The 13 Best Hearing Aids to Buy in 2023

• Best for Seniors: Jabra Enhance
• Best Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: Lexie
• Best for a Discreet Look: Eargo
• Best for Severe Hearing Loss: Phonak Audéo Lumity
• Best for Profound Hearing Loss: Phonak Naída Paradise P-UP
• Most Affordable: Audien Atom Pro
• Most Versatile: MDHearing
• Best Budget-Friendly Bluetooth: Audicus Wave
• Best Sound Technology: Oticon Own
• Best Rechargeable: ReSound Omnia
• Best for Tinnitus: Widex Moment
• Best for Single-Sided Hearing Loss: Signia CROS AX
• Best With Fall Detection: Starkey Evolv AI

Hearing aids combine the processing power of a laptop with the ability to treat your hearing loss and help improve your overall health.

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect older adults — more than 1 billion teens and young adults are at risk for hearing loss, too. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, more than half of adults age 70 and older experience hearing loss. This is a significant number since hearing loss poses risks not only to your ears but to your brain, sense of balance, and overall quality of life, according to the National Institute on Aging. Hearing loss has been linked to a higher incidence of dementia and other types of cognitive decline, social isolation, depression, and falls.

The good news is that hearing aid technology has changed rapidly in the past decade, making today’s hearing aids more effective than ever. They also have a wider range of capabilities: Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeability, fall detection, activity tracking, and even language translation are among the tasks that modern hearing aids can accomplish.

Along with advances in technology, design, and features, you can now buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. In October 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) passed a rule that allowed more affordable hearing aids to be sold at stores and online for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Our reviews team has spent more than 2,000 hours researching and testing dozens of hearing aid models to determine which devices offer the best combination of features, technology, customer service, and price. Read on to learn about our top picks among the OTC and prescription hearing aids on the market today.

Our experts spent more than 2,000 hours researching more than 30 styles and models of hearing aids and read hundreds of reviews of these products. Based on our tests, we awarded each company a score on a scale of 1 to 5. We consulted audiologists for their expert opinions on the devices and considered customer experiences and company reputations as well. Plus, hearing aids must meet strict criteria set by the FDA, which were another consideration. Since you can purchase hearing aids online or in person, we made sure to include both options.

We considered the following qualities and features when making our decisions, and we think these are helpful questions to ask when shopping for a hearing aid.

• Are the hearing aids available online, or do you need to purchase them through a retailer or hearing center?
• What technology and features are included?
• Do you have access to an audiologist?
• Does the product have positive customer reviews from multiple online sources?
• Do you have access to first-rate customer service during the purchase process and beyond?
• Is the cost comparable to competitors’ prices?
• Does the company offer a product or money-back guarantee?
• What is the manufacturer’s warranty?
• Do you have access to a hearing test in person or online?
• Do you get a trial period?
• Does the company offer financing options?
• How easy are the hearing devices to use?
• Are the hearing aids rechargeable?

Score 4.18

Cost per Pair $799 to $1,995

Hearing Aid Type RIC, ITE

Battery Disposable or rechargeable

Bluetooth Streaming Yes

How to Adjust App or buttons on hearing aid

Trial Period 45 days (Jabra Enhance Plus) or 100 days (Enhance Select 50, 100, and 200)

Warranty Length One-year (Jabra Enhance Plus) or three-year (Enhance Select 50, 100, and 200) manufacturer’s warranty

Financing Available Yes

Jabra Enhance offers hearing aids manufactured by one of the biggest companies in the hearing-care market, GN Group, which also produces ReSound and Beltone prescription hearing aids. Known for excellent customer service and continued care from a network of hearing-care specialists, Jabra Enhance has earned our designation as the hearing aid that’s best for seniors for its lengthy warranty (up to three years) and free trial period (100 days), both of which are the longest on this list. It also offers one of the lowest starting prices on this list at $799.

For an OTC hearing aid brand like Jabra, a competitive warranty and long free trial period are essential, since Jabra hearing aids are sold online rather than in person. In our proprietary survey of 600 hearing aid users, 68 percent of respondents needed to have their hearing aids repaired at least once during the warranty period, which helps reinforce the value of a long warranty and continued service after purchase.

Jabra Enhance Features and Costs

Jabra Enhance offers four models on its website: Jabra Enhance Plus (an earbud-style hearing aid) and Enhance Select 50, 100, and 200. Check out the table below for key differences among the models.

All four models come with Bluetooth streaming for music and movies. Note that only the Enhance Select 200 offers hands-free calling.

Three Jabra Enhance models are designed with a rechargeable battery, which our survey respondents chose as the second-most important feature in a hearing aid (behind only digital noise reduction). Jabra Enhance Plus earbuds last 12 hours per charge, but the Enhance Select 100 and 200, which are larger devices and accommodate a bigger battery, last up to 30 hours per charge. Keep in mind that with any hearing aid, the amount of Bluetooth streaming you use will affect battery life.

Jabra Enhance Plus vs. Jabra Enhance Select

Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids come with 12 processing channels, noise-reducing technology, and the ability to adjust the hearing aids manually through the Jabra Enhance Select app or remotely with the help of the audiology care team. Enhance Select devices are more like traditional hearing aids, with a higher level of customization available, compared with Jabra Enhance Plus earbuds. While the Jabra Enhance Plus is considered an OTC hearing aid that can help adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, the company’s website says they are “meant for situational use for a hearing boost in certain environments.”

Jabra Enhance Plus devices incorporate three listening environments and four directional microphones for improved sound clarity and background noise reduction. They also work with the Jabra Enhance app for personalized sound amplification based on your hearing profile. Keep in mind that the Jabra Enhance app is only compatible with iPhones. If you have an Android phone, you may want to look into one of the Enhance Select models, which are compatible with both iPhone (11 and newer) and Android devices (10 and newer with the Android streaming for hearing aids feature).

All four Jabra Enhance models are water-resistant, which is nice for people who want to wear their hearing aids while working out or spending time outside. Our reviews team hand tested the water-resistant claim by submerging Jabra Enhance hearing aids in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. After submersion, the hearing aids still amplified sounds and streamed audio without a problem.

Buying Process and Customer Satisfaction

Determine which model is best for you by completing an online hearing test, followed by a video. Once you receive your hearing aids, you’ll be connected via video with a member of the Jabra Enhance audiology team, who will program and adjust your hearing aids. Working with the audiology team ensures that you’ll get hearing aids specific to your hearing loss. You can also ask them questions about using and maintaining your hearing aids. For older adults purchasing OTC hearing aids online for the first time, the combination of a strong warranty, a long free trial period, and robust post-purchase care helps reassure buyers that they'll receive the support they need.

In addition to buying Jabra Enhance hearing aids on the manufacturer’s website, you can find Jabra Enhance Plus in Best Buy stores.

Online hearing aid reviews from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) (where Jabra Enhance has a customer rating of 3.63 out of 5) indicate that Jabra Enhance is a worthy competitor among hearing aid brands for older adults, given its combination of low price and overall positive customer experience.

Get Jabra Enhance at JabraEnhance.com.

Score 4.53

Cost per Pair $799 to $999

Hearing Aid Type BTE, RIC

Battery Disposable or rechargeable

Bluetooth Streaming No

How to Adjust App or buttons on hearing aid

Trial Period 45 days

Warranty Length One-year manufacturer’s warranty

Financing Available No (subscription plan)

Lexie is our pick for the best OTC hearing aid due to its relatively low price (less than $1,000 per pair), excellent quality, variety of features, and high level of customer service. Lexie offers three models with options for disposable or rechargeable batteries, RIC or BTE models, and auto-tune or self-fitting devices. Read on to learn more about this brand.

