Hearing Aids - Key Takeaways
- Jabra Enhance offers the all-around best hearing aids on the market based on our Reviews Team’s hands-on testing.
- 37.5 million people in the United States have hearing loss. That number is expected to almost double in the next four decades.
- The cost of hearing aids varies significantly and can range from $99 to $7,000 per pair (for context, the Jabra Enhance starts at $1,195). Factors influencing the cost of hearing aids include the manufacturer, features, style, fit, technology levels, and customization options.
- When shopping for hearing aids, some of the most important features to consider are your degree of hearing loss, Bluetooth capabilities, feedback suppression, and style. Some of the most popular hearing aid styles include completely-in-canal (CIC), in-the-canal (ITC), behind-the-ear (BTE), and in-the-ear (ITE).
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A Quick Look at the Best Hearing Aids
- Our Top Pick:
Jabra Enhance
- Best Invisible Fit: Eargo
- Most Financing Options: Audicus
- Audiologist’s Pick: Phonak Audéo Lumity
- Most Feature Options: MDHearing
- Most User-Friendly: Lexie
- Most Affordable: Audien Atom Pro
- Most Natural Sound: Signia Silk X
- Best Rechargeable: ReSound Omnia
- Best With Fall Detection: Starkey Evolv AI
- Best for Severe Hearing Loss: Phonak Naída Paradise P-UP
- Most Advanced Smart Features: Oticon Own
- Best for Tinnitus: Widex Moment
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
How we research and review hearing aids

Our Reviews Team tests the waterproof claims of various hearing aids
We only recommend hearing devices that we think will have a positive impact for our readers, so we began our testing process by reviewing hearing aid research. We also consulted with audiologists and geriatric care experts to better understand the research, the needs of people with hearing loss, and the hearing aid brands and models on the market.
We read thousands of reviews on trusted third-party sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot to understand customers’ experiences and where they think hearing aids are falling short. Next, we conducted a survey to discover what people love about their hearing aids, what features they use, and what their biggest challenges are.
We focused on brands that:
- Are widely available
- Have a range of prices
- Treat different types of hearing loss
- Offer a variety of features for different hearing concerns
Any time we recommend a hearing aid brand, we have our selections medically reviewed by an audiologist to examine the company, find the best model, and ensure every hearing aid on our list is appropriate for our readers’ needs.
The best hearing aid brands, as of September 2023
Brand |
Price per pair |
Hearing aid style |
Battery |
Bluetooth |
Adjustments |
Warranty |
Financing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$1,195–$1,995 |
Receiver-in-canal |
Rechargeable and disposable options |
Yes |
Phone app or remote support |
1–3 years |
Yes |
|
$1,398–$2,998 |
Receiver-in-canal, completely-in-canal |
Rechargeable and disposable options |
Yes (except the Mini) |
Phone app, remote support, remote control, and mail-in options |
2 years |
Yes |
|
$299–$699 |
Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, completely-in-canal |
Rechargeable |
Yes (for adjustments only, no streaming) |
Phone app or remote support |
1–2 years |
Yes |
|
$1,650–$2,950 |
Completely-in-canal |
Rechargeable |
Yes (for adjustments only, no streaming) |
Phone app or remote support |
1–2 years |
Yes |
|
$799–$999 |
Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal |
Rechargeable and disposable options |
Yes (for adjustments only, no streaming) |
Phone app or remote support |
1 year |
No |
|
$249 |
In-the-canal |
Rechargeable |
No |
Screw on hearing aid |
1 year |
No |
|
$2,600–$6,500 |
Receiver-in-canal |
Rechargeable |
Yes |
Phone app, remote, and in-person |
Depends on retailer |
Depends on retailer |
|
$1,998–$3,998 |
Completely-in-canal |
Disposable |
No |
Phone app, remote, and in-person |
Depends on retailer |
Depends on retailer |
|
$2,798–$4,598 |
Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, completely-in-canal |
Rechargeable and disposable options |
Yes |
Phone app, remote, and in-person |
Depends on retailer |
Depends on retailer |
|
$3,200–$6,500 |
Receiver-in-canal |
Rechargeable and disposable options |
Yes |
Phone app, remote, and in-person |
Depends on retailer |
Depends on retailer |
|
$4,300–$7,500 |
Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, completely-in-canal |
Rechargeable and disposable options |
Yes |
Phone app, remote, and in-person |
Depends on retailer |
Depends on retailer |
|
$2,400–$7,000 |
Behind-the-ear |
Disposable |
Yes |
Phone app, remote, and in-person |
Depends on retailer |
Depends on retailer |
|
$3,000–$7,500 |
In-the-ear, completely-in-canal, invisible-in-canal |
Rechargeable and disposable options |
Yes |
Phone app, remote, and in-person |
Depends on retailer |
Depends on retailer |
Best Hearing Aids of 2023
Brands that didn't make our best hearing aids list
Our Reviews Team vetted the top hearing aids through careful research and testing, but there are many other brands on the market. While Go Hearing, Otofonix, Rexton, and Unitron are close contenders for our best hearing aids designation, here’s why these brands and others didn’t make our current list.
