The Best Hearing Aids in 2026: We Tested 70 Options to Find the Top Models

We personally tested more than 70 top hearing aids to find the most reliable options at fair prices. Here are our picks.

Jun 17, 2026

Expert Reviewed

Product Resources

Jill WaldbieserNCOA Senior WriterWritten by:
Donya CurrieNCOA Associate Director, CommunicationsEdited by:
Amanda KrisherAssociate Director, Behavioral Health, NCOA Center for Healthy AgingReviewed by:

Our pick for Best Hearing Aid is Jabra Enhance Select 700 for its exceptional sound quality, long trial period (100 days), industry-leading post-purchase support, and more.
Other top picks include Audien (Most Affordable), Elehear (Best for Tinnitus), Phonak (Best Prescription), and Starkey (Best Health and Safety Features).
The best hearing aids in this article range from $99–$7,774. Features, technology level, style, and customization options can all affect the price of hearing aids.
Before trying hearing aids, get a hearing exam to rule out fixable causes of hearing loss, like earwax.
OTC hearing aids can treat mild to moderate hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids are necessary to treat more severe hearing loss.
When shopping for hearing aids, you'll want to consider your degree of hearing loss, sound quality, battery life, hearing aid style, and feature options.

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 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.

70+
Hearing aids tested
300+
Hearing aid users surveyed
77
Testing criteria

When it comes to your health, early diagnosis and treatment are important. Your hearing health is no different. Hearing loss may come on slowly as we age, but the sooner it’s treated, the better. Wearing hearing aids may even help you stay healthy in other ways. People who wear hearing aids have been found to have later diagnoses of dementia, depression, and anxiety, and fewer falls that cause injury, according to research.¹ So if you think you may have hearing loss, don’t put off getting a diagnosis and finding the best hearing aids for you.

We surveyed over 300 hearing aid users, tested more than 50 of the best hearing aids on the market, and narrowed the list to our top 10. We included a mix of the best OTC hearing aids and best prescription hearing aids to suit any kind of hearing loss or budget. Keep reading for more information on our first-person testing with older adults and our picks for the best hearing aids in 2026.

Best Overall

Jabra Enhance Select 700

9.8 out of /10

Premium sound, Bluetooth streaming, and audiology support with smart speech clarity features

NCOA exclusive discount

$200 off with code: NCOA200 (deal applied at checkout)

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Best Value

Audien ION Pro 2

9.4 out of /10

Bluetooth hearing aids with long battery life, environmental settings, and a UV cleaning charging case

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Best for Tinnitus

Elehear Beyond Pro

9.3 out of /10

Customizable tinnitus masking with AI noise reduction, Bluetooth streaming, and real-time translation

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Our picks for the best hearing aids

Jabra Enhance Select 700: Best Overall
Audien ION Pro 2: Best Value
Elehear Beyond Pro: Best for Tinnitus
Eargo 8: Best Invisible
Soundbright Discovery: Best for Reducing Background Noise
MDHearing Volt Max 2: Most Affordable
Cearvol Wave: Best for Streaming
Phonak: Best Prescription
Starkey: Best Health and Safety Features
Signia: Best Battery Life

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 2026

Comparison Features	Jabra Enhance Select 700 Visit Sitefor Jabra Enhance Select 700	Audien ION Pro 2 Visit Sitefor Audien ION Pro 2	Elehear Beyond Pro Visit Sitefor Elehear Beyond Pro	Eargo 8 Visit Sitefor Eargo 8	Soundbright Discovery Visit Sitefor Soundbright Discovery	MDHearing Volt Max 2 Visit Sitefor MDHearing Volt Max 2	Cearvol Wave Visit Sitefor Cearvol Wave	Phonak Visit Sitefor Phonak	Starkey Visit Sitefor Starkey	Signia Visit Sitefor Signia
Our rating (out of 10)	9.8	9.4	9.3	8.7	9.0	8.2	9.8	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	45	45	45	45	Depends on retailer	Depends on retailer	Depends on retailer
Battery type	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable and disposable	Rechargeable and disposable	Rechargeable and disposable
Bluetooth?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hearing aid type*	RIC	BTE	RIC	CIC	RIC	BTE	ITE	BTE, RIC, ITC, ITE, IIC	BTE, RIC, ITC, ITE, IIC, CIC	BTE, RIC, ITC, ITE, IIC, CIC

*Hearing aid types include: receiver-in-canal (RIC), behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), completely-in-canal (CIC), in-the-canal (ITC), and invisible-in-canal (IIC)

How we test hearing aids

At NCOA, we run all the best-rated hearing aids through a series of 21 tests. We test all hearing aids ourselves using our hearing aid testing methodology with our team of older adult testers who have hearing loss. Then we write our reviews based on real use. We pay special attention to the following categories:

Core sound quality

Our testers assess speech clarity in different settings, including how the tester hears their own voice. We look for sound clarity, naturalness, balance, feedback, and how easily speech is understood.

Situational sound quality

In real-world listening situations, our testers evaluate sound performance using the available features. Tests include listening to a partner speak from different directions and focusing on a speaker in background noise.

Fit and comfort

We place the hearing aids in our ears, adjust their fit, and perform movement tests to assess comfort, security, and whether readjustments are needed.

Maintenance and care

Our testers follow the manual to clean the hearing aids, replace wax guards, and place them on the charger. They look at how convenient the tools, instructions, and charging case are.

Our top hearing aids reviews

Jabra Enhance Select 700: Best Overall

We chose Jabra Enhance Select 700 as our Best Hearing Aids Overall. The 700 offers top-notch sound quality, long battery life, a long trial period, and industry-leading post-purchase care from hearing experts. These qualities make the Enhance Select 700 and the Jabra brand our best-rated hearing aids.

