10 Best Hearing Aids in September 2023 According to Our Experts

• Best Overall OTC: Jabra Enhance
• Best Customer Service: Lexie
• Most Discreet: Eargo
• Best Features on a Budget: MDHearing
• Best Price: Audien
• Best Bluetooth: Audicus Omni 2
• Best Sound Technology: Oticon Own
• Best for Seniors: Starkey Genesis AI
• Best for Profound Hearing Loss: Phonak Naída Paradise P-UP
• Best Tinnitus Masking: Widex Moment

Hearing aids are worn on or in the ear to amplify and clarify sounds, and help enhance quality of life to those with hearing loss. These medical-grade devices used to require a prescription, but you can now buy hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss through a variety of retailers, without consulting a hearing specialist.

This new ability to buy hearing aids over-the-counter (OTC) means you may not have an audiology team to guide your decision. That’s where we come in. Our reviews team talked to audiologists to understand the most important features to look for and tested popular models before selecting the 10 best hearing aids on the market today.

Jabra Enhance earned the top spot among OTC options, but other hearing aids may work better for you based on your level of hearing loss, style preference, and more. We’ll walk you through the most important things to know before choosing a hearing aid and help you understand your options.

Our experts spent more than 2,000 hours researching more than 30 hearing aids and reading hundreds of product reviews. We only focused on hearing aids that meet the strict criteria set by the FDA. We consulted audiologists for their expert opinions on the devices and considered customer experiences and company reputations as well.

In 2022, we surveyed 600 people who use hearing aids to learn which features they prioritize and common challenges they have faced when buying, using, or maintaining their hearing aids. In 2023, we tested 18 hearing aid models for durability, battery life, ease of use, and sound quality.

Based on our research and hands-on testing experience, we awarded each company a score on a scale of 1 to 5. We considered a variety of qualities and features when making our decisions, and we think these are helpful examples of questions to ask when shopping for a hearing aid.

• Are the hearing aids available online?
• Do you have access to an audiologist?
• Does the product have positive customer reviews?
• Is the cost comparable to competitors’ prices?
• Does the company offer a product or money-back guarantee?
• Do you have access to a hearing test in person or online?
• Does the company offer financing options?
• How easy are the hearing devices to use?

This story has also been fact-checked and reviewed by a medical professional to ensure accuracy.

How Our Experts Research and Review Hearing Aids

Our reviews team is dedicated to recommending hearing devices we believe will be beneficial to our readers. To accomplish this goal, we reviewed the available peer-reviewed research on effective hearing aids and sought out the opinions of audiologists and geriatricians alike to help us understand what people with hearing loss are looking for.

We also looked at the wide range of hearing aid models and brands that are currently available, as well as analyzing thousands of customer reviews on third-party sites, like Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau (BBB). In making our decisions, we looked for hearing aids that were readily accessible, affordable, and effective for people with different types and levels of hearing loss.

Compare Jabra Enhance Models

Check the table below for other key differences among the Jabra Enhance models.

Compare Lexie Models

Lexie offers three models with unique pricing and features. The table below outlines each one.

Lexie Subscription Plan

While Lexie doesn’t provide traditional financing, the company does offer a subscription program that lowers the upfront cost and allows you to make monthly payments for up to 24 months. Here’s a breakdown of subscription costs by model:

Compare MDHearing Models

A hearing aid is a small medical-grade electronic device that sits behind or inside your ear and amplifies sound frequencies to a louder volume, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Unlike cochlear implants, hearing aids are removable and don’t require surgery.

Hearing aids are suitable for people with mild to profound levels of hearing loss, which the NIDCD estimates to be about 37.5 million American adults. Although wearing a hearing aid can’t reverse hearing loss, experts at the National Institute on Aging say it can prevent hearing loss from worsening.

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

Every hearing aid consists of three basic working parts:

• Microphone Picks up sound waves from the environment
• Amplifier Transforms sound waves into digital signals that are processed by the hearing aid’s software, then converts the analyzed signals back into sound waves
• Receiver Also called a speaker; transmits amplified sounds to the inner ear

Hearing aids can be life-changing devices. If you or someone you care about is dealing with hearing loss, be aware that learning to cope with it, even with the help of hearing aids, is a journey.