Lexie Models and Features

Lexie offers three models with unique pricing and features. The table below outlines each one.

The Lumen comes with a telecoil, a tiny copper wire in the hearing aid that allows it to pick up electromagnetic signals from telephones and facilities equipped with an assistive listening system (ALS), according to the National Association of the Deaf. Only signals from the loop system are picked up, thereby avoiding interference from background sounds.

A telecoil allows your hearing aid to function like a pair of wireless earbuds. Just choose the “telecoil” setting in the Lexie app or use the button on your hearing aid in any facility with an ALS, which includes many theaters, museums, auditoriums, and places of worship.

The B1 and B2 are both self-fitting hearing aids that employ technology from sound tech leader Bose. They’re very similar to the discontinued Bose SoundControl hearing aids. “Self-fitting” means the user can make fine-tuning adjustments to their hearing aids without the help of a professional. The self-fitting B1 and B2 can be adjusted in small increments using the Lexie app, rather than choosing from the six preset profiles on the Lumen.

While they can be a bit complicated for new hearing aid users, self-fitting devices may be a great option for people who feel confident customizing their hearing aids at home. You can also contact the Lexie support team online, by phone, or through the app if you need assistance.

All Lexie models include directional microphones to help you focus on conversations, feedback management to reduce whistling, and background noise reduction to cut down on distracting sounds in the environment. Our reviews team found the devices to be discreet, lightweight, and comfortable to wear (even with glasses).

Lexie Subscription Plan

While Lexie doesn’t provide traditional financing, the company does offer a subscription program that allows customers to make their purchase in monthly payments for up to 24 months. Here’s a breakdown of subscription costs by model:

Lexie hearing aids can be purchased online from the manufacturer, through the online FSA store if using flexible spending account (FSA) funds to purchase them, or at a variety of stores that carry healthcare devices, including the following:

• Best Buy
• CVS
• Hyvee
• Walgreens
• Walmart

Customers are generally happy with their Lexie hearing aids. The brand has a rating of 3.66 out of 5 from the BBB, with reviews praising the quality of both the products and service.

Get Lexie at LexieHearing.com.

Score 3.77

Cost per Pair $1,650 to $2,950

Hearing Aid Type CIC

Battery Rechargeable

Bluetooth Streaming No

How to Adjust App or tapping on ear

Trial Period 45 days

Warranty Length One-year (Neo HiFi, Eargo 5, and Eargo 6) to two-year (Eargo 7) manufacturer’s warranty

Financing Available Yes

Customers looking for nearly invisible hearing aids may like what Eargo has to offer. We named this line of CIC devices the best for a discreet look for their tiny size. Available in four models, Eargo hearing aids are known for the following characteristics:

• Small size
• Comfortable inner-ear fit
• Advanced noise reduction
• Feedback cancellation
• Excellent sound amplification

Eargo devices come with four preset listening profiles, which you can change by double tapping the device while it’s in your ear. The 5, 6, and 7 models are self-fitting, like the Lexie B1 and B2, allowing you to make fine adjustments within each listening profile. Eargo 6 and 7 also offer water resistance and a feature called Sound Adjust, which automatically changes listening settings as you move from one environment to another.

All Eargo hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries, which our survey respondents highly valued. Eargo hearing aids aren’t preprogrammed, so you’ll need to program them yourself using the Eargo app, which can be found on Google Play and in the App Store. One of the company’s specialists can also help you over the phone if needed.

How to Buy Eargo Hearing Aids

You have several options for buying Eargo devices:

• Online from the manufacturer’s website
• Best Buy (online and in stores)
• Victra-Verizon (in stores)

We visited a local Victra-Verizon store to review the buying process and find out if the store representatives were able to provide support with Eargo hearing aids. The Victra-Verizon staff members we talked to on the phone and in the store were helpful and knowledgeable about Eargo devices, answering every question we asked.

They had also been trained on using the app to make volume and setting adjustments. We were pleased to see that they could provide help both before and after our purchase. One in-store staff member described the different dome sizes and how to buy Eargo hearing aids, and they suggested a visit to the store if we had any questions or problems after receiving them.

We also took the free in-store hearing screening to get an idea of whether we had hearing loss that could be addressed with Eargo devices.

To find out if Eargo is right for you, take the online or in-store hearing screening and talk to one of the company’s hearing experts, or check out our in-depth Eargo brand review. In addition to providing guidance for the right hearing aids for you, the representatives can mail a sample kit that includes two nonworking replicas of Eargo devices, so that you can test the fit before purchasing.

Federal employees and retirees may be eligible for free hearing aids through the Federal Employee Health Benefits program. Eargo is also one of the only hearing aid companies we’ve found that offers a veterans’ discount, with 20 percent off the Eargo 7. The company provides free remote support for as long as you own the hearing aids.

In 2022, Eargo formed a partnership with NationsBenefits, allowing members with supplemental health benefits to use their plan benefit toward the purchase of Eargo hearing aids.

Get Eargo at Eargo.com.

Score 4.06

Cost per Pair $2,498 to $4,598

Hearing Aid Type RIC

Battery Rechargeable

Bluetooth Streaming Yes

How to Adjust App or buttons on hearing aid

Trial Period Dependent on retailer

Warranty Length Dependent on retailer

Financing Available Dependent on retailer

Phonak prescription devices are made by the Swiss company Sonova, the world’s largest manufacturer of hearing aids. Backed by years of research in sound technology and fully customizable for a variety of hearing loss degrees and profiles, the Audéo Lumity is the newest Phonak device and our choice as the best for severe hearing loss.

While they can be used by people with mild or moderate hearing loss, Audéo Lumity really shines as a choice for those with severe hearing loss. There are four main degrees of hearing loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): mild, moderate, severe, and profound. The Audéo Lumity can also treat profound hearing loss with the addition of a custom power earmold.

Audéo Lumity Features

While features will vary somewhat based on which level you buy, all Audéo Lumity models provide advanced understanding of speech in noisy surroundings due to their updated operating system called AutoSense OS 5.0.

Phonak is one of several manufacturers that use a type of artificial intelligence (AI) called machine learning to train hearing aids on environmental sounds. The hearing aids analyze and make sense of thousands of sounds the way our brains do: by trial and error. After repeated exposure to traffic sounds, for instance, the hearing aids learn that traffic is a background sound and should be reduced rather than amplified.

AutoSense OS 5.0 uses AI to scan your environment every 0.4 seconds, choosing the best combination of settings to give you the best listening experience. And it does this all automatically as you move between environments.

The Audéo Lumity comes in four technology levels: L30, L50, L70, L90. Each has its own price range and package of features. The L70 and L90 have an additional feature for improved speech recognition called StereoZoom 2.0. This automatically narrows the focus on sounds in front of you as your environment gets louder, allowing you to understand conversations with less effort. And SpeechSensor, available in the L90, detects speech from any direction, so you can more easily have a conversation when walking or listening to someone beside or behind you.

Features included in every Phonak Audéo Lumity model, regardless of technology level, include:

• Eight colors
• Complete customization by your hearing-care provider
• Rechargeable batteries, with a battery life of up to 16 hours per charge
• Health activity tracking in the myPhonak app
• Universal Bluetooth connectivity with iOS and Android devices
• Water resistance (Phonak Audéo Life Lumity is waterproof)
• Pairing with Roger Wireless Accessories for classroom, auditorium, or workplace settings

Audéo Lumity Pricing

You can check out more details on the Phonak website, but here’s a breakdown of the average price per pair for each level:

• Essential (L30) $2,600 to $3,500
• Standard (L50) $3,200 to $4,000
• Advanced (L70) $3,800 to $5,000
• Premium (L90) $4,600 to $6,500

Phonak, like all prescription brands, negotiates its own pricing, warranty, and financing terms with each hearing clinic, so the exact price will vary depending on where you go. This means you may want to compare prices before making a purchase.

