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The Best Hearing Aids in 2025

We personally tested the top hearing aid brands to find the most reliable pairs at fair prices. Here are our picks.

  • Our pick for Best Hearing Aid is Jabra Enhance for its exceptional sound quality, long trial period (100 days), industry-leading post-purchase support, and more.
  • Other top picks include Audien (Most Affordable), Eargo (Best Invisible), Phonak (Best Prescription), and Starkey (Best Health and Safety Features).
  • The best hearing aids in this article range from $99–$7,774.

NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. That’s why we test and recommend products we believe can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours researching hearing aids to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best OTC hearing aids, we:

  • Consulted with audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, and aging care experts
  • Put more than 50 hearing aids through a series of 21 different tests
  • Mystery shopped more than 20 brands
  • Surveyed hundreds of older adults who use hearing aids
  • Interviewed experts on hearing loss
  • Sent hearing aids to our friends and family with hearing loss to provide long-term testing notes
  • Read thousands of verified customer reviews

We’re constantly testing new hearing aids to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our hearing aid review methodology.

  • 50+

    Hearing aids tested

  • 300+

    Hearing aid users surveyed

  • 77

    Testing criteria

If you think you might have hearing loss but aren’t sure where to start with hearing aids, don’t hesitate to get help. Hearing aid users wait 10 years, on average, to address their hearing loss.1 And during those 10 years, the risks of untreated hearing loss—like higher risk of falls, dementia, depression, and heart attacks—grows.

Research has even shown that “untreated hearing loss significantly increases the odds of being emotionally lonely” and feeling socially isolated.2 The flip side is also true: Using hearing aids is linked with later diagnoses of dementia, depression, anxiety, and falls that cause injury.3 Addressing hearing loss early and wearing hearing aids helps us stay healthy.

We tested more than 50 of the best hearing aids on the market and then narrowed the list down to our top 10. We included a mix of the best OTC hearing aids and best prescription hearing aids to give you a wide price range to choose from. Keep reading for more information on our first-person testing and our picks of the best hearing aids in 2025.

Our Top Pick

Jabra Enhance

Best Overall

NCOA Exclusive Deal:

$200 off with code NCOA200

Jabra hearing aids and charging case

NCOA Exclusive Deal:

$200 off with code NCOA200

  • High-quality sound and Bluetooth streaming
  • 0% APR for 36 months
  • 100-day risk-free trial
  • Audiology support

Audien Hearing

Most Affordable

Holiday Sale:

Up to $250 off

Audien's Atom and Ion series hearing aids

Holiday Sale:

Up to $250 off

  • Bluetooth available
  • 45-day trial period
  • Six models to choose from

Eargo

Best Invisible Fit

Holiday Deal:

$400 off Eargo 8

Eargo 8 hearing aids

Holiday Deal:

$400 off Eargo 8

  • Virtually invisible design
  • Free “Fit & Feel” sample kit
  • Includes lifetime support and warranty

Our picks for the best hearing aids

megaphone icon

First time getting hearing aids?

Start with an in-person exam with a hearing professional. That can rule out any issues that hearing aids won’t solve (like impacted ear wax).

Comparing the best hearing aids of 2025

Comparison Features
Our rating (out of 10)

9.9

9.7

9.5

9.4

9.5

9.2

9.6

9.6

9.5

9.4

Rx or OTC?

OTC

OTC

OTC

OTC

OTC

OTC

OTC

Rx

Rx

Rx

Trial period (days)

100

45

45

100

45

45

45

Depends on retailer

Depends on retailer

Depends on retailer

Battery type

Rechargeable

Rechargeable

Rechargeable

Rechargeable

Rechargeable

Rechargeable

Rechargeable and disposable

Rechargeable and disposable

Rechargeable and disposable

Rechargeable and disposable

Bluetooth?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Hearing aid type

RIE

BTE, ITE

CIC, Earbud

RIC, CIC

RIC

BTE, ITC, CIC

BTE

BTE, RIC, ITC, ITE, IIC

BTE, RIC, ITC, ITE, IIC, CIC

BTE, RIC, ITC, ITE, IIC, CIC

*Prescription hearing aids do not publish prices on their websites. For specific pricing information based on your needs and region, you’ll need to speak with a local hearing care professional who sells prescription hearing aids.

Our top hearing aids reviews

Jabra Enhance: Best Overall

We chose Jabra Enhance as our “Best Overall” hearing aid for its top sound quality, strong battery life, long trial period, and industry-leading post-purchase care from hearing experts.

