The 7 Most Affordable Hearing Aids of 2023

• While some hearing aids cost up to $7,000 per pair, the less expensive options on this list cost $99–$2,998 and offer both quality and personalized customer care.
• Consider your budget, hearing needs, and lifestyle when deciding which hearing aid is best for you.
• Don’t let price stop you from getting treatment for hearing loss. Financial aid, discounts, and payment plans can help you pay for hearing aids.
• On August 16, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized its ruling on over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids being legally offered for sale without a medical exam, prescription, or professional fitting. This new FDA ruling, which went into effect October 17, 2022, has created more affordable hearing aid options.

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 most affordable hearing aids include Lexie, Audien, 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.

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aid devices to give you the most accurate hearing aid review. To make these selections, we:

• Consulted with audiologists and geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped 18 brands
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews

Read more about our hearing aid review methodology.

• Best Customer Support: Jabra Enhance
• Best for Bluetooth: Audicus
• Most Affordable: Audien
• Best Invisible Hearing Aids: Eargo
• Most Versatile Hearing Aid: MDHearing
• Most User-Friendly: Lexie
• Best Rechargeable: Go Hearing

Best Customer Support: Jabra Enhance

• Cost per pair: $799–$1,995 (depending on model and basic versus premium package)
• Style: RIC
• Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderate (Enhance Plus); mild to moderately severe (Enhance Select models)
• Rechargeable battery: Yes (except Jabra Enhance Select 50)
• Bluetooth streaming: Yes
• Warranty: Three years for Enhance Select models if you purchase premium package (one year for Enhance Plus and basic package for Enhance Select models)
• Financing: Yes

Jabra Enhance offers a unique balance of quality, affordability, and customer support. The company sells over-the-counter (OTC) receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids using a completely online process, but you can also find Jabra Enhance Plus hearing aids at Best Buy.

After purchasing a pair of Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids, every customer has a one-on-one video appointment with a member of the audiology care team. Not many affordable hearing aid companies offer this level of one-on-one customer support, which is why we named Jabra Enhance “Best Customer Support.” Unlike the Enhance Select, you don’t need a one-on-one appointment to purchase Jabra Enhance Plus hearing aids. Instead, you’re required to take a hearing test through the Jabra Enhance app, which then calibrates the hearing aids to your results.

Jabra Enhance one-on-one support

During the initial video appointment, an audiology care team member does the following:

• Gathers information about the customer’s hearing history
• Sets hearing goals with the customer
• Helps set up the hearing aids to ensure the correct fit
• Covers details of cleaning and maintenance
• Explains how to use the accessories that come with the hearing aids
• Provides assistance setting up the app for remote adjustments

Customers who purchase a premium package of the Jabra Enhance Select devices also receive follow-up care and unlimited remote adjustments by a member of Jabra Enhance’s audiology team for the first three years, which can be a big perk for those buying hearing aids for the first time.

Unfortunately, Jabra Enhance Plus hearing aids do not include audiology team support (or the Jabra Enhance Select basic package), but you do get access to customer support at any time through the Jabra Enhance app.

Jabra Enhance customer satisfaction

Jabra Enhance has a Better Business Bureau (BBB) customer rating of 3.63 out of 5 with 19 reviews. Customers praise Jabra Enhance’s superior customer service, knowledgeable staff, and ease of making remote adjustments with the app. Some reviews disagree, stating that the customer service could improve its availability.

Jabra Enhance prices and trial period

All Jabra Enhance Select hearing aid prices are competitive. The base model (Jabra Enhance Select 50) starts at $1,195 per pair (basic package) to $1,395 per pair (premium package). The most expensive model (Jabra Enhance Select 200) is $1,995 per pair for the premium package, about $2,600 less than the average pair of hearing aids, according to the White House.¹ The 100-day trial period adds even more value to the price of Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids.

Price differences in each model reflect the battery type and level of technology. Jabra Enhance Select 50 comes with disposable batteries (and includes a year’s supply of batteries), the Jabra Enhance Select 100 has a rechargeable battery, and the Jabra Enhance Select 200 has a rechargeable battery plus the most advanced hearing technology the company offers.

All three models offer Bluetooth streaming and the ability to make remote adjustments using the free Jabra Enhance Select app.

The newest Jabra Enhance ITE model, the Enhance Plus, is priced lower at $799 because it’s a smaller model with less perks. While it comes with Bluetooth streaming and a rechargeable battery, you don’t get the audiology team support, and it only has a 45-day trial period.

