When we think about the hazards of modern life, we rarely consider how vital our hearing is in navigating them. It’s not just about missing the sound of rain against your window or birds chirping in the morning — hearing loss can have serious consequences on our health and safety. From increased accident risk to social isolation, untreated hearing loss can severely impact your day to day.
The link between treating hearing loss and improving overall health is undeniable. Experts like Dr. Frank Lin, professor of otolaryngology and director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, have found strong correlations between hearing loss and cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, a recent study co-authored by Dr. Lin found that those with moderate to severe hearing loss were at a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal hearing.
To help better understand Zepp Clarity and its products, our team spoke with hearing healthcare professionals (including a clinical audiologist) and researched the benefits and technology behind the brand. We also considered the potential downsides to using over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices.
Zepp Clarity was established in 2013 as a smart technology company with a mission to improve the daily lives of people across the globe. The company offers over-the-counter hearing aids that are relatively discrete, comfortable, and user-friendly. While its product lineup isn’t limited to hearing aids — the company also makes watches, headphones, and other smart devices — Zepp Clarity’s primary focus remains creating cutting-edge health technology.
Zepp Clarity hearing aids don’t require a traditional prescription as many other hearing aids do, so they are accessible and convenient for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. This aligns with the brand’s goal of impacting the projected 2.5 billion people worldwide expected to experience some form of hearing loss by 2050, as explained on the company’s website.
All hearing aid models come with a limited warranty, free shipping, and a risk-free 45-day trial. The company also provides a dedicated app for adjusting your hearing aids’ settings, including the treble and bass, based on your preferences and environment.
Zepp Clarity offers three over-the-counter hearing aid models ranging from $900 to $2,000 per pair. You don’t need a prescription to purchase these devices, as they are designed to be self-fitting. Each offers different features and capabilities. While these devices may be more affordable and accessible, people living with hearing loss of any severity should consult a hearing professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. OTC hearing aids are meant to enhance your life, not replace professional medical advice or treatment.
Zepp Clarity Pixie
Most insurance companies, including Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance, do not cover over-the-counter hearing aids like Zepp Clarity. However, you may be able to pay with a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Check with your insurance provider and financial accounts to see if you can use this option for payment or reimbursement.
Even if your insurance plan doesn’t pay for hearing aids, it may cover the cost of a diagnostic hearing exam with an audiologist. For example, Medicare Part B covers these exams every 12 months for those with “non-acute hearing conditions” or “hearing loss that’s treated with surgically implanted hearing devices.” If you have a qualifying medical condition that affects your hearing, Medicare Part B may also cover hearing aids.
Generally speaking, OTC hearing aids are more affordable than prescription hearing aids. They are designed to be self-fitting, customizable to those with mild and moderate hearing loss, and offer various features at a lower price point — between $900 and $2,000 per pair in the case of Zepp Clarity. Prescription hearing aids, on the other hand, can cost upwards of $5,000 or more per pair and require a professional fitting and ongoing adjustments.
OTC hearing aids like Zepp Clarity use the same basic technology as some prescription hearing aids. They amplify sounds using a microphone, amplifier, and speaker but do not require custom molds or programming by a professional audiologist. Instead, these devices connect to an accompanying app that allows you to adjust settings and sound profiles. When not in use, you can store Zepp Clarity hearing aids in the included carrying case to charge.
“Individuals with traditional mild to moderate hearing loss who are tech-savvy and comfortable managing devices on their own could potentially benefit from an over-the-counter hearing aid as long as there’s no other secondary audiological disorder,” says Dr. Ruth Reisman, a licensed audiologist, university professor, and founder of Urban Hearing, an auditory processing disorder clinic in Brooklyn, New York.
“It’s still important to get a complete evaluation and confirm that there is no medical or surgical risk to using an over-the-counter hearing device,” Dr. Reisman adds. “The research shows that the adaptation of hearing aids has only increased by up to 2% with the use of over-the-counter devices, and anecdotal documentation shows that about 50% of those individuals that try over-the-counter devices actually return them.”
Those with moderate to severe or profound hearing loss require more advanced and customized hearing care and devices only obtained through a licensed provider. Additionally, individuals with complex medical histories or requiring regular adjustments and programming may not benefit from over-the-counter hearing aids.
“In reality, it’s hard to know without trying them,” says Dr. Reisman, who notes that many OTC hearing aids offer a trial period. “The FDA guidelines highlight that OTC devices are strictly meant for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and no contraindications to wearing these types of devices.” While most people benefit from a more customized solution, according to Dr. Reisman, OTC options may help close the gap between those who need hearing aids but don’t seek treatment due to cost.
No, Zepp Clarity hearing aids are OTC devices and do not require a prescription. Instead of being custom-fitted and programmed by a professional, these hearing aids have an accompanying app that allows you to self-adjust based on comfort and environment. However, this also means they aren’t as advanced as prescription hearing aids and aren’t suitable for all types of hearing loss.
Yes, the settings on Zepp Clarity hearing aids are somewhat customizable through the accompanying app. Depending on the model, you can toggle through programmed settings or choose a scenario (restaurant) to adjust the sound profile for that environment. Unlike prescription options, you can’t customize the ear mold or fit of these hearing aids to your specific ear shape. Instead, they come with multiple ear dome sizes, so you can pick the ones that fit your ears best.
No, you don’t need an audiologist to set up your Zepp Clarity hearing aids. The hearing aids turn on automatically when removed from the charging case. Follow the user guide to connect the hearing aids to your phone and download the accompanying app. The app will guide you through the setup process and allow you to adjust settings or choose from one of the standard sound profiles. However, it is still recommended to consult an audiologist to confirm the suitability of over-the-counter hearing aids.