Keep in mind that some clinics include ongoing maintenance, reprogramming, and repairs with your purchase price, while others charge for these services at each visit. It’s important to ask what the purchase price includes before buying prescription hearing aids.

How to Buy the Audéo Lumity

Because Phonak hearing aids are prescription devices, they require an in-person hearing exam, prescription, and fitting appointment. Many clinics now provide hearing exams at little or no cost — a small time investment that can pay off big time for your health. If your hearing exam reflects a loss of hearing, you’ll be in the right place to receive guidance on choosing the right hearing aid for your needs.

While the Audéo Lumity is a popular choice for severe hearing loss, it can also be used for people with mild, moderate, or profound hearing loss. You can also choose an OTC hearing aid if your hearing loss is mild or moderate, but prescription hearing aids can be adjusted for your hearing profile to a much greater extent than OTC models. Self-fitting OTC devices allow users to change only a small number of parameters, such as bass and treble, left-right balance, and directionality.

Are Prescription Hearing Aids More Customizable Than OTC Hearing Aids?

Brian Murray, a hearing instrument specialist based in Raleigh, North Carolina, walked us through how he programs Phonak hearing aids for patients using the results of a hearing test and audiogram. We were surprised at the number of settings he could manipulate in the hearing aid software — far more than OTC hearing aid apps allow.

Murray can gradually adjust the degree of amplification during a patient’s first few weeks of wearing a hearing aid, allowing them to get used to hearing louder sounds a little at a time rather than all at once. This can increase a person’s long-term success with hearing aids, says Murray, as many people have a hard time tolerating louder sounds in the beginning and may stop wearing their hearing aids completely if the amplification is too strong.

The personalized care available from a hearing specialist and the detailed programming built into prescription hearing aid software is well worth the extra cost for many people. If you have severe hearing loss or often find yourself in challenging listening environments, such as those with lots of background noise, you may want to investigate prescription devices such as Phonak.

Get Phonak Audéo Lumity at YesHearing.com.

Score 3.58

Cost per Pair $2,400 to $7,000

Hearing Aid Type BTE

Battery Disposable

Bluetooth Streaming Yes

How to Adjust App, buttons on hearing aid, or tapping your ear

Trial Period Dependent on retailer

Warranty Length Dependent on retailer

Financing Available Dependent on retailer

Phonak is one of the most well-known prescription hearing aid brands on the market, and the Naída Paradise P-UP is an excellent choice for people with profound hearing loss who are active and on the go. "UP" stands for ultra power, and this feature provides the most amplification of all the Naída Paradise models. It’s considered one of the best power hearing aids by users, reviewers, and hearing professionals for its functionality, making it our pick as the best for people with profound hearing loss.

Naída Paradise P-UP Features and Costs

The Naída Paradise P-UP is the company’s gold standard for profound hearing loss, characterized by the CDC as a condition that prevents a person from hearing any speech and only very loud sounds. The P-UP is the most powerful model in Phonak’s Paradise line, allowing for maximum amplification of the sound frequencies you need help hearing. It automatically adjusts to every sound environment you encounter.

Features of the Naída Paradise P-UP include:

• Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling with iOS and Android devices
• A disposable battery
• Tap control (available in P70 and P90) to start and stop Bluetooth streaming, answer phone calls, and speak hands-free with a double tap to your ear or glasses
• Motion sensor hearing for speech understanding from all directions
• Speech enhancer for improved speech understanding at a distance (available in P90)
• Telecoil

The Naída Paradise uses AutoSense OS 4.0 software, the operating platform developed by Phonak prior to the introduction of version 5.0 with the Audéo Lumity. The Naída Paradise can accommodate up to eight Bluetooth pairings (with two connected simultaneously). This is convenient when you’re streaming music to your hearing aids but want to be able to take incoming calls at the same time. The tap control function allows you to double tap your hearing aid to pause streaming while you talk on the phone.

You’ll also have access to Roger wireless technology. These Phonak external microphones connect wirelessly to the hearing aid. A study published in the American Journal of Audiology found that external microphones can help you understand speech significantly better than people with normal hearing in noisy environments and over distance.

One possible drawback of this model is that it only works with disposable batteries. Murray describes the Naída Paradise P-R as a power BTE model that comes with a rechargeable battery, but it isn’t as powerful as the Naída Paradise P-UP. If you have profound hearing loss but want rechargeability, the Signia Motion Charge&Go is another power hearing aid with rechargeable batteries to consider.

Like the Phonak Audéo Lumity, the Naída Paradise P-UP comes in four power levels, each with a distinct price range and feature set. Here are the average prices per pair for each level:

• Essential (P30) $2,400 to $3,000
• Standard (P50) $3,000 to $3,600
• Advanced (P70) $3,600 to $4,400
• Premium (P90) $4,400 to $7,000

The final price you pay can be affected by factors such as whether you need a custom ear mold, as many people with profound hearing loss do.

How to Buy the Naída Paradise P-UP

The Phonak Naída Paradise P-UP is available at hearing clinics through a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. You can also use a discount network such as YesHearing to schedule a hearing exam, select the right model for your needs, and have the devices programmed and fitted in person.

Get Phonak Naída Paradise P-UP at YesHearing.com.

Score 3.38

Cost per Pair $249

Hearing Aid Type ITC

Battery Rechargeable

Bluetooth Streaming No

How to Adjust Adjustment screw on hearing aid

Trial Period 45 days

Warranty Length One-year manufacturer’s warranty

Financing Available No

At a considerably lower price than the other hearing aid models on this list, the $249 Audien Atom Pro is our choice as the most affordable. If cost is your chief concern, and you have mild to moderate hearing loss and you don’t mind having fewer features than more expensive models, the Audien Atom Pro may be a good fit.

Hearing Aids vs. PSAPs

You may notice on the Audien website that the company offers four hearing aids: EV1, EV3, Audien Atom, and Audien Atom Pro. Since the EV1 and EV3 are not FDA-registered, they're not considered hearing aids and our reviews team didn't recommend them.

The EV1 and EV3 are personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). According to the FDA, PSAPs are regulated as consumer electronics, not medical devices like hearing aids.

While hearing aids are intended to treat hearing loss, PSAPs (also known as hearing amplifiers) are designed for people with normal hearing to amplify sounds in certain situations, such as bird-watching or hunting. The FDA doesn’t recommend PSAPs as viable substitutions for hearing aids.

Audien Atom Pro Features

Both the Audien Atom and Audien Atom Pro are FDA-registered hearing aids, but they don’t have a lot of the features that other hearing aids on this list offer. The Atom Pro is a small ITE hearing aid with rechargeable batteries that last up to 24 hours per charge. Features you’ll give up for this model include Bluetooth capability, an app for making adjustments, background noise reduction, multiple listening profiles for different environments, and after-purchase audiology support.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Atom Pro is that, without an app or a button on the hearing aid to make volume adjustments, users must adjust the volume on the hearing aids themselves with a small (included) screwdriver. This could be difficult for those with a condition that can cause dexterity challenges, such as arthritis.