Our Top Pick

Jabra Enhance

Best Overall

NCOA exclusive discount

$200 off with code: NCOA200 (deal applied at checkout)

Watch Video Review

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NCOA exclusive discount

$200 off with code: NCOA200 (deal applied at checkout)

Watch Video Review

Visit Site

Jabra Enhance review
Jabra’s smallest, most discreet option
AutoFocus technology to improve speech in sound

5 different colors available
Remote adjustments from Jabra’s audiology team

Types of hearing aids: RIC
Rx or OTC: OTC and Rx
Battery type: Rechargeable
Bluetooth: Yes, all devices
Trial period: 100 days
Warranty: 3 years

Pros

Post-purchase care from hearing experts for three years
Exceptional sound quality
Strong battery life (24 hours on a 3-hour charge)
Long trial period (100 days)
Clear Bluetooth audio streaming (100-foot range)

Cons

More expensive than most OTC brands
Initial setup could be easier
Testers said sound cancellation on the app wasn’t intuitive

Why we chose the Jabra Enhance Select as Best Overall Hearing Aid

The Jabra Enhance Select 700 stood out in all categories of our testing. It offers clear sound, even in noisy settings, a long battery life, and a 100-day trial. It also comes with three years of virtual care from a hearing expert, remote adjustments, and a solid warranty. Other models can stream calls and music, but the Select 700 is the only one that uses Bluetooth LE Audio to conserve battery power. It’s also the only Auracast-compatible device for public broadcasting. While the 700 doesn’t include a telecoil, you can purchase the brand’s Multi Mic+ for $275. This accessory has a built-in telecoil and allows you to hear the mic wearer's voice from up to 82 feet away, even in noisy or crowded environments.

Setup was the only category our testers gave low marks, mostly because of the lack of a QR code to download the app and the small print in the manual. But they liked the fit and small size of these hearing aids. “These were not easy to see while wearing,” said Sheila, one of our older adult testers. “They had the smallest ear dome I have seen as an option, and for me, that was great. I have a smaller ear canal, and this made it the most comfortable.”

A close-up shot of a woman wearing the Jabra Enhance Select 700 hearing aid — Testers said the Jabra Enhance Select 700 hearing aids were so comfortable and natural-sounding, it was like not wearing hearing aids at all.

Our testers said the Jabra Enhance’s sound seemed natural whether listening to their own voice or someone else's. This is probably due to the brand’s SoundScape technology, which auto-focuses on speech and offers advanced acoustics. Our testers found the sound quality was consistent at a distance or up close. They were most impressed with the 700’s performance in noisy settings. “When we tested with lots of background noise, the outdoor setting with the noise filter on was perfect,” said Sheila. “I was genuinely so impressed with how everything sounded using this setting. It sounded just like I didn't have any hearing aids in.”

Comparing Jabra Enhance Select models

Jabra’s three models offer varying levels of technology to suit different needs. All three models have Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries that last all day. But the 700 adds a few extras, like newer Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast support, tap controls, and hands-free calls on any smartphone. The 700 is the smallest profile of the three devices and can help you focus in noisy places. The 300 is slightly larger and stands out when you are with a group and need to hear several people at once. The 50R is the largest and most affordable option and works best in quiet, close settings.

	Enhance Select 50R	Enhance Select 300	Enhance Select 700
Cost	$1,195	$1,695	$1,995
Type	RIC	Mini RIC	Mirco RIC
Model notes	Most affordably priced with high-end features like Bluetooth	Advanced acoustics and hands-free calling	Only model with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast

The Jabra customer experience

Testers gave the Jabra Enhance Select 700 a 10/10 for customer service.

Warranty and trial period: 100-day risk-free trial period for all Jabra Enhance Select devices; one- to three-year manufacturer’s warranty; loss-and-damage protection
Financing: Yes
Customer service: Email, online chat, phone

For more customer service information, see our Jabra review.

Audien ION Pro 2: Best Value

We chose the Audien ION Pro 2 as the Best Value OTC hearing aid because it earned high scores in our tests while remaining affordable. These hearing aids also come with some unexpectedly advanced features, like rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth, and noise cancellation.

Audien ION Pro 2

Best Value

Audien review
Six hearing modes for different environments
Background noise cancellation

Clarity-improving sound chip technology
Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling
Rechargeable batteries with a long battery life (48 hours)

Types of hearing aids: ITE and BTE
Rx or OTC: OTC
Battery type: Rechargeable
Bluetooth: Yes
Trial period: 45 days
Warranty: 1 year

Pros

Lower price than many competitors
Long battery life (48 hours)
Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calls
Straightforward fit and setup

Cons

Limited customer support
Own voice may sound robotic or echo

Why our testers chose the Audien ION Pro 2 as the Best Value Hearing Aid

The Audien ION 2 Pro offers a lot for the price. It earned a score of 5/5 for features and 4/5 for sound quality, which is impressive at this cost. Setup is quick and simple, even for beginners. “I think these would be great for someone who has never used hearing aids before and is nervous about them being too complicated,” said Sheila, one of our older adult testers. “The setup process was very quick and easy, and didn't require any previous knowledge about hearing aids or using these devices. To turn them on, I simply downloaded the app, connected them via Bluetooth, and popped them in my ears.”

The app is straightforward, and the hearing aids connected quickly with little effort from our testers. “I could immediately hear a difference,” said one. You can adjust sound, switch between modes, and even fine-tune each ear. There is also a simple button on the device for volume and programs, with small beeps to guide you. As one tester put it, “It’s very easy to connect the device to the app. The connection is pretty instantaneous, and I didn’t need to troubleshoot.”

Hands hold the Audien Ion Pro 2 hearing aids in their charging case — Charging the Audien Ion Pro 2 hearing aids reminded our testers of charging Apple AirPods because of how they magnetically click into place and start charging immediately. A blue UV light inside the case sterilizes the hearing aids while they charge.

The ION 2 Pro also has features often seen in pricier models, like Bluetooth streaming, call support, and long battery life (up to 48 hours on a single charge). Testers liked the noise reduction and stable fit, though some noted minor issues, such as slight whistling or getting used to their own voice. Overall, the ION Pro 2 combines a lower price with useful features and dependable performance, offering a great overall value.

For budget-minded shoppers looking for one of the best affordable OTC hearing aids with decent features, Audien could be a good fit.

