In June 2019, UnitedHealthcare announced the launch of UnitedHealthcare Hearing, which it said would offer “all consumers, including people enrolled in the company’s individual, employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans, greater access to affordable, quality hearing health”.
UnitedHealthcare Hearing brings together EPIC Hearing Healthcare, which the company acquired from Sonova in 2018, and hi HealthInnovations, a home-delivery hearing healthcare subsidiary of UHC originally launched in 2012. The network supports retail customers as well as Medicare Advantage, Part D, Group Retiree, Employer, and Individual members.
Since its initial launch, UHC Hearing has continued to grow over the years—so much so that some industry observers have suggested it now distributes enough hearing aids to rival Costco, which has long been one of the largest hearing aid providers in the U.S.
UHC Hearing Aid Program Overview
UnitedHealthcare Hearing is supported by a large national network of hearing care professionals and distribution relationships with major hearing technology manufacturers (often referred to as “name-brand” devices, such as Oticon, ReSound, Starkey, Widex, and others). Through these relationships, some of today’s best hearing aids may be available through the program.
Specific product availability, pricing, and services vary based on the member’s health plan.
UHC Relate Brand Hearing Aids
With the launch of the UnitedHealthcare Hearing program came a private-label brand of hearing aids. UnitedHealthcare’s private-label devices are branded as Relate and are manufactured by Sonova, using technology associated with the Unitron platform.
The Relate brand offering was updated on January 1, 2024 and now includes three technology levels instead of two.
UnitedHealthcare’s Relate4.0 hearing aids introduce updates in sound processing, personalization, and connectivity across three tiers: Platinum, Gold, and Silver. Platinum is positioned for more challenging listening environments, Gold balances performance and connectivity, and Silver focuses on essential everyday features at a lower price point.
The Relate 3.1 family of custom in-the-ear hearing aids is available in Gold level only, offering tailored fit, directional microphones, and wireless connectivity.
Available wireless accessories for compatible Relate hearing aid models include:
Relate Hearing Aid Site Launched
In April 2024, UnitedHealthcare launched a dedicated website for its Relate brand hearing aid family, aimed at improving consumer education and awareness for UnitedHealthcare Hearing, EPIC, and AARP® Hearing Solutions™ members.
“We’ve launched a new consumer-facing website for our Relate® line of products… focused on driving brand awareness and education.”
— April 18, 2024, communication to UHC providers
Care Options: In-Person Care or OTC (Virtual Home Care Discontinued)
UnitedHealthcare previously offered three care pathways: in-person care, over-the-counter (OTC) devices, and virtual home care. As of January 2024, the virtual care pathway is no longer available.
In-person care continues to include hearing evaluations, professional fitting, and follow-up support through UnitedHealthcare Hearing’s provider network. Services and visit allowances vary by plan.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids
Following the FDA’s final OTC hearing aid rule, OTC hearing aids became available in late 2022.
Some UnitedHealthcare-associated programs, including AARP Hearing Solutions, provide access to OTC hearing aids for purchase. Availability, discounts, trial periods, and warranties vary by plan and are not guaranteed for all members.
UHC may offer assistive listening devices and select OTC hearing aids depending on the program
UHC AARP Hearing Program
UnitedHealthcare partners with AARP to offer AARP Hearing Solutions, a program available to AARP members regardless of whether they carry UnitedHealthcare insurance.
The program provides access to prescription and OTC hearing aids, as well as hearing care services through UnitedHealthcare Hearing’s network. Pricing, services, and included benefits vary by product type and delivery channel.
AARP Hearing Solutions may include:
- Discounted pricing on prescription hearing aids from major manufacturers
- Access to select OTC hearing aids at preferred pricing
- Hearing evaluations and consultations through participating providers
- Follow-up care for prescription hearing aids (visit allowances vary)
- Trial periods and manufacturer warranties that differ by product and plan
- Optional virtual support or direct-to-consumer pathways for certain OTC offerings (availability varies)
Because benefits and pricing are not uniform across all AARP members, consumers are encouraged to confirm details directly with AARP Hearing Solutions or UnitedHealthcare Hearing before purchasing.
Trial Period, Returns & Exchanges
Trial periods vary by product type and care pathway. UnitedHealthcare Hearing commonly describes a 60-day trial period for prescription hearing aids fitted through in-network providers, beginning on the fitting date. Trial periods for OTC or home-delivered devices may differ.
Returns or exchanges are typically accepted only during the applicable trial period. Custom earmolds are generally non-returnable.
Oticon’s Return to UnitedHealthcare Hearing Programs
In early 2024, Oticon announced a change in its managed-care strategy, stating that its newest innovations would be reserved for non-managed-care channels.
UnitedHealthcare Hearing disagreed with this approach, and Oticon products were subsequently removed from many UHC Hearing formularies at that time.
Update (May 2025): In May 2025, Oticon and UnitedHealthcare Hearing announced a new agreement restoring access to the full Oticon portfolio for UnitedHealthcare Hearing members, including Oticon Intent™. Similarly, Oticon announced an expansion of it’s portfolio with TruHearing.
The agreement became effective May 1, 2025. Availability of specific models may still vary by plan.
PLEASE NOTE: HHTM is not affiliated with UnitedHealthcare. For official program details, visit the UnitedHealthcare Hearing website.
Source: UHC
