Frequently Asked Questions | Fortell Hearing Aids

Question 1

How do I know if I need hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

Fortell offers full hearing exams with a licensed audiologist to determine if you’re a candidate for Fortell AI Hearing Aids. If you suspect you may have hearing loss, you can request an appointment by calling (917) 410-5407 or find your nearest clinic at fortell.com/locations.

Question 2

What’s different about Fortell?

Accepted Answer

Traditional hearing aids mostly adjust volume and pitch. Fortell separates voices from background noise first, then boosts what you want to hear. To break it down: What do most hearing aids do? They treat everything as one blended sound and try to “filter” it by turning volume and pitch up or down. Why doesn’t that work well in real life? Voices and noise overlap–so speech still gets lost in restaurants, cafés, and group conversations. What does Fortell do instead? Fortell splits sound into two streams in real time: voices and background noise. What does that feel like for you? In noisy places, the background noise is dampened so you can focus on the person in front of you. How does it happen without an awkward delay? Fortell runs that spatial AI model directly on a custom on-device chip so your hearing aid can process sound in real time without “lag,” which matters because even tiny delays can feel unnatural in conversation.

Question 3

What styles of hearing aids does Fortell have?

Accepted Answer

We offer receiver-in-the-ear (RIC) hearing aids, often referred to as behind-the-ear hearing aids. Only a small part sits behind the ear—the speaker sits in the ear canal for better sound quality and comfort. About 80% of hearing aid wearers use this style because it’s comfortable, often more discreet than fully in-ear options, and can support a wider range of features, including our cutting edge AI.

Question 4

Do I need a hearing test before buying Fortell AI Hearing Aids?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fortell AI Hearing Aids are for prescription use by adults only. You’ll need either a hearing exam in the Fortell clinic or an audiogram from the past 6 months.

Question 5

Who’s a good fit for Fortell?

Accepted Answer

Any adult with hearing loss may be a candidate. A comprehensive hearing evaluation with a licensed Fortell audiologist will determine whether Fortell is right for you.

Question 6

Are Fortell AI Hearing Aids right for my level of hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Fortell AI Hearing Aids are designed for adults with mild to severe hearing loss. Everyone’s hearing loss is a little different, so a consultation with one of our audiologists is required to confirm Fortell is right for you.

Question 7

Does Fortell help with tinnitus?

Accepted Answer

While hearing aids aren’t a cure for tinnitus, they can provide significant relief by amplifying environmental sounds to make tinnitus less noticeable. This is especially effective if your tinnitus is linked to hearing loss. Since relief from tinnitus varies, your audiologist can help determine if Fortell AI Hearing Aids are the right fit for your specific hearing profile.

Question 8

Do you offer hearing aids for children?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time. Fortell AI Hearing Aids are designed for adults ages 18 and up.

Question 9

How long do hearing aids last?

Accepted Answer

Hearing aids can last many years depending on how well they’re cared for. Fortell AI Hearing Aids come with 5 years of audiological care and a 3-year repair warranty. Part of working with our audiologists is learning how to care for your hearing aids—mostly keeping them dry and clean—so you can get the most years out of them!

Question 10

Are the batteries rechargeable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Fortell AI Hearing Aids are rechargeable, with a battery life of 18+ hours when fully charged. The charging case holds 60+ hours of additional charge so you can extend the battery life on the go. It takes about 3 hours to achieve a full charge, but we recommend you put the hearing aids in the charger overnight.

Question 11

Are Fortell AI Hearing Aids compatible with my phone?

Accepted Answer

Fortell AI Hearing Aids are compatible with iPhone and iPad for streaming calls and media. The companion app lets you adjust volume, noise-reduction settings, and connect with your care team.

Question 12

Can I adjust the volume and settings without the app?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The left hearing aid has buttons for volume control. The right hearing aid controls the different modes available with your devices. All-day AI: This amplifies people’s voices and reduces all other noises. When All voices is selected, your hearing aids will not remove voices behind you. When Front voices is selected, your hearing aids WILL remove voices behind you. Conventional: This amplifies voices and ambient noises like a conventional hearing aid. Live music: This is designed for more natural-sounding music at a concert or live performance. You can make additional adjustments in the Fortell app such as adjusting the volume of the hearing aids independently, adjusting the equalizer, and browsing new or previous adjustments your audiologist has shared with you.

Question 13

Are Fortell AI Hearing Aids compatible with Bluetooth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Fortell AI Hearing Aids are compatible with Bluetooth on iPhone and iPad. You can connect to your phone and use the hearing aids to stream music, listen to podcasts, and take calls.

Question 14

What’s included when I purchase Fortell AI Hearing Aids?