Comparing Audien models

Audien offers a variety of devices, with five models to choose from in different styles, all below $700. Audien’s Atom X and the ION Pro 2 come with features we usually see in more expensive OTC devices. These include rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth streaming, and the ability to take calls through your hearing aids. The brand’s least expensive model costs only $98, but it is also a more basic device.

	Audien Atom One	Audien Atom 2	Audien Atom Pro 2	Audien Atom X	Audien Ion Pro 2
Cost	$98	$189	$289	$389	$689
Type	ITE	ITE	ITE	ITE	BTE
Model notes	Lowest price	Portable charging case	24-hour battery life	Touchscreen case for adjustments	Most powerful BTE model with Bluetooth

The Audien customer experience

Testers gave Audien a 9.3 out of 10 for customer service.

Warranty and trial period: 45-day money-back guarantee for all Audien devices; limited one-year warranty unless you upgrade to a protection plan
Financing: No
Customer service: Phone or email support

For more customer service information, see our Audien review.

Elehear Beyond Pro: Best for Tinnitus

The Elehear Beyond Pro earned our pick as the Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus because our testers raved about its tinnitus settings. The Elehear app has 20 different tinnitus masking options. These include sounds like wind in trees, rainfall (gentle or heavy), cicadas chirping, a cat purring, and more. You can layer the sounds to create personalized masking programs, such as gentle rain and a cat purring.

Elehear Beyond Pro

Best for Tinnitus

Visit Site

Elehear review
Advanced AI noise reduction
Bluetooth streaming

Remote audiologist support
Speech clarity enhancement
20 hours of battery life on one charge

Types of hearing aids: RIC, ITE
Rx or OTC: OTC
Battery type: Rechargeable
Bluetooth: Yes
Trial period: 45 days
Warranty: 1 year

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

Why our testers chose the Elehear Beyond Pro as the Best Hearing Aid for Tinnitus

The Elehear Beyond Pro stands out as a strong choice for people with tinnitus. It is estimated that 10-25% of adults experience tinnitus, a ringing, roaring, or buzzing noise in the ears with no clear cause.² A few of our testers experience tinnitus, and while they said they’ve learned to live with it, finding tinnitus relief from hearing aids has been a significant help.

Testers said getting started with the Elehear Beyond Pro was simple, due to clear instructions and a helpful app. “There are lots of images and the text is larger, which makes it easy to read,” said one tester. After pairing the devices, they could quickly adjust settings, change modes, and fine-tune each ear using the app. “The features were great!” said one tester. “They allow you to adjust volume, tone, and change to different environmental settings. You can adjust between each ear, and even add noise control. It tracks the battery and allows you to contact support right from your phone instead of finding a help number online or in the manual.”

screenshot of some of the tinnitus masking options on the ELEHEAR app, including birdsong, cicadas, and a cat purring — The Elehear app offers over 20 tinnitus masking options, along with traditional options like white noise or rainfall. It also offers less common options, like a cat purring or frogs croaking.

The tinnitus tools were especially impressive. The app has 20 different sounds that help cover ringing or buzzing. “There are soundscapes in the app like rain, bubbles, sea waves, fire, and more, which were really cool,” said one tester. You can layer sounds, like rain or waves, to further mask tinnitus noise so it fades into the background. But you can still talk and hear what’s around you. The devices also offer features such as noise control, AI translation (which automatically translates up to 20 languages in real time), and speech support. Users receive a simple way to manage both hearing loss and tinnitus at the same time.

Comparing Elehear models

Each of Elehear’s three models offers something a little different. The Beyond Pro is the most advanced, with more updated tech for clearer sound. The Beyond and Beyond Pro both last up to 20 hours on a single charge and use AI to help make speech clearer and reduce noise. The Delight is an earbud-style design that some people may prefer for comfort or looks. It can also stream music and calls, but has a shorter battery life.

	Beyond	Beyond Pro	Delight
Cost	$449	$649	$369
Type	RIC	RIC	ITE/Earbud style
Model Notes	Good value, excellent tinnitus masking	Enhanced AI noise reduction and 30% better speech clarity than the Beyond	New, less expensive model; the only ITE hearing aid from the brand

The Elehear customer experience

Testers gave Elehear an 8.3 out of 10 for customer service.

Warranty and trial period: 45-day trial and a one-year warranty
Financing: Available through Klarma
Customer service: Phone or email support

For more customer service information, see our Elehear review.

Eargo 8: Best Invisible

We chose the Eargo 8 as our Best Invisible Hearing Aid for its nearly undetectable CIC (completely-in-canal) design. The Eargo 8 also offers excellent sound quality, user comfort, and lifetime professional support.

Eargo 8

Best Invisible

Eargo review
Virtually invisible in the ear
Two weeks of on-the-go charging

Rain, shower, and sweat resistant
Smart Sound automatically adapts to environment

Types of hearing aids: CIC
Rx or OTC: OTC
Battery type: Rechargeable
Bluetooth: Yes
Trial period: 45 days
Warranty: 2 years

Pros

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

Cons

Higher price
Shorter battery life (16 hours)
No Bluetooth streaming
Difficult to change wax guards

Why our testers chose the Eargo 8 as the Best Invisible Hearing Aid

Eargo 8 is one of our best-rated hearing aids across the board. It comes with an industry-standard 45-day trial period, free returns, and a generous two-year warranty. We love the “fit and feel” option, which allows you to order and try a non-working pair of Eargos to test-drive their comfort before you buy. But the Eargo 8 really stands out with its virtually invisible design and the brand’s available lifetime professional support.

“They are extremely discreet,” said one tester. “From most angles, you really can’t see them.” That design, along with its soft, natural fit, made them easy to wear for hours without discomfort. Testers also liked how hassle-free it was to get the Eargo 8 up and running. “The app recognized the hearing aids right away, which made the process really smooth,” said one tester. The charging case is small, sleek, and holds up to 100 hours of on-the-go power.

woman placing hearing aid in her left ear — A tester inserts an Eargo hearing aid to gauge its comfort.