In addition to helping you select the right hearing aid and programming it for your hearing loss profile, one of your hearing specialist’s roles is that of a coach. Ongoing support through regular in-person or telehealth appointments is critical to your success with hearing aids. You’ll be repaid for the effort you devote to your hearing health with immediate improvements in your day-to-day life, and possibly with better brain health in the years to come, as indicated by a study published in January 2020 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Hearing aids come in five designs. The best one for you depends on your level of hearing loss, configuration of hearing loss (high tones vs. low tones), comfort preferences, and any specific needs, such as limited dexterity.

1. Behind-the-Ear

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are designed with a small plastic case that contains all the working parts. The case sits behind the ear and connects to a dome or ear mold through a flexible tube.

Children often wear BTE hearing aids since they can accommodate various earmold types and can be used for mild to profound hearing loss. They’re also sturdy and easy to handle and clean.

BTE hearing aids are one of the most common styles.

2. Receiver-in-Canal

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids have a small receiver that fits inside the ear canal. A thin wire connects the body of the hearing aid, which sits behind the ear, to the receiver in the canal.

RIC devices can treat the full range of hearing loss, from mild to profound, and they’re a popular option among people who want a slim, discreet hearing aid with high-tech features.

RIC hearing aids are also one of the most common styles of hearing aids.

3. In-the-Ear

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids that fit completely within the ear can be a great option for people who want a smaller device. Keep in mind that because this style fills up the bowl of your ear, it’s often more noticeable than a BTE or RIC hearing aid.

ITE devices, especially those sold by OTC hearing aid manufacturers, don’t always come with an option for a rechargeable battery, telecoil, or Bluetooth streaming. ITE hearing aids can be used to treat mild to severe hearing loss, and some, like the Oticon Own, are custom-fit devices that require an earmold impression.

4. Completely-in-Canal

Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are small and designed to fit completely in the ear canal, as the name suggests. They conform to the size and shape of your ear canal and provide a more discreet look. Some CIC devices, such as Eargo and certain Signia and Oticon models, are so small that they are nearly invisible when inserted correctly.

CIC hearing aids are typically best for mild to moderate hearing loss, although some prescription devices can treat more severe hearing loss as well.

5. Invisible-in-Canal

Invisible-in-canal (IIC) is the smallest hearing aid style, and it is completely invisible to everyone, including the wearer. Some IIC models can’t even be removed by the person wearing them. The Phonak Lyric, for example, is an IIC device that must be placed deep in the ear by a hearing specialist. It’s meant to be worn for weeks at a time and replaced at intervals in the clinic.

This style isn’t for everyone, but Meryl Miller, an audiologist and the owner of ClearWorks Audiology in Atlanta, says it can be a great choice for people with dementia or other health problems that may put them at risk of losing their hearing aid or mistakenly changing the settings.

How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?

In general, hearing aids can be expected to last about five years with regular maintenance and care, according to the experts our reviews team consulted. Keep in mind that cleaning your devices on a daily basis and changing out wax guards and tubing, as recommended by your hearing specialist or the manufacturer, will go a long way in extending the life of your hearing aids.

Both over-the-counter hearing aids and prescription hearing aids are regulated as medical devices by the FDA. People of all ages and with any level of hearing loss can visit a hearing-care clinic and, with approval after an exam, get a prescription for hearing aids. Adults 18 and older can buy OTC hearing aids without an exam, but the devices are only suitable for treating mild to moderate levels of hearing loss.

Buying an OTC hearing aid doesn’t mean foregoing professional support. Nicholas Reed, a doctor of audiology and assistant professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, says that hearing professionals can be of service, either in person or via telehealth, to customers with OTC hearing aids by giving them guided assistance with the manufacturer’s app.

"It’s about educating them on the area that they actually need sound and [showing] the preset setting that does that best, or doing the whole self-fitting test with them and helping them program based off of that," says Dr. Reed.

Learn more about the best OTC hearing aids.

Hearing aids come with a wide range of features that influence their sound quality, speech clarity, and ease of use. Take a look at this list to see which features are most important to you and use it to guide you as you select the hearing aid that will meet your needs the best.

