9 Best Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids of 2023

• Adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss can now buy hearing aids over the counter without a hearing exam, prescription, or appointment with an audiologist.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are FDA-regulated medical devices that can improve brain function and may even prevent depression and early onset dementia.
• OTC hearing aids are designed to be used right out of the box and customized by the user, but this convenience often comes without in-person care.
• The average cost of OTC hearing aids is about $1,600 per pair—$3,000 less than the price of many prescription hearing aids.

• Best for Seniors: Jabra Enhance
• Most Financing Options: Audicus
• Best Remote Customer Service: MDHearing 
• Most User-Friendly: Lexie
• Best Invisible Fit: Eargo
• Best Price: Audien
• Best Rechargeable for the Money: Go Hearing
• Best Variety: Lucid
• Best Earbud-Style: Sony

Did you know that your hearing health is an important measure of your overall wellness? Research shows that hearing loss can lead to a host of other health problems, such as depression, falls, and even early dementia.¹ The good news is that hearing aids can not only help you hear better, they can also help prevent some of those conditions, improving brain function and your quality of life.²

But hearing aids are an expensive purchase, making it difficult for many Americans to get treatment for their hearing loss. On Oct. 17, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took a big step toward increasing access to hearing aids for millions of Americans by making over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids available for sale nationwide.

What exactly are OTC hearing aids, and how can you buy them? Read our review of the best OTC hearing aid brands to find out how much they cost, where you can buy them, and what to consider before purchasing. For information on both OTC and prescription hearing aids, read our review of the best hearing aids of 2023.

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 reviews. To make these selections, we:

• Consulted with audiologists and geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped 18 brands
• Selected 7 models as best OTC hearing aids
• 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.

We chose the top seven OTC hearing aid brands through research and mystery shopping. Although HP Hearing was a top contender, here’s why they—and others—didn’t make our list.

Nuheara HP Hearing Pro

HP Hearing Pro hearing aids are self-fitting, FDA-cleared OTC devices manufactured by Nuheara, and are available at Best Buy, CVS, Crutchfield, or on the HP Hearing Pro website. The ITE earbud-style hearing aid features rechargeability, Bluetooth streaming, a two-year warranty, and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Sony and HP Hearing Pro were close competitors for our “Best Earbud-Style” hearing aid. Sony outperforms in its style variety (ITC and ITE) and battery life. It offers up to 26 hours in its rechargeable model, while the HP Hearing Pro only offers eight—a significant disadvantage since you may not be able to get through an entire day without needing to recharge. And if you stream music or calls to your HP devices, you’ll reduce your battery life to only five hours.

Bossa

Bossa OTC hearing aids come in three rechargeable ITE styles priced between $79.97–$197.97 per pair. Although none of the models have Bluetooth technology to connect to smartphones for wireless adjustments or streaming, they do have other features like built-in tinnitus relief that boosts ambient sounds, which can make tinnitus sounds less noticeable.

This brand was a strong competitor for the “Best Price” pick, but Audien outperformed in its customer reviews. While Bossa holds a 2.8 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot and a 3.61 out of 5 rating on BBB, Audien has a 3.8 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot and a 4.27 out of 5 rating on BBB. Audien hearing aids are priced a bit higher at $99–$249 per pair, but they have better customer satisfaction according to online reviews.

We found that many of the negative reviews for Bossa referred to problems getting a refund when customers returned the hearing aids within the trial period. For example, one customer said, “Bossa is the worst company I have ever dealt with. Ordered two pairs of hearing aids that were guaranteed. If you didn’t like them you could return them within 30 days. I tried them [and] didn’t like them so took all of the proper channels and did exactly what I was instructed to do to get my refund. Well, it has been one month since I returned them and four calls later and still no refund.”

LumiEar

LumiEar OTC hearing aids are available online in two rechargeable models: the BTE LumiCharge V3 ($247 per pair) and the ITC LumiMini ($397 per pair). Both OTC models have Bluetooth technology for in-app sound adjustments, but the LumiMini is the only model with streaming capabilities for hands-free calling.

We acknowledge that LumiEar offers Bluetooth capabilities at a lower price point than other OTC hearing aids, but the 30-day trial period is shorter than many other brands. Jabra Enhance offers a 100-day trial period, and MDHearing offers a 45-day trial period. Also, brands in this review have warranties that cover up to three years, while LumiEar doesn’t list any warranty on its site.

