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With ever-advancing technologies, hearing aids are becoming more sophisticated, capable, and discreet. Research suggests that helping to restore a person’s hearing can improve their overall well-being.
- Best for multiple sound environments: MDHearingAid AIR | Skip to review
- Best for a range of hearing loss: Oticon miniRITE T | Skip to review
- Best for an invisible hearing aid: Eargo MAX | Skip to review
- Best rechargeable hearing aid: Phonak Audeo B-R | Skip to review
- Best for streaming: ReSound LiNX Quattro | Skip to review
- Best for skin tones: Starkey Picasso | Skip to review
- Best water-resistant: Widex Moment | Skip to review
- Best for artificial intelligence: Starkey Evolv AI | Skip to review
- Best for Android and iOS: Oticon More miniBTE R | Skip to review
- Best hearing enhancement earbuds: Jabra Enhance Plus | Skip to review
- Best for auto-adjustments: Audicus Mini | Skip to review
- Best for hands-free communication: Oticon Own In-the-Canal | Skip to review
Below are some of the best hearing aids available to purchase.
Please note that this article’s writer and medical reviewer have not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for multiple sound environments: MDHearingAid AIR BTE hearing aid
- List price: from $599.99
- Type: BTE
The AIR BTE hearing aid has four settings that a person can choose according to their environment, including:
- quiet
- social
- noisy
The company states that this hearing aid suits theatres, churches, watching TV, dinner parties, and other settings.
It works with size 13 batteries, fits with glasses, and features a battery life that lasts up to 26 days.
The company includes free lifetime support and offers a 45-day trial.
Pros and cons
This product does not cause issues or interferences when people use the telephone. Additionally, there is no feedback when a person who uses this hearing aid comes into close contact with another hearing aid.
This hearing aid is nearly invisible, featuring a thin and clear tube in the ear. The aid itself hides behind the ear.
However, the battery is not rechargeable. Additionally, it does not feature dual-directional microphones, and the device is not compatible with smartphones.
Learn more about MDHearingAid here.
Best for a range of hearing loss: Oticon Opn S miniRITE T
- List price: no information available
- Type: RITE
This RITE hearing aid sits behind the ear with a thin wire feeding a speaker into the ear canal.
This aid comes in seven colors and features a disposable battery and Bluetooth connectivity.
Oticon More offers a 3-year guarantee.
Pros and cons
The company states it made this hearing aid for use with the iPhone, but it also works with Android. It uses Bluetooth, features telecoil technology, and has simple push-button controls.
The miniRITE T is suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, and the company provides a risk-free trial.
However, this hearing aid is not available for purchase online. People must find a hearing center that offers these devices.
Best for an invisible hearing aid: Eargo MAX ITC hearing aid
- List price: $1,650
- Type: ITC
Eargo provides this ITC hearing aid that uses medical-grade silicone fibers that conduct sound.
The company offers a 45-day trial and a 12-month warranty. It also offers flexible payment methods, including plans starting from around $67 per month.
Pros and cons
The brand says it is invisible and breathable. It sits in the ear canal and provides feedback cancellation and noise reduction. Additionally, the hearing aids have four different sound profiles, feature noise reduction, and have a rechargeable battery case.
However, these aids are on the lower end of the spectrum for price and features. They do not come with a smartphone app and have no Bluetooth connectivity.
Best for rechargeable batteries: Phonak Audeo B-R rechargeable hearing aid
- List price: no information available
- Type: RIC
These hearing aids are compatible with most phones. This rechargeable hearing aid model is only available in RIC style.
The company states that this hearing aid will provide the following battery life based on charging times:
- 15 minutes of charging: 2 hours of power
- 30 minutes of charging: 6 hours of power
- 3 hours of charging: 24 hours of power
Phonak claims that their rechargeable hearing aids can last up to 6 years. A portable mini charger that is suitable for travel is available.
The company offers a 1-year guarantee.
Learn more about rechargeable hearing aids here.
Pros and cons
This hearing aid is fully automatic and adapts to sounds according to location and background noise. Additionally, this device has Bluetooth connectivity, enabling users to connect it with any compatible device.
However, a person has to acquire this product from a hearing care professional. Warranties, guarantees, and prices may vary depending on which hearing center a person purchases this product from.
