Future Hearing

Future Hearing: direct-to-consumer hearing aids with support in Canada

Future Hearing is a company that sells digital hearing aids with a discreet design, aimed at people looking for an alternative to devices purchased at hearing clinics. The company presents its offering as a way to access the same amplification technology without office visits or the extra costs associated with traditional sales. Its catalog ships from a warehouse in Canada and has support based in that country.

The direct sales model and cost reduction

The company explains that its pricing structure is based on eliminating middlemen. Compared with an estimated cost of $7,000 at clinics — which according to its breakdown includes technology, clinic rent, sales commissions, marketing expenses, multiple appointments and audiologist fees — Future Hearing claims to offer the same technology without the need for clinic visits. The company states that its devices ship from a Canadian warehouse and that support is also provided from Canada.

Products and accessories available

The main product is the Comfort hearing aids, described as small and discreet devices. The catalog also includes an essential care plan with two years of protection and priority support, as well as a six-month replacement kit with spare accessories. The purchase of the device includes a case, support, a 45-day trial and a one-year warranty, according to the store's information.

Price and current promotion on the site

The site showed an offer for National Hearing Week: the regular price of CAD $700 was reduced to CAD $349.99. The promotion indicated a 50% discount and included free shipping and a 45-day at-home trial. The company noted that this offer represented savings of more than $6,650 compared with the costs of hearing clinics.

Technical and usage features

The Comfort hearing aids have a button that allows you to switch between six volume levels and four listening programs. One of those programs is aimed at noise cancellation, designed for environments such as restaurants or churches. The charging and storage case shows the charging status of both the case and the hearing aids, automatically turns the devices off when you put them away and turns them on within a few seconds when you take them out. The company does not mention Bluetooth connectivity in the information reviewed.

User experience and ratings

The store has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 1,067 reviews. Comments highlight improved hearing, lower TV volume, comfort when the correct ear tip size is chosen and the usefulness of the charging case. Several reviews mention the need for an adjustment period to place them correctly and to adjust the programs. Some users report difficulties with the size of the ear canal, whistling or feedback when inserting them, and the usefulness of consulting the instructions to solve those problems. One review mentions that the product did not include enough information about its use, and another asks for return instructions.