Go Hearing
For $199–$499 per pair, Go Hearing OTC hearing aids are a close runner-up to our list because of the brand’s competitive prices and battery life. The brand’s Go Prime discreet ITE model has a long rechargeable battery life of 30 hours and a wireless case that can fully charge your hearing aids up to six times for when you’re on the go, earning a place on our best rechargeable hearing aids roundup.
Otofonix
Otofonix OTC hearing aids range between $248–$795 per pair. Otofonix hearing aids with features like Bluetooth connectivity for wireless adjustments and rechargeability tend to be priced higher, with costs varying between models.
While Otofonix is relatively low-cost compared to other hearing aid brands on our list, it only offers one BTE style across all six models. Brands like MDHearing offer more versatility at a similar price range of $299–$699 per pair.
Rexton
You can find Rexton prescription hearing aids at Costco starting at $1,599.99 per pair, or you can purchase them through your audiologist. Offering all hearing aid styles and 14 different models, the brand offers a wide selection of rechargeable devices that treat mild to profound hearing loss.
Most Rexton hearing aids offer advanced technology that adapts to your environment to enhance sound and clarify speech, but brands like Oticon and Starkey are one step ahead. These brands implement more advanced, award-winning learning software that has an edge over Rexton technology, which earned those brands spots on our roundup.
Unitron
Unitron prescription hearing aids are manufactured by Sonova, the same manufacturer who produces the well-known Phonak and Audicus hearing aids included in our top picks. This brand offers RIC, BTE, and ITE styles with Bluetooth and rechargeable options that cost anywhere from $2,000–$6,000, depending on the model.
Although Unitron and Phonak devices closely resemble each other, Phonak has a wider range of accessories and more advanced noise canceling technology to enhance your hearing experience.
Horizon
Hear.com offers its own line of hearing aids, called Horizon hearing aids, which start at $499 per pair for OTC options and cost from $3,000–$7,000 per pair for prescription options. The larger BTE Horizon Go AX hearing aids have Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries, while the smaller OTC ITE Horizon Mini hearing aids do not have Bluetooth capabilities and rely on disposable batteries.
Our Reviews Team appreciates that Horizon offers both OTC and prescription models, with features that include background noise reduction and speech clarity. But MDHearing OTC models offer similar technology for $299 per pair, and some prescription models like Oticon use more advanced learning technology to enhance your hearing experience at about the same price range of $3,000–$7,500 per pair.
Nano
Nano rechargeable OTC hearing aids cost $297–$597 per pair and come in BTE and CIC styles. The Sigma+ model ($597) is the only one that offers Bluetooth connectivity to an app for wireless adjustments.
This brand’s price range is lower than most, but buyer beware: Nano was involved in a lawsuit over false advertising, “implying its products are approved by the FDA when they are not,” among other misleading business practices, like unlawfully marketing its products for children. Read more in Vermont’s Attorney General press release, recently published in January 2023.
Read our Nano Hearing Aids Review for more information.
What is a hearing aid?
A hearing aid is an electronic device designed to improve your hearing in both noisy and quiet environments. Hearing aids work by magnifying sound frequencies entering the ear.
Hearing aids have one or two microphones to pick up sound, an amplifier to make the sound louder, and a receiver to transmit the amplified sound to the middle ear. Beyond the basic operating parts, companies offer hearing aid devices with different designs, features, and technology.