Neptune

The Neptune Hearing website advertises two OTC rechargeable hearing aid models. The XL-1 is an ITE-style device listed at $199 per pair, and the VH-23 is a BTE-style device listed at $299 per pair. Neither have Bluetooth capabilities, but they do claim to have tinnitus-masking technology to help you focus less on tinnitus sounds and more on your environment.

We don’t love the fact that both Neptune models have volume adjustments but only one listening setting, similar to Audien devices.

Similar to LumiEar, Neptune does not have a clearly defined warranty and only offers a short 30-day trial period. For $299, you could purchase MDHearing Volt devices with a 45-day trial period, a one-year warranty, and more advanced technology to adjust the settings based on your listening needs in different environments.

Nano

Nano rechargeable OTC hearing aids come in BTE and CIC styles. You can purchase them online for $297–$597 per pair. The Nano Sigma Plus 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 consider the company’s history before buying. We found that Nano was involved in a lawsuit over false advertising for “implying its products are approved by the FDA when they are not,” among other misleading business practices, like unlawfully recommending its products for children. Read more about the lawsuit in the recently published press release from the attorney general for Vermont.

OTC hearing aids are FDA-regulated medical devices that can be bought directly from the manufacturer. You don’t need a hearing exam, prescription, or appointment with an audiologist to purchase OTC hearing aids.

OTC hearing aids are designed and best for people who:

• Are age 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss
• Do not require a prescription or monitoring from a licensed hearing health professional
• Can comfortably complete a hearing loss self-assessment
• Will be able to independently control their hearing aid settings and software without assistance

According to the FDA’s final rule on OTC hearing aids passed in August 2022, this class of devices is appropriate for people over the age of 18 with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.⁶

We interviewed Jacquelyn C. J. Lovitt, Au.D., co-founder of Capital Institute of Hearing and Balance in Silver Spring, Maryland, to learn more about OTC hearing aids.

Amy Sapodin, a doctor of audiology in New York City, points out that availability of OTC hearing aids has the potential to help many people with hearing loss. “Early intervention is key for the long-term health of your auditory system,” said Sapodin. “The new category of OTC hearing devices is intended to increase accessibility and awareness for the need to treat difficulty hearing in its early stages, not just when it’s unlivable. The new ruling will, hopefully, be the impetus people need to prioritize hearing, as it is often one of the last on folks’ health care checklist. It will also remove barriers to access to hearing solutions for those who cannot afford prescription hearing aids.”

Where to buy OTC hearing aids

OTC hearing aids began hitting stores in October 2022, and you can now buy them online and in stores that carry health care devices, such as Walgreens, Best Buy, and Walmart. Look for OTC hearing aids in the pharmacy section.

FDA Regulation of OTC Hearing Aids

The FDA has developed a set of regulations that apply to all OTC hearing aids in order to ensure their safety for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.⁸ These regulations outline details like how OTC hearing aids can be labeled, the degree to which they can magnify sounds, and how far they can be inserted in the ear.

The FDA has certain guidelines when it comes to the certified labeling on OTC hearing aid packaging. The most noticeable is the box that warns against the use of hearing aids for those younger than 18. Additional label requirements enforced by the FDA include:

• Perceived symptoms of mild to moderate hearing loss
• When to seek help from a hearing health professional
• “Red-flag” conditions requiring a doctor’s attention
• Manufacturer’s contact information
• Information on the manufacturer’s return policy
• Whether the hearing aids are used or rebuilt
• What is needed to control the settings and customize the hearing aids to the user’s needs (e.g., mobile phone app or remote control)

You may see labels on hearing aids regarding their FDA certified registration, approval, or clearance. Let’s take a look at each term to see what they mean.

FDA registration of hearing aids

Products that are registered with the FDA have listed their manufacturing facility and provided information about their manufacturing process. Traditional medical device companies in the United States are required to register with the FDA every year. FDA registration does not mean the FDA has tested a product or deemed it to be safe, nor does it imply FDA clearance or approval.⁹

Certified OTC hearing aids that are not self-fitting, but instead have preset volume control profiles you can select from, are designated by the FDA as Class I medical devices, meaning they pose little to no risk of harm when used according to the label instructions. These devices are typically only FDA-registered, not approved or cleared.

Beware of products claiming to have an FDA “registration certificate.” This is a common OTC hearing aid scam. The FDA does not issue registration certificates for medical devices.