Sound performance was generally good, although one tester gave the noise-canceling feature a 2/5 score. All other features rated 4/5 or higher, and distance listening was especially impressive. “The hearing aid really amplified and carried her voice across the room,” said one tester. “It sounded better with the distance than when we were close together, talking with loud background noise. The Eargo 8 upgrades include Smart Sound Adjust, which automatically adjusts to the noise level where you are. To maintain its small size, the Eargo 8 does give up a few extras, like Bluetooth streaming and longer battery life. But for many people, that trade-off is worth the comfortable fit and nearly invisible look. You can find more discreet hearing aid options in our roundup of the best invisible hearing aids.

In my experience

"You can hardly tell they’re in there. I had that little tiny antenna sticking on my lobe and you can't even see it. So, that feature is pretty good”

—Neil, age 70, one of our long-term testers, on the Eargo 7 hearing aids

Comparing Eargo models

Eargo offers two styles of virtually invisible hearing aids, the 8 and the SE (Signature Essentials). Both have four preset programs and a 16-hour battery life. But the Eargo 8 has up to 14 days of on-the-go charging power and more advanced tech. For instance, the Eargo 8 will automatically adjust to the noise level wherever you are and has an in-app hearing check. It is also more water- and sweat-resistant than the SE.

	Eargo SE	Eargo 8
Cost	$1,699	$2,699
Type	CIC	CIC
Model notes	Simpler device, least expensive option	Most advanced (and priciest) model

The Eargo customer experience

Testers gave the Eargo 8 a 10/10 for customer service.

Warranty and trial period: 45-day risk-free trial period for all Eargo devices; one- to two-year manufacturer’s warranty depending on model
Financing: Yes
Customer service: Phone or online chat options

For more customer service information, see our Eargo review.

Soundbright Discovery: Best for Reducing Background Noise

We chose the Soundbright Discovery as the Best Hearing Aid for Reducing Background Noise. Its noise-canceling feature worked well in real-life situations, such as restaurants and busy rooms. Soundbright’s adjustable listening modes—restaurant, outdoor, and quiet—help users customize sound to different environments.

Sound bright Discovery

Best for Reducing Background Noise

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Soundbright review
Customize listening in restaurant, outdoor, and quiet modes
Discreet and comfortable behind-the-ear design

Up to 48 hours of battery life with case
Adjust settings manually or with a smartphone app

Types of hearing aids: BTE, RIC, CIC
Rx or OTC: OTC
Battery type: Rechargeable
Bluetooth compatible: Yes, on the Discovery and Horizon Pro
Trial Period: 45 days
Warranty: 1 year

Pros

Effective noise-canceling features
Discreet and comfortable to wear
6 customizable hearing profiles
More affordable than many competitors

Cons

Less impressive distance hearing
Setup more challenging on Android device

Why our testers chose Soundbright Discovery as Best Hearing Aids for Reducing Background Noise

The Soundbright Discovery gives users more control than many basic models at an affordable price. In the app, you can change volume for each ear and adjust speech clarity, noise reduction, and whistle control. Our testers had no trouble using these settings and fine-tuning sound for different places.

The Soundbright Discovery stands out in noisy places because it helps you focus on speech. It has three programs: quiet, restaurant, and outdoor. Our testers noticed a clear difference among the settings. The noise-canceling feature noticeably reduced background noise when someone spoke to our tester. “Competing sounds became less prominent, making it easier to focus on the conversation,” she said.

A person holds the Soundbright Discovery in one hand and a cell phone in the other — Our tester pairs the Soundbright Discovery hearing aid to the Soundbright app.

Our hearing aid advisory members noted that Soundbright is owned by WSAudiology, which owns Signia hearing aids. Soundbright hearing aids resemble older Signia models. So you may even be getting higher-end technology, such as excellent noise-canceling, with fewer features at an OTC price.

The fit and comfort were also highly rated. “I was able to easily insert the earpieces,” one tester said. “It felt comfortable and did not need to be adjusted. The wire fits and bends easily to my ear, and the part behind feels flush and comfortable.” There was a small issue connecting to Android at first, but it worked well once paired with an iPhone. Overall, the Soundbright Discovery works best for people who need help hearing in noisy environments.

Comparing Soundbright models

The Soundbright lineup offers three main options depending on your needs. The Horizon Pro is the most advanced and expensive. It’s designed to handle noisy places with stronger sound processing and better speech focus. The Discovery is the most popular, offering a good balance of sound quality, noise control, and easy app features for everyday use. The Mini is the smallest and most affordable, fitting fully in the ear for a discreet look. But the Mini has fewer features and no streaming, making it better suited to quieter settings.

	Horizon Pro	Discovery	Mini
Cost	$499	$249	$99
Type	BTE/RIC	BTE/RIC	CIC
Model notes	Best for noisy restaurants/crowds	48-hour battery life with case	No Bluetooth capability

The Soundbright customer experience

Testers gave Soundbright a 9 out of 10 for customer service. Here’s what you can expect from their support team:

Warranty and trial period: 45-day risk-free trial and one-year warranty
Financing: Available through Affirm
Customer service: Phone or email support

Learn more about the customer experience in our Soundbright review.

MDHearing Volt Max 2: Most Affordable

MDHearing Volt Max 2 is our pick for the Most Affordable Hearing Aid. The device's small profile, comfortable fit, and basic functionality come at a much lower price than many other brands. The hearing aids also include a free telehealth setup appointment, free lifetime support, and a 60-day trial.

MDHearing Volt Max 2

Most Affordable

MDHearing review
Small, discreet design
15-hour battery plus case with three extra charges

Lifetime hearing aid support
All devices have noise reduction and feedback cancellation

Types of hearing aids: BTE, ITC, CIC
Rx or OTC: OTC
Battery type: Rechargeable
Bluetooth: Yes, in the NEO XS Pro, Volt 4, Volt Max 2
Trial period: 60 days
Warranty: 1 year

Pros

Comfortable, discreet fit
Low price
Manual and app control
Remote audiology support
Seamless setup and simple app control

Cons

No streaming for music or calls
Sound quality can be inconsistent
Tends to over-amplify for mild to moderate hearing loss
No telecoil or Auracast for public broadcasts

Why our testers chose MDHearing Volt Max 2 as the Most Affordable Hearing Aid

The MDHearing Volt Max 2 are some of the most affordable hearing aids you can buy. They are basic hearing aids, but they cover the essentials at a much lower price than many other brands. MDHearing also offers a lot for the cost. We were impressed by the free telehealth setup appointment, free lifetime support, and 60-day risk-free trial. This makes them a low-risk way to try hearing aids without spending a lot.