Jabra Enhance hearing aid prices per pair

• Jabra Enhance Plus: $799
• Jabra Enhance Select 50: $1,195 (basic package) and $1,395 (premium package)
• Jabra Enhance Select 100: $1,495 (basic package) and $1,695 (premium package)
• Jabra Enhance Select 200: $1,795 (basic package) and $1,995 (premium package)

Warranty

Jabra Enhance Select models have a longer warranty than many other budget hearing aid brands, with three years of loss and damage protection and three years of coverage for manufacturer’s defects (for those that purchase the premium package). Three-year warranties are typically seen among higher-priced hearing aids such as Phonak, Starkey, and Widex. If you want to save money and buy the basic package for the Jabra Enhance Select devices or the Jabra Enhance Plus model, both have a shorter one-year warranty with no loss and damage protection.

Customer service

• Connect with Jabra Enhance’s Customer Support at jabraenhance.com
• In-person support is available at certified Jabra Enhance centers

Payment options

You can purchase Jabra Enhance hearing aids on the website using the following payment methods:

• Credit card
• PayPal

Jabra Enhance also offers financing through third-party lender, Bread.

For more information read our in-depth Jabra Enhance hearing aids review.

Best for Bluetooth: Audicus

• Cost per pair: $1,398–$2,998
• Style: RIC, CIC
• Type of hearing loss: Mild to severe
• Rechargeable battery: Yes
• Bluetooth streaming: Yes (except the Mini)
• Warranty: Two years
• Financing: Yes

Audicus is an OTC hearing aid company that sells three value-priced, receiver-in-ear (RIC) Bluetooth hearing aids: the Wave, Spirit, and Omni. Its newest model, the Mini, is a completely-in-canal (CIC) style hearing aid that fits discreetly in your ear. Unfortunately, its small size cannot fit Bluetooth technology for streaming.

Audicus Bluetooth-equipped hearing aid prices

• Wave: $1,398 per pair
• Spirit: $2,398 per pair
• Omni: $2,998 per pair

Bluetooth technology in hearing aids

Bluetooth technology allows two devices to wirelessly communicate with each other by sending radio waves back and forth. In addition to being reasonably priced hearing aids, the Audicus Wave, Omni, and Spirit models include Bluetooth streaming, unlike MDHearing, which only lets you wirelessly connect to the company’s app.

Bluetooth streaming capability allows you to listen to music, movies, and phone calls from another device, such as a smartphone or tablet, using your hearing aids.

How to pair your Audicus hearing aids

To wirelessly connect your Audicus hearing aids to the device you want to stream the sound from, you’ll need to “pair” them. To do this, activate Bluetooth by pressing the Bluetooth icon (which looks like this: ) on your hearing aid and the other device. You may need to go into the device settings to enable Bluetooth on your phone, tablet, or other device.

Once they’re paired, any sound coming from the other device will go directly to your hearing aids. Basically, your Bluetooth hearing aids will be working like a wireless headset.

Your Audicus hearing aids will also stream sound to the other device, which is helpful when talking on the phone. When you speak, your voice will be picked up by the mic in your hearing aid and streamed to your phone, as long as it’s within the range needed for Bluetooth (about 30 feet).

You can also change the volume coming into your hearing aids while leaving the volume of the other device at a different level. This is useful for watching movies with family or friends, for example. You can adjust the volume to your liking and leave the TV volume at another level for everyone else.

Keep in mind both devices must have Bluetooth technology in order to connect with each other. For instance, you wouldn’t be able to connect your hearing aids to an older cell phone not equipped with Bluetooth.

Most newer cell phones, computers, and tablets include Bluetooth capabilities. Check your product manual or call the device manufacturer if you’re not sure.

How does Bluetooth affect Audicus battery life?

Audicus now offers all three of its Bluetooth models with the option of disposable or rechargeable batteries (rechargeable hearing aids cost $400 more per pair). The Wave, Spirit, and Omni come with the option of either disposable or rechargeable batteries, while the Mini only comes with a disposable battery.

Audicus rechargeable batteries last up to 18 hours on a single charge, which is below average (according to our Reviews Team, rechargeable hearing aids have an average battery life of 30 hours).

Keep in mind shorter battery life is common among Bluetooth-equipped hearing aids compared to non-Bluetooth hearing aids, because Bluetooth streaming drains the battery more quickly.

Still, 18 hours gives you a full day of use before you need to recharge your hearing aids. Just place them in their charging case at night before you go to bed and you’ll be ready for the next day.