Best for streaming: ReSound LiNX Quattro Bluetooth hearing aid
- Price: no information available
- Type: RITE, BTE, and custom
This Bluetooth hearing aid can stream directly to Bluetooth-compatible devices without using an intermediate device. People can stream TV, audio, and more directly to their hearing aids.
This makes it a potential option for those who want Bluetooth capabilities from their hearing aids.
ReSound provides an app that allows users to customize and control their hearing aids from their smartphones. For example, the app enables users to adjust volume based on location or setting, check the battery status, and find missing hearing aids.
Pros and cons
These hearing aids use rechargeable batteries and can last up to 30 hours after a complete charge. They are also available in three different designs, including a custom fit.
The company states that people using these devices will experience no distortion to sound quality, a full sound spectrum, and an easy way to request assistance from the app.
However, people will need to purchase this hearing device from a hearing care professional. Prices and guarantees may vary.
Learn more about ReSound here.
Best for skin tones: Starkey Picasso invisible hearing aid
- Price: no information available
- Type: IIC, ITC, CIC, and ITE
This hearing aid is discreet and near-invisible and is available in a choice of six skin colors. It uses disposable batteries.
The model is available in the following styles:
- invisible-in-canal (IIC)
- in-the-canal (ITC)
- completely-in-canal (CIC)
- in-the-ear (ITE)
Pros and cons
This hearing aid has Bluetooth technology so users can stream TV, phone calls, and audio directly to the device. People can also choose several customizable tinnitus relief programs.
However, this model does not feature rechargeable batteries. Additionally, people cannot purchase it directly from the manufacturer, which means prices and guarantees may vary depending on the person’s hearing center.
Learn more about Starkey here.
Best for tinnitus: Widex Moment
- List price: no information available
- Type: BTE, RIC, and ITE
This hearing aid is available in three styles and up to 13 colors.
The company states that this device has a water-resistant nano-coating to help resist moisture and corrosion. Additionally, Widex claims that people will not experience listening delays and artificial sounds while using this hearing aid.
Pros and cons
This hearing aid has Bluetooth connectivity and in-built Android and iOS device streaming capabilities. The battery is rechargeable and offers up to 37 hours of battery life for each charge.
However, people cannot purchase this hearing aid from the manufacturer. Prices and guarantees may vary depending on where a person purchases this device.
Best with fall detection: Starkey Evolv AI
- List price: no information available
- Type: BTE, RIC, ITC, ITE, CIC, and IIC
The Evolv AI is available in six different styles. These devices have artificial intelligence that makes up to 55 million adjustments per hour for realistic sound quality.
Additionally, these devices have rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth and app connectivity.
Starkey offers a 30-day risk-free trial.
Pros and cons
The Starkey Evolv AI hearing aids come with the following features:
- two-way audio that allows people to communicate hands-free with an iOS device
- fall alert which sends a notification to contacts when the hearing aids detect a fall
- translation and transcription technology
- locating lost hearing aids technology
However, people cannot purchase these hearing aids directly from the manufacturer. Prices and guarantees may vary depending on the distributor.
Best for Android and iOS: Oticon More miniBTE R
- List price: no information available
- Type: RITE, BTE
This BTE hearing aid is available in eight colors.
This hearing aid also has a rechargeable battery, telecoil, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Pros and cons
The Oticon More miniBTE R has a single-push button and an LED light. Additionally, it is compatible with Apple devices with an IOS 15 or later and Android devices with Android 12 or later.
However, people cannot buy this model directly from Oticon. Prices and guarantees may vary depending on where a person purchases this hearing aid.
Best hearing enhancement earbuds: Jabra Enhance Plus
- List price: from $799
- Type: earbuds
Jabra’s Enhance Plus hearing aids come with different listening modes depending on the environment. Users can select the adaptive, focus, or surround modes, as these allow them to focus on conversations or surrounding sounds.
The hearing aids have a discreet design, as the company labels them as earbuds.
The charging case provides up to 35 hours of charging.
It is dust and water-resistant.
Pros and cons
The hearing aids are not visible as they appear similar to earbuds. They suit people with difficulty hearing in different situations, allowing users to switch between modes. The Jabra Enhance smartphone app offers battery status information, quick guides, and customer support.
Jabra is only available online. It does not offer in-person exams so people cannot order custom-fitted hearing aids. The Enhance Plus earbuds are not compatible with Android devices.