FDA clearance and approval

Self-fitting hearing aids, because they involve more detailed customization by the user, are Class II medical devices and require the manufacturer to submit clinical research findings, safety data, and performance information to prove their safety and efficacy. This information may include details from in-house product testing and consumer hearing tests.

Devices that successfully complete the process receive FDA clearance. You may also see this listed with 510(k) FDA approval. You can look up any hearing aid brand to see which of its devices have undergone this process in the FDA’s database.¹⁰

Hearing aids that have received 510(k) FDA approval or are labeled as FDA-cleared have completed a more rigorous process than those that are only FDA-registered. FDA registration applies to the facility that makes the devices, while FDA clearance or approval applies to the devices themselves.

*Based on President Biden’s estimate that customers may save up to $3,000 compared to the average price of prescription hearing aids.⁵

Over-the-counter hearing aids are not the same as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). Unlike hearing aids, PSAPs magnify all sounds equally, are not designed to treat hearing loss, and are not regulated by the FDA.⁷

Adults 18 and over with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss can buy and use OTC hearing aids. Children under the age of 18 and people with severe or profound hearing loss will need to visit an audiologist or other hearing professional for prescription hearing aids.

Before buying OTC devices, it’s a good idea to think about whether you’re comfortable using technology, making adjustments to your hearing aids, and cleaning them on your own. Also consider whether you’d like to have in-person support from an audiologist when you need it, or if you feel confident with remote audiology support.

We spoke with Frank Lin, M.D., director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. He noted that different people have different needs when it comes to hearing loss treatment.

“In treating hearing loss, there is technology and there are services. They’re two different things. For example, I can think of many of my patients in their seventies and eighties who theoretically could benefit from an OTC hearing aid, but they’re still going to need the assistance of an audiology or other health professional to help guide, counsel, and educate them.

“And I have other people, who are probably younger, who could get an OTC hearing aid and be fine. They don’t need my help or another audiologist’s help. And we have other people who don’t even need a hearing aid or hearing technology. They just need the services of an audiologist to guide and counsel them about how to use closed captioning, how to be face-to-face with whoever you’re talking to in environments with background sound.

“So it’s a combination—some people need services, some people need technology, some people need services and technology.”

Although you can buy OTC hearing aids without a prescription, it’s still a good idea to have an in-person exam at a hearing clinic before you make a purchase. A hearing care specialist will do a physical exam of your ears to rule out any problems causing your hearing loss (such as wax buildup or other obstructions). They can also determine your level and type of hearing loss more precisely than an online hearing test.

Once you have received the hearing specialist’s recommendations, you can make an informed decision about whether OTC hearing aids will address your needs.

Some hearing care clinics are now offering services for customers with OTC hearing aids, but others only service the prescription devices that they sell. Many stores that carry the best OTC hearing aids, such as Walmart and Walgreens, don’t have trained staff in the store to help if you run into issues after your purchase. Most OTC companies do provide remote care, though, so if you’re happy getting help over the phone or on a video call, OTC hearing aids could be a great fit.

If you think this type of device will meet your needs, how can you decide on the best OTC hearing aids among all the choices on the market? Take a look at our list below to help you make an informed choice.

Style

This is the starting point for many people when thinking about which hearing aid is best for them. It’s important to buy a hearing aid that is comfortable to wear and one that provides great sound quality, since you’ll be wearing it for eight or more hours every day.

OTC hearing aids are available in a variety of designs, from in-the-ear (ITE) earbud-style devices to models that sit behind the ear, which include receiver-in-canal (RIC) or behind-the-ear (BTE) styles. Read our hearing aids buyer’s guide to learn more about hearing aid styles.

Features and Technology

OTC hearing aids come in a wide range of models, from very basic devices to advanced hearing instruments that can be adjusted to your hearing profile. It can be tempting to buy the most high-tech hearing aids available, but it’s important to consider which features you’ll use before paying for them.

For instance, do you want a hearing aid with Bluetooth connectivity? The volume and setting on Bluetooth hearing aids can be adjusted using a smartphone app, but some people prefer making adjustments with buttons or dials on the hearing aid itself. Certain Bluetooth hearing aids will also stream audio from your phone or other electronics, so it’s good to know whether you want that capability as well.

Also, consider your lifestyle when thinking about hearing aid features. If you spend most of your time at home, in quiet environments, and in small groups of friends and family, a more basic and affordable hearing aid, like Audien, Go Hearing, or the least expensive Lucid or MDHearing models may be fine for your needs.