Our Top Pick

Jabra Enhance

Best Overall

NCOA Exclusive Deal:

$200 off with code NCOA200

Jabra hearing aids and charging case

NCOA Exclusive Deal:

$200 off with code NCOA200

  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Trial period: 100 days
  • RIE devices available in standard, miniature, and micro sizes
  • Jabra’s SoundScape technology in the Select 300 and 700 
  • 5 different colors of hearing aids available
  • Remote adjustments from Jabra’s audiology team

Pros

  • Post-purchase care from hearing experts
  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Strong battery life (30 hours)
  • Long trial period (100 days)
  • Clear Bluetooth audio streaming (100-foot range)

Cons

  • More expensive than most OTC brands
  • Hands-free calling not available in all models
  • Testers said changing domes and adding sports lock was difficult
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Audien: Most Affordable

We chose Audien as the Most Affordable OTC hearing aid because it’s the least expensive on this list by about $200. For such a low price, these hearing aids come with some unexpectedly advanced features, like rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth, and a unique touchscreen case in the new Atom X.

Audien

Most Affordable
Audien's Atom and Ion series hearing aids
  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Trial period: 45 days
  • Six models designed for multiple hearing loss levels
  • Background noise cancellation available
  • Clarity-improving sound chip technology
  • Bluetooth available (in Atom X and Ion Pro)
  • All devices feature rechargeable batteries

Pros

  • Low price
  • Long battery life in Ion Pro (48 hours)
  • Bluetooth (Atom X and Ion Pro)
  • Straightforward fit
  • Easy setup

Cons

  • No audiology support
  • Limited customer support
  • Lack of advanced sound processing
  • Portable charging case only available with certain models
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Eargo: Best Invisible

We chose Eargo as our Best Invisible hearing aid for its nearly undetectable CIC (completely-in-canal) design, excellent sound quality, user comfort, and lifetime professional support.

Eargo

Best Invisible

Holiday Deal:

$400 off Eargo 8

The Eargo 8 hearing aid

Holiday Deal:

$400 off Eargo 8

  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Trial period: 45 days
  • CIC models are virtually invisible in the ear
  • Up to 9 (LINK) or 16 hours (SE or 8) of battery life before recharging
  • Personalized listening environments
  • Bluetooth streaming available on the LINK
  • Sound Match technology to personalize your hearing experience

Pros

  • Nearly invisible design
  • Easy setup
  • Clear audio quality
  • Can order “non-working” pair to test fit

Cons

  • Higher price
  • Shorter battery life (16 hours)
  • Bluetooth streaming in only one model (Link)
  • Difficult to change wax guards
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Audicus: Best Bluetooth

We chose Audicus as the “Best Bluetooth Hearing Aid” because all but one Audicus model (the CIC Mini 2) comes with Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling for both Apple and Android devices. No other brand on this list can match Audicus’ Bluetooth capabilities for the price.

Audicus

Best Bluetooth

NCOA Exclusive Deal:

Our readers receive $200 off Audicus hearing aids with code: NCOA200

Audicus hearing aids

NCOA Exclusive Deal:

Our readers receive $200 off Audicus hearing aids with code: NCOA200

  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Trial period: 100 days
  • Smart Sound Optimization and Bluetooth available in all RIC models
  • Free lifetime audiology support with all models
  • Pre-programmed to your custom hearing profile before arrival
  • Exclusive speech-in-noise performance
  • All-inclusive leasing plan includes free hearing aids every 18 months

Pros

  • All but CIC model have Bluetooth streaming
  • Hands-free calling for Apple and Android
  • Free lifetime audiology support
  • 100-day trial period
  • Easy adjustments and setup
  • Unique subscription service for $99/month (Audicus Premier)

Cons

  • Higher price
  • Sometimes, audio quality is tinny
  • Audicus Premier only available for half of the models
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ELEHEAR: Best for Tinnitus

ELEHEAR stood out as our top pick for OTC hearing aids for tinnitus by offering customizable sound therapy at a price that won’t break the bank. While tinnitus masking is usually reserved for costly prescription devices, ELEHEAR brings that relief within a budget-friendly reach. Testers especially appreciated the ability to mix calming sounds—like a babbling brook and or wind in trees—into personalized programs that helped them tune out the ringing and tune into better focus and rest.

ELEHEAR

Best for Tinnitus

Holiday Deal:

Save up to $100

ELEHEAR beyond hearing aids

Holiday Deal:

Save up to $100

  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Trial period: 45 days
  • Advanced AI noise reduction
  • Bluetooth streaming 
  • Remote Audiologist support
  • Speech clarity enhancement
  • 20 hours of battery life on one charge

Pros

  • Exceptional tinnitus masking
  • Fast recharging
  • Noise-canceling technology
  • Budget-friendly price 
  • Easy-to-follow user manual

Cons

  • Pairing hearing aids could be easier
  • Bulkier design
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MDHearing: Best Under $500

We chose MDHearing as the “Best Hearing Aid Under $500” because it offers six different models, four of which cost under $500. The other two are under $600. MDHearing offers a variety of features and styles at a low cost. Most OTC brands sell one or maybe two styles—MDHearing sells three (BTE, CIC, and ITC).