How do hearing aids work?
Hearing aids are worn in or behind your ear. They’re designed to make certain sound frequencies louder to improve your hearing and speech comprehension. A microphone inside the hearing aid first picks up sounds, which are then analyzed and converted to electrical signals. These signals are then sent to the amplifier.
The now amplified sounds are sent to the speaker or receiver, which are transmitted to the inner ear by a tube or thin wire. Once in the inner ear, the sounds are transformed into electrical impulses, which your brain turns into sound.
Digital vs. Analog Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are available in analog or digital. Although digital is the most common type of device, a few companies still carry analog hearing aids. The difference between analog and digital devices comes down to the type of electronics used. Both devices convert sound waves, but the process used sets each type apart. [5] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Types of Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/types-hearing-aids
With an analog hearing aid, you will experience amplification with all sounds, including noise and speech. In other words, they make continuous sound waves louder. Analog hearing aids require the user to change settings when in different environments, but some people feel that analog devices provide a more natural hearing experience.
Digital hearing aids convert sound waves to digital signals, providing the clearest hearing possible. These devices are capable of clearing out background noise, reducing feedback, and helping you focus on the sounds and voices you want to hear. Digital hearing aids also offer more complex programming, which allows you to process sounds more selectively.
Types of hearing aids
The five main types of hearing aids have their own pros and cons.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid
Also called a mini CIC, this hearing aid is the smallest and least visible device for treating hearing loss. It is positioned completely within the ear canal, and a tiny string allows you to remove the device.
In addition to an invisible fit, CIC devices offer the advantage of less feedback when using a telephone and less disruptive noise from wind.
Due to their small size, CIC hearing aids may not have some of the features you’d get with other larger devices, such as Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries. Some CIC hearing aids are also too small for a directional microphone. Battery life may also be shorter due to the small size of the device, and ear wax and moisture can affect their function.
Of the brands and models covered in this review, the following companies offer CIC hearing aids:
- Eargo
- Audicus
- MDHearing
- Signia
- Widex
- Starkey
- Oticon
One subtype of CIC hearing aid is the invisible-in-canal (IIC) style. The Phonak Lyric and Oticon Own both come in this style. Sitting deep in the ear canal, IIC hearing aids are truly invisible when properly inserted.
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid
This hearing aid sits deep in the ear canal, but it’s a bit larger and more visible than a CIC device. ITC hearing aids allow for longer battery life than many CIC devices, as well as directional microphones. But they are still susceptible to issues with earwax and moisture, and may be difficult for some people to handle due to their relatively small size.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid
This device sits behind your ear and includes a plastic tube that hooks over your ear to reach the ear canal. At the end of the tube is a dome or custom-fit ear mold that sits snugly within the canal.
These devices tend to be larger than in-the-ear or in-the-canal hearing aids, but they offer more capabilities, such as directional microphones and a telecoil, which can help you hear better on the telephone and with assisted listening devices. They’re also easier to handle and can be a better choice for people with severe or profound hearing loss.
Of the brands and models covered in this review, the following companies offer BTE hearing aids:
- Lexie
- MDHearing
- Phonak
- Widex
- Starkey
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid
Also referred to as receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or mini behind-the-ear (mBTE), RIC devices sit behind the ear like traditional types, but are smaller and less visible, especially when you choose one that matches your hair color. They have a tiny wire encased in silicone tubing that hooks over the ear and connects to a small receiver that fits inside the ear canal.
For many users, these devices strike the perfect balance between looks and functionality.
Of the brands and models covered in this review, the following companies offer RIC hearing aids:
- Jabra Enhance
- Lexie
- Audicus
- MDHearing
- Phonak
- Widex
- ReSound
- Starkey
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid
This type of hearing aid sits completely within the ear, but is larger than the CIC style. ITE hearing aids are generally large enough to offer advanced features such as Bluetooth, directional microphones, and a telecoil, but the smaller size may limit their power compared to BTE models. ITE hearing aids are typically easier to handle and insert than their smaller counterparts, but they may also be more visible.
