The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included.
The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included. NCOA does not receive a commission for purchases. If you find these resources useful, consider donating to NCOA.
We chose Audien as our top pick for the Most Affordable Hearing Aids due to the brand’s unique combination of high quality and low cost. Audien stands out for offering an affordable alternative to other high-profile brands while producing all of their hearing aids in an FDA-registered facility, ensuring their products meet the highest standards.
If you’re buying hearing aids for yourself or a loved one, you already know they can be expensive. Prices for the best hearing aids on the market can run up to several thousand dollars per pair. How can you save money and find the least expensive hearing aids for your hearing loss? In this review, we’ve ranked the top seven most affordable hearing aids on the market based on our extensive research. The best low-cost hearing aids include Audien, MD Hearing, Eargo, Jabra Enhance, and others mentioned in this guide.
Read about why these brands carry the best budget hearing aids, and learn about the features each one has to offer. We’ll also discuss how you can be a smart shopper and choose a quality hearing aid within your budget.
While saving money on hearing aids is important to most shoppers, it’s also wise to consider what you might be giving up if you pick a budget hearing aid. Let’s look at the advantages and potential disadvantages of the most affordable hearing aids.
Dr. Candice Ortiz-Hawkins, clinical audiologist at Capital Institute of Hearing and Balance in Silver Spring, Maryland, believes new hearing aid users or those with other medical conditions typically need more support offered through audiologists’ clinics.
“Those who require more follow up tend to be new hearing aid users; those with multiple medical conditions, including cognitive decline, low vision, or dexterity issues, who will have difficulty caring for and managing their hearing aids,” said Ortiz-Hawkins.
The budget hearing aid brands on our list that offer in-person adjustments and customer support are Audicus and Signia. The other companies offer adjustments and other services only by phone, app, or video.
The average cost of hearing aids is $99–$7,000 per pair, based on our Reviews Team’s research. But hearing aid prices can vary widely depending on features, style, and technology.
OTC hearing aids are often more affordable than prescription hearing aids, and they can be a great option if you have mild to moderate hearing loss and don’t feel you need in-person support.
If this describes you, choosing one of the most affordable hearing aids brands reviewed here can save you thousands of dollars.
Brand | Cost |
|---|---|
| Audien | $99–$489 |
| Go Hearing | $199–$499 |
| MDHearing | $297-$397 |
| Lexie | $799–$999 |
Eargo | $799-$2,950 |
Jabra Enhance | $995-$1,995 |
| Signia | $1,475 |
Let’s take a look at why some hearing aids cost more than others.
For people with severe or profound hearing loss, lower-cost hearing aids may not be a good option. This is also true for those who experience hearing loss due to an injury or a medical condition in the ear.
In either case, you may need in-person help from an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to customize and adjust your hearing aids for your specific ear anatomy and hearing needs. While a few OTC brands offer devices to address severe hearing loss, most companies that specialize in severe and profound hearing loss are sold through audiologists’ clinics.
Signia is our Reviews Team’s pick for the most affordable hearing aid in this category.
When purchasing hearing aids through a clinic, you will typically pay more than you would buying them online from a hearing aid manufacturer. But you won’t just be buying the hearing aids; the price often includes ongoing in-person support in the form of adjustments, cleaning, and other maintenance.
Some hearing care clinics provide longer and more comprehensive warranties than OTC hearing aid companies. They may also offer service plans that include cleaning and maintenance. Both warranties and service plans could include additional fees, so it’s important to ask for details before making a purchase.
“Another option is to purchase hearing aids from an audiologist who offers an unbundled pricing model. This allows for lower up-front costs for the hearing aids and fitting services,” said Ortiz-Hawkins. “After the initial fitting, you pay for services only as you need them. This can save you up to a couple of thousand dollars.”
The additional cost of in-person support may be worth it for people who are new to hearing aids, are not comfortable making adjustments on their own, or just want the extra help that a hearing specialist can provide in person.
High-tech hearing aids cost more than those with fewer features. These technologies can include options such as:
The good news is the FDA has finalized a rule to grant access for hearing aids that can be sold over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription or an audiologist’s exam. [2] The White House. FDA Takes Action to Deliver Lower-Cost, Innovative Hearing Aids to Millions More Americans. Found on the internet at https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2016/12/07/fda-takes-action-deliver-lower-cost-innovative-hearing-aids-mil Lower-priced OTC hearing aids are now available online and in stores where health devices are sold, such as Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.
A variety of factors influence the price you’ll pay for hearing aids. For example, audiologists usually charge more for in-person support than specialists who help you with your hearing aids online or over the phone.
This is because in-person, brick-and-mortar clinics have more overhead costs compared to online companies, such as rent, maintenance, and staffing (audiologists also have more specialized medical training).
Unfortunately Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids. Medicare A and B does not currently cover: hearing exams not requested by a physician; hearing aid fittings; or hearing aid supplies, although NCOA is a strong advocate for Medicare coverage of hearing aids. [6] Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
If you have Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), it may pay for some expenses related to hearing aids. Private insurance plans sometimes offer partial or full coverage as well. Contact your insurance provider for more information.