MDHearing

Best Under $500
MDHearing hearing aids, one inside charging case and one just in front of the case
  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Trial period: 45 days
  • Six different models and three different types to choose from
  • Customizable settings
  • Up to 20 hours of battery life 
  • Lifetime hearing aid support
  • All devices have noise reduction and feedback cancellation

Pros

  • Three different hearing aid styles
  • Low prices
  • All models have rechargeable batteries
  • Remote audiology support
  • Easy setup

Cons

  • Limited features
  • Not all models connect to app
  • Not discreet
  • Hard-to-change domes
  • Tend to over-amplify for mild to moderate hearing loss
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Lexie: Best for Beginners

We chose Lexie as the Best Hearing Aid for Beginners because it has some of the easiest setup instructions of any hearing aid we tested. Plus, fitting and pairing the hearing aids was simple. Of all the hearing aids we’ve tested, Lexie was one of the easiest to use right out of the box.

Lexie

Best for Beginners

Holiday Deal:

Save $100 on the Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus hearing aids

Lexie hearing aids and charging case

Holiday Deal:

Save $100 on the Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus hearing aids

  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth compatible: Yes
  • Trial Period: 45 days
  • B1 and B2 Plus models use Bose sound technology
  • In-app hearing test to customize your profile
  • Multiple preset modes and up to 10 personalized settings
  • Reward program for wearing devices
  • One-year warranty

Pros

  • Easy setup
  • Simple, streamlined user manual
  • Comfortable fit out of the box
  • Low price
  • All models have Bluetooth

Cons

  • Only most expensive model (B2 Plus) has rechargeable batteries
  • Bluetooth streaming only in B2 Plus
  • Adjustment and setup relies on app
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Phonak: Best Prescription

We chose Phonak as the Best Prescription Hearing Aid because it’s one of the most respected brands in the category. It was founded in 1947, making it one of the oldest hearing aid companies in the world. It comes with some of the most cutting-edge technology on the market (like AutoSense OS) and advanced speech processing). Plus, its all-around high scores from our testing make Phonak the Best Prescription Hearing Aids.

Phonak

Best Prescription
Phonak hearing aids
  • Battery type: Rechargeable and disposable
  • Bluetooth compatible: Yes
  • Trial period: Depends on retailer
  • Wide range of hearing aid models and types
  • Find my hearing aid option
  • Multiple models include Auracast technology
  • Battery life of over 24 hours

Pros

  • Cutting-edge technology
  • AI-powered advanced speech processing
  • Multi-directional microphones
  • Range of models and styles to choose from
  • Rechargeable and disposable battery models

Cons

  • High prices
  • Requires in-person appointments
  • Hard to find pricing information
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Starkey: Best Health and Safety Features

We chose Starkey as the Best Health and Safety Features because the brand offers unique wellness innovations no other brand has, like fall detection. Starkey earned the highest Features score in our prescription hearing aid testing, with a 9.4/10. Starkey’s industry-leading health monitoring capabilities, safety technologies, and high scores from first-person testing make this brand our pick for “Best Health and Safety Features.”

Starkey

Best Health and Safety Features
Starkey hearing aid


  • Battery type: Rechargeable and disposable
  • Bluetooth compatible: Yes
  • Trial period: Depends on retailer
  • Only hearing aids with fall detection
  • Find my hearing aids option
  • Advanced speech enhancement
  • Battery life of over 24 hours

Pros

  • Unique health and safety features (like fall detection)
  • Highest score for features
  • Advanced Bluetooth

Cons

  • Highest price on this list
  • Requires in-person appointments
  • Hard to find pricing information
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Signia: Best Battery Life

We chose Signia as the Best Battery Life because the brand’s new Pure Charge&Go BCT IX hearing aids have the longest runtime of any Bluetooth Classic hearing aid: 36 hours of battery life, including five hours of streaming, on a single battery charge. Signia also reduced the size of the Pure Charge&Go BCT IX, making it one of the smallest devices on the market, without compromising on Bluetooth and battery life.

Signia

Best Battery Life
Signia hearing aids
  • Type of hearing aid: BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, IIC, CIC
  • Rx or OTC: Rx
  • Battery type: Rechargeable and disposable
  • Bluetooth compatible: Yes
  • Trial period: Depends on retailer
  • Signia Assistant helps customize hearing aids for your needs
  • Health monitoring options
  • Many options for device styles and types
  • Up to 36 hours of battery life

Pros

  • Real-time conversational enhancement
  • Own Voice Processing (OVP) technology
  • Long–lasting battery

Cons

  • No find my hearing aid option
  • No Auracast
  • Hard to find pricing information
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Brands that didn’t make the cut

We’re constantly testing new hearing aids. Not everything we test makes the cut—and that’s on purpose. We only want to recommend the best-performing hearing aids on the market.

