Sam's Club started in Midwest City, Oklahoma, when Walmart's founder saw an opportunity to give low price access to other store owners. Sam Walton had started his career with a small retail shop and knew it was tough to get bulk pricing.
Over the years, Sam's Club attracted families and deal-seekers looking for discount pricing on bulk items from laundry detergent to fresh food.
Around ten years ago Sam’s Club added hearing centers (in partnership Lucid Hearing) to their growing number of locations, and today nearly 500 Sam’s Club locations offer hearing tests and prescription hearing aids to members at impressively low prices.
Several readers have asked about Sam's Club hearing aids, and, at long last, I'm diving in. In this article, we'll look at available hearing brands, technology, care, process and perks.
Fast facts about Sam's Club Hearing Aids
Let's start with a few quick facts about Sam's Club hearing aids and hearing centers.
- Sam’s Club hearing aids are only available to members, but you can take a free hearing test before signing up for a membership.
- Sam’s Club sells only one brand of hearing aids made and dispensed by Lucid Hearing.
- Lucid Hearing staffs Sam's Club hearing centers with hearing professionals who take your hearing test and customize your hearing aid to your prescription.
- Hearing aids at Sam's Club cost between $1,200 - $4,400 for a pair (depending on style and technology level). The national average for a pair of prescription hearing aids is $4,500.
- If you prefer to purchase over-the-counter (usually around 1/2 the price) you can order Lucid hearing aids directly here. As a perk, Lucid lets you “upgrade” your same devices at a local Sam’s Club if you decide you need hands-on help.
If you’re thinking of purchasing over-the-counter hearing aids (FYI: These devices are usually already half the price!), you can order Lucid hearing aids directly here. Even better: Lucid lets you “upgrade” your same devices at a local Sam’s Club if you decide you need hands-on help.
Here's how the Sam's Club Process Works
Membership
As we mentioned before, you’ll need to be an active member of Sam’s Club in order to purchase a pair of hearing aids. A membership to this shopping club begins at $45 per year.
Scheduling an appointment and finding a location
Remember: Hearing tests are free (and you don’t need a membership to get a test). So schedule an appointment at a local hearing center near you, or walk-in for a test (subject to wait times).
Taking the Sam's Club a Hearing Test
So, what exactly can you expect when you arrive at Sam’s Club for a hearing test? Head straight over to the hearing center and a member from the Lucid Hearing team will do a brief intake.
Next, a licensed hearing professional will perform the exam using a computer-controlled audiometer. During this test, the professional will examine the external ear, ear canal, and ear drum.
At the end of the test, you’ll be able to review the audiogram (aka, a chart that maps hearing loss) and discuss the results with the health professional. If you receive a diagnosis of treatable hearing loss, then you will also discuss hearing aid options.
Sam’s Club Hearing Aids
At Sam's Club, you don't have to worry about decision fatigue when it comes to hearing aids because they make it easy with just one brand called Liberty. These devices are made and designed by Lucid Hearing, the same company behind Sam's Club's hearing centers (as we mentioned earlier). And if you do decide to purchase hearing aids at Sam's Club, you will have a few options to choose from.
Choice #1: Form Factor
With Lucid, you’ll have two choices of hearing aid styles: in-the-ear and behind-the-ear.
(Note: Behind-the-ear style hearing aids can be purchased over the counter right here. If you end up needing more hands-on support you can then “upgrade” to get care at a local Sam’s Club.)
To that end, behind-the-ear hearing aids typically offer more functionality, such as Bluetooth technology and conveniences like rechargeable batteries. As a popular choice, many customers end up selecting this style of hearing aid.
If you opt for a custom molded hearing aid, this device sits inside the ear and is available in different sizes. Going for an in-the-ear model? Your hearing professional will take a mold of your ear canal and send it off to the manufacturing facility. There, your device will be customized to fit your unique shape perfectly.
For those who value comfort and subtlety, in-the-ear styles are a popular choice that won't interfere with glasses or masks. However, it's worth noting that they don't offer Bluetooth streaming or app controls, and you'll have to replace the battery instead of recharging it.
Choice #2: Choose Your Technology Level
From here, select a form factor for your hearing aid and then it’ll be time to choose the technology level that best fits your lifestyle.
The number of channels in a hearing aid is the main factor that distinguishes technology levels (and price), as more channels mean greater programming precision.
- Liberty Behind-The-Ear Style With 32 Channels: $1,250 / pair (more details)
- Liberty Behind-The-Ear Style With 64 Channels: $2,350 / pair (more details)
- Liberty Behind-The-Ear Style With 96 Channels: $3,250 / pair (more details)
- Liberty Completely In The Ear Style With 64 Channels: $4,399 / pair (no online details)
- Liberty Slightly Larger In-The-Ear Style With 64 Channels: $4,399 / pair (no online details)
- Liberty Behind-The-Ear Style With 128 Channels: $3,850 (more details)
Other Liberty Hearing Aid Technology
- Dynamic directional microphone
- Equipped with dynamic feedback canceller
- In-situ loudness balance
- Learning volume control
- Acclimation manager
- Data logging
- Ultra low digital delay
- Liquid-repelling nano coating
- Voice prompts and low battery warning
An Optional Battery Upgrade for Behind-the-Ear Styles
No matter which style you choose, all hearing aids come equipped with disposable size 312 batteries. Alternatively, you can opt for rechargeable batteries for an additional $79.99 per ear.
Bluetooth Streaming and App Controls
The Lucid Hearing app is included with all behind-the-ear style hearing aids, which enables you to make real-time adjustments to the volume, program settings, and tuning using LucidShape.
Also, all behind-the-ear styles have Bluetooth streaming for iPhone and Android phones.
At present, Sam's Club's custom molded products do not feature rechargeable batteries, app controls, or Bluetooth streaming.
Follow-Up Care at Sam’s Club Hearing Center
When you buy hearing aids through Sam's Club also entitles you to lifetime cleanings, complimentary follow-up hearing tests, and free repairs. Plus, the hearing center includes a one year warranty on all products. Hearing aid users can also purchase extended warranties for loss or damages, too.
As for further policy discounts, keep in mind that Sam’s Club doesn’t accept insurance submission or VA benefits on customers’ behalf at this time.
But, what if you’re not satisfied with your hearing aid purchase? Sam’s Club has you covered, customers can enjoy a 90-day "no questions asked" return policy.
Pros:
- Offers a great quality product
- Follow-up care is easy, plus Sam’s Club can clean your hearing aids while you shop
- Hearing tests at Sam’s Club are free and convenient
Cons:
- Only one brand of hearing aids available
- Liberty Hearing aids have a solid caliber, but they are missing the latest technology
- You need a Sam’s Club membership to purchase the hearing aids
- The experience level of Lucid staff may vary depending on the location as they employ a mix of audiologists and licensed hearing dispensers
Final Thoughts
If you are a Sam's Club member, it's worth considering Sam's Club and their Liberty hearing aids or taking advantage of their free hearing test.
Working through Sam's Club offers meaningful savings compared to traditional prescription offerings at a local audiologist. If you want to save even more you might consider buying over-the-counter directly through Lucid Hearing and upgrading only if you have trouble fine tuning the devices at home.
Sam’s Club offers compelling follow-up care (especially if you already go to the store).
The Sam’s Club hearing offering is a lot like what Sam Walton started all those years ago. No frills, competitive prices and common sense service.