Of the brands and models covered in this review, the following companies offer ITE hearing aids:
- Audien
- Widex
- Starkey
- Oticon
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids
In August 2022, the FDA established a new hearing aids category for OTC hearing aids. Consumers can now purchase certain hearing aids directly from pharmacies, stores, and online retailers—with no doctor visit or prescription required.
Based on the FDA’s final rule, [6] Federal Register. Medical Devices; Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices; Establishing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids. 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 OTC hearing aids:
- Are “intended to address perceived mild to moderate hearing loss in adults age 18 or older” [7] OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. May 3, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/otc-hearing-aids-what-you-should-know
- Can be purchased online or in stores without a hearing exam, prescription, or professional fitting
Pros and cons of OTC hearing aids
If you’re not sure whether OTC hearing aids are right for you, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. This can help you make the most informed decision when it comes to treating your hearing loss.
Pros and cons of prescription hearing aids
Increased access to hearing aids
The FDA’s final ruling on OTC hearing aids is meant to increase access to hearing aids by removing some of the barriers that often keep people from seeking treatment for hearing loss. [6] Federal Register. Medical Devices; Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices; Establishing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids. 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 high price of hearing aids, the perceived stigma of wearing them, and the concern that they aren’t effective are all common reasons that people with hearing loss wait an average of 10 years before seeking treatment. [9] Smith D, et al. Acceptability, benefits and costs of early screening for hearing disability: a study of potential screening tests and models. Found on the internet at https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/hta11420/#/full-report
By establishing a regulatory category for OTC hearing aids, the FDA has opened the way for more retailers to enter the hearing aid market. This should drive the price of hearing aids down, making them affordable for more people and shortening the wait time before people decide to treat their hearing loss.
Hadassah Kupfer, an audiologist in Brooklyn, New York, believes we should be celebrating the new FDA ruling as a success that will expand hearing aid access. “As an audiologist, I know that adjusting and fitting hearing aids for specific use takes considerable time and understanding. OTC will not be for every type of hearing loss, but if it opens a door for those previously unwilling to seek professional help, I would consider that a success,” said Kupfer.
Where to buy over-the-counter hearing aids
OTC hearing aids are available online from manufacturers such as Eargo, Lexie, Jabra Enhance, Audicus, and MDHearing.
They are also available at pharmacies, electronics stores, and other retailers that carry health care devices.
Some of the stores that currently carry OTC hearing aids include:

OTC hearing aids on display at Best Buy
For information on OTC devices sold at Best Buy, read our Best Buy hearing aid review.
What to consider before buying a hearing aid
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that 37.5 million American adults have some level of hearing loss. [10] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Quick Statistics About Hearing. Found on the internet at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing While hearing loss can occur at any time in life, the problem becomes more common with age.
The NIDCD estimates almost one in four adults between the ages of 65 and 74 and half of people older than 75 have disabling hearing loss. It may therefore come as a surprise that only one in three adults who could benefit from hearing aids has ever used them. [10] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Quick Statistics About Hearing. Found on the internet at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing As mentioned above, people with hearing loss tend to wait an average of 10 years before seeking treatment, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. [11] 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
People with hearing loss may not seek help for a variety of reasons, including:
- The cost of hearing aids and hearing care
- The fact that some insurance companies and Medicare plans do not cover hearing aids
- Distance from hearing care providers
- The stigma associated with wearing a hearing aid [12] The Gerontologist. The Stigma of Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/50/1/66/692298
We asked Michelle Brady, an audiologist with Access Audiology, a mobile audiology service in the New York City area, what she’d like people to know about the purchasing process. According to Brady, the most important thing to consider when shopping for a hearing aid is time.
“Research has shown that the longer hearing loss goes untreated, the [more the] brain’s ability to understand and decode speech decreases,” Brady said. “Just like muscles in the body—if you don’t use it, you lose it. Unfortunately, hearing aids cannot override the damage that occurs from years of decreased auditory stimulation. The earlier a patient gets hearing aids and wears them consistently, the better their brain will be able to process and decode speech.”
Hearing loss can impact all aspects of life, including making it hard to understand and follow a doctor’s advice and hear doorbells and alarms. Hearing loss also makes it harder to participate in conversations with friends and family and enjoy entertainment like movies and concerts. This can be frustrating, embarrassing, and even dangerous.