Accepted Answer

Every purchase includes: A pair of hearing aids (left and right); A portable charging case; A USB-C cable and power adapter; Cleaning tools; Replacement wax guards; Multiple sizes and types of ear domes; 5 years comprehensive audiological care (annual hearing exams, regular adjustments and fine-tuning, unlimited cleanings); 3-year comprehensive warranty; 3 years of loss and damage coverage.

Question 15

What are my color options?

Accepted Answer

Fortell AI hearing aids are available in silver.

Question 16

Do I need to visit a clinic, or is everything done remotely?

Accepted Answer

Fortell always includes gold-standard care from world-class audiologists. While we have Fortell Audiology clinics in a growing number of cities, we know not everyone can get to a clinic, so we built an alternate way to get that same quality care. You have two options: Visit a clinic: Your audiologist tests your hearing with state-of-the-art equipment, then fits your hearing aids to how you hear and how you live. You’ll leave your first appointment hearing better. After that, come in person or check-in virtually. Most patients do both. Virtual care: With Fortell Anywhere, Fortell AI Hearing Aids are programmed from your audiogram and shipped directly to you. Your audiologist unboxes them with you over video, walks you through setup, and fine-tunes them live. Every follow-up is virtual, and you’re always welcome to stop by a clinic when you’re in town. Whichever path you choose, you get the best hearing aids on the market, access to world-class audiologists, and 5 years of care virtually or at any clinic. Fortell Anywhere is available in most U.S. states. It works well if you have a diagnostic audiogram from the last 6 months and an iPhone or iPad that supports the Fortell app. We’ll confirm that you’re eligible and that it’s available where you live during your intro call. Some symptoms, such as sudden hearing loss, ear pain, or dizziness, are better checked in person.

Question 17

Where can I buy Fortell AI Hearing Aids?

Accepted Answer

Fortell AI Hearing Aids are available by prescription at Fortell clinics. Visit fortell.com/locations to find the clinic nearest you.

Question 18

How can I find a Fortell clinic?

Accepted Answer

Visit fortell.com/locations for clinic addresses, hours, and directions. We’re opening new clinics regularly, so check back if there isn’t one near you yet.

Question 19

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (917) 410-5407 from 9 AM to 5 PM ET.

Question 20

Do you accept walk-ins?

Accepted Answer

You can stop by anytime for a demo! However, to get a fitting with an audiologist you’ll need to make an appointment.

Question 21

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

Visit fortell.com/locations for clinic-specific addresses, hours, and directions.

Question 22

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

We look forward to welcoming you to our clinic! If you have worn hearing aids before or have a recent audiogram, please bring those to your appointment. Also, bring your questions! Your audiologist can help you understand your unique hearing loss as well as discuss any concerns.

Question 23

What should I expect at the appointment?

Accepted Answer

You’ll meet with one of our licensed audiologists who’ll do a full hearing evaluation to determine if you have hearing loss. If you’re a candidate for Fortell AI Hearing Aids your audiologist will give you a demonstration and walk you through the purchasing process. Fortell AI Hearing Aids come with a 100-day home trial so you can test them out in all of your favorite places.

Question 24

How long does the appointment take?

Accepted Answer

Plan for about 90 minutes. That gives us time for a complete hearing evaluation, a personalized demo, and a same-day fitting if you decide Fortell is right for you.

Question 25

What’s the hearing test like?

Accepted Answer

Our hearing evaluation adheres to audiological best practices. We test three key areas: Audibility: How well you hear different tones and volumes. Type of hearing loss: Determine whether the issue is conductive or sensorineural. Speech discrimination: How well you understand speech in both quiet and noisy environments. The entire test typically takes just 15–20 minutes and your audiologist will then explain your test results to you.

Question 26

Do I need to get a hearing test at your clinic?

Accepted Answer

Fortell AI Hearing Aids are available by prescription from a licensed audiologist. If you have a recent audiogram, we can use that for programming. If not, we will conduct a thorough hearing evaluation in our clinic.

Question 27

What if I’m not sure? Can I think about it?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We offer a 100-day home trial so you can test your hearing aids in all of your favorite places. We hope you love them and see how much clearer your conversations can be. If for any reason you’re unhappy, you can return them within 100 days of purchase. You’ll receive a refund of the purchase price, less a $300 fitting fee that covers the audiologist’s time. Full details are available at fortell.com/warranty.

Question 28

Are you planning to open more clinics?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We’re planning to open new locations in 2026 and beyond. Join our email list at fortell.com to hear when we’re available near you.

Question 29

What is the warranty on Fortell hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

Fortell AI Hearing Aids come with a 3-year comprehensive warranty. Full details are available at fortell.com/warranty. Your purchase also comes with 5 years of audiological care (annual hearing evaluations, fine-tuning adjustments as needed, and unlimited cleanings). You can visit your audiologist in our clinic, or reach them by phone, email, or chat through the Fortell companion app.