The brands below didn’t pass our rigorous internal testing:

Nano

    • Nano is a hearing aid brand marketing primarily on social media we don’t recommend.
    • The brand was sued by the State of Vermont in 2023 for “unfair business practices and misleading marketing statements.” Some of these unfair practices included company leadership directing sales staff to identify themselves as hearing instrument specialists (a position that typically requires a two-year degree) when they held no such credentials.

Apple Airpods

    • Apple recently added OTC-grade sound processing software to its Airpods 2.
    • While we like the idea of a consumer electronic expanding access to hearing aids, the Airpods didn’t pass our test. Testers said the sound processing was blunt and not nuanced (either “too loud” or “too soft”). And despite trying multiple domes, testers couldn’t find a good fit and usually felt like the devices were going to fall out. Lastly, testers said the Airpods Pro 2 look and feel bulky and make them feel a distinct “plugged-up feeling” in their ear.

Go Hearing

    • These hearing aids have an attractive price ($299/pair), but that’s about it.
    • They have no Bluetooth, no app, and only three preset listening profiles to choose from.
    • For less money, you can get more features with a brand like Audien.

In my experience

"It's a trial period for sure and learning what to do with what you have. But I think what I did wrong in the beginning is I came at it strong and then it discouraged me and I stepped back. If I wore my hearing aids  every day for two hours and then increased it to three hours, that would have been better.”

—Carol, 68, one of our long-term testers, on getting used to hearing aids

How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear better, but they won’t restore hearing to normal. These devices play the part that your ears typically would on their own without hearing loss. The microphone pulls in sounds and passes them to the amplifier, which sends them to a speaker.6 The amplifier does the heavy lifting, taking the sounds and improving them based on your specific needs and then converting them back to sound waves to send through to the speaker.

graphic showing 82% satisfaction
82% of respondents to our February 2025 Hearing Aid survey reported being happy with their hearing aids.

Types of hearing aids

There are many different types of hearing aids, and finding the right ones for your needs will depend on your style preferences, the features you want or need, and your degree of hearing loss.  And no matter what type of hearing aid you choose, you’ll need to go through a hearing aid adjustment period to get comfortable with them. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of hearing aids.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Most of this style of device sits behind your ear, and a small clear tube is attached to an earmold, which sits in your ear. This is the style most people think of when they imagine a hearing aid. Its large size means it can fit more advanced technology, and this style often houses the most features.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIE)

This style is also called “mini BTE” because it looks like a BTE style, only smaller. People sometimes prefer a RIC hearing aid because the small receiver means you may not experience the plugged-up feeling people describe when wearing full ear molds or earbud-style hearing aids.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

These look like the ear mold of a BTE hearing aid without the part that rests behind the ear. Because they sit in the outer ear, they can be bulky and cause a plugged-up feeling, but they’re also easier to handle than smaller styles.

In-the-Canal (ITC)

Instead of sitting in the outer ear, these insert into the ear canal. They still stick out some, but they’re more discreet than any of the above styles. ITC hearing aids are very small and can be tricky to handle if you have arthritis or hand dexterity issues.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

This style is the most discreet of all, sitting all the way inside the ear canal. While it’s almost invisible to others, it’s also more difficult to get in and out for things like charging, battery changes, and cleaning. Some devices can be left in the ear for longer periods of time. For example, the Phonak Lyric is a device designed to fit so deep in the ear canal it’s inserted by a hearing professional and can be left in the ear for months at a time.

In my experience

“At first it's hard to get used to how things sound differently when wearing aids. It's got a digital feel to it, if you know what I mean. Like a kind of a ringing. So just trying to get past that is probably the hardest thing. I still feel like I hear my voice when I talk differently.” 

-Neil, 70, one of our long-term testers, on the challenges of getting used to hearing aids

OTC hearing aids vs. prescription

Until October of 2022, people had to go to an audiology clinic, get a traditional hearing test, and pay thousands of dollars for a pair of prescription hearing aids. Largely because of the high cost, many people were unable to get help with their hearing loss. To expand access to these devices, Congress passed bipartisan legislation in 2017 to get the wheels in motion for the existence of OTC hearing aids as they are sold today.7 As of October 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates what is and is not an OTC hearing aid, helping shoppers to buy legitimate devices and avoid scams.

Now, anyone with mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase OTC hearing aids at pharmacies and big box stores, or from online retailers like Amazon. These devices are much less expensive than traditional hearing aids. But they can’t support more severe levels of hearing loss and lack many of the more advanced features prescription devices can offer.