If you qualify for Medicaid, it will often pay for part or all of the cost of hearing aids, but it depends on your state. The Hearing Loss Association of America provides a detailed list of Medicaid hearing aid coverage by state.
Along with shopping for affordable hearing aid brands, there are other ways to find the best hearing aid prices:
Thankfully, consumers now have many options when it comes to financing their hearing aid purchases. Most OTC hearing aid manufacturers and third-party retailers offer financing, and every hearing care clinic we’ve spoken with also provides the option to finance prescription hearing aids.
The following retailers and hearing aid companies were offering financing as of April 2024:
Cost shouldn’t stand in the way of getting treatment for your hearing loss. Fortunately, a number of non-profit organizations may be able to help you pay for hearing aids. Here’s a list to get you started.
Some of the websites we’ve outlined also provide links to other associations that give financial assistance for hearing aids.
If you’re a veteran and receive general VA health care, you can get hearing exams, hearing aids, batteries, hearing implants, and a variety of hearing assistive technology, such as remote microphones, media streamers, and hearing aid-compatible smoke alarms, at no cost.
The VA will also repair hearing aids purchased by veterans in the private sector free of charge. Go to the Veterans Affairs website to learn more about these benefits. [8] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services. Found on the internet at https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/Hearing_Aids.asp
Networks such as Yes Hearing sell hearing aids and service packages at prices up to 30% lower than clinics. The discount network will lock in the best price they can offer for your hearing aids and then connect you with a local clinic, where you can get a hearing evaluation, purchase your hearing aids, and receive service and support.
AARP members can receive a 20% discount on hearing aids along with other hearing benefits through a program with HearUSA.
Lions Club members can also get hearing aids at a discounted price. See their website for details.
Developed by Hearing Charities of America, the Hearing Aid Project provides hearing evaluations and refurbished hearing aids at little or no cost. If you are a U.S. resident, have been diagnosed with hearing loss by an audiologist, and do not have health insurance that covers hearing aids, you may qualify for devices from the Hearing Aid Project.
Go to the website to complete an application and get a list of national, state, and local resources that help pay for hearing aids.
The following organizations provide resources and links to help you get financial assistance for hearing aids:
Lastly, check out BenefitsCheckUp® to see what other benefits you’re eligible for.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Tips and domes for the best fit | A variety of tips and domes will help you find the best fit with hearing aids that aren’t custom-made for your exact ear anatomy. Eargo and Signia, along with all makers of behind-the ear (BTE) and receiver-in-ear (RIC) devices, offer several sizes of tips and domes. |
| Free trial period | In most states, hearing aid companies must offer a trial period of at least 30 days. During the trial period, you can return the hearing aids and receive a full or partial refund if you decide they aren’t a good fit for you. |
| Warranty | Of our hearing aid survey respondents, 62% needed to have their hearing aids repaired during the warranty period. Most companies provide a warranty between one and three years from the date of purchase, but not all warranties are created equal. Check the length and type of warranty before purchasing hearing aids, whether the warranty can be extended and, if so, how much the extended warranty costs. |
| Bluetooth capability | Remember Bluetooth connectivity and Bluetooth streaming are two different things. Some CIC models (such as Eargo) provide Bluetooth connectivity but not streaming. This means you can connect wirelessly to your charger and/or smartphone app, but you won’t be able to take phone calls or listen to music with your hearing aids. If using your hearing aids to talk on the phone or stream music is important to you, make sure Bluetooth streaming is supported in a hearing aid you’re interested in before purchasing it. |
| Smartphone apps | Newer hearing aid technology has made it possible to use your smartphone to adjust the volume and settings on your hearing aids without even touching them. If you’re comfortable with technology and enjoy using apps on your phone, this may be a feature you’ll appreciate. |
| Noise reduction | Also called digital noise reduction, devices with this feature help you focus on conversations and other nearby sounds by limiting background noise. Noise reduction was the most important feature hearing aid customers said they wanted in our Reviews Team’s survey, and luckily, most hearing aids include it in even the most basic models. |
| Directional microphones and feedback cancellation | Directional microphones inside the hearing aid pick up and amplify sounds in front of you to help you hear and respond to conversations more easily. Feedback cancellation cuts down on the whistling sound that was common in older hearing aids when they were held near a phone or other device. Both of these features are commonly included in basic hearing aid models. |
| Telecoil | A T-coil, or telecoil, enables the use of hearing aids in public places such as airports and houses of worship, and in theaters fitted with specialized hearing assistive technology called a hearing loop. While many modern hearing aids include a telecoil, CIC devices like Eargo hearing aids are so small they often do not. The Lexie Lumen, a BTE model, does come with a telecoil. |
| Battery type | According to our Reviews Team’s survey, most hearing aid users prefer rechargeable batteries over disposable batteries. Rechargeable batteries were the second-most important feature to customers (right behind digital noise reduction). The advantage of rechargeable batteries is being able to place them in the charging case at night before going to bed and having them ready in the morning. On the other hand, with disposable batteries you don’t have to be without your hearing aids while they charge; simply replace the batteries as needed. |
When searching for the best low-cost hearing aids, explore various options to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Start by researching online retailers for competitive pricing and a wide selection of products. Consider checking with local audiology clinics or hearing aid specialists, as they may have discounted options or payment plans available.