Audicus membership program

Audicus offers a unique membership program for people who want to try hearing aids but don’t want to buy them. Rather than purchasing the devices up front, you pay a $100 setup fee and a monthly fee to lease them.

Members receive a new pair of hearing aids every 18 months, with accessories, unlimited telehealth support (including adjustments), and a warranty that covers damage and one-time loss replacement.

Free trial period and warranty

Audicus provides a 45-day, money-back trial period, so you can try out the hearing aids and make sure they’re a good fit for you. If not, simply return them for a full refund.

The company also offers a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, which can be extended to three years for $99–$198 per pair depending on your product. The extended warranty, called Audicus Protect, provides unlimited cleaning and care, unlimited repairs, and one-time loss replacement.

Customer service

You can contact Audicus in the following ways for customer support:

• Phone: (855) 971-0451, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, 7 days a week
• Email: help@audicus.com

Audicus provides video tutorials, FAQs, hearing aid manuals, and information about repairs and adjustments on its website as well. Customers also receive free, unlimited hearing aid reprogramming after their purchase, something not all companies offer. For the price, this brand has a lot to offer in the way of technology and service.

Payment options

Audicus hearing aids are only available for purchase on the company’s website. You can pay in the following ways:

• Credit card
• PayPal

Audicus also offers financing through third-party lenders Care Credit and Allegro. The company offers fitting and adjustments at a growing number of clinics around the country. Visit the online locator to see if there is an Audicus clinic in your area.

Read more in our Audicus hearing aids review.

Most Affordable: Audien

• Cost per pair: $99–$249
• Style: ITC
• Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
• Rechargeable battery: Yes
• Bluetooth streaming: No
• Warranty: One year
• Financing: No

Audien sells two lightweight, in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids: the Atom and Atom Pro. Although the hearing aids don’t have a lot of features, such as Bluetooth, our Reviews Team found that Audien hearing aids are the least expensive of several brands, starting at only $99 per pair, winning the “Most Affordable” hearing aid on this list.

Be aware that Audien devices sacrifice features for price—the company offers the lowest hearing aid prices on this list, but its devices also offer the least amount of features. For example, the next most expensive hearing aid on this list, MDHearing, offers directional microphones (which can help you hear speech better in a crowded room), adaptive technology (which automatically adjusts your hearing aid settings depending on your environment), and smartphone compatibility (to control your hearing aid settings from your phone). Audien offers none of these features, but its least expensive hearing aid is $700 cheaper than MDHearing.

If price is your main concern, Audien may be a good fit. But if you’re looking for affordable hearing aids with some features, Audien may not be the best choice.

Audien hearing aid prices

• Atom: $99 per pair
• Atom Pro: $249 per pair

Audien hearing aid alternatives

On the company’s website, you’ll see that Audien offers two other devices called the EV1 and EV3. These two are personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) and are not FDA-registered hearing aids. PSAPs are meant to amplify sounds, not to compensate for hearing loss, according to the FDA.

Warranty for Audien hearing aids

Audien offers a one-year warranty that covers defective hearing aids. It does not include broken, lost, or water-damaged products.

Battery life

Audien’s Atom and Atom Pro models have rechargeable batteries that take 4–6 hours to charge fully. The Atom battery lasts for 20 hours, while the Atom Pro battery lasts for up to 24 hours. Based on our Reviews Team’s analysis, the average battery life of a rechargeable hearing aid is 30 hours.

Customer service

You can reach Audien in the following ways for customer support:

• Phone: (205) 255-1112, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
• Email: support@audienhearing.com
• Online chat: Available on audienhearing.com/support

On the Audien website, there are also video tutorials on how to set up, wear, and clean hearing aids.

Payment options

You can purchase Audien hearing aids by:

• Credit card

For more information about the company, read our Audien hearing aids review.

Best Invisible Hearing Aids: Eargo

• Cost per pair: $1,850–$2,950
• Style: Completely-in-canal (CIC)
• Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
• Rechargeable battery: Yes
• Bluetooth streaming: No
• Warranty: One year (two years for Eargo 7)
• Financing: Yes

Eargo sells three completely-in-canal (CIC), OTC hearing aids, all of which are nearly invisible in the ear. While they don’t include Bluetooth streaming because of their small size, Eargo devices do have Bluetooth connectivity so you can adjust the settings using your smartphone. Because this brand offers small, invisible hearing aids at one of the lowest prices on the market, our Reviews Team named it “Best Invisible Hearing Aids.”

