are fit to your needs and specifications through local Miracle-Ear stores.

The following chart compares Miracle-Ear device types and features.

Hearing Aid Device Features (RIC)
Hearing device type	RIC
Features	Direct canal placement for quality sound Most natural sound experience Small, lightweight, discreet
Great For	Sound quality
Miracle-Ear Products	GENIUS 3.0 RIC Rechargeable LI RIC Mini RIC

Hearing Aid Device Features (BTE)
Hearing device type	BTE
Features	Maximum amplification Easy to adjust and clean Best option for severe hearing loss
Great For	Severe hearing loss
Miracle-Ear Products	GENIUS 3.0 BTE

Hearing Aid Device Features (CIC, ITE, IIC, ITE)
Hearing device type	Custom Fit: CIC ITE, IIC, ITE
Features	Secure fit when active Easy to put on and take off Small and nearly invisible
Great For	Active lifestyle
Miracle-Ear Products	ReadyFit CIC Mirage IIC Custom designs

Miracle-Ear Warranties and Service

Miracle-Ear offers a limited three-year warranty on the majority of its hearing aids. For more on exclusions, customers are directed to speak with a Miracle-Ear representative. Miracle-Ear also provides lifetime service for its devices, including free programming, free quarterly check-ups and cleanings, free annual hearing tests to determine if your hearing aid needs to be adjusted, and free cleaning and adjustments when needed.

Screenshot – Miracle-Ear Online Hearing Test. Source: Miracle-Ear

Miracle-Ear Complaints

A great reputation for customer service helped Miracle-Ear earn a spot on our list of the Best Hearing Aid Companies for 2018. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, Miracle-Ear has an A+ rating with the agency. The company also gets four and a half stars out of five on ConsumerAffairs, with more than 200 reviews on the site. Most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and the few negative reviews tend to involve personal conflicts with local representatives. As a franchise operation with 1,300 locations throughout the US, Miracle-Ear strives to offer the same level of service wherever you live.

Miracle-Ear Q&A

How do I know if I need a Miracle-Ear hearing aid?
As part of your first visit to Miracle-Ear, a hearing test is done to help determine what you might need. Come prepared with your health history and expect an inspection of your ear canal, along with evaluations of your hearing and ability to understand speech in a variety of environments. If you do need a device, Miracle-Ear will test an assortment of hearing aid types to see what works for you. The company even has a free online hearing test and a free downloadable hearing loss guide to help you get started.
Does Miracle-Ear accept Medicare?
No, Medicare does not cover any hearing aids and only covers hearing tests for specific diagnostic purposes. However, while it’s uncommon to find hearing aid coverage in Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, some plans do offer limited hearing aid benefits. It is worth checking with your plan’s hearing aid policy and how to submit a claim yourself.
Are Miracle-Ear salespeople doctors?
No, Miracle-Ear store staff are not doctors but are trained and certified by Miracle-Ear, with annual recertification. The company’s hearing care professionals must also maintain any required state licensing.
Can I get Miracle-Ear hearing aids through my doctor?
No, Miracle-Ear sells directly to the consumer. They have a network of stores across the country staffed by hearing professionals for those who need customization service or prefer to shop in person. The centers also offer hearing tests.
Are there any discounts available?
Miracle-Ear works through the Miracle-Ear Foundation to provide hearing aids to those in need without any other way of paying for a hearing aid. To find more information and learn about eligibility, you can visit the Miracle-Ear Foundation website.
I am not on Medicare. Will my insurance cover the cost of hearing aids?
The majority of health insurance plans do not cover hearing aids, or coverage is limited depending on the reason for needing hearing aids or coverage amount. A few plans cover hearing aids in limited amounts, such as up to $1,000 towards the devices on some plans. In the case of children who need hearing aids, 20 states mandate that health insurance plans cover hearing aids for children in some way.
What Does Miracle-Ear’s Lifetime Service Include?
To ensure your device continues to work as it should, Miracle-Ear prefers to see its customers five times a year on average. These visits include free quarterly check-ups to get your device cleaned, repaired and adjusted, and a free annual hearing test to monitor ongoing changes in hearing.

Concluding Thoughts on Miracle-Ear

With its long history, expansive store network and hearing aid technology, Miracle-Ear is a top contender in terms of quality and support. While it isn’t our #1 pick for hearing aid companies, it is a good choice. Our favorite part about the company is its commitment to serving the hearing impaired community through the Miracle-Ear Foundation, which provides hearing aids at a low cost or no cost. Overall, Miracle-Ear’s lifetime services, including free hearing tests and regular cleaning and adjustments, are good value and may reduce costs compared to companies that sell additional warranties or service plans for an extra cost.

132 Miracle-Ear Reviews

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December 15 2022 8:21PM

So far so good great service from Santa Rosa California store. Looking forward to a long sevice relationship with Miracle Ear and have referred many friends to them. God bless Miracle Ear. Give them a while to have your brain adjust to your new hearing.

Now I can hear conversations and listen to my grandchildren laugh and talk. My advice is to give them a chance and be patient with your new hearing aids. You most likely have had hearing loss for a long time so give your brain some time to catch up.

Raymond B.

Santa Rosa, CA

October 11 2022 6:41PM

I brought my aid from Miracle-Ear 7 years ago for 2,600 dollars. They did not perform as the rep said they would. They did not drown out background noise. In a crowded room I couldn't hear somebody next to me. TV was a nightmare because of all the background noise on the movie.

I couldn't understand children or most women. I could not communicate in church because background noise of others talking would drown out the people talking to me. The aids only helped with a few people in a small room. I complained several times but nothing was done.

The staff was friendly on all my visits for the first three years. Then they wanted to sell me a new pair for six thousand that would take care of all the problems I was having.