Another option is to look into government assistance programs or nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance or low-cost hearing aids to those in need. Finally, inquire about insurance coverage or reimbursement options through your health care provider. By exploring these avenues, you can find the best inexpensive hearing aids for your budget.
While everyone wants to save money, the least expensive hearing aids aren’t a good fit for every person. There are two reasons why you may not want to choose the cheapest hearing aids.
If you are experiencing a sudden loss of hearing, have recently had an injury or illness that may be related to your hearing loss, or have pain in one or both ears, be sure to contact your doctor or other health care provider for an in-person evaluation.
In these cases, purchasing hearing aids online without an exam by a hearing professional could result in money wasted on devices that don’t effectively treat your hearing loss, as well as underlying conditions going undiagnosed and untreated.
For people who are new to hearing aids or have underlying medical conditions that affect their hearing, the in-person support offered at hearing clinics could be a better route. These hearing aids are typically (though not always) more expensive than OTC brands sold online.
Affordable hearing aids have many benefits, one of which is the low price. But they’re not for everyone.
If sticking to a budget is important for you, our Reviews Team chose Audien as the “Best Value” hearing aids. MDHearing is our “Most Versatile Budget Hearing Aid” based on its variety of models and technology to choose from. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hearing aid with Bluetooth, we recommend LINK by Eargo. Lexie is our top pick among OTC hearing aid brands. For robust customer support, Jabra Enhance may be a good choice for its one-on-one video calls with an audiology team. Finally, if you’re seeking customizable prescription devices with better sound clarity technology, the Signia Silk may be the best inexpensive hearing aid for you.
While there is no single best hearing aid, some affordable models with lower prices include Audien, MD Hearing and Jabra Enhance. But the ultimate answer to this question depends on several factors, including your:
Hearing aids aren’t one-size-fits-all, which is why there are so many styles, features, and prices to choose from. Based on our Reviews Team’s research and survey, we feel confident that all of the brands reviewed here provide quality hearing aids and reliable customer support.
The most affordable hearing aids on the market include Audien, MD Hearing, Eargo, Jabra Enhance, Lexie, and Signia.
You can buy affordable hearing aids directly from the manufacturer, from a discount network like Yes Hearing, or through charitable organizations like the Hearing Aid Project, which provides hearing evaluations and refurbished hearing aids at little or no cost. You can also buy affordable OTC hearing aids at stores and pharmacies that sell health devices. OTC hearing aids are also available on brand websites or even Amazon.
Yes, Audien sells a hearing aid for just under $100 (Atom for $99), though it doesn’t have many features. The Atom is rechargeable and you can adjust the volume on the device with a small screwdriver, but it doesn’t have directional microphones, which help you to hear better in noisy locations, and it doesn’t have a smartphone app to adjust your hearing aid settings.
Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids in 2024, although NCOA advocates for Medicare coverage of hearing aids. Note that if you have Medicare Advantage, or Part C, some of your hearing aid expenses may be covered. Call your health insurance provider to learn more.
The average cost of a good hearing aid is $4,600. [2] The White House. FDA Takes Action to Deliver Lower-Cost, Innovative Hearing Aids to Millions More Americans. Found on the internet at https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2016/12/07/fda-takes-action-deliver-lower-cost-innovative-hearing-aids-millions-more-americans Of the most affordable hearing aid brands we’ve reviewed, the average price is $1,090 per pair for the basic models, a savings of more than $3,500 compared to the average hearing aid price.
Yes, inexpensive hearing aids work. Note, though, that the lower the cost is for a hearing aid, the more basic its capabilities will be—you may not have as many sound environments or channels to switch between, Bluetooth streaming, or customizable features. But they can get the job done for mild to moderate hearing loss.
As hearing aids increase in price, so do their sound technology features. This means that more expensive hearing aids may be able to offer you a more advanced hearing solution compared to the more basic, inexpensive devices on the market.
Hearing aids are considered medical devices and are used to treat hearing loss, while hearing amplifiers, or personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), are not. The FDA regulates the manufacture and sale of hearing aids.
PSAPs are used for recreational purposes to amplify all sounds equally. Hunters, bird watchers, and concert attendees sometimes use them so they can hear everything in their environment better. The FDA does not regulate PSAPs.
PSAPs are cheaper than hearing aids but aren’t designed to be a cheaper alternative to hearing aids. These devices cannot be modified to meet a certain hearing profile the way hearing aids can be. PSAPs are fine for recreational use by people with normal hearing, but they are not a good alternative to hearing aids for someone with hearing loss.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
See if our top pick is right for you