Other Perks

In addition to being the least expensive hearing aid on this list, the Audien Atom Pro is very small, weighing only 1.85 grams and measuring about 1 centimeter in height. Its basic functionality and lack of advanced features allow for both a discreet size and relatively long battery life.

Customers can contact Audien support through phone, email, and live chat. The Audien website also provides information on how to set up your hearing aids, troubleshoot, and maintain your devices. Check out our Audien hearing aids review for more information and our comprehensive list of the most affordable hearing aids for details on other budget-friendly devices.

Get Audien Atom Pro at AudienHearing.com.

Score 2.97

Cost per Pair $299 to $699

Hearing Aid Type BTE, ITE

Battery Disposable or rechargeable

Bluetooth Streaming No

How to Adjust App or buttons on hearing aid

Trial Period 45 days

Warranty Length One- or two-year manufacturer’s warranty

Financing Available Yes

Price is an important consideration when shopping for hearing aids. In fact, our survey respondents ranked cost as the second-most important factor in their decision of which device to buy, behind only ease of setup and use. While the Audien Atom Pro is cheaper, MDHearing has the second-cheapest option on this list, and it offers a wider range of hearing aids than Audien, with more advanced features for the money. That’s why we chose MDHearing for the most versatile hearing aid, particularly among OTC models.

MDHearing Models and Features

The company offers four models of hearing aids: Air, Volt, Volt Max, and Neo. The Air, Neo, and Volt all retail for $299 per pair. The Volt Max, the company’s only self-fitting OTC hearing aid, sells for $699 per pair.

The Air, which is the entry-level model, comes with a disposable battery, four audio settings, and feedback cancellation to help eliminate the whistling sound common with older hearing aids. It’s also the only MDHearing device with a telecoil. This feature is an attractive one for MDHearing customers, as none of the brand’s hearing aids include Bluetooth streaming capability. Telecoil technology produces essentially the same listening experience as Bluetooth, taking in sounds without background noise, but it’s only available with telephones that employ assistive-listening technology and in public facilities like theaters and museums that are fitted with hearing loops.

The Neo is the newest and smallest MDHearing model, an ITE device that fits discreetly inside your ear canal. It comes with rechargeable batteries, but it has only one environment setting, which may not provide optimal hearing in different situations.

The Volt is the next step up. This model offers directional microphones and a rechargeable battery.

The Volt Max — the most advanced MDHearing model — comes with all the features of the Air and Volt, plus Bluetooth connectivity to an app and adaptive technology (which automatically changes the hearing aid settings based on your environment). The Volt Max also comes with an extended two-year warranty.

Choosing an MDHearing Model

The company offers a hearing screening over the phone, as well as an online hearing test, and access to a licensed audiologist by email or phone after your purchase.

While it may have the most advanced hearing aids on the market, MDHearing does serve those looking for a range of features, prices, and technology.

If you’re not sure which model to start with, the company’s website states that the Volt is its most popular hearing aid. If you're interested in learning more, we reviewed MDHearing models in our comprehensive review.

How to Buy MDHearing Hearing Aids

MDHearing currently sells its products only through its website; they aren’t available in stores or at hearing clinics. But through a recently formed partnership with healthcare company Medline, MDHearing devices may be among the products that Medicare Advantage and Medicaid subscribers can buy using their supplemental benefits starting next year.

Katie Lavelle, director of business development for insurance benefits at Medline, explains what customers can anticipate in the upcoming months: “Currently, we are working with Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans on including MDHearing as part of the supplemental benefit or value added benefit. We anticipate seeing carved out benefits allocated for OTC hearing [aids] in 2024.”

Get MDHearing at MdHearingAid.com or call 844-936-0233.

Score 4.19

Cost per Pair $1,398

Hearing Aid Type RIC

Battery Disposable or rechargeable

Bluetooth Streaming Yes

How to Adjust App or buttons on hearing aid

Trial Period 45 days

Warranty Length Two-year manufacturer’s warranty

Financing Available Yes, in addition to membership discount program

Bluetooth streaming technology is a sought-after feature in hearing aids. Respondents to our survey chose Bluetooth connectivity as the fifth-most important feature in a hearing aid, behind directional microphones. Not only does Bluetooth help you stay connected to your mobile phone while wearing your hearing aids, it also allows you to wirelessly connect your hearing aids to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, like televisions, computers, and tablets.

But with advanced technology comes a higher price tag. Bluetooth hearing aids cost, on average, between $1,600 and $6,000 per pair due to their extra functionality. Audicus Wave hearing aids, which include Bluetooth streaming capability, cost $1,398 per pair, making them a great option for those looking for the best budget-friendly Bluetooth hearing aids.

This puts the Audicus Wave in reach for many consumers who might not have considered Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids otherwise. The majority of our survey respondents ranked cost as the biggest challenge they face when buying hearing aids. The Audicus Wave is priced competitively, even compared with other brands without Bluetooth technology, such as Eargo.

Compatibility and Features

The Wave includes advanced Bluetooth technology that’s compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones, making it the most versatile hearing aid Audicus offers. These hearing aids have two directional microphones to help cut background noise so you can have clear conversations, and they also come with 12 processing channels and 10 volume settings that you can adjust through the Audicus app. Each hearing aid comes standard with disposable batteries, but the company offers a rechargeable upgrade for $400 more.

If you have results from a current hearing test, the company’s experts can provide guidance and recommendations. Otherwise, you can take the 15-minute online hearing screening. The results are interpreted by a team of audiologists, who then program the hearing aids based on your profile.

Warranty and Purchasing Options

Audicus offers unlimited expert support, plus free reprogramming adjustments for the life of the hearing aid. The company also provides repair services for a fee, or you can purchase the Audicus Protect plan, which covers the cost of repairs.

Unlike most OTC brands, Audicus has several clinics around the country where you can get in-person support as well. We learned that the company is in the process of increasing the number of Audicus clinics, so check the online locator regularly to see when new clinics open in your area.

You have two purchase options with Audicus:

1. A one-time purchase
2. Enrollment in the membership program

The membership program for the Wave starts at $89 per month per pair. This includes a new pair of hearing aids every 18 months, unlimited support, insurance coverage, loss protection, and accessories like new batteries, domes, and earwax guards when you need them. Check out our comprehensive Audicus hearing aids review to learn more.

Get Audicus Wave at Audicus.com.

Score 3.82

Cost per Pair $3,000 to $7,500

Hearing Aid Type Multiple options

Battery Disposable

Bluetooth Streaming Yes

How to Adjust App or buttons on hearing aid

Trial Period Dependent on retailer

Warranty Length Dependent on retailer

Financing Available Dependent on retailer

Tech-savvy users looking for cutting-edge technology may like the Own line from prescription hearing aid manufacturer Oticon. Released in 2022, the Oticon Own won an Innovation Award at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show, and it’s our top pick among hearing aids for the best sound technology.

Offered in five models, this advanced hearing aid is known for its built-in deep neural network (DNN), which is based on a machine-learning algorithm that uses 12 million real-life sounds to train the hearing aids. Through trial and error, the DNN learns how to analyze and organize those sounds for optimal sound quality, helping it balance and prioritize sounds better.

Fit and Comfort

Oticon Own users enjoy the fit and comfort of this discreet, high-tech hearing aid, as well as the natural sound it provides, according to dozens of online reviews. The hearing aid comes equipped with a Tinnitus SoundSupport feature that offers a variety of relief sounds, such as white noise, ocean, or your own custom sounds. Since Own is among the best-rated hearing aids on the market, it also comes with a hefty price tag, so consider whether you’ll actually use the extra features it offers before you buy.