Comparing hearing aids


Prescription Hearing AidsOTC Hearing Aids
Requires an Rx✔️
Requires an in-person hearing test✔️
Can purchase online
✔️
Can support all levels of hearing loss✔️
Can be purchased for under $1,000
✔️
Regulated by the FDA✔️✔️

What to look for when buying a hearing aid

Before you start shopping, determine your type of hearing loss and the degree of hearing loss. You should always get an exam by a hearing professional, like an audiologist, before buying hearing aids. Even though an in-person exam isn’t required, online hearing tests cannot diagnose an underlying condition that may be causing your hearing loss, like impacted ear wax or damage to the ear canal.

After you’ve gotten an exam, you can either take a hearing test in-person at a hearing clinic, a local superstore, like Costco or Sam’s Club, or in your own home via a company like Yes Hearing. Or you can take an online hearing test. If this test shows that you have mild to moderate hearing loss, you can go ahead and purchase OTC hearing aids. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a prescription pair.

Graphic showing the top 6 qualities shoppers look for when buying hearing aids: sound quality, price, ease of use, customer support, Bluetooth, and a discreet look
According to our February 2025 Hearing Aid Survey, these were the top factors hearing aid users considered when buying hearing aids.

Choose a style that fits your personal preferences and hearing needs. For example, you may appreciate the discreet look of an ITC device.

“I always felt they would be very noticeable and immediately make me look and feel really old, but that's not the case at all. Mine are pretty tiny and barely noticeable,” said one NCOA hearing aid survey respondent.

You may want feature-packed BTE functionality instead. If you’re frequently taking calls throughout the day or love to stream music, Bluetooth connectivity will be important to you. Some of the less expensive hearing aid brands may lack features that you can add on separately. Check in with your hearing aid provider to learn about any hearing aid accessories that may make up for a lack of functionality.

Read through hearing aid reviews and our Hearing Aid Buyers Guide for more shopping tips.

Top hearing aid features to consider

There are many features to consider when shopping for hearing aids, but a few stand out from the pack. In our February 2025 survey of 300 hearing aid users, sound quality was the number one most important thing shoppers wanted in a hearing aid, followed close behind by affordability. When looking for the best hearing aids for seniors, here’s what else you should consider:

  • Ease of use
  • Post-purchase support and customer care
  • Bluetooth
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Directional microphones
  • Telecoil
  • Digital noise reduction
  • Feedback suppression
  • Speech clarity processing
  • Tinnitus masking

Hearing aids for tinnitus

Tinnitus is a perceived sound that doesn’t come from an external source, so other people can’t hear it.8 Though it’s often described as a ringing, it can also be other sounds. There isn’t a cure for tinnitus, so the most common treatment is “masking,” or layering on other ambient sounds to make the tinnitus sound more bearable.

Hearing aids sometimes come with tinnitus-masking technology that allows you to choose one or more sounds to play. Most prescription devices offer this, but some OTC brands do, too. We named Elehear Best for Tinnitus in our roundup of the best OTC hearing aids because of its impressive masking offerings.

FDA classifications and hearing aids

Hearing aids and other medical devices are regulated in the United States by the FDA. Your hearing aids may be FDA-registered, FDA-cleared, or FDA-approved. What’s the difference? 

To understand FDA classifications of hearing aids, here’s what you need to know:

  • FDA-registered: All medical devices in the US, including hearing aids, must be FDA-registered. FDA registration tracks where hearing aids are manufactured, and those locations can be inspected by the FDA.
  • FDA-cleared: Hearing devices considered to be Class II require FDA registration and FDA clearance. The process to receive FDA clearance requires the devices to pass specific safety and performance metrics. This ensures the devices work as advertised. FDA clearance provides a safeguard for consumers so they don’t end up with unsafe or poorly working products.
  • FDA-approved: Class III hearing aids require FDA approval. These devices undergo a wide range of testing and evaluations, and must meet high safety standards to gain this status.9 

FDA classification for hearing aids


Class I hearing aidsClass II hearing aidsClass III hearing aids
Type of hearing aidsOffer only general controls, air-conduction hearing aidsOffer both general and special controls, includes some  wireless technology, bone-anchored or bone conduction hearing aids, and tinnitus maskersIncludes cochlear implants, implantable middle-hearing devices, and auditory brainstem implants10
FDA-determined risk levelLow-riskModerate-riskHigh-risk
FDA classification requiredFDA registrationFDA clearanceFDA approval
Examples of hearing aids that meet these requirementsJabra Enhance Plus OTC models, MDHearing models, Audien Atom models, Eargo 7 and SE, Audien Ion modelsPhonak Lyric (implanted prescription device)

How much do hearing aids cost?