The silicone tips of Eargo hearing aids look quite different from any other brand. This is because the founder, Dr. Florent Michel, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon, modeled them after fishing flies. Some tips look like flower petals, others resemble tiny brush bristles, and others are more traditional closed dome tips. A variety of tips and domes are included with every Eargo purchase, so you can find the best fit for your ears.

Respondents to our Reviews Team’s survey were satisfied with the fit of Eargo hearing aids. More than 70% of Eargo users who responded to our survey reported that their Eargo hearing aids are comfortable and fit well, which is noteworthy since you purchase Eargo hearing aids directly from the company and don’t need an in-person fitting from a hearing professional.

If size and invisibility is your most important consideration, Eargo may be a good choice.

Eargo hearing aid prices

• Eargo 5: $1,850 per pair; financing starts at $86 per month
• Eargo 6: $2,450 per pair; financing starts at $80 per month
• Eargo 7: $2,950 per pair; financing starts at $96 per month

Free trial period and warranty

Eargo is a brand to check out if you have mild to moderate hearing loss and are looking for a discreet hearing aid that’s barely noticeable. At your request, Eargo will send a sample (non-working) pair of hearing aids to try free for 45 days before making a purchase.

The Eargo 5 and Eargo 6 models come with a one-year warranty for manufacturer’s defects, loss, and damage, while the Eargo 7 includes a two-year warranty.

Customer service

You can contact Eargo in the following ways for customer support:

• Phone: 855-610-3877, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday
• Online chat: Available at the Eargo Support Center website, same availability as phone

The Eargo Support Center website also offers a wide variety of videos and user guides for all of its hearing aid models.

Payment options

Eargo accepts payment in the form of a credit card of PayPal. Financing is available through Bread, a third-party lender.

For more information, check out our in-depth Eargo hearing aids review.

Most Versatile Hearing Aid: MDHearing

• Cost per pair: $299–$699
• Style: Behind-the-ear (BTE), In-the-canal (ITC)
• Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderately severe
• Rechargeable battery: Yes (Neo, Volt, and Volt Max)
• Bluetooth streaming: No
• Warranty: One year (two years for the Volt Max)
• Financing: Yes

MDHearing was founded in 2008 by Dr. Sreekant Cherukuri, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon who wanted to make hearing aids more affordable. By designing a simpler hearing aid and moving the entire process online, he achieved his goal of creating an OTC hearing aid that’s several thousand dollars cheaper than most others on the market. The MDHearing Neo, Air, Volt, and Volt Max are classified as OTC devices, and the Volt Max has received FDA clearance as a self-fitting hearing aid. Because MDHearing is the second lowest-priced hearing aid on our list but still comes with a list of desirable features, it made our Reviews Team’s pick for “Most Versatile Hearing Aid.”

This company offers three models of behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, all suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. The Neo, MDHearing’s newest model, is an in-the-ear (ITE) rechargeable hearing aid designed for mild to moderate hearing loss. Each model has its own price and set of features.

MDHearing prices

• Air: $299 per pair
• Neo: $299 per pair
• Volt: $299 per pair
• Volt Max + VIP: $699 per pair

MDHearing only sells its affordable hearing aids online, which can help to keep costs down. If cost is your top concern, we have tips on how to find sales on hearing aids below, and MDHearing offers regular sales.

MDHearing says its devices are “one size fits most,” with various sizes of tubing, tips, and domes that can be combined to achieve a comfortable fit for most people—and that its hearing aids are successful for more than 94% of Americans with hearing loss.³

MDHearing aid features

Every MDHearing device includes feedback cancellation (to reduce whistling noises caused by holding a phone or other object close to your hearing aid) and digital noise reduction (to block out background sounds). The Neo has only one listening program, but the Air, Volt, and Volt Max come with four preset hearing profiles.

The volume on the Air, Neo, and Volt are controlled using the volume dial on the back of the hearing aid. If you want to change the hearing setting, just push the button that sits below the volume dial.

In addition to the features above, the Volt and Volt Max also offer directional microphones (to help you hear speech in front of you) and rechargeable batteries. The Neo comes with rechargeable batteries as well. If you have trouble handling small parts or simply don’t want to change the batteries in your hearing aids every week, you may like the option of rechargeable ones.

Keep in mind the Volt and Volt Max do need to be recharged every night. It can be helpful to set a reminder on your phone or put a note by the bed to help you remember to charge your hearing aids every night. If someone regularly checks on you, they can also remind you to charge your hearing aids.