Hearing loss has also been associated with higher rates of falls, depression, and social isolation among older adults. Getting your hearing checked and corrected can play an important role in improving your quality of life.
Common types of hearing loss
Read on for information on the most common types of hearing loss.
- High frequency: Trouble hearing sounds in the 2,000–8,000 hertz (Hz) range, which are many of the sounds involved in speech; most people with age-related hearing loss have problems hearing high frequencies
- Low frequency: Difficulty hearing sound frequencies of 2,000 Hz or lower
- Sensorineural: The most common type of age-related hearing loss; caused by damage to the auditory nerve or hair cells in the inner ear
- Conductive: Caused by a problem with sound traveling through the outer or middle ear
- Mixed: A combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss
Degrees of hearing loss
The CDC outlines four levels, or degrees, of hearing loss based on how loud sounds must be for you to hear and understand them.
- Mild: Able to hear some speech, but softer sounds are difficult to hear
- Moderate: Unable to hear most speech at a normal level
- Severe: Unable to hear speech at all, can only hear some loud sounds
- Profound: Only able to hear extremely loud sounds
Adjusting to hearing aids
It takes time to get used to wearing a new hearing aid. When you adjust to the device, you will notice gradually improved listening skills as you become better acquainted with the amplification technology.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the goal of wearing a hearing aid is to improve your hearing by amplifying sounds, but these devices will never fully restore your hearing quality. [13] Hearing aids: How to choose the right one. Mayo Clinic. Sept. 20, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116 Using your hearing aid in different environments, like while watching TV or going out to dinner at a crowded restaurant, will help you adjust. Practice frequently, as the more you use them, the more comfortable you will be with amplification and the feel of the hearing aids in your ears. Be open with family and friends, so they can offer support. Additionally, if you have an audiologist make sure to keep in touch since they can make any necessary adjustments to your hearing aids to help you hear better and more comfortably.
Buying a hearing aid online
The ability to buy online hearing aids eliminates some of the barriers that can prevent people from seeking care for their hearing loss. Our Reviews Team went through the purchasing process of Jabra Enhance to give you an idea of what to expect when buying online.

Our Reviews Team walks through the Jabra Enhance hearing aid purchasing process
To buy a pair of Jabra Enhance hearing aids, you will navigate to the hearing aid tab at the top of the website, scroll down to which device you want to purchase, and click “explore.” Then you will choose the color you want and select “finish now.” You will add the hearing aids to your cart and select the box that confirms you are 18 years or older (these OTC devices are designed for adults). Click “checkout” and then it will direct you to create an account. Jabra Enhance will ask your first and last name, phone number, email address, and password.
The last two steps are to fill out your shipping information (first and last name and address) and billing information. You can pay for Jabra Enhance hearing aids by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Paypal, or financing through Bread.
Overall the purchasing process is simple for many OTC hearing aids (the process is very similar to Jabra Enhance), but it’s important to know that buying online isn’t for everyone.
In some cases, hearing loss may be caused by a medical problem such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or meningitis, and that can only be detected in a consultation with a medical doctor and an audiologist. Buying hearing aids without that intervention may let an underlying medical problem persist.
It’s also important to keep in mind that getting the right hearing aid for your needs depends on your specific type and severity of hearing loss. Hearing aids bought through a hearing clinic are programmed individually for each person according to the results of their audiogram (hearing test).
In-person vs. online hearing screenings
In-person hearing tests are much more detailed than online hearing screenings, because they include a physical exam of the ear and several tests to measure your ability to hear and understand various frequencies of speech and sound. Some OTC hearing aid companies, such as Jabra Enhance and Audicus, have an audiology team to interpret audiograms and program hearing aids, but others don’t.

A Reviews Team member gets an in-person hearing exam

An audiogram based on our Reviews Team member’s in-person hearing exam
Keep in mind that some of the less expensive devices don’t have the detailed programming options necessary for many types of hearing loss. These include certain OTC hearing aids (including Audien) as well as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), which are not true hearing aids. PSAPs make all sounds louder, but they aren’t able to target the specific frequencies where hearing loss has occurred or filter out background noise.
If you aren’t sure what type of hearing aid you need, speak with an audiologist or hearing aid specialist who can provide guidance.