Where to Buy the Oticon Own

The Oticon Own is available at participating hearing clinics through a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. You can use a discount network such as YesHearing to schedule a hearing exam, select the right model for your needs, and have the devices programmed and fitted in person.

You can learn more about Oticon hearing aids in our in-depth review, where our reviews team compares prices, models and more.

Get Oticon Own at YesHearing.com.

Score 3.62

Cost per Pair $3,200 to $6,500

Hearing Aid Type RIC

Battery Disposable or rechargeable

Bluetooth Streaming Yes

How to Adjust App or buttons on hearing aid

Trial Period Dependent on retailer

Warranty Length Dependent on retailer

Financing Available Dependent on retailer

Rechargeable hearing aids are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of use. The ReSound Omnia has one of the longest-lasting batteries on the market in a high-quality device, making it our choice for the best rechargeable hearing aid.

ReSound Omnia Technology and Features

ReSound has developed a philosophy called Organic Hearing that informs the design and development of every hearing instrument it produces. In a nutshell, Organic Hearing aims to fit your hearing aids into the way you live your life, with a natural sound, easy-to-use controls and app, and a comfortable fit.

ReSound Omnia is the most technologically advanced model the company offers, and it has an excellent reputation for improving the understanding of speech in noisy environments. The hearing aid comes with the option of a microphone and receiver in the ear canal (called M&RIE), in addition to the two microphones in the hearing aid. This extra microphone gives users a more natural listening experience by taking advantage of the acoustics within the ear canal.

Other high-tech features include 30 hours of battery life with every three-hour charge, Bluetooth streaming from Apple and Android devices, customizable programs, and the ReSound Relief app, which can help relieve and manage tinnitus.

Other Rechargeable Hearing Aids

ReSound offers one of the best and most high-tech rechargeable hearing aids, but several other devices offer some of the longest battery charges in the industry. Check out the table below if you’re like many hearing aid customers and want the convenience of rechargeable batteries in your next hearing aid.

Where to Buy the ReSound Omnia

ReSound Omnia is available at participating hearing clinics through a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. You can use a discount network such as YesHearing to schedule a hearing exam, select the right model for your needs, and have the devices programmed and fitted in person.

To help you decide whether this brand will work for you, we reviewed ReSound hearing aid models and compared their pricing, features and more.

Get ReSound Omnia at YesHearing.com.

Score 3.69

Cost per Pair $2,798 to $4,598

Hearing Aid Type Multiple options

Battery Disposable or rechargeable

Bluetooth Streaming Yes

How to Adjust App or buttons on hearing aid

Trial Period Dependent on retailer

Warranty Length Dependent on retailer

Financing Available Dependent on retailer

Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in one or both of your ears when no real external sound is present. According to the American Tinnitus Association, this condition can be caused by age-related or noise-induced hearing loss, injury, or other medical conditions.

If you have tinnitus and hearing loss, you know how critical it is to find a hearing aid that can improve both conditions. The Widex Moment, which we designated as the hearing aid that is best for tinnitus, is one of the industry’s leading devices. It provides superb sound processing, along with the Widex Zen app, to help you manage tinnitus symptoms.

Singers and musicians will also appreciate Widex Moment hearing aids for their pure, natural sound. What Widex does differently is process sound immediately to remove unnatural sounds in the environment, offering one of the fastest processing times available. The majority of our survey respondents ranked digital noise reduction as the most important feature in a hearing aid.

The Widex Moment is available in multiple styles: BTE, RIC, and ITC.

High-Tech Features

The company’s PureSound and SoundSense technologies give this hearing aid an edge over other high-quality hearing aids. By combining the fastest processing times with noise reduction and directional microphones, you can get a more natural sound even in the most difficult hearing situations.

The Widex Zen app uses fractal tones to refocus your brain away from tinnitus sounds. The company’s website says the app’s soothing sounds can be used for meditation as well. Widex provides literature and professional support to help manage tinnitus.

The Moment also comes with TruAcoustics for better speech recognition, as well as the company’s Fluid Sound Analyzer, which selects the most suitable listening settings based on the environment. It’s small, too, which is excellent news for customers who want a discreet look.

How to Buy the Widex Moment

Widex devices are sold at participating hearing clinics through a licensed audiologist. You can use a discount network such as ZipHearing to schedule a hearing exam, select the right model for your needs, and have the devices programmed and fitted in person. Check out our comprehensive Widex Hearing Aids review to learn more about its different models and features.

Get Widex Moment at ZipHearing.com.

Score 3.56

Cost $2,600 to $3,600 per hearing aid

Hearing Aid Type Multiple options

Battery Disposable or rechargeable

Bluetooth Streaming Yes

How to Adjust App or buttons on hearing aid

Trial Period Dependent on retailer

Warranty Length Dependent on retailer

Financing Available Dependent on retailer

If you have single-sided (also called unilateral) hearing loss, a CROS hearing aid is worth considering. CROS stands for contralateral routing of signal. A CROS device works by using a microphone-equipped device (such as the CROS AX) to pick up sounds from the side of the hearing-impaired ear and then transmit the sounds wirelessly to the hearing ear, which is fitted with a receiver-equipped device. In other words, your hearing-impaired ear now hears sounds via the hearing ear.

German hearing aid company Signia offers a range of hearing aids that are CROS compatible, making it our pick as the best for single-sided hearing loss. The company is also known for excellent service and care through its TeleCare platform, which provides remote assistance for programming, messaging, questions, and other issues.

Signia CROS AX Features

Signia carries two lines of CROS hearing aids, the CROS X and CROS AX. Our reviews team prefers CROS AX devices because they employ the Augmented Xperience platform, Signia’s most up-to-date operating system.

AX devices have two processors (compared with the single one in most hearing aids): one for speech and another for surrounding noise. Each processor analyzes sounds separately, then recombines them before sending the amplified sound to the receiver. Signia says that this results in a more natural listening experience.

All Signia CROS-compatible models work with the Signia app, which allows users to personalize and optimize their hearing experience. One drawback is that because the CROS is constantly streaming sound to the other device, battery life tends to be shorter compared with other types of hearing aids.

Signia offers three models that are compatible with CROS AX devices for people with one-sided hearing loss:

• Styletto AX
• Pure Charge&Go AX
• Pure 312 X

Signia CROS hearing aids are available at participating hearing centers through a licensed audiologist. You can use a discount network such as YesHearing to schedule a hearing exam, select the right model for your needs, and have the devices programmed and fitted in person.

Check out our Signia hearing aid review to compare models and prices of this German hearing aid manufacturer.

Get Signia at YesHearing.com.

Score 3.86

Cost per Pair $4,300 to $7,500

Hearing Aid Type Multiple options

Battery Disposable or rechargeable

Bluetooth Streaming Yes

How to Adjust App or buttons on hearing aid

Trial Period Dependent on retailer

Warranty Length Dependent on retailer

Financing Available Dependent on retailer

Starkey hearing aids have been around for decades, providing users with quality devices and excellent customer care. The company now offers the Evolv AI, the only hearing aid model that can alert loved ones in the event of a fall, making it our clear choice for the best with fall detection.

Starkey Evolv AI Features

Using AI technology, the Evolv AI will alert your selected contacts when it detects a fall. This is a unique feature among hearing aids and a very important one. According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, people with even mild hearing loss have 3 times the risk of falling compared with those with no hearing loss.

