We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
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.
A quick look at 11 of the best hearing aids
- Best for multiple sound environments: MDHearingAid AIR
- Best for a range of hearing loss: Oticon miniRITE T
- Best for an invisible hearing aid: Eargo MAX
- Best for a universal fit: HA-1800 Cool Aids
- Best rechargeable hearing aid: Phonak Audeo B-R
- Best for app compatibility: Signia Motion 13 Nx
- Best for streaming: ReSound LiNX Quattro
- Best for skin tones: Starkey Picasso
- Best water-resistant: Widex Moment
- Best for artificial intelligence: Starkey Evolv AI
- Best for Android and iOS: Oticon More miniBTE R
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
- directional microphones: 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 types of hearing aids are made specifically for different types of hearing loss or hearing conditions.
Invisible-in-canal (IIC)
IIC devices are similar to CIC hearing aids, but they fit in the second bend of the ear canal. As such, they are usually invisible to other people.
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.
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.
Below are some of the best hearing aids available to purchase.
Please note that the writer and medical reviewer of this article 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 $399.99
- 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 is suitable for theatres, churches, watching TV, dinner parties, and other similar 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 any 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: $1,450
- 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 a universal fit: HA-1800 Cool Aids CIC hearing aid
- List price: around $399 for one hearing aid, around $699 for two hearing aids
- Type: CIC
Hearing Assist offers this CIC hearing aid that fits inside the ear canal, making it almost entirely invisible and easy to wear.
Hearing Assist states that this product does not require a custom mold of the ear because its universal fit makes it suitable for most ears.
This product comes with a 1-year warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Pros and cons
This model comes in black, which blends in with the shadow of the ear canal. It has eight channels allowing for features such as:
- ambient noise reduction
- suppression of feedback
- noise compression
However, this hearing aid does not feature Bluetooth connectivity or rechargeable batteries.
Learn more about Hearing Assist here.
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 app compatibility: Signia Motion 13 Nx battery-powered hearing aid
- Price: no information available
- Type: BTE
This hearing aid uses size 13 (orange) disposable batteries, which may suit people who do not want to use a charger regularly.
Learn more about hearing aid battery types.
Signia claims that this hearing aid is suitable for mild to profound hearing loss.
Pros and cons
It is available in 12 different colors but is discreet, as it sits behind the ear. It is available with an optional telecoil. The product is also compatible with the Signia app, allowing easy customization and control of the hearing aid.
However, streaming from any device other than an iPhone requires the StreamLine accessory, which is available for an extra fee. Additionally, people can only purchase this hearing aid from a hearing care professional, and prices may vary.
Learn more about Signia hearing aids here.
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 use it to 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 that 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 hearing center a person uses.
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. Additionally, 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.
The following table compares the hearing aids in this article.
| Type | Rechargeable batteries | Bluetooth connectivity | List price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDHearingAID | BTE | no | no | from $399.99 |
| Oticon Opn S miniRITE T | RITE | no | yes | no information available |
| Eargo | ITC | yes | no | $1,450 |
| HA-1800 | CIC | no | no | from around $399 for one hearing aid from around $699 for two hearing aids |
| Phonak | RIC | yes | yes | no information available |
| Signia | BTE | no | 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 |
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
People who believe they may have hearing loss should contact a hearing care professional. Signs of hearing loss include:
- finding it difficult to concentrate on and follow a conversation
- finding it difficult to hear people in noisy environments
- 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, such as 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 to use.
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.
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.