But if you’re often in noisy environments that present listening challenges, you may want a higher-end device with more advanced sound processing abilities and options for customization to your hearing needs in each environment. Brands like Jabra Enhance, Eargo, Lexie, and Audicus, offer some of the best OTC hearing aids with higher-end technology.

Battery type

Are you interested in disposable or rechargeable batteries? You’ll pay several hundred dollars more for rechargeability in most cases, but you may find that the convenience is worth the extra cost.

Trial period

Because most OTC hearing aids don’t come with the option of seeing an audiologist in person for adjustments and support, it’s very important to look for a brand offering a trial period to allow you time to make sure the hearing aids fit well and are helping with your hearing loss.

It’s ideal to have a trial period of at least 45 days, because hearing specialists say new hearing aid users may need several weeks to get used to their new devices.¹⁴ Most states require hearing aid dispensers to provide a trial period. To view a list of each state’s requirements, see the Hearing Loss Association of America.

Warranty

Warranty length is also important, as hearing aids are complex electronic devices. You’ll want to find out not only how long the standard warranty is, but also what it covers. Among OTC hearing aids, a one-year warranty covering manufacturer defects is common.

Some manufacturers do include loss, damage, or wear and tear in their standard warranties. Jabra Enhance is a good example, with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty and three years of coverage for loss and damage.

Still other brands provide a short and/or limited warranty, with the option to purchase extended warranty coverage. MDHearing and Lexie both offer this type of coverage.

Take a look back at Table 1 at the beginning of this review to compare the warranty lengths of every brand in this review.

Brand reputation

New manufacturers are emerging constantly in the rapidly changing OTC hearing aid market. Consumers need to know how to spot reputable companies and avoid handing their money over to those who are making false claims or selling devices that aren’t true hearing aids.

One of the best ways to find out if a company is registered with the FDA is to search the FDA establishment registration and device listing, which includes medical device registrations.¹ It’s also important to read independent customer reviews of any hearing aid you’re interested in buying. Don’t take the company’s word for their reputation; check out sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and TrustPilot to see what others have to say.

Read about ways to avoid OTC hearing aid scams for more information.

While OTC hearing aids are an exciting opportunity for many people, allowing them to buy more affordable hearing aids with fewer appointments, the devices do have drawbacks compared to prescription hearing aids. Let’s look at the pros and cons of OTC hearing aids.

Pros

• Cost: The OTC hearing aids on the market are less expensive than prescription hearing aids, and the price is expected to drop even more in the future due to increased competition.
• Availability: OTC hearing aids are available online and in a few stores that carry health care devices. Retail chains that sell OTC hearing aids include Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens.
• Ease of use: OTC hearing aids are designed to be adjusted by the user. Manufacturers have made them easy to use right out of the box with clear instruction manuals, volume dials, and program settings that can be adjusted directly on the hearing aids—or in a smartphone app for some models. Our Reviews Team found that nearly every brand was easy to set up and use, without professional assistance.

Cons

• Limited in-person care: If you’re new to hearing aids or don’t feel at ease using technology, the lack of in-person care by a hearing specialist could be a drawback to OTC hearing aids. Every brand except Audien offers remote support from audiologists or other hearing specialists, and you can also call or email your hearing aid manufacturer for help. But remote support still doesn’t give you the option to have a hearing specialist fit your hearing aid in person.
• Fewer features: Because OTC hearing aids are less expensive than prescription hearing aids, they don’t include the most advanced hearing technology some top-of-the-line brands do. For instance, prescription brand Oticon uses machine learning to teach the hearing aid which sounds you hear most often. Then your hearing aids can optimally process sounds in your environment for the most natural listening experience possible. You won’t find that type of technology in an OTC hearing aid, but many people find they have a high level of success with OTC devices even without cutting-edge technology. If you have a specific type of hearing loss, such as one-sided hearing loss or tinnitus, you may need a more expensive prescription device. It all depends on your unique needs and your budget.
• Not appropriate for all levels of hearing loss: Remember that OTC hearing aids are only approved for use in adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you’ve been told by a hearing specialist you have severe or profound hearing loss, you will need to buy prescription hearing aids.

OTC hearing aids range in price from $99 per pair to more than $3,000 per pair. The average price is expected to come down, though, as more manufacturers enter the market.

The federal government estimates Americans can expect to save up to $3,000 per pair compared to the average price of prescription hearing aids.¹¹

Our survey of 600 hearing aid users found that cost was at the forefront of respondents’ buying decisions. Price ranked as the No. 2 factor when customers were deciding which hearing aid to buy, right behind ease of use.