This hearing aid also includes a Mask Mode, which helps you to understand people better when they are wearing face masks, located more than 6 feet away, or talking in a crowded room. The Evolv AI is an attractive option for anyone with an active lifestyle. You can think of the Evolv AI as an activity tracker in your ear — it tracks your steps, measures movements, and monitors your more vigorous physical activity. Through the Thrive Hearing app, you can monitor your body and brain health, and make adjustments to your hearing aid from your phone. You can also connect to a licensed audiologist via a live telehealth feature in the app to help tune your hearing aids remotely.

How to Buy the Starkey Evolv AI

Starkey Evolv AI hearing aid models are available at participating hearing centers through a licensed audiologist. You can use a discount network such as YesHearing to schedule a hearing exam, select the right model for your needs, and have the devices programmed and fitted in person.

Read our expert review of Starkey hearing aid models if you need more information to help you choose the right model for you.

Get Starkey Evolv AI at YesHearing.com.

A hearing aid is a small medical-grade electronic device that sits behind or in your ear and amplifies the sound frequencies you need help hearing, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

While even the best hearing aids cannot restore your previous level of hearing, they can help improve it, which provides hope to the 37.5 million American adults living with hearing loss, according to the NIDCD. Experts at the National Institute on Aging caution that hearing loss can get worse if left untreated, so don’t wait to seek treatment.

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

Every hearing aid consists of three basic working parts:

• Microphone Picks up sound waves from the environment
• Amplifier Transforms sound waves into digital signals that are processed by the hearing aid’s software, then converts the analyzed signals back into sound waves
• Receiver Also called a speaker; transmits amplified sounds to the inner ear

Hearing aids can be life-changing devices. If you or someone you care about is dealing with hearing loss, be aware that learning to cope with it, even with the help of hearing aids, is a journey. In addition to helping you select the right hearing aid and programming it for your hearing loss profile, one of your hearing specialist’s roles is that of a coach. Ongoing support through regular in-person or telehealth appointments is critical to your success with hearing aids. You’ll be repaid for the effort you devote to your hearing health with immediate improvements in your day-to-day life, and possibly with better brain health in the years to come, as indicated by a study published in January 2020 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

In August 2022, the FDA announced the establishment of a new, separate category for OTC hearing aids to increase access to lower-priced hearing aids for millions of Americans. And on October 17, 2022, OTC hearing aids became available in stores and from online retailers without a hearing exam or prescription.

According to the FDA’s final rule, OTC hearing aids now have their own set of regulatory standards apart from those of prescription hearing aids. OTC hearing aids are not PSAPs or hearing amplifiers but FDA-regulated medical devices, just like prescription hearing aids.

Who Should Use OTC Hearing Aids?

The FDA’s final rule defines OTC hearing aids as those “intended for people 18 years of age and older who have perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment.” Because they are sold to consumers without the requirement for a hearing exam or prescription and are meant to be used right out of the box, they’re also best for people who are somewhat familiar with technology and comfortable receiving remote support if they need help.

Many OTC devices connect with an app for volume and setting adjustments, and some also use an app for an initial hearing screening to adjust the hearing aids to your hearing profile.

If you aren’t comfortable using an app to manage your hearing aid, you have two options:

1. Buy an OTC model that doesn’t require an app. MDHearing Core or Volt and the Audien Atom Pro are options to consider.
2. Buy a prescription hearing aid. While all of these can be used with an app for adjustments, prescription hearing aids are programmed by a hearing specialist in a clinic based on results from your in-person hearing exam. They shouldn’t need much, if any, adjusting at home. If you feel your prescription hearing aids aren’t providing the sound clarity you need, you can go to the clinic to have your specialist reprogram them. Many clinics also offer remote adjustments as well.

Here are some other indications that you need to visit a hearing clinic for an in-person exam rather than buying hearing aids online, according to the American Academy of Audiology:

• A diagnosis of severe, profound, or one-sided (unilateral) hearing loss
• Drainage from one or both ears
• Hearing loss that comes on suddenly or rapidly worsens (seek emergency medical care)
• Pain in one or both ears
• Hearing loss as the result of an injury or illness
• Ringing or buzzing in your ears

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association provides a checklist that you can read for more information on when to see an audiologist.

OTC vs. Prescription Hearing Aids

Both over-the-counter hearing aids and prescription hearing aids are regulated as medical devices by the FDA, but based on the new guidelines, the similarities end there.

You can now buy OTC hearing aids online and in a variety of stores without help from an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. By connecting with the manufacturer’s app, most OTC devices can be adjusted at home to suit a variety of hearing needs.

Nicholas Reed, a doctor of audiology and assistant professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, says that hearing professionals can be of service, either in person or via telehealth, to customers with OTC hearing aids by giving them guided assistance with the app.

"It’s about educating them on the area that they actually need sound and [showing] the preset setting that does that best, or doing the whole self-fitting test with them and helping them program based off of that," says Dr. Reed.

Are OTC Hearing Aids Worth It?

OTC hearing aids can be a great solution for adults with mild or moderate hearing loss who are comfortable managing their devices without in-person support. They include the same working components (microphone, amplifier, and receiver) as prescription hearing aids, and much of the same technology.

For example, you can find Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries, directional microphones, background noise reduction, and feedback cancellation in prescription hearing aids and many OTC models. Where you’ll really see the difference in price and functionality is in a device’s sound-processing capabilities and amplification power, and how closely it can match your hearing loss profile.

According to the FDA’s final rule, OTC hearing aids can only be inserted to a certain depth in the ear canal and amplify sounds to a certain level. This is in part why they don’t have the power needed to treat severe or profound hearing loss. Murray explains that patients with profound hearing loss typically need a custom earmold, which is another feature not available with OTC devices.

Where to Buy OTC Hearing Aids

You now have multiple options for purchasing OTC hearing aids:

• Online from the manufacturer
• Online from third-party retailers
• At retail stores that sell healthcare devices, such as Best Buy, CVS, Hyvee, Walgreens, and Walmart
• At some hearing-care clinics

OTC hearing aids will most likely become more available and less expensive over the next several years, as more third-party retailers add them to their offering of healthcare devices.

Hearing aids come in a wide array of styles, shapes, and sizes. While personal preference should be taken into account when choosing a hearing aid, your type and degree of hearing loss may dictate which style is best.

For instance, people with severe or profound hearing loss often need a behind-the-ear or receiver-in-canal device with a custom earmold. Models that house all of the working parts in the bowl of the ear, such as in-the-ear, in-the-canal, and completely-in-canal styles, can’t always provide the power needed to treat those degrees of hearing loss due to potential limitations with the size and shape of an individual's ear canal.

Murray says that people with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss are often most successful with RIC hearing aids.

Finally, functionality is important. Some of the smallest devices are too small to accommodate rechargeable batteries or Bluetooth technology.

Take a look at the five most common styles of hearing aids below.

1. Behind-the-Ear

BTE hearing aids are designed with a small plastic case that contains all the working parts. The case sits behind the ear and is connected by a thin, flexible tube to a dome, which rests inside the ear canal.

This is a common choice for children since it can accommodate various earmold types, and it’s sturdy, easy to handle, and clean. BTE hearing aids are versatile and can be used for mild to profound hearing loss.

2. Receiver-in-Canal

RIC hearing aids have a small receiver that fits inside the ear canal. A thin wire connects the body of the hearing aid, which sits behind the ear, to the receiver in the canal.

RIC devices can treat the full range of hearing loss, from mild to profound, and they’re a popular option among people who want a slim, discreet hearing aid with high-tech features.

3. In-the-Ear

ITE hearing aids that fit completely within the ear can be a great option for people who want a smaller device. Keep in mind that because this style fills up the bowl of your ear, it’s often more noticeable than a BTE or RIC hearing aid.