Best for auto-adjustments: Audicus Mini
- List price: from $999 per ear
- Type: CIC
The Audicus Mini battery-powered hearing aids come with a discreet design. They fit inside the ear so others would not know that the individual is wearing hearing aids.
They offer software and custom programming, and they also feature auto-adjustments. This means that they adjust according to the environment.
People can wear them all day long.
They can also benefit from a 45-day trial and a 2-year warranty.
Pros and cons
These hearing aids are suitable for persons looking for a customized option, as they can buy the devices for one or both ears. They can also opt for the Audicus Plus membership, that includes hearing aids, a protection warranty, and extra accessories.
The hearing aids do not come with Bluetooth connectivity, so users cannot sync it with their Android or Apple devices.
Best for hands-free communication: Oticon Own In-the-Canal
- List price: not available
- Type: ITC
Oticon’s in-the-canal hearing aids fit discreetly inside the ear and feature Bluetooth wireless technology. Users can connect them to their smart devices and use telecoil system if they visit a public setting, such as a theatre.
Oticon Own hearing aids also have a two-way hands-free communication system. A smartphone app is also available, featuring volume adjustments, streaming equalizer, and battery information.
Pros and cons
The Oticon Own hearing aids are available in different colors and styles. People can choose their preferred style that fits their ear shape. They are also custom-made, ensuring the user is comfortable using them throughout the day.
One disadvantage is that the price is not available on Oticon’s website. Customers have to choose a local hearing clinic where they consult a doctor and receive treatment.
The following table compares the hearing aids in this article.
| Type | Rechargeable batteries | Bluetooth connectivity | List price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDHearingAID | BTE | no | no | from $599.99 |
| Oticon Opn S miniRITE T | RITE | no | yes | no information available |
| Eargo | ITC | yes | no | $1,650 |
| Phonak | RIC | yes | yes | no information available |
| ReSound | • RITE • BTE • custom | yes | yes | no information available |
| Starkey Picasso | • IIC • ITC • CIC • ITE | no | yes | no information available |
| Widex Moment | • BTE • RIC • ITE | yes | yes | no information available |
| Starkey Evolv | • BTE • RIC • ITC • CIC • IIC | yes | yes | no information available |
| Oticon miniBTE R | • BTE • RITE | yes | yes | no information available |
| Jabra Enhance Plus | earbuds | yes | yes | from $799 |
| Audicus | CIC | no | no | from $999 per ear |
| Oticon Own In-the-Canal | ITC | no | yes | not available |
According to the
- which option provides the most useful features for their needs
- the total cost of the hearing aid
- whether there is a trial period
- whether a company offers a warranty, how long that warranty lasts, and what it covers
- whether the manufacturer will provide temporary replacement hearing aids if the originals need repairing
Features to look out for
A person may work with an audiologist to determine what features would benefit them in a hearing aid. A non-exhaustive list of available features people may look for include:
- noise reduction capability
- directional microphones
- telecoil technology
- rechargeable batteries
- multichannel compression
Hearing aids are
Modern hearing aids have digital signal processing that adapts to different listening environments. Common features
- Multichannel compression: allows people to adjust frequency bands to help with customized amplification
- Feedback suppression: can improve sound quality by adjusting to different directions
- Noise reduction features: reduce background noise
Some more advanced hearing aids may offer automatic adaption of the same features.
There are several varieties of hearing aids. Some may be more or less suitable for a person depending on their level of hearing loss and personal preferences.
Learn more about the types of hearing aids here.
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
BTE hearing aids are suitable for people of all ages with mild to severe hearing loss.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
RIC hearing aids may also be called receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or receiver-in-the-ear (RIE) hearing aids.
RIC hearing aids are suitable for many different types of hearing loss.
In-the-ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
In-the-canal (ITC)
Completely-in-canal (CIC)
This type of hearing aid will fit the specific size and shape of a person’s ear canal.
Some hearing aids are made specifically for hearing loss or hearing conditions.
Invisible-in-canal (IIC)
This type of hearing aid will also fit the specific size and shape of a person’s ear canal. A person will need to provide an ear impression.
Tinnitus masker
A tinnitus masker can be a stand-alone device. However, it is more commonly an additional component of most hearing aids, giving the hearing aid the ability to mask tinnitus.
Bone conduction hearing aid
A bone conduction hearing aid, or a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA), transmits sound via bone vibration.