In daily use, these hearing aids are comfortable and discreet. “The hearing aids look great,” said one tester. “I really could not see them, even with my hair pulled up.” The fit was also good. Testers reported no issues inserting these hearing aids, even without domes. One said, “They fit great and were very comfortable. The piece behind your ear was comfortable, also.”

A woman wears the MDHearing Volt Max 2 hearing aids — Testers liked how the Volt Max 2’s small profile made it barely noticeable.

Sound quality was less consistent. Testers noted that the Volt Max 2 worked well for some situations, like hearing voices at a distance. “From far away, these seemed to work pretty well because they picked up the voice and amplified it slightly,” said one tester. “Even when my partner stepped away from the room and had the door open, I could hear them pretty clearly.” But the noise-canceling feature was not great, according to our testers. “It seemed to amplify all the ambient sound, and my partner's voice was lost in the chaos,” one said. If you are looking for a very affordable, simple option and are okay with a few trade-offs in sound quality, the Volt Max 2 could be worth a look.

Comparing MDHearing models

MDHearing offers the most variety of hearing aids at the lowest prices we’ve seen. Four of the six MDHearing models sell for under $500, and the other two sell for under $600. Models come in three styles, and MDHearing is the only OTC brand on this list to offer that many. The Air 3 and NEO are the most basic options, with simple controls and no app. The NEO XS Pro adds app-based personalization and more advanced sound features in a small, discreet design. The Volt Max is a behind-the-ear model with more power and features, but it’s larger and more noticeable. Overall, it comes down to whether you want the lowest price (Air 3/NEO), the smallest size (NEO XS), or more control and features (NEO XS Pro, Volt 4, or Volt Max 2).

	Neo	Air 3	Neo XS	Volt 4	Volt Max 2	Neo XS Pro
Cost	$197	$297	$297	$397	$597	$597
Type	ITC	BTE	CIC	BTE	BTE	CIC
Model notes	Lowest price	Includes a portable charging case	Smallest	Longest battery (20 hours)	Most advanced sound processing	Most comfortable fit

The MDHearing customer experience

MDHearing earned a 9/10 score in our customer service testing.

Warranty and trial period: MDHearing offers a one-year warranty on the Air, NEO, NEO XS, and Volt, a two-year warranty on the VOLT MAX, and a 45-day trial period on all models.
Financing: Yes
Customer service: Phone, email, or online contact form

For more customer service information, see our MDHearing review.

Cearvol Wave: Best for Streaming

The Cearvol Wave stands out for its streaming capabilities because it connects easily to phones, TVs, and more. These devices make it easy to switch between calls, music, and other audio.

Cearvol Wave

Best for Streaming

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Bluetooth streaming for calls, music, and TV
Dual-device connection to switch between devices smoothly
High-quality sound for media and conversations

Smart touchscreen charging case for easy controls
Large selection of ear tips for a better fit

Types of hearing aids: ITE (earbud style)
Rx or OTC: OTC
Battery type: Rechargeable
Bluetooth: Yes
Trial period: 45 days
Warranty: 3 years

Pros

Easier to stream audio from different devices
Touchscreen case makes controls simple
Clear sound for music and calls
Multiple ways to adjust settings (app, buttons, case)

Cons

App setup and pairing can take time
Manual may feel hard to follow at first
Fit may feel bulky for some users
Voices can sound too loud or echoey at times

Why our testers chose the Cearvol Wave as Best Hearing Aids for Streaming

The Cearvol Wave is an earbud-style hearing aid. It uses Bluetooth 5.3 to enhance streaming performance and conserve battery power. The Wave stands out for its ability to switch between streaming audio from devices like TVs and laptops to take calls smoothly. This is why it is our pick for Best Hearing Aids for Streaming.

Testers liked how simple it was to control these hearing aids, especially without always needing a phone. “I preferred using the buttons on the earpieces,” one tester said. “Changing volume and settings was easy.” She also liked the voice commands that tell you what mode you are in. The touchscreen charging case gives you another way to adjust your hearing aid settings without a phone.

Hands opening the touchscreen-enabled charging case of the Cearvol Wave — Our testers were impressed by the Cearvol Wave's touchscreen-enabled charging case, which allows for hearing aid adjustments without using a smartphone.

Streaming and sound performance worked well in many situations. Testers gave distance hearing a 5/5 score, and rated noise canceling 4/5. This can be useful for hearing conversations in crowded places. But testers did think the sound could be more natural in some instances. Close-up voices sounded too loud or slightly echoey. They also noted that these are not the most discreet hearing aids. The size and design are more like an earbud, and the gold color does not blend in. Some testers also mentioned difficulty when pairing the app. “Downloading the app was easy. Getting it to pair with my phone took time,” said one. Even so, the strong streaming features and flexible controls made these a top pick for people who want hearing aids that work well with their other media devices.

Comparing Cearvol models

Cearvol offers several over-the-counter hearing aid models ranging from $289–$497. All four models are rechargeable in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. The Wave, Wave Lite, and Diamond X1 include Bluetooth streaming and app controls. Cearvol’s smallest model, the Nano, has a more streamlined design and fewer features. The best Cearvol model for you depends on whether you want Bluetooth streaming, app controls, a smaller design, or a lower price.

	Wave	Wave Lite	Nano	Diamond X1
Cost	$497	$389	$289	$289
Type	ITE	ITE	ITE	ITE
Model notes	Touchscreen case and integrated remote mic.	Noise control and personalized sound	Most discreet model with a UV light cleaning case	AirPod style devices, on-the-go charging

The Cearvol customer experience

Warranty and trial period: Yes, Cearvol offers a 3-year warranty and a 45-day trial period.
Financing: No
Customer service: Phone, send an email, or submit an online form.

