Our Reviews Team’s picks for the most affordable hearing aids in 2023
- Best Customer Support: Jabra Enhance
- Most Affordable: Audien
- Best Invisible Hearing Aids: Eargo
- Most Versatile Hearing Aid: MDHearing
- Most User-Friendly: Lexie
- Best Rechargeable: Go Hearing
- Most Affordable Prescription: Signia
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.
Table 1 Comparison of the most affordable hearing aids, as of December 2023
Most affordable hearing aids in 2023
Pros and cons of affordable 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: According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, people who need hearing aids wait, on average, 10 years before getting help for hearing loss, and one of the biggest reasons people wait is the high cost associated with hearing aids.4 Our Reviews Team’s survey of hearing aid users also found hearing aid cost was the number one obstacle to getting them.
- FDA approved OTC hearing aids: The historically high price of hearing aids is coming down in part because the FDA finalized OTC hearing aid regulations in August 2022, which has led to increased competition and innovation in the marketplace.5 As more affordable options continue to become available to consumers, more people will be able to access them.
- Online testing, purchasing, and customer support: The entirely online/remote process keeps costs down for consumers and hearing aid companies alike.Lower up-front cost
Cons
- Limited technology: While features like noise cancellation and directional microphones are now offered in affordable devices, top-of-the-line sound technology is reserved for more expensive hearing aid models.
- Not fully customizable: Budget hearing aids typically cannot be completely customized to your individual hearing loss.
- Not suitable for severe hearing loss: High-powered devices that treat severe and profound hearing loss are generally more costly due to the increased circuitry, level of customization needed, and professional adjustment required.
- In-person support may not be available: Low cost hearing aids often do not come with the option of in-person support from an audiologist or hearing aid specialist.Limited Technology
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.
How much do hearing aids cost?
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.
Table 2 Most affordable hearing aids from lowest to highest price, as of December 2023
Brand |
Cost |
|---|---|
Audien |
$99–$489 |
Go Hearing |
$199–$499 |
MDHearing |
$297–$699 |
Lexie |
$799–$999
|
Jabra Enhance
|
$799–$1,995
|
Audicus
|
$1,398–$2,998
|
Eargo |
$1,650–$2,950 |
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 adjust your hearing aids with a smartphone app
- Rechargeable batteries: Companies such as MDHearing only offer rechargeable batteries, which cost more up front, but keep in mind you won’t have to buy (or change) disposable batteries in those models.
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 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.
Why are hearing aids so expensive?
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).
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.
How to save on hearing aid costs
Along with shopping for affordable hearing aid brands, there are other ways find the best hearing aid prices:
- Look for sales: Holidays are a great time to look for hearing aids on sale. Brands like MDHearing and Eargo offer great regular savings.
- Ask about payment or membership plans: Third-party lenders like CareCredit offer good financing options, while membership plans like the one Audicus offers covers “leased” devices, upgrades, and maintenance packages.
- Use your HSA or FSA: Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) distributed through your employer can help pay for hearing aids and batteries.7
- Purchase through a discount retailer: Try shopping through a discount retailer like Yes Hearing.
- Pay in full: You may be able to request a discount if you pay full price.
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
Hearing aid retailers offering financing
Organizations that provide financial assistance for hearing aids
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 BenefitsCheckUp® to see what other benefits you’re eligible for.
What to look for in the best affordable hearing aids
| 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. |
Are budget hearing aids a good fit for you?
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, 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
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.
Bottom line
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 hearing aids could work for you. Finally, if you’re seeking customizable prescription devices with better sound clarity technology, the Signia Silk may be the best affordable option for you.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Sources
- Food and Drug Administration. Medical Devices; Ear, Nose, and throat Devices; Establishing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids. August 17, 2022. Found on the internet at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/08/17/2022-17230/medical-devices-ear-nose-and-throat-devices-establishing-over-the-counter-hearing-aids
- 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
- MDHearing. MDHearing Volt Max. Found on the Internet at https://www.mdhearingaid.com/hearing-aids/mdhearing-volt-max/
- 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
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Finalizes Historic Rule Enabling Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids for Millions of Americans. Aug. 16, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-finalizes-historic-rule-enabling-access-over-counter-hearing-aids-millions-americans
- Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
- 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
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services. Found on the internet at https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/Hearing_Aids.asp
- Hearing Loss Association of America. Consumer Protection Laws. Found on the internet at https://www.hearingloss.org/wp-content/uploads/ConsumerProtectionLaws.pdf
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