Over-the-counter hearing aids range in price from as low as $99 a pair to as high as $2,500 a pair, while prescription hearing aids typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 a pair—though they can cost much more. Factors like audiology care, battery type (rechargeable vs. disposable), and extra features, like tinnitus masking, all contribute to the price differences in hearing aids. 

How much do hearing aids really cost users? Mostly $1,001-$3,000
37% of respondents to our February 2025 Hearing Aid survey said their hearing aids cost them $1,001–$3,000, while over 26% said they cost them $3,001–$6,000.

Prescription hearing aids cost

Pricing for prescription hearing aids can be confusing. Prescription hearing aid brands don’t share prices online because there are so many versions and customization options for each device, so it’s hard to give exact numbers. Specific cost information for prescription hearing aids requires a consultation with your local hearing care professional.

Prescription hearing aids also offer many more features than OTC hearing aids, like automatic sound adjustments and technology to make your own voice sound more natural. Some of these features are particularly helpful for those with severe hearing loss, which these devices are designed to treat.

Most prescription hearing aids come in a range of technology levels. As the technology of the hearing aids gets more complex, the price of the devices rises.

Prescription hearing aid costs by technology level

Prescription hearing aid technology levelPrice range per pair*
Premium$10,000–$6,000
Advanced$9,000–$5,500
Standard$7,500–$4,500
Essential$5,800–$4,000
Base$5,500–$3,500

*These prices are a general range when buying prescription hearing aids at full price. To obtain exact pricing, you’ll need to visit your local hearing care professional.

How to save money on hearing aids

Hearing aids are costly. At a minimum, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a more basic, OTC device. Most hearing aid distributors offer financing options. But you don’t always need to pay full price for hearing aids. And there are many options to find discounts while supporting your hearing health.

Some options for saving money on hearing aids include:

  • Using an HSA or FSA: Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow you to set aside funds for medical devices before they’re taxed.
  • Look for discounts and sales: Many hearing aid brands offer discounts on their devices for certain professions, like teachers, or for veterans. You can also frequently find sales on hearing aids, especially during holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Presidents Day.
  • Private insurance: Most private insurance companies do not cover hearing aids, but some states require insurance to pay for hearing aids, even if it’s only partially. You can look for your state on the American Speech and Hearing Association’s page.
  • VA benefits: Some veterans receiving general VA health care can receive free hearing exams, as well as hearing aids, implants, batteries, and more at low or no cost. Learn more at the Veterans Affairs website.
  • Discount retailers: Discount retailers, like Yes Hearing, and nonprofit hearing centers can offer significant savings for those shopping for hearing aids with a limited budget, while still offering the best hearing aids on the market.
  • Area agency on aging: Your local area agency on aging offers resources to age safely at home. They can help you find the information you need to access local services.
  • Community service organizations: Many community service organizations work to connect those in need with hearing aids. Some popular options include the Elks Club, the Lions Club, The Knights of Columbus, Rotary International, and more.

Does Medicare and Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Currently, you cannot use Medicare A or B to pay for hearing exams, hearing aids, or fittings.11 You can use Medicare Part B to pay for hearing and balance exams (when ordered by your health care provider). Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, may pay for some hearing aid expenses.

Medicaid often pays for all or part of your hearing aid costs, but your coverage will vary by state. You can learn more about Medicaid hearing aid coverage at the Hearing Loss Association of America’s website.

How to buy hearing aids

Recently, there’s been a push to make purchasing hearing aids more accessible. So, while in the past the only option to get hearing aids was to find a hearing care clinic, now there are several options to choose from.

Before you decide you need hearing aids, the most important first step is to undergo a hearing exam. A hearing exam will help you determine which hearing aids are the right match for your needs.

How to get a hearing test

Many sites offer hearing tests online. These are a great way to track your hearing health when you’ve already seen an audiologist. But online hearing tests are limited. They cannot diagnose your type or cause of hearing loss, and they can’t identify any physical issues related to your hearing loss. If your hearing loss is due to impacted ear wax, an online test may show you need hearing aids when there’s a much easier and less expensive solution.

“An online hearing test is a quick screening tool if somebody would like to get a rough idea of their current hearing status (for a pass/fail result),” said Taylor Ferrell, AuD, an audiologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. “If any hearing loss is determined via the online hearing test an in-person, comprehensive evaluation is warranted.”

“I took two online hearing tests, and they were completely different. One only tested me on speech in noise, the other only tested me on tones. The first one said my hearing was normal, and the second one said I had mild to moderate hearing loss,” said one tester.

An in-person hearing exam is the only way to receive a complete assessment of your hearing health. Your primary care provider can refer you to a hearing clinic for your exam. Or you can find one through any provider of prescription hearing aids, including an audiologist, an otolaryngologist (ENT), or a hearing instrument specialist.