MDHearing app

The Volt Max is the only model that can connect with the MDHearing smartphone app using Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets you connect smart devices to each other. This allows you to use your phone to change the volume of your hearing aids, choose a different hearing profile, or allow the app to automatically change the settings based on your current listening environment. You can also use the app to take a hearing screening and adjust your hearing aid settings based on the results.

With the included VIP Care for the Volt Max, a hearing aid specialist can work with you remotely through the app to make the adjustments to your hearing aid. You also have the option of using the buttons on the hearing aid to manually adjust the Volt Max yourself, if you don’t want to bother with the app.

The MDHearing app is rated well, with 4.3 out of 5 stars on Apple’s App Store and 3.9 out of 5 stars on Google Play. Keep in mind the Volt Max cannot stream movies or phone calls with Bluetooth; it’s only equipped to use Bluetooth for connecting to the app.

MDHearing online consultations

MDHearing does offer online consultations with a hearing aid specialist for Volt Max customers to help you set up and adjust your hearing aids.

Many people enjoy working with a specialist from the comfort of their home, especially older adults who have chronic diseases or are concerned about the risk of COVID-19. But if you’re new to the world of hearing aids, or just want the extra support that an audiologist can provide in a clinic setting, you may want to take a look at some of the brands below, such as Signia.

Free trial period and warranty

MDHearing provides a 45-day money-back trial, during which you can send the hearing aids back for any reason and receive a full refund. The company offers a one-year warranty, which is standard among OTC brands, according to our Reviews Team’s research.

You can get a longer warranty by paying $10 per month for the MDShield Protection Plan. It provides insurance for manufacturer defects and damage as long as you subscribe to the plan. The VIP Care that comes with the Volt Max also includes an extended two-year warranty.

Customer service

You can reach MDHearing in the following ways:

• Phone: (800) 918-3914, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday
• Email: support@MDHearingAid.com
• Online: Contact form

The company also offers user manuals and troubleshooting tips on its website.

Payment options

MDHearing offers a number of ways to pay for its hearing aids:

• Purchase online from the company with a credit card
• Make a purchase over the phone by calling 800-918-3914
• Pay by mail with a check or money order; just download the order form from the MDHearing website, fill it out, and send it in with your payment

Financing is offered through PayPal, as well as Affirm, a third-party lender that provides 0% interest for 12 months.

Check out our MDHearing review to learn more.

Most User-Friendly: Lexie

• Cost per pair: $799–$999
• Style: Behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC)
• Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
• Rechargeable battery: Yes (B2)
• Bluetooth streaming: No
• Warranty: 1 year
• Financing: No (subscription plan)

Lexie hearing aid prices

• Lexie Lumen: $799 per pair
• Lexie B1: $849 per pair
• Lexie B2: $999 per pair

Lexie OTC hearing aids combine self-fitting ⓘSelf-fitting hearing aids include software that allows the user to program their own devices. technology; several choices of models, colors, and battery types; and quality sound processing (powered by Bose technology in two models) with a competitive price, making this brand our pick for the “Most User-Friendly” hearing aid.

Lexie OTC hearing aid options

In October 2022, OTC hearing aids became available for purchase without a hearing exam or prescription. They are intended for adults 18 years and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The average price for OTC hearing aids is about $1,600 per pair, which is $3,000 less than the average price of prescription hearing aids.²

Only a few OTC hearing aid brands offer self-fitting models under $1,600, and Lexie is one of them. All three Lexie hearing aid models have FDA clearance as self-fitting devices, which have been proven safe and effective for users to program themselves. 

The Lumen, a behind-the ear model with a telecoil and disposable batteries, is priced at $799 per pair. The Lexie app will walk you through a hearing test when you initially set up the hearing aids, using the results to customize your devices to your hearing loss profile. 

With the Lumen, you also get six preset listening environments to choose from, and you can adjust both the volume and listening environment using buttons on the hearing aid or the Lexie app on your smartphone or tablet.

Lexie also makes two OTC hearing aids, the B1 and B2, that allow you to make fine-tuning adjustments. In addition to selecting your listening environment, you can change the bass/treble balance, left/right balance, and the amount of amplification from different directions. These adjustments do require the Lexie app; they can’t be made with buttons on the devices.

Lexie B1 vs. B2

If you’re comfortable with sound technology and using a smartphone app, you may enjoy the extra control that comes with the B1 and B2. The main difference between these two models is that the B1 comes with a disposable battery, whereas the B2 costs $50 more and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 18 hours per charge.

