Utah: Getting a hearing test & buying hearing aids

Utah is one of America's most geographically stunning states. But is Utah’s hearing healthcare equally as stunning? Let’s find out!

How many test centers are in Utah?

Utah is home to 120 audiologists. This isn’t a ton when looking at its size – an area of nearly 85,000 square miles. But when looking at the modest population of 3.2 million, this is a fairly reasonable amount.

Cities with the best hearing healthcare

We've taken a look at the largest cities in Utah to understand their coverage, comparing the population size with the number of hearing aid centers and audiologists based there.

Salt Lake City and South Jordan both have a good ratio of hearing centers when compared to their population. Smaller cities and towns don’t have quite as many, but there are still enough to service those who need it.

Despite the low total number of audiologists and hearing centers, the ratio compared to the population size is higher than many states. Compared to Texas, for example, the ratios are significantly higher.

What government support do I have?

Put simply, and rather unfortunately, there are no government programs in Utah that will help you if you’re in need of a hearing aid. Hopefully this changes in the near future.

Is there a hearing aid trial period?

In Utah, any licenced provider of hearing aids must allow a 30 day trial period with the right to cancel the purchase if the hearing aids don’t function adequately. The hearing aid must be returned in the same condition as purchased, ordinary wear and tear is expected and excluded from this.

Fees for returning hearing aids

If you decide to return your hearing aid during the trial period and cancel the purchase then the seller is entitled to charge a cancellation fee. This fee is up to and not to exceed 15% of all fees charged to the consumer. This cancellation fee will be in the written receipt or contract provided to you as the consumer.

What child support is available?

All children are covered from birth up to 21 years old through national Medicaid coverage. This is specifically under the child health component, The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Program. This covers audiological assessment, hearing aid evaluation and hearing aids when medically required.

Child hearing support options

• Children’s Hearing Aid Program (CHAP): Utah Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) is a part of the Utah Department of Health, Division of Family Health and Preparedness.
• Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD): The Center for Persons with Disabilities is Utah’s federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

What doctoral programs are available in Utah?

If you’re looking to study audiology in Utah, you have two doctoral programs on offer. These are:

• The University of Utah
• Utah State University

Support for military veterans

Hearing healthcare support for veterans is nationwide, with 170 centers across the country. There’s only one in Utah, but outside of the state, you’ll be able to find coverage.

Our guide on VA hearing aids goes into more detail about the support you have available.

How can I get my hearing tested?

A hearing test is the first step towards better hearing health, and you can get tested for free in your local area by filling in this form. You'll see a qualified hearing consultant who will run a series of tests to determine if you have any hearing loss, and if you do, show you the best options moving forward.

Read our guide on what to expect from a hearing test to find out more details, know what to bring with you and how long a hearing test might take.

Overall

Sadly, there’s not a lot of audiological help provided by Utah. They have an adequate amount of practicing audiologists, but their government support is a lot less than ideal. Hopefully they’ll improve on this in the coming years!