• Directional Microphones Focus on sounds coming from a particular direction, such as speech in front of you
• Background Noise Reduction Cuts down on other sounds in the environment that you don’t want to focus on
• Feedback Management Reduces the whistling sound that can occur with hearing aids
• Bluetooth Capabilities Allows for connection with an app for adjustments or streaming audio and phone calls
• Multiple Listening Settings Change the amplification, directional microphone, and noise reduction settings depending on your listening environment
• Automatic Adjustments Makes changes as you move from one environment to another, reducing the need for your input
• Rechargeable Batteries Provides convenience and money savings over time, since you don’t have to constantly replace disposable batteries
• Telecoil Technology Allows you to stream sounds in facilities fitted with a hearing loop system
• Tinnitus Masking Distracts your brain from tinnitus with tones and amplification of other sounds
• Water Resistance Provides extra convenience for wearing your hearing aids while exercising or working outside

The majority of prescription hearing aids come with all of the above features, but OTC hearing aids vary quite a bit in what they offer. The more expensive a device is, the more features it typically includes.

Common Hearing Aid Accessories

Hearing aid accessories help minimize background noise when you want to focus on a particular source of sound. If you’d like to take advantage of these listening tools, make sure to buy a hearing aid that’s compatible with them. Many accessories connect to hearing aids via Bluetooth, but others require a telecoil.

• TV Streamer Transmits audio from your TV directly into your hearing aid
• Portable microphone Typically worn by your conversation partner to clarify their voice in noisy environments, but can also be set on a table to capture group conversations or speakers at a distance
• Phone clip Streams audio from your phone directly to your hearing aid and includes a microphone for easy hands-free calling

Other common accessories make it easier to adjust, care for, and charge your hearing aids:

• Remote control
• Portable charging case
• Drying case
• Cleaning tools
• Replacement domes, wax guards, and tubing
• Replacement batteries

Get an In-Person Hearing Exam

Whether you’re new to hearing aids or in the market for a new pair, seeking assistance from an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist is a key component to finding the best hearing aid for you. These professionals will perform a hearing test to measure and identify the degree and type of hearing loss. They can then recommend and fit you for a hearing aid based on your needs.

If a medical condition is causing your hearing loss, you should be evaluated by a licensed physician, such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor, before purchasing hearing aids.

Many OTC and prescription hearing aid manufacturers offer online hearing screenings to give you an idea of your degree of hearing loss. Most take less than five minutes and involve listening to various tones at different pitches while you adjust the volume to best hear the sound. Some tests also include questions about your ability to hear in challenging situations.

Online screenings are designed to assess your general ability to hear everyday sounds. They can give you an overview, but they are not as thorough or accurate as an in-person hearing exam, and they cannot diagnose the cause of your hearing loss.

Ask About the Trial Period and Warranty

Before making a purchase, be sure you know the terms of the trial period and warranty.

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, most states require a 30-day trial period for new hearing aids, but many OTC hearing aid companies and hearing-care clinics offer 45 days rather than 30. During this time, you can return the hearing aids for any reason if they aren’t a good fit for you.

A 45-day trial period is often enough time to become adjusted to your new hearing instruments if you wear them consistently. Although it may feel strange to hear sounds more loudly than you did before, the more you wear your hearing aids, the more normal it will feel. And be sure to take advantage of in-person or remote assistance if you’re having performance issues with your devices or have any questions.

Also remember to ask about the warranty. Find out how long it is and what it covers. Hearing aid warranties can vary quite a bit, generally ranging from one to three years. While some cover only manufacturer’s defects, others will pay for repairs due to damage and even provide replacements if you lose your hearing aids.

Determine Your Options for Repairs

Clarifying the repair process before you buy isn’t a step you want to skip. A hearing aid is essentially a tiny computer that’s required to perform with precision in a challenging environment for hours on end.

“It’s literally the processing power of a laptop shoved into the size of a nickel,” says Reed. “And then you're putting it in your ear, which is like dumping a laptop in a swamp. Not a good spot. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is not a product you can buy without it breaking down.”

It’s critical to find out what the options are when your hearing aid needs repairs. Should you call the manufacturer or your hearing specialist? Can most repairs be taken care of at home or in the clinic? Will you need to mail your devices somewhere for repairs?

