Wisconsin clinic launches AI hearing aids priced at $4K-$7K

Beltone Clinic in Wisconsin Rapids has begun offering AI-powered hearing aids that use advanced chip technology to distinguish speech from background noise with unprecedented clarity. The devices cost $4,000-$7,000, similar to traditional hearing aids, and represent a growing trend in clinics nationwide as artificial intelligence transforms assistive hearing technology.

How it works: The AI-powered hearing aids contain a specialized chip that processes millions of sound samples to create a more natural hearing experience.

• “It’s taking millions of different sound samples, in real-life environments, to distinguish speech from other unwanted noises,” explains Bryan Kroeger, a hearing specialist at Beltone Clinic.
• Users maintain manual control over their devices, with the AI designed to assist rather than take over functionality.
• The devices offer 30-hour battery life and are rechargeable.

Personalized approach: The technology adapts to individual hearing needs and lifestyle preferences rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.

• “Some people are more active than others, you know, we take all of that into account,” Kroeger said.
• Users can choose how much of the AI technology they want to utilize based on their personal preferences.
• Hearing specialists customize the devices according to each patient’s specific requirements and activity levels.

Additional features: Beyond improved speech clarity, the AI hearing aids enable direct audio streaming from public venues.

• Users can stream audio directly from libraries, churches, and other public spaces equipped with compatible technology.
• Kroeger anticipates even more applications for AI in hearing aids will emerge in the near future.

Cost and coverage: The pricing remains competitive with traditional hearing aids, potentially making the advanced technology accessible to existing hearing aid users.

• Insurance may cover the $4,000-$7,000 cost range, similar to coverage for conventional hearing aids.
• The comparable pricing removes a significant barrier to adopting the enhanced AI technology.

What they’re saying: Hearing specialists emphasize that AI serves as an assistive tool rather than a replacement for user control.

• “AI is designed to assist, and not take over the hearing aids,” Kroeger said. “I mean, the user can still manually make adjustments on their own.”