Experts recommend getting a hearing check at least every two years. “Generally, older adults should have their hearing checked annually or every two years, sooner if they’ve had a change in hearing or other concerns,” said Ferrell.

man undergoing a hearing test with tube in left ear
A tester having his hearing tested at Costco

Buying prescription hearing aids

Three main options are available for purchasing prescription hearing aids:

  • An audiology or hearing health clinic
  • A members-only warehouse store, like Costco or Sam's Club
  • Having an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist come to you

Buying hearing aids at a hearing health clinic

A hearing health clinic offers an in-person consultation with an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist, complete hearing health exams, and an audiogram. An audiogram is a chart detailing the results of your hearing test. It shows the frequency and the volume where your hearing is declining. An audiogram also measures your speech audiometry, which is how well you hear and understand words in noise.

If your hearing test indicates you’re a candidate for hearing aids, a hearing health clinic will determine which style and type of hearing aid can best suit your needs. Then they’ll program and fit your hearing aids for you.

Buying hearing aids at Costco or Sam’s Club

Costco and Sam’s Club are membership-based warehouse stores offering other services, such as pharmacies, optometry clinics, and hearing aid centers. In our February 2025 survey of older adult hearing aid users, 12% said they bought their hearing aids from Costco.

The hearing aid centers at Costco or Sam’s Club employ audiologists or hearing instrument specialists to perform hearing exams and sell, program, and fit a limited line of hearing aids available in the store. These hearing aids are typically less expensive than other prescription hearing aids.

“Name brands often sell hearing aids through Costco or Sam’s Club at a discount because they’re defeatured, meaning they don’t have all of the extra capabilities the ones sold at an audiologist office do.” —Ron Binkley, HIS at Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center.

Hearing exams and audiograms are typically free for members of Costco or Sam’s Club, but membership costs $65 yearly for Costco and $50 yearly at Sam’s Club.

Jabra Enhance hearing aid in man's left ear
Our tester was encouraged to walk around Costco wearing his Jabra Pro 20 hearing aids to see how they felt and sounded.

Buying prescription hearing aids from home

Companies like Yes Hearing offer virtual consultations and follow up appointments with an in-person hearing specialist who comes to your home. The specialists from Yes Hearing speak with you online about your hearing loss, lifestyle, budget, and any other relevant information. Then, they schedule a hearing specialist to come to your home. At your in-home appointment, you’ll undergo a hearing exam, and they’ll program and fit a pair of hearing aids for you. You’ll also have a follow-up appointment in your home to ensure your hearing aids are working well for you.

As Sam Shear, Yes Hearing’s CEO, explains, “The key to the virtual consultation process is to truly understand the specific needs of each individual. More than simple testing results from an audiogram, we have found that identifying the best product comes down to a combination of lifestyle needs, financial needs, specific feature requirements, and often activity level. We then provide a full hearing test to ensure the recommendation is accurate from a technical standpoint and program the devices accordingly.”

A hearing instrument specialist placing headphones on another man’s ears
One of our testers scheduled an appointment and had his hearing assessed by Yes Hearing.

Buying OTC hearing aids

The process for purchasing OTC hearing aids can vary. You can buy them online directly from the manufacturer, or you can purchase them in many stores that carry health devices or online from retailers like Amazon.

While some OTC hearing aids are self-fitting, others are programmed for you before receiving them. For example, Audicus requires you to take their hearing exam or submit a previous audiogram when you purchase their hearing aids. When your hearing aids arrive, they’re already customized based on the results of your hearing test.

In contrast, self-fitting hearing aids do not come with any customized programming, and instead you adjust your settings directly. Most OTC hearing aids sold in stores are self-fitting. You can find OTC hearing aids at stores like:

  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Best Buy
  • Walgreens
  • CVS
  • Amazon

Some of the prescription hearing aid providers listed above also sell OTC hearing aids for their patients with mild to moderate hearing loss. It’s important to look through hearing aid reviews as well as retailer reviews to make sure you’re receiving the right devices from a trusted source.

Why your hearing health matters

The risks of untreated hearing loss are among the most important reasons to prioritize your hearing health. Untreated hearing loss can slowly decrease your brain’s ability to process sounds correctly, which affects many other aspects of your life.12

"Sometimes the hearing doesn’t decline, but the ability to process does. When you wait too long, it’s not that the hearing declines more, it’s that the processing changes." –Cindy Manzanares, HIS

Conditions linked to untreated hearing loss include:

  • Dementia: More research is coming out about the relationship between untreated hearing loss and dementia.13 A John Hopkins study found mild hearing loss doubles dementia risk, moderate loss tripled risk, and severe loss increased risk by five times.
  • Cognitive decline: Research has shown that using hearing aids to treat hearing loss may slow cognitive decline.14 One study looking at untreated hearing loss and the rate of cognitive decline found it would take a hearing-impaired older adult just under eight years, on average, to develop cognitive impairment, compared with 11 years for those with normal hearing.15
  • Social isolation/loneliness: Research finds a clear connection between social isolation and hearing loss.16 It’s likely that people with hearing loss withdraw from social situations due to difficulties communicating. They may isolate themselves, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and other negative mental health issues.
  • Poor mental health: When communication becomes limited due to hearing loss, it can feel exhausting. As a result, those with hearing loss may feel less comfortable with their surroundings, leading to the withdrawal mentioned above and feelings of unease. All these factors make those with hearing loss more likely to experience:
  • Falls: Although more research is needed to understand the link between falls and hearing loss, mild hearing loss can triple your risk of falling, most likely due to decreased spatial awareness.20

Frequently asked questions

Which brand of hearing aid is best?

The best hearing aids for you will depend on your level of hearing loss, the features you need to hear your best, and your preferred style. Based on our testing, we think the best hearing aids are Jabra Enhance, and the best prescription hearing aids are Phonak. But a qualified hearing care professional can perform a formal hearing aid evaluation to determine the best product for you.

Does Medicare cover hearing aids?

Medicare Part A and B do not cover the cost of hearing aids, but some Medical Advantage Plans (Part C) may cover parts or all of the cost. Call your plan provider to see what type of coverage you have.

How much do hearing aids cost?

Over-the-counter hearing aids are much more affordable than prescription hearing aids. OTC brands can cost anywhere from $99-$2,500 per pair. Prescription hearing aids start around $3,000 and can cost more than $10,000 per pair.

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

Hearing aid batteries can be either disposable or rechargeable. Disposable hearing aid batteries typically last around a week before needing to be replaced. But that can vary by the frequency of use, the quality of the battery, or other factors. In general, you can expect a rechargeable hearing aid battery to last about a day before needing to be recharged. But that varies as well, with smaller hearing aids, like the Eargo 8, only lasting 16 hours between charges, and bigger, BTE models like the Jabra Enhance 700 lasting up to 24 hours between charges.

How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids have a microphone, amplifier, and speaker—the microphone takes in sounds, the amplifier updates them based on your hearing needs and sends them to the speaker, and the speaker transmits them to your brain to process the sounds.

How long do hearing aids last?

Hearing aids generally last between 3-7 years. But this will depend on factors like how often you use them, whether you stream music and calls regularly, and if you use disposable or rechargeable batteries.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss. Dec. 20, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
  2. Golub J et al. Association of Subclinical Hearing Loss With Cognitive Performance and Neuroimaging Measures in Cognitively Healthy Adults. May 20, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2022.868673/full
  3. Deal J et al. Association of Hearing Impairment and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults. April 22, 2020. Found on the internet at https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jgs.16109
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important Facts About Falls. Sept. 6, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html
  5. Chen Y et al. Development of a Fall Detection System Based on Machine Learning Models Using Wearable Inertial Measurement Units. April 14, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/8/3983
  6. Cleveland Clinic. Hearing Aids. Aug. 24, 2023. Found on the internet at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24756-hearing-aids
  7. 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://web.archive.org/web/20221028042729/https:/www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-finalizes-historic-rule-enabling-access-over-counter-hearing-aids-millions-americans
  8. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Tinnitus. March 6, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus
  9. Eargo.com. FDA-Registered vs. FDA-Cleared vs. FDA-Approved. July 1, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.eargo.com/blog/hearing-aids/FDA-Registered-vs-FDA-Cleared-vs-FDA-Approved
  10. Mann, E. A. FDA regulation of hearing aids. April 18, 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_events/1022593/mann.pdf
  11. Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
  12. Mener D et al. Hearing Loss and Depression in Older Adults. March 8, 2022. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8920093/
  13. National Institutes of Health. Hearing Aids Slow Cognitive Decline in People at High Risk. July 18, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/hearing-aids-slow-cognitive-decline-people-high-risk
  14. Lin F et al. Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults. Jan. 21, 2013. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1558452
  15. Powell D et al. Hearing Loss and Older Adults’ Perceptions of Access to Care. June 15, 2022. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9162786/
  16. American Academy of Audiology. Depression and Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/depression-and-hearing-loss/
  17. Lawrence B et al. Hearing Loss and Depression in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Dec. 7, 2017. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5704938/
  18. Reed N et al. Trends in Health Care Costs and Utilization Associated With Hearing Loss Among Older Adults. July 1, 2020. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768374
  19. UT Southwestern Medical Center. Hearing Loss Linked to Increased Risk of Falls. July 7, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/articles/year-2022/july-hearing-loss-and-falls.html
  20. NCOA. Hearing Aids Survey. 300 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched February 2025

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