Our reviews team interviewed Jacquelyn C. J. Lovitt, a practicing doctor of audiology, to help explain the costs associated with different types of hearing aids.
How to find hearing aids
A few years ago, there was only one way to get treatment for hearing loss: Make a trip to a hearing care clinic to be tested and fitted for hearing aids. This was a challenge for many people who didn’t have easy access to these locations. But thanks to recent changes in the hearing aids industry, there are now multiple ways to purchase high-quality hearing aids.
Visit a hearing clinic
For prescription hearing aids, you will need to visit a hearing care clinic for an in-person consultation and hearing exam by an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. Audiologists are hearing professionals with at least a master’s degree in the field of audiology who diagnose hearing loss and fit hearing aids. Hearing instrument specialists are hearing professionals with a high school diploma or two-year degree and are only licensed to help fit or program hearing aids.
Purchase prescription hearing aids through a discount network
Another option is to purchase prescription hearing aids from a discount network such as Yes Hearing for up to 40% less than retail price. When you purchase through this network, you’ll be connected with an audiologist in your area for further care. If you are a veteran, check with your local Veteran Affairs (VA) medical center about meeting with an audiologist, getting a hearing test, and determining which hearing aid is right for you.
Larger retail stores, such as Costco, also sell hearing aids. Almost 15% of the hearing aid users we surveyed used Kirkland hearing aids from Costco. The next most-popular brand in our survey was Eargo, with 8%.
Buy OTC hearing aids in stores
As mentioned above, many stores that carry health devices also sell OTC hearing aids. Check the list below to see if any of the following retail stores are in your area:
- Best Buy
- CVS
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Victra Verizon
Buy OTC hearing aids online
You can also purchase hearing aids online from companies that offer quality OTC hearing devices at lower prices. Some OTC hearing aid manufacturers provide virtual consultations with an audiologist for personalized recommendations and adjustments along with your purchase.
How to find affordable hearing aids
Hearing aids are an investment. Even reputable companies that manufacture inexpensive hearing aids charge around $300 per pair.
MDHearing, for example, sells budget-friendly digital hearing aids that start at $299 per pair. Audien offers low-cost devices starting at $99 per pair, but they’re very basic compared to other hearing aids on the market.
Before buying a lower-cost model, make sure to check the fine print. Some retailers and online distributors advertise cheap hearing aids, but are actually selling PSAPs, which amplify sound but do not provide the same level of support or technology as a hearing aid.
Hearing aids are typically sold through hearing care clinics or larger retailers like Walmart or Costco. But you can also find inexpensive OTC hearing aids online through companies like MDHearing, Jabra Enhance, Lexie, and Eargo.
If you need a prescription hearing aid that’s only offered through a hearing care clinic, consider purchasing through an authorized discount supplier, such as Yes Hearing, which sells high-quality hearing aids like Phonak and Signia at a reduced cost. You still work with a local audiologist to get fitted and set up with your device, but the company facilitates the purchasing process with the hearing provider. This option could save you hundreds of dollars.
Read our review of the best affordable hearing aids for more in-depth guidance.
Does Medicare or insurance cover hearing aids?
Medicare Parts A and B don’t include coverage for hearing aids, although many Medicare Advantage Plans (known as Part C) and private insurance plans do provide hearing benefits. Contact your health care provider for more information.
NCOA continues to advocate for Medicare coverage of hearing aids by working with Medicare beneficiary groups and supporting H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act, which would initiate Medicare coverage for hearing aids.
In January 2023, U.S. representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) also reintroduced H.R. 244, the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act, to Congress. Our Reviews Team spoke with Rep. Dingell’s office and learned that if the bill passes, it would remove a Social Security restriction on hearing aid coverage.

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
“Hearing aids aren’t a luxury, they are critical for millions of people to maintain a healthy, independent lifestyle. Without them, many seniors cannot interact with family, friends, neighbors, and their communities, and as a result, can become isolated,” said Dingell.
“By expanding coverage for hearing aids under Medicare, more seniors will be able to live with dignity and independence. I’m proud to re-introduce this legislation, and remain committed to getting this signed into law to expand access to care for so many who need it,” Dingell said. “It’s simple: No one should feel isolated, confused, or shut out from the world because they can’t afford hearing aids.”