In many cases, this will depend on the type of repair needed, but Reed says that many malfunctions are due to minor issues that can be addressed by users at home, with telehealth support from a hearing specialist if needed. You should go over all of these possible scenarios before making your purchase so you’ll know what to do ahead of time.

Take into account the following factors when deciding which hearing aid is best for your needs:

• Budget After determining any insurance benefits or other ways you can save money, what is the maximum amount you can spend on hearing aids?
• Lifestyle How often are you in difficult listening environments with a lot of background noise?
• Degree and Type of Hearing Loss This may help determine which style of hearing aid you need and whether you’re a candidate for OTC or prescription devices.
• Preferences Which features and technology are most important to you?
• Comfort With Technology Self-fitting OTC hearing aids could be a better fit for people who are comfortable making fine-tuning adjustments in an app, whereas simpler OTC devices and prescription hearing aids don’t put as much responsibility on the user.
• Experience With Hearing Aids First-time hearing aid wearers may benefit from in-person support at a hearing clinic.

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid Style

While personal preference should be taken into account, your type and degree of hearing loss may dictate which hearing aid style is best.

For instance, people with severe or profound hearing loss often need a behind-the-ear or receiver-in-canal device with a custom earmold. Models that house all of the working parts in the bowl of the ear, such as in-the-ear, in-the-canal, and completely-in-canal styles, can’t always provide the power needed to treat those degrees of hearing loss due to potential limitations with the size and shape of an individual's ear canal.

Murray says that people with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss are often most successful with RIC hearing aids.

Finally, functionality is important. Some of the smallest devices are too small to accommodate rechargeable batteries or Bluetooth technology.

In general, hearing aids cost anywhere from $99 to more than $6,000 per pair.

The introduction of OTC hearing aids to the market in 2022 has helped drive prices down, as OTC devices tend to be less expensive than prescription models. For example, the price of OTC hearing instruments in this review range from $99 to $2,950 per pair, while prescription models start at $2,400 per pair and go up to $7,500. Murray notes that some companies bundle in-person care into the cost of the hearing aid and others don’t, which accounts for the wide range of prescription hearing aid prices.

Why Are Hearing Aids So Expensive?

The difference in price is tied to a number of factors, such as features, technology, and the type of hearing aid best suited for your hearing loss.

For example, if you have profound hearing loss and need a custom earmold, you can expect to pay $200 to $300 more than a device with a non-custom receiver. Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming technology may also cost more than models without those features, especially among OTC hearing aids. Audicus, for example, charges $200 extra for the rechargeable version of its hearing aids.

According to Murray, prescription hearing aids also tend to cost more due to the in-person support of an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist.

A number of cost-saving measures exist to help you save money on hearing aids.

Watch for Sales

OTC hearing aid manufacturers run sales quite often, especially close to holidays. If you’re interested in a particular brand, subscribe to the company’s email list so you can receive sale offers.

Several OTC manufacturers, such as MDHearing and Audicus, publish regular articles and blog posts about hearing health, how to clean your hearing aids, and other information that can be helpful as you’re getting used to owning and maintaining hearing aids. If you’re on the brand’s email list, you’ll receive notifications about those articles as well.

Shop Around

Compare prices among retailers of OTC hearing aids. If you have rewards points to use at a specific retailer or can earn cash back by using a store credit card, see if that retailer will beat the lowest price you’ve found elsewhere.

Hearing clinics that sell prescription devices usually aren’t as flexible on pricing and don’t tend to put devices on sale like OTC retailers do, but by being a savvy shopper, you may be able to get a lower price.

Since prescription hearing aid companies negotiate their pricing (along with warranty terms) with each hearing clinic, you may find the same model being sold for different prices at different clinics. It’s worth calling or visiting a few places to compare prices. Just be sure you’re comparing the same model, with the same power level and features, at each clinic. Also, make sure you’re comfortable with the provider you purchase from, as they will service the hearing aids for you in the future.

Use Rewards Points

Many stores offer rewards points or cash back for loyal customers. Walgreens, CVS, and Best Buy are just a few that sell OTC hearing aids and have a store loyalty card you can use to earn points.

These points can typically be redeemed for most purchases, both in stores and online. By putting your points toward a new pair of hearing aids, you could save a good amount of money.