My rep retired or was promoted and I was assigned a new rep. She changed my plugs to a pair that was too tight and gave me an earache. The plugs was hard to pull out of ear and caused the wire to disconnect and one of the aids stopped working.

The rep wanted to charge me 99 dollars to fix the wire they broke. I refused and they got real nasty. On the fourth year I begin having more problems with the aids squealing.

The one aid in right ear stopped working, but they were so rude I did not go back in and will not go back in and my plugs need changing. I will just buy me a pair from Walmart when I get the money.

Jerry C.

Radcliff, KY

July 20 2022 2:18PM

I have a set of CIC that are great when they are working, but that's the problem, I have had to send them in a dozen times for repair. These things cost 5k and they are unreliable. The last time I sent them in, I was told the warranty was up and they charged me 750.00.

I hadn't had them a week and I started having problems, clicking sounds, one would tone up but not pick up sound, low battery tone as soon as I changed the battery, shut off for no reason. Like I said I love the CIC but the quality does not match the price, for 5K there should be a lifetime warranty!

Terry S.

Vian, OK

April 03 2022 1:31AM

I have had my hearing aid for several years. I only have one. They have been very good to me. I have upgraded to a rechargeable one because my hands shake. They keep me on a schedule for checkups & are so friendly.

There has been an employee change but the new ones are very friendly also. I had another aid before this one. I like this one much better.

Sondra G.

Paducah, KY

March 31 2022 11:18PM

I have both Miracle Ear (ME) and Jabra hearing aids (bought at Costco). Both work quite well. However, the Jabra phone app is much better than the ME phone app, which automatically changes the volume I have set every time I start up the hearing aids.

Sometimes, it even reduces the right hearing aid volume to 0! (They say they have received lots of complaints about this volume reset.) Also, the Jabra app works with the Apple Watch to control the volume and program but unfortunately not to stream voice or audio.

The ME app does not work at all with the watch. The customer service at ME started out great, but due to personnel changes, has become much worse. The Costco customer service is excellent (at least so far).

I was told at purchase that if I lose my Miracle Ear aids, I would have to pay almost full price for replacements. Costco gives one FREE replacement for each hearing aid. The Miracle Ears cost me $7200. The Jabras cost $1800. Enough said.

Steven S.

Irvine, CA

February 28 2022 12:34PM

After paying near 9 thousand for them 6 months ago, I have been trying to get them serviced since the first of the year. They called again and rescheduled my appointment for the end of next month. I bet if you call to buy new hearing aids, you would get right in.

Mark M.

Murphysboro, IL

February 18 2022 12:55AM

I was sent a certificate the hearing aids would cost $990.00. When we got there we were told I didn't qualify for the deal and it would be $3,000.00. They ordered them and in the meantime we found a much better company.

I never even touched the aids from Miracle-Ear and they sent them back and charged me $500.00 + shipping. They are a scam artist.

Kris H.

Mount Pleasant, WI

January 31 2022 6:25PM

I lost an ear to cancer and had about 70% hearing in the remaining ear, so I was shopping for a hearing aid. I first tried the hearing amplifier offered on a big online store. They helped some, but were terrible for watching TV or where several conversations were going on.

I checked around with several hearing aid stores and found them very reluctant to sell me just one hearing aid and less likely to sell a pair of two left ears. I contacted Miracle-Ear and selling me one hearing aid was fine and they would only charge for one.

My insurance does not cover hearing aids so it was all out of pocket, however, the job I retired from had a deal with them so I was able to receive a discount. The service was great and I purchased a behind the ear unit along with a streaming unit for the television.

I have been very pleased with the follow up service and the equipment, The TV streaming is a must as it makes the conversations, regardless of the accent, totally clear and understandable.

It is also nice that you can leave the room and still listen to the program, except it can irritate your wife if she tries to talk to you. I also like the fact that when I use my cell phone the Bluetooth automatically connects to my hearing aid..

I purchased the behind the ear hearing aid because I was more interested in power and sound range vs looks, beside few even notice it as it is not obvious. I also got an aid where you use batteries, I did not like the idea of having to depend on a charge.

I have a phone and a watch that require charging and know how that goes sometimes, beside the batteries are easily changed. Probably the hardest part is taking the seal off the battery before you install it.

I have had my hearing aid approximately 6 months now and have been very pleased with the aid and the service. My local office has been great. They work hard at keeping the customer happy, I would recommend them to anyone.

James R.

Bakersfield, CA

December 26 2021 9:24AM

I received a Set of Miracle Ear Energy R Hearing Aids from a Relative who passed away not even a year after they were purchased. I too am Deaf but in One Ear with Tinnitus, these are Rechargeable and very similar to my Signia Pure 7X Rechargeable.

I'm wondering if Miracle Ear will Program them even though I'm not the Original Buyer but a Relative, there's plenty of Stores nearby. I can't quite get the desired Input on the Microphone using Connexx 2MR Receivers, they are excellent, smaller than my Signia 7X and I think Augmented.

I haven't opened the Shell to seek more info but know there Signia's and cost $4-$5K which I'm grateful I got from my Late Relative, I'm afraid to go to ME as they might Lock them but would like to do business with them and would understand if they charged me. My Rexton Emerald S 60 RIC are still my all time favorites.

Ken W.

Delray Beach, FL

October 05 2021 5:01AM

We have had nothing but problems with my husband's since we got them. One would quit working then the other would quit. Exchanged them several times. Paid close to $7000. Aren't worth the money.

Right now they are sent in to company to be repaired. Has rechargeable ones that can't keep a charge. Very disappointed. D. **.

D F.

Chapman, NE

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