Phonak Sphere: Best Prescription

We chose the Phonak Sphere as the Best Prescription Hearing Aid for its all-around high scores in testing. Phonak uses some of the most cutting-edge technology on the market (like AutoSense OS) and advanced speech processing), so users get a more natural hearing experience.

Phonak Sphere

Best Prescription

Phonak review
Wide range of hearing aid models and types
Find My Hearing Aid option

Multiple models include Auracast and telecoil technology
Battery life of over 24 hours

Types of hearing aids: BTE, RIC, ITC, ITE, IIC, and CIC
Rx or OTC: Rx
Battery type: Rechargeable and disposable
Bluetooth compatible: Yes
Trial period: Depends on retailer

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

Why our testers chose the Phonak Sphere as the Best Prescription Hearing Aid

Phonak consistently offers advanced technology and earns high scores from our in-person testing. This made choosing the Sphere as our pick for Best Prescription Hearing Aids a simple decision. “Phonak [owned by the Sonova Group] is the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturer,” said Ron Binkley, a hearing instrument specialist at Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. “And they make a really good product.” The brand has a reputation for innovating new technology. In 2024, the company introduced the world’s first hearing aid with a dedicated AI chip (the Audéo Sphere). The company says this chip processes speech faster and filters out noise automatically.

In our testing, these hearing aids stood out for comfort and fit. “Wow, this is a really ergonomic, comfortable fit,” said one tester. “It feels like it practically snaps into place in your ear.” Another said the design was “thin and ergonomic, with a discreet fit behind the ear.” They felt secure without being bulky. Our testers loved the device's thoughtful design. For instance, the Audéo has a multi-function button for adjustments, but it’s strategically placed on the top of the hearing aid. That way, you can easily press the button with one hand without dislodging the hearing aids or needing to use two hands (like testers had to do with MDHearing). Our testers also loved the app, especially the health-tracking features. You can pair your hearing aids to the app and track things like your heart rate, steps, activity levels, and more.

gold Phonak hearing aid in woman's hands — Note the placement of the multi-function button toward the top of the hearing aid. Testers appreciated this design and said it made it easier to press the button with one hand without knocking the device loose.

Sound quality is where Phonak really shines. “The Audéo has really good audio quality and clarity,” one tester said. “Probably the best I’ve tested.” She added, “I hardly hear any background noise. It just sounds like the audio is amplified.” The main downside is price, which is very high but not uncommon for a prescription brand. For many people, the strong performance and custom fit make it worth it.

Comparing Phonak technology platforms

The Phonak Sphere, Virto Infinio, and Lyric models are built for different needs. The Sphere is the most advanced, using dual-chip AI to boost speech and cut noise, especially in busy places. The Virto Infinio is a custom in-ear model that is more discreet and molded to your ear, offering strong sound. The Lyric is unique. It sits deep in your ear and is worn 24/7 for months at a time, making it nearly invisible. Across the lineup, the Infinio product line (including Sphere and Virto Infinio) comes with Spheric Speech Clarity. This feature uses sound from all directions to help you focus on conversations more easily in noisy environments.

	Sphere	Virto Infinio	Lyric
Styles	RIC, ITE, CROS	ITE	ICIC
Feature notes	Newest, most expensive	Personalized fit	Implanted by a health care provider and replaced every four months

The Phonak customer experience

Phonak scored a 9.5/10 in customer service during our testing.

Many hearing aid companies offer three-year warranties, but Phonak only provides a one-year international warranty, beginning the day you purchase your hearing aids. An additional two years of repair, loss, and damage coverage is available for an extra fee at the time of purchase.
Customer service: Phone, email, or online form

For more customer service information, see our Phonak review.

Starkey Omega AI: Best Health and Safety Features

We chose the Starkey Omega AI as the Best Hearing Aids for Health and Safety Features. Starkey earned this title with its unique wellness innovations, such as fall detection, that no other brand offers. The Starkey Omega AI 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 stand out.

Starkey Omega AI

Best Health and Safety Features

Visit Site

Starkey review
Only hearing aids with fall detection
Find My Hearing Aids option

Advanced speech enhancement
Battery life of over 24 hours

Types of hearing aids: BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, IIC, CIC
Rx or OTC: Rx
Battery type: Rechargeable and disposable
Bluetooth compatible: Yes
Trial period: Depends on retailer

Pros

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

Cons

Requires in-person appointments
Hard to find pricing information

Why our testers chose the Starkey Omega AI as Best Health and Safety Features

Starkey created the world’s first hearing aid with fall detection, the Evolv AI, in 2021. Since then, the brand has continued to improve upon that technology, first with the Edge AI, which came out in 2024, then the Omega AI in 2025. Starkey uses built-in sensors to automatically detect falls. When the device detects a fall, it sends a “fall alert” to three contacts you enter in the app. This alert also includes the wearer’s GPS location, allowing those contacts to find them in case of an emergency.

We love the idea of a hearing aid with automatic fall detection, since falls are the leading cause of injury for adults age 65+.³ And we think a hearing aid is a great place for fall detection technology, because fall detection worn on the chest or upper part of the body is most accurate.⁴ We feel these features make Starkey one of the best hearing aids for seniors and among the best hearing aids for severe hearing loss.

hand holding a Starkey hearing aid — A hearing instrument specialist holds the Genesis RIC model in his hands to show how small it is.

“The setup was really easy, and the user manual was surprisingly helpful for a prescription user manual,” a tester said. Most prescription user manuals tend to have much more information than OTC manuals and lack simple-to-follow directions. Connecting to the app to finish setting up the hearing aids was easy to do, but testers worry that the app might be too complicated for some. “People who aren’t tech-savvy may find the app complicated and need help setting up some features, like fall detection,” one tester said. “But it’s got lots of options—activity tracking, adding fitness goals, the find my hearing aids feature, etc.”

Comparing Starkey models

Starkey Omega AI, Edge AI, and Signature AI are all advanced prescription hearing aids. But each model is designed for slightly different needs. Omega AI is Starkey’s newest platform. It comes in the widest range of styles, including RIC, BTE, and custom options. It also has updated technology that helps it adjust to different listening environments. Edge AI came out in 2024. It also comes in several RIC and custom styles, but its main focus is better hearing in noisy places. Signature AI is the smallest and most discreet option. It comes in CIC and IIC styles, making it a good choice for people who want a nearly invisible hearing aid.