While all three Lexie hearing aids include Bluetooth connectivity to pair your hearing aids with the app for adjustments and remote support, they are not equipped with Bluetooth capability for streaming phone calls or music to your hearing aids. Other budget-friendly hearing aids with Bluetooth streaming include Jabra Enhance and Audicus.

Free trial period and warranty

Lexie gives you 45 days to try out your new hearing aids. During this time, you can return them for any reason if they aren’t meeting your needs. Be sure to take advantage of the remote support Lexie provides as you learn how to make adjustments, charge, and clean your hearing aids.

Hearing instrument specialist Brian Murray also advises new hearing aid wearers to keep their hearing aids in for as long as possible each day. Even when you’re in a quiet environment, your ears are taking in sounds that you couldn’t hear before you had hearing aids, and this stimulation helps your brain become accustomed to processing more sound.

Lexie provides a one-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects in workmanship.

Customer service

You can contact Lexie in the following ways for customer support:

• Phone: 800-499-1336, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday
• Email: sales@lexiehearing.com
• Online contact form

Lexie accepts credit card payments on its website. You can also purchase Lexie hearing aids in a variety of stores where health devices are sold, such as Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. And while Lexie doesn’t offer traditional financing options, the company does have a subscription plan that allows you to pay by the month rather than purchasing the hearing aids outright.

Explore more in our Lexie review.

Best Rechargeable: Go Hearing

• Cost per pair: $199–$299
• Style: In-the-ear (ITE)
• Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
• Rechargeable battery: Yes
• Bluetooth streaming: No
• Warranty: One year

With a 30-hour rechargeable battery life, one of the longest we’ve seen among OTC hearing aids, Go Hearing ranks as the “Best Rechargeable” brand among budget-friendly hearing aids. 

Go Hearing models and prices:

• Go Hearing Lite: $199 per pair
• Go Hearing Prime: $299 per pair

Both Go Hearing models are black ITE devices with rechargeable batteries, and both have a battery life of 30 hours on a two– to three–hour charge. Additionally, the charger holds six charges before needing to be plugged in again. That’s twice as many as the Jabra Enhance charger, the only other OTC device with a 30-hour battery life.

Keep in mind that you’ll give up a few conveniences for the low price Go Hearing offers. First, both models require the use of a small screwdriver to make volume adjustments, similar to Audien. During our in-house testing of Audien, changing the volume with the tool was inconvenient and could be challenging if you have reduced dexterity or arthritis.

While the Lite and Prime are similar,  the Lite is priced $100 below the Prime and only has  one listening setting compared to the three settings that come with the Prime.  The Prime also offers the following features that aren’t included with the Lite:

• Feedback cancellation: To reduce whistling when handled or in a windy setting
• Background noise reduction: To cut down on background noise, so you can hear conversations more clearly
• Six processing channels and twelve bands: For more accurate analysis and amplification of sound frequencies

Free trial period and warranty

Go Hearing provides a 45-day trial period and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects in workmanship.

Customer service

You can contact Go Hearing in the following ways for customer support:

• Phone: 302-754-3190, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Sunday

• Email: sales@gohearing.com

Payment options

• Credit card
• FSA or HSA card

Financing options

• Go Hearing provides financing through Klarna.

Read more in our review of the best rechargeable hearing aids.

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.

Pros

Lower up-front cost

This is the primary reason most people choose one of the least expensive hearing aids on the market: you will pay less up-front. Some of the affordable hearing aids on this list, for instance, cost several thousand dollars less than high-end hearing aids. And lower cost is an important consideration for many of us, especially for older adults living on a fixed income.

Our Reviews Team’s survey of hearing aid users found hearing aid cost was the number one obstacle for the majority of respondents. Indeed, people who need hearing aids wait, on average, 10 years before getting help for hearing loss, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.⁴ And one of the biggest reasons people wait is the high cost associated with hearing aids.

Thankfully, hearing aids are now less expensive than in years past, and, with the arrival of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, manufacturers are seeing increased competition and lowering their prices even more.

Online testing, purchasing, and customer support

With many budget hearing aids, such as MDHearing and Lexie, the entire process of shopping, purchasing, and making adjustments can be accomplished online. In fact, keeping everything online and not paying for brick-and-mortar stores is one of the primary ways OTC hearing aid companies keep their prices down. By eliminating many of the overhead costs, they can sell quality hearing devices at a lower cost.

Cons

Fewer features

While hearing aid technology has gotten less expensive in recent years, devices with high-tech features still usually cost more than cheaper models. For instance, you can expect to pay around $200 extra for a rechargeable battery in models that give you a choice between disposable and rechargeable.