Use Credit Cards Wisely

Credit cards can be a smart way to pay for your hearing aids, with a couple of caveats.

First, if you don’t plan on paying off the full purchase price on your credit card within a month, and you qualify for financing from the manufacturer or hearing clinic, you may be better off using the financing option rather than paying credit card interest. For example, OTC manufacturers Eargo and Jabra Enhance both offer zero percent financing options.

Second, some stores offer the greatest amount of cash back if you use the store credit card to make your hearing aid purchase. Costco and Walgreens are good examples of this. You can also use rewards points and cash back that you’ve earned at either of these stores to pay for hearing aids, and then use your store credit card for the rest of the balance. Not only will you be redeeming points or cash you earned in the past, you’ll also earn more to use for future purchases.

Financial Resources for Hearing Aids

Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance benefits for both OTC and prescription hearing aids will likely be changing quite a bit in the next one to two years for a few reasons.

Several OTC hearing aid manufacturers, including MDHearing and Eargo, are partnering with insurance companies and healthcare intermediaries to increase subscribers’ ability to use their insurance benefits toward the purchase of hearing aids.

Some U.S. states have enacted mandates to require insurance coverage for hearing aids. The amount of coverage and the ages that qualify for coverage vary by state. Two pieces of legislation hold promise for hearing aid wearers. The Build Back Better Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021 but failed in the U.S. Senate, would mandate Medicare payment of a new pair of hearing aids every five years for beneficiaries with moderately severe to profound hearing loss. In addition, Debbie Dingell and Brian Fitzpatrick reintroduced the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act to Congress in January 2023. This bill would end a restriction by Social Security on Medicare coverage of hearing aids.

Medicare

Medicare Parts A and B don’t currently pay for hearing aids, although Medicare Part B will cover the cost of a hearing exam if prescribed by a physician, according to Medicare.gov.

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and other private insurance plans include coverage for hearing aids. Check with your insurance provider to see what hearing benefits your plan includes.

Medicaid

Medicaid programs in some states offer coverage for hearing aids. The Hearing Loss Association of America provides a list of each state’s Medicaid hearing aid coverage for both adults and children.

Health Insurance

As noted above, many private insurance plans currently offer some type of hearing benefit. As more OTC hearing aid manufacturers work with health insurance companies to increase coverage for hearing aids, customers may see better insurance benefits for their hearing health in the future. You can also get reimbursed for hearing aids through your flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Keep in mind that you can’t use FSA funds after retirement, nor can you contribute to an HSA after enrolling in Medicare.

Learn more about health insurance coverage for hearing aids.

State Vocational Rehabilitation Programs

In many states, you can get free hearing aids through vocational rehab programs if you need hearing loss treatment to perform your job or get a new job. The Rehabilitation Services Administration provides a list of vocational rehab programs by state to help you get in touch with the program in your state.

Veterans Benefits

U.S. veterans who are recipients of healthcare benefits can also receive free hearing aids, hearing exams, and hearing aid supplies through the VA’s audiology program or through a credentialed provider. Check out the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information.

Federal Employee Health Benefits

Federal employees and retirees may be eligible for free hearing aids through the Federal Employee Health Benefits program.

Hearing Aid Donation Programs

Organizations such as the Hearing Aid Project donate used hearing aids at little or no cost to people who need them. Fill out an application on the Hearing Aid Project’s website to see if you qualify for free hearing aids and to find other financial resources for hearing aids where you live.

Other Resources

This list includes other organizations that provide financial assistance for hearing aids or connect consumers to organizations that provide financial aid for hearing aids:

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Hearing Industries Association
• Hearing Loss Association of America
• National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders
• Help America Hear

Hearing aids are complex devices with a wide range of features, styles, and prices. It’s important to take your time to research all the options before making a purchase.

Among OTC hearing aids, we like the intersection of quality, customer service, price, and features offered by brands like Jabra Enhance, Lexie, and Eargo. Major prescription hearing aid manufacturers Phonak, Starkey, Widex, and Oticon all offer high-quality hearing instruments with in-person audiology support, a service not often included with OTC brands. No matter which device you choose, stay committed to your hearing health and you’ll be repaid many times over, both now and in years to come.