ITE devices, especially those sold by OTC hearing aid manufacturers, don’t always come with an option for a rechargeable battery, telecoil, or Bluetooth streaming. ITE hearing aids can be used to treat mild to severe hearing loss, and some, like the Oticon Own, are custom-fit devices that require an earmold impression.

4. Completely-in-Canal

CIC hearing aids are small and designed to fit completely in the ear canal, as the name suggests. They conform to the size and shape of your ear canal and provide a more discreet look. Some CIC devices, such as Eargo and certain Signia and Oticon models, are so small that they are nearly invisible when inserted correctly.

CIC hearing aids are typically best for mild to moderate hearing loss, although some prescription devices can treat more severe hearing loss as well.

5. Invisible-in-Canal

This is the smallest hearing aid style, and it is completely invisible to everyone, including the wearer. Some invisible-in-canal (IIC) models can’t even be removed by the person wearing them. The Phonak Lyric, for example, is an IIC device that must be placed by a hearing specialist deep in the ear. It’s meant to be worn for weeks at a time and replaced at intervals in the clinic.

This style isn’t for everyone, but Meryl Miller, an audiologist and the owner of ClearWorks Audiology in Atlanta, says it can be a great choice for people with dementia or other health problems that may put them at risk of losing the hearing aid or mistakenly changing the settings.

You can expect to pay top dollar for some of the best hearing aid brands. In general, hearing aids cost anywhere from $250 to more than $6,000 per pair.

The introduction of OTC hearing aids to the market in 2022 has helped drive prices down, as OTC devices tend to be less expensive than prescription models. For example, the price of OTC hearing instruments in this review ranges from $249 to $2,950 per pair, while prescription models start at $2,600 per pair and go up to $7,500.

Why Are Hearing Aids So Expensive?

The difference in price is tied to a number of factors, including features, technology, and the type of hearing aid best suited for your hearing loss.

For example, if you have profound hearing loss and need a custom earmold, you can expect to pay $200 to $300 more than a device with a non-custom receiver. Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming technology may also cost more than models without those features, especially among OTC hearing aids. Audicus, for example, charges $400 extra for the rechargeable version of its hearing aids.

There are a number of cost-saving measures you can take when buying hearing aids.

Watch for Sales

OTC hearing aid manufacturers run sales quite often, especially close to holidays. If you’re interested in a particular brand, subscribe to the company’s email list so you receive sale offers.

Several OTC manufacturers, such as MDHearing and Audicus, publish regular articles and blog posts about hearing health, how to clean your hearing aids, and other information that can be helpful as you’re getting used to owning and maintaining hearing aids. If you’re on the brand’s email list, you’ll receive notifications about those articles as well.

Shop Around

Compare prices among retailers of OTC hearing aids. If you have rewards points to use at a specific retailer or can earn cash back by using a store credit card, see if that retailer will beat the lowest price you’ve found elsewhere.

Hearing clinics that sell prescription devices usually aren’t as flexible on pricing and don’t tend to put devices on sale like OTC retailers do, but by being a savvy shopper, you may be able to get a lower price.

Since prescription hearing aid companies negotiate their pricing (along with warranty terms) with each hearing clinic, you may find different prices at different clinics. It’s worth calling or visiting a few places to compare prices. Just be sure you’re comparing the same model, with the same power level and features, at each clinic.

Use Rewards Points

Many stores offer rewards points or cash back for loyal customers. Walgreens, CVS, and Best Buy are just a few that sell OTC hearing aids and have a store loyalty card you can use to earn points.

These points can typically be redeemed for most purchases, both in stores and online. By putting your points toward a new pair of hearing aids, you could save a good amount of money.

Use Credit Cards Wisely

Credit cards can be a smart way to pay for your hearing aids, with a couple of caveats.

First, if you don’t plan on paying off the full purchase price on your credit card within a month, and you qualify for financing from the manufacturer or hearing clinic, you may be better off using the financing option rather than paying credit card interest. For example, OTC manufacturers Eargo and Jabra Enhance both offer 0 percent financing options.

Second, some stores offer the greatest amount of cash back if you use the store credit card to make your hearing aid purchase. Costco and Walgreens are good examples of this. You can also use rewards points and cash back that you’ve earned at either of these stores to pay for hearing aids, then use your store credit card for the rest of the balance. Not only will you be redeeming points or cash you earned in the past, you’ll also earn more to use for future purchases.

Financial Resources for Hearing Aids

In addition to being a smart shopper, you may qualify for assistance. Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance benefits for both OTC and prescription hearing aids will likely be changing quite a bit in the next one to two years for a few reasons.

Several OTC hearing aid manufacturers, including MDHearing and Eargo, are partnering with insurance companies and healthcare intermediaries to increase subscribers’ ability to use their insurance benefits toward the purchase of hearing aids.

Two pieces of legislation hold promise for hearing aid wearers. The Build Back Better Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021 but failed in the U.S. Senate, would mandate Medicare payment of a new pair of hearing aids every five years for beneficiaries with moderately severe to profound hearing loss. In addition, Debbie Dingell and Brian Fitzpatrick reintroduced the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act to Congress in January 2023. This bill would end a restriction by Social Security on Medicare coverage of hearing aids.

Medicare

Medicare Parts A and B don’t currently pay for hearing aids, although Medicare Part B will cover the cost of a hearing exam if prescribed by a physician, according to Medicare.gov.

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and other private insurance plans include coverage for hearing aids. Check with your insurance provider to see what hearing benefits your plan includes.

Medicaid

Medicaid programs in some states offer coverage for hearing aids. The Hearing Loss Association of America provides a list of each state’s Medicaid hearing aid coverage for both adults and children.

Health Insurance

As noted above, many private insurance plans currently offer some type of hearing benefit. As more OTC hearing aid manufacturers work with health insurance companies to increase coverage for hearing aids, customers may see better insurance benefits for their hearing health in the future.

State Vocational Rehabilitation Programs

In many states, you can get free hearing aids through vocational rehab programs if you need hearing loss treatment to perform your job or get a new job. The Rehabilitation Services Administration provides a list of vocational rehab programs by state to help you get in touch with the program in your state.

Veterans Benefits

U.S. veterans who are recipients of healthcare benefits can also receive free hearing aids, hearing exams, and hearing aid supplies. Check out the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information.

Hearing Aid Donation Programs

Organizations such as the Hearing Aid Project donate used hearing aids at little or no cost to people who need them. Fill out an application on the Hearing Aid Project’s website to see if you qualify for free hearing aids and find other financial resources for hearing aids where you live.

Other Resources

This list includes other organizations that provide financial assistance for hearing aids or connect consumers to organizations that provide financial aid for hearing aids:

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Hearing Industries Association
• Hearing Loss Association of America
• National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders
• Help America Hear

Hearing aids come with a wide range of features that can make them more customizable and easier to use. Take a look at this list to see which features are the most important to you and use it to guide you as you select the hearing aid that will meet your needs the best.

• Directional Microphones Focus on sounds coming from a particular direction, such as speech in front of you
• Background Noise Reduction Cuts down on other sounds in the environment that you don’t want to focus on
• Feedback Management Reduces the whistling sound that can occur with hearing aids
• Bluetooth Capabilities Allows for connection with an app for adjustments or streaming audio and phone calls
• Multiple Listening Settings Change the amplification, directional microphone, and noise reduction settings depending on your listening environment
• Automatic Adjustments Makes changes as you move from one environment to another, reducing the need for your input
• Rechargeable Batteries Provides convenience and money savings over time, since you don’t have to constantly replace disposable batteries
• Telecoil Allows you to stream sounds in facilities fitted with a hearing loop system
• Tinnitus Masking Distracts your brain from tinnitus with tones and amplification of other sounds
• Water Resistance Provides extra convenience for wearing your hearing aids while exercising or working outside

The majority of prescription hearing aids come with all of the above features, but OTC hearing aids vary quite a bit in what they offer. The more expensive a device is, the more features it typically includes.