What type of hearing aid is best for me?
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles. To find the best option for you, you’ll need to consider features, style, and your degree of hearing loss. In general, hearing aids come in the following styles:
- Completely-in-canal (CIC)
- In-the-canal (ITC)
- Behind-the-ear (BTE)
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
- In-the-ear (ITE)
In-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) aids are very small, so they may be more difficult to remove and adjust than a style like BTE or RIC that sits behind the ear. Some ITC and CIC hearing aids are also too small to accommodate Bluetooth technology or rechargeable batteries.
BTE and RIC hearing aids, while larger than ITE or CIC styles, are actually not very visible because they are slim and often come in a variety of colors to match each person’s hair color. The tiny tubing or wire that runs into the ear canal is barely noticeable when the hearing aid is fitted correctly. BTE and RIC styles are also easier to handle and more appropriate for profound hearing loss. Since hearing aids are a substantial expense, it’s important to research the different companies and styles to ensure you’re getting the right one for your hearing loss.
Reading a variety of hearing aid reviews can help you better understand the different styles and how people choose the best hearing aids for their comfort level and needs.
We suggest watching the video below for more information about the main types of hearing aids.
Which is better: In-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aids?
Hearing aids come in several styles, including behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. Finding the best device for you depends on several factors.
A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid sits behind your ear with a plastic earmold that fits into the outer ear. The case that sits behind your ear holds all the electronic parts necessary to make it work. BTE devices are bigger, so they are typically easier to use and handle, making them a good choice for kids and seniors.
They’re also able to hold a larger battery, which provides a longer battery life. Plus, the bigger size makes them more durable and able to provide more features. BTE hearing aids serve a range of ages and hearing loss. They are appropriate for all ages and work well for anyone with mild to profound hearing loss.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit inside the ear, either partially or completely, and work well for mild to severe hearing loss. Some ITE devices come with a telecoil, which is a small magnetic coil enabling you to hear sound through the circuit rather than the hearing aid’s microphone.
Telecoils can improve the quality of phone conversations and help you hear in facilities equipped with hearing loops, like auditoriums and places of worship. ITE hearing aids are smaller than BTE or RIC devices, but they are still bigger than nearly invisible options like a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) or invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid.

Size comparison of different styles of hearing aids
Hearing aid features to consider
As hearing aid technology changes, more features become available. The following are a few of the most popular additional features that can make your hearing aids more helpful and enjoyable to use.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Bluetooth capabilities | When your smartphone is paired with your hearing aids using wireless Bluetooth technology, you can stream calls and audio from your phone or other device to your hearing aids. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows the exchange of information or data, in this case sound, between different devices. Smartphones have Bluetooth capability. Hearing devices with this feature can also connect to smartphone apps, allowing you to use your phone to adjust your hearing aid sound settings. |
Directional microphones | Directional microphones help you understand conversations in noisy environments by making the sound in front of you louder than the sound coming from the rear or sides. Directional microphones work best when you are close to the sound source. |
Feedback suppression | Feedback suppression in hearing aids helps to reduce high-pitched whistling sounds. It’s useful for minimizing feedback if you’re close to the telephone or if the hearing aid becomes slightly dislodged from your ear when you move your jaw. It can also allow for better sound quality for listeners who have good hearing in the lowest frequencies. |
Digital noise reduction | Digital noise reduction improves listening performance in noisy environments by blocking out some background noise, making it easier to hear and understand speech. A majority of respondents to our survey said that digital noise reduction was the most important feature they wanted in a hearing aid. |
Tinnitus masking | Hearing aids with a tinnitus masking feature minimize the ringing or buzzing sounds common in tinnitus by playing a variety of tones to help distract the brain. |
Rechargeable batteries | Rechargeable hearing aid batteries allow you to recharge your devices instead of regularly buying new batteries and replacing them. The batteries don’t need to be removed from the hearing aids in order to charge them—you can place both hearing aids in a charging dock at night so they’re charged and ready to go in the morning. |
Telecoil | A telecoil improves the ability to hear on telephones equipped with assistive listening technology and in facilities fitted with hearing loops. Most types of hearing aids have the telecoil option available. But due to their small size, CIC and IIC devices do not come with a telecoil. |
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
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