I got my first pair of hearing aids in 2020. During the research process, I stumbled on a retail chain called Miracle-Ear.
A quick search on their site showed more than a dozen locations within driving distance. Miracle-Ear is the largest U.S. hearing clinic franchise with over 1,500 hearing clinics in the U.S.
Think of them like the Panera of the hearing health world (no bread bowls included).
In this guide I’ll dig into Miracle-Ear and what makes them different from other options on the market.
If you are reading this article, you've probably heard of Miracle-Ear and have questions like "are they legitimate," "how much do Miracle-Ear hearing aids cost" and "what products do they offer"?
We'll get to all of that below!
Miracle-Ear History and Ownership
Miracle-Ear was founded in 1948 by Ken Dahlberg, a World War II veteran who had experienced hearing loss during his military service. Dahlberg was determined to find a way to help people with hearing loss, and he began experimenting with various hearing aid designs in his garage.
His first invention was the "pillow radio" for hospital patients' private listening. Soon he began designing hearing aids with cutting-edge transistors that made hearing aids much smaller.
Dahlberg and his team led the industry for more than 20 years with critical innovations like the first in-the-ear hearing aid, solar-powered hearing aids, and the first programmable hearing aid.
In 1984 the company began franchising locations and grew its retail footprint throughout the U.S.
In 1999 Italian hearing giant, Amplifon purchased Miracle-Ear. Amplifon owns hearing care practices in 29 countries and employs 16,000 people globally.
Miracle-Ear Today
Today Miracle-Ear has 1,500 locations in the U.S., with a few in Canada. Each office operates as a franchise and sells similar products within a similar care model.
A hearing instrument specialist or audiologist who wants to open their own practice can apply to gain a franchise location through Miracle-Ear.
Miracle-Ear promises annual trainings to ensure similar quality throughout the system.
Some Miracle-Ear locations staff Audiologists, while others staff hearing instruments specialists.
Miracle-Ear allows audiologists and hearing instrument specialists to see patients in their locations. Hearing instrument specialists have less training in hearing health than a Doctor of Audiology (1-2 years Vs. 8 years).
HIS and audiologists can both fit hearing aids, but more complex hearing loss, balance, and health situations are often best served by a doctor.
Fitting and Care Process
The Miracle-Ear fitting and care process is pretty standard for the industry. Here's how it works:
- Find a local clinic using Miracle-Ear's location finder
- Schedule an appointment for a free hearing test
- During the test, a professional will look inside your ear canal, test your hearing threshold in a sound booth and test your ability to understand words in background noise.
- After completing your test, the professional will walk you through your options. You can expect to learn more about the products listed above if you have hearing loss.
- If you choose to proceed, you will either get fitted the same day (depending on location and product) or come back a week or two later for a fitting appointment.
- Before you leave the office, you'll schedule a follow-up appointment to check back in and fine-tune your hearing aids as needed.
- Once you have your hearing aids in hand, you'll have 30 days to return them.
- Your hearing aids come with a 3-year manufacturer warranty, and Miracle-Ear offers lifetime cleanings and program adjustments.
Customer Reviews
Miracle Review gets mostly positive reviews on 3rd party sites like ConsumerAffairs.
I read through many of the 55 reviews available at consumer affairs and noted the following patterns:
Pros from reviews:
- Lots of thanks and appreciation for specific Miracle Ear employees
- Reviewers love the free test
- Reviewers like the quality of products offered at Miracle Ear
Cons from reviews:
- Some customers complain about unclear promo pricing
- Some customers are frustrated to learn that Miracle Ear devices are locked
- Some customers complain about staff turnover or
- Some customers complain that the hearing aids themselves (Signia and Widex) do not work for their needs
Final Thoughts
Miracle-Ear has a giant footprint in the hearing health space with locations in most city's around the U.S. They offer quality products and reputable care. Do I recommend them? That depends.
I think Miracle-Ear is a good option if you aren't budget-constrained in a location very close to your home. If you want a wider range of products, need hearing aids on a budget, or have complex hearing needs that are best for a doctor of audiology, I suggest considering other options.
Some alternatives to consider:
Jabra Enhance Select (quality and affordable Telehealth)
Bose OTC (affordable and self programmed)
Costco (lower price retail)
I hope you've found this guide helpful! If you have experience with Miracle-Ear or questions, send me a note at hello@soundly.com.