A number of factors influence the cost of hearing aids. Features and technology are two of the biggest indicators of cost. Audien, for example, is a budget hearing aid that starts at a price of $99 per pair, but it has very few features.

At the higher end of OTC hearing aid prices is Audicus, with a cost of $2,998 for a pair of Omni 2 hearing aids. This rechargeable model offers multiple listening profiles, automatic sound adjustments between environments with Speech Finder technology (to enhance speech in your surroundings) and a quicker scanning and memory capacity, Bluetooth streaming on two devices at once and a tap control feature, a smartphone app, and advanced sound processing.

Look at the following ways to save money when you’re buying OTC hearing aids. Also read our review of the most affordable hearing aids to find budget hearing aids and more money-saving tips.

Watch for sales: Hearing aid companies run seasonal and holiday-related sales frequently. Once you’ve decided which brand and model you want to buy, check the website or retail store the week of a holiday to see if you can take advantage of a sale.

Match prices: Hearing aid manufacturers usually won’t match another brand’s prices because each brand and model is unique. But with OTC hearing aids now sold in retail stores, you can often ask one store to match another store’s lower price if you find the same brand and model at two different stores.

Search for discounts and financial assistance: Although in most cases Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids, you may be eligible for reduced-price or free hearing aids through other organizations. Some insurance companies give hearing aid allowances, and certain state Medicaid programs may cover some or all of the costs associated with hearing exams and devices.

Take advantage of payment plans: Most OTC and prescription hearing aid companies offer financing plans if you prefer paying a smaller amount each month rather than paying the full cost up front.

As noted above, Audicus also offers a unique plan called Audicus Premier. After paying a flat setup fee of $249, you can access the membership benefits for the Series 2 models, Spirit 2 ($99 per month) and Omni 2 ($149 per month) to get a pair of hearing aids that are upgraded every 18 months, insurance coverage for loss or damage, and online support from Audicus hearing specialists.

As new hearing aid manufacturers enter the OTC market, we expect to see more companies offer payment plans to make the cost affordable for a wider range of consumers.

Use veterans hearing aid benefits: U.S. veterans can receive hearing exams, hearing aids, and hearing aid supplies free of charge if they are eligible for VA health care. Check with your local VA office to find out what benefits you have. ^[12] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services. Found on the internet at https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/Hearing_Aids.asp

OTC hearing aids are a significant step forward in making hearing loss treatment more accessible to millions of Americans. If you have mild to moderate hearing loss and budget is your primary concern, Audien is a low-cost hearing aid that may meet your needs.

For people who want a higher level of technology, customer care, and financing options, Jabra Enhance, Eargo, Lexie, MDHearing, and Audicus are all good choices.

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

1. Bigelow RT, et al. Association of Hearing Loss With Psychological Distress and Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Adults in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association (2020). Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7372323/
2. Desjardins, JL. Analysis of Performance on Cognitive Test Measures Before, During, and After 6 Months of Hearing Aid Use: A Single-Subject Experimental Design. American Journal of Audiology (2016). Found on the internet at https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2016_AJA-15-0067
3. The White House. Statement by President Joe Biden on FDA Hearing Aids Final Rule. Found on the internet at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/16/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-fda-hearing-aids-final-rule/
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Devices@FDA. Found on the internet at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/devicesatfda/index.cfm
5. MDHearing. MDHearing Receives 510(k) FDA Approval for Its Self-Fitting Smart Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.mdhearingaid.com/blog/mdhearing-receives-510k-fda-approval/
6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Finalizes Historic Rule Enabling Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids for Millions of Americans. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Are There “FDA Registered” or “FDA Certified” Medical Devices? How Do I Know What Is FDA Approved? Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/consumers-medical-devices/are-there-fda-registered-or-fda-certified-medical-devices-how-do-i-know-what-fda-approved
10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Devices@FDA. Found on the internet at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/devicesatfda/index.cfm
11. The White House. Statement by President Joe Biden on FDA Hearing Aids Final Rule. Found on the internet at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/16/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-fda-hearing-aids-final-rule/
12. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services. Found on the internet at https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/Hearing_Aids.asp
13. Hearing Loss Association of America. Medicaid. Found on the internet at https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/financial-assistance/medicaid/
14. Hearing Loss Association of America. Consumer Protection Laws. Found on the internet at https://www.hearingloss.org/wp-content/uploads/ConsumerProtectionLaws.pdf