	Omega AI	Edge AI	Signature AI
Styles	RIC, BTE, and custom styles (ITE, ITC, CIC)	RIC, Mini RIC, RIC 312, ITE R, ITE HS R, CIC	CIC, IIC
Model notes	Newest technology, environmental adaptation	Improved hearing in noisy environments	Mini and custom models, most expensive

The Starkey customer experience

Starkey earned a 9.5 out of 10 in our customer service testing.

Warranty: Depends on retailer
Trial period: Minimum 30 days
Financing: Dependent on retailer
Customer service: Online contact form

For more customer service information, see our Starkey review.

Signia Pure Charge&Go IX: Best Battery Life

We chose the Signia Pure Charge&Go IX as the Best Battery Life because they have the longest runtime of any Bluetooth Classic hearing aid. They offer 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 IX, making it one of the smallest devices on the market without compromising Bluetooth connectivity or battery life.

Signia Pure Charge&Go IX

Best Battery Life

Signia Review
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

Types of hearing aids: BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, IIC, CIC
Rx or OTC: Rx
Battery type: Rechargeable and disposable
Bluetooth compatible: Yes
Trial period: Depends on retailer

Pros

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

Cons

No Find My Hearing Aid option
No Auracast or telecoil
Hard to find pricing information

Why our testers chose the Signia Pure Charge&Go IX as Best Battery Life

The Signia Pure Charge&Go IX stood out to our testers for its long battery life. It can last up to 36 hours on a single charge, even after several hours of streaming. That means you can wear it all day without worrying about charging, which is helpful if you take calls or listen to music often. It’s also small and discreet, so you don’t have to trade size for battery life.

Signia hearing aid with sports lock in man's left ear — In addition to clear sound, the newest Signia hearing aids are smaller and more discreet.

Testers also liked the sound quality and how well it handled conversations. “I could instantly tell the sound quality was clear, much clearer than an OTC hearing aid,” one tester said. The hearing aids can follow different speakers as they move, which makes group conversations feel more natural. Once the app was set up, it was easy to adjust settings from a phone.

There were a few small downsides. Setup took a little time, and some parts, like changing wax guards, were not as easy to learn. “The instructions are more technical than many OTC brands,” one tester said. Even so, testers felt the long battery life and strong sound made these a great choice for people who want a reliable device that lasts all day.

Comparing Signia models

The Signia lineup offers a few styles, depending on which features matter most to you. The Pure Charge&Go IX is the most versatile, with a behind-the-ear design, strong Bluetooth streaming, and long battery life. The Silk Charge&Go IX is much smaller and sits fully in the ear, but it has fewer features and less power. The Styletto IX stands out for its slim, modern look and portable charging case. The Xperience (X) models use older technology, so they still deliver good sound but lack the newer IX platform features, such as RealTime Conversation Enhancement, for better group conversations.

	Pure Charge&Go IX	Silk Charge&Go IX	Styletto IX	Natural Xperience (NX)
Styles	RIC	CIC	RIC	ITC, ITE, IIC, CIC, BTE
Model notes	Newest line, offers the longest battery runtime	Almost invisible, designed for a snug, comfortable fit	Crisp, clear sound and an ultra-slim design for comfort	Natural, own voice processing technology

The Signia customer experience

Signia earned a 9.5 out of 10 in our customer service testing.

Warranty: Depends on retailer
Trial period: Minimum 30 days
Financing: Dependent on retailer
Customer service: Online contact form or phone support

For more customer service information, see our Signia review.

Brands that didn’t make the cut

Not everything we test makes the cut—and that’s on purpose. We only want to recommend the best-rated hearing aid options on the market, not waste your time or money with the worst hearing aids.

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

Nano

Nano is a hearing aid brand that markets primarily on social media, which 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 consumer electronics 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.

Next up in our hearing aid testing:

We're continuously testing hearing aids to ensure we share the best brands on the market. The next brands in our testing queue are:

Hearwell Hearing Aids
Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses

How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear better, but they won’t restore hearing to normal. These devices perform the role your ears typically would on their own, without hearing loss. The microphone captures sound and passes it to the amplifier, which sends it to a speaker.⁵ 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

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Most of these devices sit behind your ear, and a small, clear tube is attached to an earmold that sits in your ear. This is the style most people think of when they imagine a hearing aid. Its large size allows it to accommodate more advanced technology, and this style often offers the most features.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

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 are inserted 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 deep inside the ear canal. While it’s almost invisible to others, it’s also more difficult to access for things like charging, battery changes, and cleaning. Some devices can be left in the ear for longer periods. For example, the Phonak Lyric is a device designed to fit so deeply in the ear canal that 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 availability of OTC hearing aids as they are sold today.⁶ 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 the best-rated 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 Aids	OTC 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 earwax or damage to the ear canal.

If your exam shows that you have mild to moderate hearing loss, you can go ahead and purchase one of the best online 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.

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

Top hearing aid features

There are many features to consider when shopping for the best-rated 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: How simple the hearing aids are to set up, adjust, wear, clean, and charge or change batteries.
Post-purchase support and customer care: The help you receive after buying, such as setup guidance, troubleshooting, adjustments, repairs, returns, or follow-up care.
Bluetooth: Wirelessly connects your hearing aids to devices like smartphones, tablets, or TVs for phone calls, music, videos, or app controls.
Rechargeable batteries: Allow you to charge the hearing aids rather than regularly replace small disposable batteries.
Directional microphones: Help your hearing aids focus more on sounds coming from in front of you, which may make conversations easier in some noisy settings.
Telecoil: Connects devices to hearing loop systems in certain public places, such as theaters, churches, and auditoriums.
Digital noise reduction: Helps reduce background noise, making speech and other important sounds easier to hear.
Feedback suppression: Reduces whistling or squealing sounds that can happen when sound leaks from the hearing aid and gets picked up again by the microphone.
Speech clarity processing: Helps the hearing aids separate voices from other sounds to make speech sound clearer.
Tinnitus masking: 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. Read more about how hearing aids can help tinnitus in our article on tinnitus and hearing aids.