Surgeons implant either a magnet or a fixture that attaches to a processor outside of a person’s head.
CROS/BiCROS
When a person has single-sided deafness, CROS hearing aids transmit sound from the ear with diminished hearing and speech understanding to the ear with normal hearing.
When an individual has deafness in one hear and some hearing loss in the other, BiCROS hearing aids transmit sounds from the ear with more severe hearing loss to the one with better hearing.
Sounds can transmit wirelessly.
The
The FDA recommends these devices for those aged 18 years and older with mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC hearing aids may also come with customizations and wireless technology.
In addition, OTC hearing aids may not suit people with severe hearing loss. In that case, they may have to see a healthcare professional who may offer prescription hearing aids. Prescription devices are only available through a medical consultation, as doctors can also program the devices themselves depending on the individual’s hearing loss problem.
Many health insurance providers do not cover hearing aids. A person can check with their provider to see if they offer a separate plan to cover hearing aids and follow-up appointments.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) states that health insurance providers in certain U.S. states have to provide coverage for children’s hearing aids. It claims that the following states cover hearing aids for people of all ages:
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
A person may also be able to get coverage for doctor-ordered hearing tests if they have Medicare Part B outpatient coverage for over a year.
Medicaid also covers the cost of hearing aids for adults. However, the amount of coverage may vary.
If a person cannot get coverage, hearing aid brands sometimes offer trials and money-back guarantees so people can test out hearing aids before they commit to a purchase.
Medical News Today chooses products that fit the following criteria where possible:
- FDA approval: MNT chooses products that have received FDA approval.
- Hearing aid styles: MNT chooses products in a range of styles, such as in-the-ear, in-the-canal, and behind-the-ear.
- Features: MNT chooses products that have a range of features, such as rechargeable batteries, white noise, and smartphone app connectivity.
- Tinnitus features: MNT chooses products that may help relieve tinnitus, with features such as white noise and customizable soundscapes.
People who believe they may have hearing loss should contact a hearing care professional. Signs of hearing loss
- finding it difficult to concentrate on and follow a conversation
- finding it difficult to hear and understand conversations on the phone
- having to turn up the volume on devices higher than usual
- asking people to repeat themselves during conversations
Hearing care professionals, such as audiologists, can recommend whether a hearing aid is necessary and which device best suits a person’s needs.
Here we answer some common questions about these devices.
How much should I pay for a good hearing aid?
Hearing aids differ in price but can start from around $1,000 for a quality pair.
Additional features increase the cost of hearing aid such as smart features, tinnitus relief, and more hearing programs to help produce clear sound in different environments.
Hearing care professionals can work with people’s budgets to help find a hearing aid that fits their needs.
What should I look for when buying a hearing aid?
People may consider several factors when buying a hearing aid.
Some products have rechargeable batteries, whereas others have disposable ones. More expensive models often have extra features like tinnitus relief, artificial intelligence, and streaming capabilities.
A person should consider their needs when choosing a hearing aid. Hearing care professionals can help people choose the right device for their requirements.
What is the easiest hearing aid to use?
The easiest hearing aid to use depends on several factors. Some people may prefer the ease of rechargeable batteries, whereas others may prefer a hearing aid with app connectivity and features such as streaming.
People should discuss their requirements with a hearing care professional to find out which hearing aid will be easiest for them.
Which hearing aid has the most natural sound?
A hearing care professional can recommend which hearing aid will offer the most natural sound depending on a person’s hearing needs.
People may wish to look for a hearing aid with a longer trial period to test how their hearing changes with the device.
Should I get fitted for a hearing aid?
Yes. Getting a hearing aid properly fitted means the person will have the right amplification for their level of hearing loss. It will also make sure the person gets the best fit for their ear shape, so the hearing aid is comfortable to wear throughout the day.
What is the number one hearing aid?
There is no number one hearing aid, as what works for one person might not work for someone else. However, people looking for hearing aids may check that they are FDA-approved, come in different styles, and customized options.
For example, Eargo’s MAX ITC hearing aids have a breathable design and offer noise-reduction features. Phonak’s hearing aids have a portable mini charger, making them suitable for regular travelers.
There are various hearing aids available, and some may be more suitable for certain hearing conditions than others. Individuals should always consider the warranties and trial periods a hearing aid manufacturer offers.