Take into account the following factors when deciding which hearing aid is best for your needs:

• Budget After determining any insurance benefits or other ways you can save money, what is the maximum amount you can spend on hearing aids?
• Lifestyle How often are you in difficult listening environments with a lot of background noise?
• Degree and Type of Hearing Loss This may help determine which style of hearing aid you need and whether you’re a candidate for OTC or prescription devices.
• Preferences Which features and technology are most important to you?
• Comfort With Technology Self-fitting OTC hearing aids could be a better fit for people who are comfortable making fine-tuning adjustments in an app, whereas simpler OTC devices and prescription hearing aids don’t put as much responsibility on the user.
• Experience With Hearing Aids First-time hearing aid wearers may benefit from in-person support at a hearing clinic.

Read our hearing aids buyers guide for more information on choosing the right hearing aid.

Get an In-Person Hearing Exam

Whether you’re new to hearing aids or in the market for a new pair, seeking assistance from an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist is a key component to finding the best hearing aid for you. These professionals will perform a hearing test to measure and identify the degree and type of hearing loss. They can then recommend and fit you for a hearing aid based on your needs.

If a medical condition is causing your hearing loss, you should be evaluated by a licensed physician, such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor, before purchasing hearing aids.

Many OTC and prescription hearing aid manufacturers offer online hearing screenings to give you an idea of your degree of hearing loss. Most take less than five minutes and involve listening to various tones at different pitches while you adjust the volume to best hear the sound. Some tests also ask questions about your ability to hear in challenging situations.

Online screenings are designed to assess your general ability to hear everyday sounds. They can give you an overview but are not as accurate or thorough as an in-person hearing exam, and they cannot diagnose the cause of your hearing loss.

Ask About the Trial Period and Warranty

Before making a purchase, be sure you know the terms of the trial period and warranty.

Most states require a 30-day trial period for new hearing aids, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America, but many OTC hearing aid companies and hearing-care clinics offer 45 days rather than 30. During this time, you can return the hearing aids for any reason if they aren’t a good fit for you.

A 45-day trial period is often enough time to become adjusted to your new hearing instruments if you wear them consistently. Although it may feel strange to hear sounds more loudly than you did before, the more you wear your hearing aids, the more normal it will feel. And be sure to take advantage of in-person or remote assistance if you’re having issues with the devices’ performance or have any questions.

Also remember to ask about the warranty. Find out how long it is and what it covers. Warranties vary quite a bit, generally ranging from one to three years. While some cover only manufacturer’s defects, others will pay for repairs due to damage and even provide replacements if you lose your hearing aids.

Determine Your Options for Repairs

This isn’t a step you want to skip. A hearing aid is essentially a tiny computer that’s required to perform with precision in a challenging environment for hours on end.

“It’s literally the processing power of a laptop shoved into the size of a nickel,” says Reed. “And then you're putting it in your ear, which is like dumping a laptop in a swamp. Not a good spot. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is not a product you can buy without it breaking down.”

It’s critical to find out what the options are when your hearing aid needs repairs. Should you call the manufacturer or your hearing specialist? Can most repairs be taken care of at home or in the clinic? Will you need to mail your devices somewhere for repairs?

In many cases, this will depend on the type of repair needed, but Reed says that many malfunctions are due to minor issues that can be addressed by users at home, with telehealth support from a hearing specialist if needed. You should go over all of these possible scenarios before making your purchase so you’ll know what to do ahead of time.

In general, hearing aids can be expected to last about five years with regular maintenance and care, according to the experts our reviews team consulted. Keep in mind that cleaning your devices on a daily basis and changing out wax guards and tubing as recommended by your hearing specialist or the manufacturer will go a long way in extending the life of your hearing aids.

The best way to determine whether you need a hearing aid is to see your doctor or an audiologist. They can perform a hearing test to assess the degree of hearing loss and recommend different hearing styles and brands.

To get a general idea of your hearing, you can also take an online hearing screening. While not as thorough or accurate as in person, an online screening can be a good first step.

The American Academy of Audiology lists the following questions as a good benchmark for determining whether you may have mild or moderate hearing loss that could be successfully treated with OTC hearing aids:

1. Can you hear easily in quiet, one-on-one situations?
2. Do you feel like you need help hearing in only some difficult listening environments (as opposed to needing help to hear in most situations)?
3. Does turning up the volume on the phone or TV just a little bit help you hear better (a level that would be considered a bit loud to others, not extremely loud)?

If you answered yes to these questions, you may have mild to moderate hearing loss and be a good candidate for OTC hearing aids. Answering no to any of them could indicate that prescription hearing aids would be a better fit.

Signs of Hearing Loss

The NIDCD provides a checklist that identifies some of the most common signs of hearing loss:

• Difficulty hearing the TV or radio at a level that others can hear
• Trouble carrying on conversations with others because you struggle to understand them
• Speaking loudly or asking others to speak up so you can hear them
• Asking others to repeat themselves

Once you realize you have hearing loss, don’t wait to treat it. According to research published in Otology & Neurotology, unaddressed hearing loss is linked to a host of other problems:

• Falls
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Social isolation
• Dementia and other types of cognitive decline
• Low educational attainment
• Lower earning potential

When you have hearing loss, neural pathways in your brain that are normally used for processing sound diminish over time. A study published in PLoS One found that some of these pathways get taken over for processing sights rather than sounds.

In addition, with hearing loss, your brain has to work harder to make sense of the sounds being transmitted by the inner ear, and this can cause chronic fatigue and memory issues.

Miller says that many of her patients comment on how much more energy they have once they begin wearing hearing aids. A study published in January 2020 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that people who wore hearing aids for 18 months scored higher on cognitive tests. And a study published in September 2019 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found an association between hearing aid use and delayed onset of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, depression, and injury-causing falls. Research shows that hearing health is a key component of overall health and well-being.

To fully understand this category, our reviews team reviewed current published research on hearing loss and hearing aid devices, interviewed experts and hearing loss professionals, read thousands of reviews on trusted third-party sites, and deployed a survey of more than 600 hearing aid users to understand their customer experiences.

We narrowed down what brands to review within this category by speaking with audiologists and looking at brand market share. We then considered cost, the varieties of hearing loss that a brand could treat, and special features offered, such as directional microphones, digital noise reduction, and rechargeable batteries.

Once our research team made its selections, an audiologist medically reviewed our picks to vet each brand and model.

We determined our top picks for the best hearing aids based on the following criteria:

• Special features
• User experience
• Cost
• Customer service
• Reputation and credibility

Hearing aids are complex devices with a wide range of features, styles, and prices. It’s important to take your time to research all the options before making a purchase.

Among OTC hearing aids, we like the intersection of quality, customer service, price, and features offered by brands like Jabra Enhance, Lexie, and Eargo. The major prescription hearing aid manufacturers Phonak, Signia, Starkey, Widex, Oticon, and ReSound all offer high-quality hearing instruments with in-person audiology support. Regardless of which device you choose, stay committed to your hearing health and you’ll be repaid many times over, both now and in the years to come.