Question 30

How do I clean my hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

You’ll receive a soft cleaning brush as a part of your kit. Give your hearing aids a gentle scrub whenever you notice wax buildup or at least every few days to prevent clogging of the receiver/speaker. If clogging occurs, we also include wax guards that you can easily replace. A video tutorial is available in the Fortell companion app. We also recommend keeping the hearing aids in their charging case when not in use. This helps keep out moisture and extends the life of your hearing aid. Remember to also remove your hearing aids before bathing, swimming, and applying products like lotion or hairspray.

Question 31

I think I broke my hearing aid. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

Reach out to us! If you have the Fortell app, you can contact us there, or call us at (917) 410-5407. If you’re comfortable, you can also try a few of these basic steps on your own. Before anything else, make sure your hearing aids are charged. Place them in the charger: 1 blinking light = Still charging, this may be the issue. 2-3 solid lights = Sufficient charge to turn on, this is likely not the issue. Clean them: Use the provided brush to remove any wax buildup. Change the wax guard: If cleaning doesn’t help, try replacing the wax guard. Watch a video tutorial in the Fortell companion app.

Question 32

My hearing aid is not fitting right. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can reach out to us via the companion app or call (917) 410-5407.

Question 33

What happens if I lose my hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

Your Fortell AI Hearing Aids purchase includes a Loss and Damage Coverage Plan. Under this plan, you are eligible for one-time replacement of your hearing aids (left and right) if they are lost or irreparably damaged, for a flat fee of $400 for the pair. We do not support replacements of individual devices. Feel free to give us a call if you have any further questions at (917) 410-5407.

Question 34

What about follow-up visits after I purchase?

Accepted Answer

Follow-up care can happen in person or via Zoom, whichever works best for you. And anytime you have questions, you can reach us by phone, email, or text.

Question 35

What’s the cost?

Accepted Answer

Approximately $6,800 for a pair. That price includes 5 years of audiological care, a 3-year repair warranty, and a 100-day home trial. Flexible payment plans are available.

Question 36

What is your return / trial period and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Fortell offers a 100-day home trial so you can test your hearing aids in the places that matter most like restaurants, gatherings, and busy streets. If they aren’t right for you, you can return them within 100 days for a refund. Full details are available at fortell.com/warranty.

Question 37

What payment methods and financing options are available?

Accepted Answer

You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or by check. Financing is available through Affirm. Call us for details at (917) 410-5407.

Question 38

I have a question about my invoice. Who can I talk to?

Accepted Answer

You can reach out to us via the Fortell app or give us a call at (917) 410-5407.

Question 39

Will my health insurance cover the hearing aid?

Accepted Answer

We are not yet in-network with any insurance providers. We offer full diagnostic services and can provide paperwork for you to submit for out-of-network coverage.

Question 40

I have Medicare. Is my hearing aid covered?

Accepted Answer

At this time, hearing aids are not covered by Medicare but that may change in the future.

Question 41

What is HearAdvisor, and why does its recognition matter?

Accepted Answer

HearAdvisor is an independent hearing aid testing laboratory that evaluates devices under standardized, controlled conditions rather than relying on manufacturer claims. In September 2026, HearAdvisor gave Fortell AI Hearing Aids the highest SoundScore it has ever recorded (6.0 on a 5-point scale), confirming performance with objective, third-party data.

Question 42

What is a SoundScore?

Accepted Answer

SoundScore is HearAdvisor’s composite rating of hearing aid performance, combining five measures: speech in noise, speech in quiet, feedback suppression, own-voice quality, and streamed music quality. It gives an objective, comparable benchmark across brands.

Question 43

How did Fortell perform in HearAdvisor's testing?

Accepted Answer

Fortell set new HearAdvisor records across the board: a 6.0 overall SoundScore (previous best: 4.5), a 6.4 speech-in-noise score (previous best: 4.5), and a 5.4 speech-in-quiet score (previous best: 4.7), plus a perfect feedback management score, all using initial-fit settings with no additional tuning.

Question 44

How does Fortell compare to other premium hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

HearAdvisor tested Fortell using the same standardized protocol it applies to other premium devices, and Fortell’s scores exceeded the previous highs the lab had recorded across speech-in-noise, speech-in-quiet, and feedback management. That is independent, apples-to-apples testing, not a claim from Fortell itself.

Question 45

Is Fortell's performance backed by clinical research, not just lab testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Two clinical studies have been published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Audiology. In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving researchers from NYU Langone, participants had roughly 19 times higher odds of correctly understanding speech while wearing Fortell compared to a competitive AI hearing aid. In a separate blinded study, 95 percent of participants understood speech more easily with Fortell than with top-tier hearing aids from all five major manufacturers.