In addition, advanced hearing technology, such as that found in Signia, will drive the hearing aid cost up. The good news is certain features like feedback cancellation (which reduces the whistling sounds common in older hearing aids) and directional microphones (to help you pick up conversations in front of you) are now common in most hearing aids.

Not fully customizable

Budget hearing aids typically cannot be completely customized to your individual hearing loss. It’s more common to see four or five hearing settings to choose from, depending on your environment.

For example, MDHearing provides the following settings: quiet, social, noisy, and restaurant. In addition to these settings, you can also adjust the volume to reach a comfortable listening level.

A preset listening profile may not accurately meet each person’s hearing needs, though. More expensive hearing aids (usually those purchased through clinics) can often be adjusted by a hearing aid specialist to meet your unique hearing profile.

May not be suitable for severe or profound hearing loss

High-powered devices that treat severe and profound hearing loss are generally more costly due to their increased circuitry and the level of customization required. This means if you have severe or profound hearing loss, you will likely pay more for the devices themselves as well as after-purchase adjustments.

The in-person support needed for the customization, adjustments, and maintenance of hearing devices for profound hearing loss is part of the reason they cost more —the cost of ongoing care is factored into the purchase price.

While a few manufacturers, such as Audicus, sell hearing aids online for severe hearing loss, hearing aids for profound hearing loss must be purchased through an audiologist’s clinic. The benefit of receiving extra support and having a personal relationship with an audiologist who gets to know you and your needs can be well worth the cost.

In-person support may not be available

Lower cost hearing aids often do not come with the option of in-person support from an audiologist or hearing aid specialist. If you have mild or moderate hearing loss without any other complicating factors (such as tinnitus or an accompanying disease), this could be fine.

But for certain people, budget hearing aids may not meet all of their needs.

Dr. Candice Ortiz-Hawkins, clinical audiologist at Capital Institute of Hearing and Balance in Silver Spring, MD, 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, and those with fluctuating hearing losses,” 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 cheaper than those purchased through audiologists’ clinics, 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.

Let’s take a look at why some hearing aids cost more than others.

Factors that affect hearing aid price:

1. Degree of hearing loss

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.

2. Availability of in-person support

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.

3. Level of technology

High-tech hearing aids cost more than those with fewer features. These technologies can include options such as:

• Activity tracking: Counts steps and time spent in conversations
• Artificial intelligence (AI): Provides superior sound and even fall detection
• Bluetooth streaming: Allows you to stream TV shows and phone calls and use your hearing aids with a smartphone app
• Rechargeable batteries: Companies such as MDHearing offer a choice of disposable or rechargeable batteries, depending on the model. Those with rechargeable batteries cost more up front, but keep in mind you won’t have to buy (or change) disposable batteries in those models. This can save you time and money in the long run.

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.⁵ 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, and understanding these factors allows you to make a wise choice about what’s important to you and where you can save money. 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 have more specialized training). They also have to pay middlemen to sell their hearing aids, while OTC companies cut out those costs by taking care of the marketing, sales, and after-purchase support themselves. Having this knowledge allows you to save money if you’re comfortable with an online process.

Does Medicare or insurance cover hearing aids?

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

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 find the best hearing aid prices:

Look for sales

Hearing aid companies frequently run buy-one-get-one-free deals and other sales, particularly around the holidays. You can save quite a bit of money if you buy the hearing aids you want during a sale.

For instance, MDHearing often offers a deep discount on all of its models. With the discount, MDHearing hearing aids are priced between $299 and $699 per pair instead of the regular cost of $799 to $1,899 per pair. Sales like this are fairly common—you just have to keep an eye out for them.

If you want newer technology for less, look out for introductory discounts. Eargo 7 was recently released, and the website advertises $300 off for an introductory discount.

Ask about payment or membership plans

Many hearing aid companies offer financing through third-party lenders. CareCredit also offers financing for hearing aids and other hearing loss treatments.

Audicus offers a hearing aid membership plan if you want to try hearing aids without purchasing them. For $89–$159 per month, you can use the hearing aids as long as you’d like. If they don’t suit your needs, you can simply return them and end your membership.

Use your HSA or FSA

Health care accounts, such as Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), can also be used to pay for hearing aids and batteries.⁷

HSAs and FSAs are benefits usually available through an employer that let you set aside money to put toward health and medical costs. Every paycheck, you can contribute a fraction of your earnings into your account, similar to a 401(k) investment account. If you’re contributing to one of these accounts, you’ll receive a debit card that you can use to pay for your hearing aids just like any other credit or debit card payment.