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.

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?

FDA-registered: All medical devices in the US, including hearing aids, must be FDA-registered. FDA registration tracks where hearing aids are manufactured, and the FDA can inspect those locations.
FDA-cleared: Hearing devices considered to be Class II require FDA registration and FDA clearance. The process for receiving FDA clearance requires devices to meet specific safety and performance standards. This ensures the devices work as advertised.
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.⁷

FDA classification for hearing aids

	Class I hearing aids	Class II hearing aids	Class III hearing aids
Type of hearing aids	Offer only general controls, air-conduction hearing aids	Offer both general and special controls, including some wireless technology, bone-anchored or bone conduction hearing aids, and tinnitus maskers	Includes cochlear implants, implantable middle-hearing devices, and auditory brainstem implants⁹
FDA-determined risk level	Low-risk	Moderate-risk	High-risk
FDA classification required	FDA registration	FDA clearance	FDA approval
Examples of hearing aids that meet these requirements	Jabra Enhance Plus OTC models, MDHearing models, Audien Atom models,	Eargo 8 and SE, Audien Ion models	Phonak 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. Specific cost information for prescription hearing aids requires a consultation with your local hearing care professional. Most prescription hearing aids come in a range of technology levels. As hearing aid technology becomes more complex, the devices' prices rise.

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 of the best hearing aid brands 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.

How to buy hearing aids

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 earwax, 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 at which 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% reported buying Costco hearing aids.

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's 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 annually at Costco and $50 annually at Sam’s Club.

Jabra Enhance Pro 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. 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. 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 the best online hearing aids directly from the manufacturer, or you can purchase them in many stores that carry health devices, or from retailers like Amazon. Learn more about buying these devices in our roundup of the best OTC hearing aids. You can find OTC hearing aids at stores like:

Walmart
Target
Best Buy
Walgreens
CVS
Amazon

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 can impact many other aspects of your life.¹⁰

"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.¹¹ A John Hopkins study found mild hearing loss doubles dementia risk, moderate loss tripled risk, and severe loss increased risk by five times.¹²
Cognitive decline: Research has shown that using hearing aids to treat hearing loss may slow cognitive decline.¹⁰ 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.¹³
Social isolation/loneliness: Research finds a clear connection between social isolation and hearing loss.¹⁴ 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:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- General psychological distress^15,16,17
Falls: Although more research is needed to understand the link between falls and hearing loss, mild hearing loss can increase your risk of falling, most likely due to decreased spatial awareness.¹⁸

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the best hearing aid brand?

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 current testing for this guide, we think the best hearing aid brand is Jabra Enhance, and the best prescription hearing aid brand is Phonak. But a qualified hearing care professional can perform a formal hearing aid evaluation to determine the best product for you.

What are the worst hearing aids?

The worst hearing aids are the ones you won't wear—or that don’t provide enough benefit for your level of hearing loss. In our testing, poor sound quality, uncomfortable fit, weak customization, and short or restrictive trial periods are common reasons a hearing aid may not work well for someone. That’s why it’s important to choose a device with a solid return window and enough support to help you adjust.

Does Medicare cover hearing aids?

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

Which style of hearing aid is best?

There’s no single best hearing aid style for everyone. The right style depends on your hearing loss, comfort, lifestyle, dexterity, and feature needs. BTE and RIC hearing aids are often easier to handle and can work for many levels of hearing loss. ITE, ITC, and CIC styles are more discreet, but they may be smaller and harder to adjust. A hearing care professional can help you choose the best style for your needs.

How long do hearing aids last?

Hearing aids generally last 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.

Disclosure

In This Review

Jabra Enhance Select 700

Audien ION Pro 2

Elehear Beyond Pro

Our picks for the best hearing aids

First time getting hearing aids?

Comparing the best hearing aids of 2026

How we test hearing aids

Our top hearing aids reviews

Jabra Enhance Select 700: Best Overall

Pros

Cons

Why we chose the Jabra Enhance Select as Best Overall Hearing Aid

Comparing Jabra Enhance Select models

The Jabra customer experience

Audien ION Pro 2: Best Value

Pros

Cons

Why our testers chose the Audien ION Pro 2 as the Best Value Hearing Aid

Comparing Audien models

The Audien customer experience

Elehear Beyond Pro: Best for Tinnitus

Pros

Cons

Why our testers chose the Elehear Beyond Pro as the Best Hearing Aid for Tinnitus

Comparing Elehear models

The Elehear customer experience

Eargo 8: Best Invisible

Pros

Cons

Why our testers chose the Eargo 8 as the Best Invisible Hearing Aid

In my experience

Comparing Eargo models

The Eargo customer experience

Soundbright Discovery: Best for Reducing Background Noise

Pros

Cons

Why our testers chose Soundbright Discovery as Best Hearing Aids for Reducing Background Noise

Comparing Soundbright models

The Soundbright customer experience

MDHearing Volt Max 2: Most Affordable

Pros

Cons

Why our testers chose MDHearing Volt Max 2 as the Most Affordable Hearing Aid

Comparing MDHearing models

The MDHearing customer experience

Cearvol Wave: Best for Streaming

Pros

Cons

Why our testers chose the Cearvol Wave as Best Hearing Aids for Streaming

Comparing Cearvol models

The Cearvol customer experience

Phonak Sphere: Best Prescription

Pros

Cons

Why our testers chose the Phonak Sphere as the Best Prescription Hearing Aid

Comparing Phonak technology platforms

The Phonak customer experience

Starkey Omega AI: Best Health and Safety Features

Pros

Cons

Why our testers chose the Starkey Omega AI as Best Health and Safety Features

Comparing Starkey models

The Starkey customer experience

Signia Pure Charge&Go IX: Best Battery Life

Pros

Cons

Why our testers chose the Signia Pure Charge&Go IX as Best Battery Life

Comparing Signia models

The Signia customer experience

Brands that didn’t make the cut

Nano

Apple AirPods

Go Hearing

Next up in our hearing aid testing:

How do hearing aids work?

Types of hearing aids

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)