Purchase through a discount retailer

If you need prescription hearing aids but you don’t want to pay the prescription price, try shopping through discount networks like Yes Hearing.

Yes Hearing offers in-home assessments all over the United States to correctly fit your hearing aid. It’s one of the few companies that sends audiologists to your home to assess your hearing in your own environment, which can help ensure that you’re purchasing what you need the first time.

Pay in full

Finally, if you buy hearing aids at an audiology clinic, it’s worth asking for a discount if you pay in full.

Hearing aid financing

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 May 2023:

Hearing aid brands with financing options

• Audicus
• Eargo
• Go Hearing
• HP Hearing Pro
• Jabra Enhance
• Lucid 
• MDHearing
• Sony

OTC hearing aid company Lexie doesn’t offer traditional financing, but you can spread your payments out for up to 24 months with a subscription plan.

Hearing aid retailers offering financing

• Best Buy
• CVS
• Hyvee
• Kinney Drugs
• Target
• Walgreens
• Walmart
• Victra Verizon

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.

Veterans Affairs

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

Discount networks

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.

Member benefits

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.

Hearing Aid Project

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.

Other resources

The following organizations provide resources and links to help you get financial assistance for hearing aids:

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

Lastly, check out NCOA’s Benefits CheckUp tool to see what other benefits you’re eligible for.

Features to help you get a good fit

A variety of tips and domes will help you find the best fit with hearing aids that aren’t 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. Go to the Hearing Loss Association of America website for a list of requirements for hearing aid trial periods in each state.⁹ 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

Check the length and type of warranty before purchasing hearing aids. Most companies provide a warranty between one and three years from the date of purchase, but not all warranties are created equal.

For example, Jabra Enhance’s warranty offers unlimited repairs and loss and damage coverage for three years, (if you buy the premium package), while Eargo’s warranty covers unlimited repairs but only one replacement during the warranty period of one to two years (depending on the model).

Also, ask if the warranty can be extended. If so, find out how much the extended warranty costs. Of our hearing aid survey respondents, 62% needed to have their hearing aids repaired during the warranty period, so having good coverage and an extended warranty are both important factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid.

Technology

While not all of the following technology features will be available in most lower-cost hearing aids, see which ones are most important to you before deciding which device to invest in.

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. Some hearing aid companies also offer remote adjustments by audiologists through their company’s smartphone app.

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

Most hearing aid companies offer models with rechargeable batteries, and most customers prefer them over disposable batteries, according to our Reviews Team’s survey. Rechargeable batteries were the second-most important feature to customers (right behind digital noise reduction).

The biggest advantage of rechargeable batteries is you never have to change them; just place them in the charging case at night before going to bed, and they’ll be ready to go in the morning.

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.

1. You have sudden or profound hearing loss

If you are experiencing a sudden loss of hearing ability, 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.

A Reviews Team member receiving an exam from an audiologist

In addition, people with severe or profound hearing loss sometimes need hearing aids that are fully customizable, and these are often more expensive than the models on this list. If your hearing loss is mild or moderate, you will likely be able to find a good fit from one of the most affordable hearing aid brands.

Some OTC hearing aids are customizable, while others come with preset hearing settings you can switch between, depending on your listening environment.

2. You want in-person support

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 MDHearing as the “Most Versatile Budget Hearing Aid” based on its low hearing aid prices and variety of models and technology to choose from. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hearing aid with Bluetooth, we recommend Audicus RIC models. 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. If an invisible hearing aid is important to you, Eargo may be a good fit. And if price is your only concern and you don’t mind sacrificing features, Audien’s hearing aids might work for you.

To learn more about how to buy hearing aids, read our Hearing Aids Buyer’s Guide.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplification Products: What to Know. Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/hearing-aids-and-personal-sound-amplification-products-what-know
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
3. MDHearing. MDHearing Volt Max. Found on the Internet at https://www.mdhearingaid.com/hearing-aids/mdhearing-volt-max/
4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
5. 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
6. Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
7. Healthcare.gov Health Insurance Marketplace. What’s a Health Savings Account? Found on the internet at https://marketplace.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/health-savings-account.pdf
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
9. Hearing Loss Association of America. Consumer Protection Laws. Found on the internet at https://www.hearingloss.org/wp-content/uploads/ConsumerProtectionLaws.pdf
10. 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