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Hearing aids can come with either disposable or rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable options are becoming increasingly popular with users and manufacturers.
Quick links
- Best for connecting with an app: Starkey Livio Edge AI
- Best for simplicity: Phonak Audéo B-R
- Best range of colors: Signia Pure Charge&Go X
- Best battery life: Lively 2 Plus
- Best low-cost: MDHearingAid Volt
- Best for auto-adjustment: Eargo 6
Rechargeable hearing aids have built-in batteries that a person will have to charge regularly using a charging station or dock.
With non-rechargeable hearing aids, a person must remove and change disposable batteries when the device runs out of charge.
Learn more about hearing aid batteries here.
This article explores the pros and cons of rechargeable hearing aids, provides a list of rechargeable hearing aids a person can consider and discusses alternatives and hearing aid health.
Some people may prefer rechargeable batteries as they just have to plug them in to charge rather than physically changing the batteries. Other advantages of rechargeable hearing aids that a person can consider are:
- Cost-effectiveness: A person does not need to regularly purchase spare batteries compatible with their hearing aids, which may reduce the cost of their hearing aid long-term.
- Durability: The battery does not come out of the hearing aid, so there is less chance of a person accidentally damaging the device or the battery.
- Longer battery life: Most rechargeable hearing aids use lithium-ion batteries that last for years before needing a replacement.
- Ease of use: People may find rechargeable hearing aids easier to use if they have problems with their vision, as they will not need to replace the batteries themselves.
- Eco-friendly: A person does not need to dispose of batteries regularly, so rechargeable hearing aids may have less impact on the environment.
- No swallow or insertion hazards: Disposable batteries create hazards for children and animals if left around. A child can swallow small batteries or place them in their ear or nose.
Some potential disadvantages of rechargeable hearing aids include reliance on charging points. Style options may also be more limited than with disposable battery models.
There are, however, some companies that sell various styles of rechargeable hearing aids.
MNT 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 (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), receiver-in-canal (RIC), and behind-the-ear (BTE).
- Features: MNT chooses products that have a range of features, such as rechargeable batteries, white noise, and smartphone app connectivity.
Please note that the writer of this article has 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.
Below is a list of the best rechargeable hearing aids for various styles and price points.
Best for connecting with an app: Starkey Livio Edge AI
This Starkey model is available in BTE, RIC, ITE, and ITC styles. All of these styles are rechargeable.
Starkey offers a variety of different chargers. The company claims that the aids have 24 hours of battery life when fully charged. Starkey also states that a person can fully charge the battery in 3.5 hours.
Starkey sells a Mini Turbo Charger, which is pocket-sized and wireless, making it ideal for travel. Starkey says this mini charger can charge a pair of hearing aids four times when fully charged.
A person can connect their Starkey hearing aids to the Thrive app. The app is available on Apple and Android phones. People can access an array of lifestyle features through the app, such as a step tracker and a language translator.
Some features of the Starkey Livio Edge AI include:
- ability to boost speech sounds to better hear people wearing a mask
- Thrive app, which contains lifestyle features such as a language translator, step tracker, and Thrive Assistant, find my phone, reminders, and fall detection
- tap control to stop and start audio streaming by tapping the hearing aid twice
- Bluetooth can connect to a smartphone and accessories
- 24-hour battery life
This product is different from others listed in this article because its accompanying app offers additional lifestyle benefits on top of its core function as a hearing aid.
Pros
- can aid a person in organizing their life through the various app features
- has state-of-the-art hearing technology, with the ability to suppress background noise
- can pick up speech easily even when the speaker is wearing a mask
- multiple styles available
Cons
- the brand has a customer rating of 1 star on Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- more expensive than other options
Prices start at $4,968.
Learn more about Starkey hearing aids here.
Best for simplicity: Phonak Audéo B-R
This rechargeable Phonak model is only available in a RIC style. A person can connect this hearing aid to their phones via Bluetooth. Phonak created this hearing aid for those with mild to severe hearing loss.
The company indicates that the hearing aids will work for 24 hours after a 3-hour charge, 6 hours after a 30-minute charge, and 3 hours after a quick 15-minute charge.
Phonak states that it tests its rechargeable models to last 6 years, which are 15% more reliable than disposable battery models. Phonak also claims that 9.4 out of 10 customers were satisfied with charging time and battery life.
Phonak offers a mini charger that is portable and suitable for travel.
Some of the key features of the Phonak Audéo B-R are:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- travel-sized charger included
- a full charge provides 24 hours of battery life
- life span of 6 years
- up to 80 minutes of wireless streaming time on a full charge
Pros
- quick to charge
- long life span
- rating of 3 out of 5 stars on BBB
Cons
- one style available
- users must buy other wireless accessories separately
Best range of colors: Signia Pure Charge&Go X
The Signia Pure Charge&Go X model is one of a few rechargeable Signia models. This model has acoustic-motion sensors and Bluetooth connectivity, and is available in various colors.
Signia claims that a full charge takes 3–4 hours, but a person will be able to use their hearing aids for 6 hours after a 30-minute charge.
This model contains a lithium-ion battery. Signia says the model has a long daily runtime, long overall lifetime, and charges quickly.
A few different Signia chargers are available, including a portable design.
The hearing aid can also connect to the Signia app. A person can adjust the hearing controls via the app and stay in contact with hearing care professionals for on-the-go support.
Some features of the Signia Pure Charge&Go X include:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 10 color options
- a full charge of 24 hours after 3–4 hours charging time
- Signia app for easy hearing aid adjustments and access to support
This hearing aid comes in more colors than other brands provide. The colors a person can choose from with the Signia Pure Charge&Go X are:
- black
- granite
- gray
- silver
- beige
- pearl white
- sandy brown
- deep brown
- dark champagne
- rose gold
Pros
- multiple color options
- Bluetooth available
- easy to use
- app available on both Google Play and App Store
Cons
- takes longer to get a full charge compared to other brands
- this business is not BBB credited
Price: Prices begin at $2,451.
Learn more about Signia hearing aids here.
Best battery life: Lively 2 Plus
Before a person receives their Lively hearing aids through the mail, they must first take an online test so that the company can adjust them to their specific needs. A person has 3 years of access to a follow-up service with Lively’s hearing specialists and Audiology team, which provide continued care and support to users.
Lively has designed The Lively 2 Plus to reduce background noise and prioritize speech. This model is a BTE-style hearing aid. It comes with a case that can hold 3 full charges.
A person can get 30 hours of listening time on a full, 3-hour charge. They can then get 15 hours of listening time on a 1-hour charge and 2.5 hours on a quick 10-minute charge.
With the Lively 2 Plus, a person also has access to the Lively mobile app, where they can adjust the hearing controls of their hearing aid. The app is available on Google Play and the App Store.
Some of the main features of the Starkey Lively 2 Plus include:
- 3 years of follow-up care and support
- free app to adjust settings
- multiple color options
- rechargeable case
- cleaning kit and wax filter
- 3-year manufactory warranty
- 3 years loss and damage cover
The Lively 2 Plus hearing aid has the longest battery life of the products included in this list.
Pros
- long-lasting battery life makes it convenient for busy lifestyles
- chargeable case makes it easier to charge hearing aids
- multiple color options
- app included
- 3-year access to continued support
- has 4.2 out of 5 stars from customer reviews on BBB
Cons
- only comes in one style
The Lively 2 Plus hearing aid costs $1,595. A person can choose to pay monthly, starting at $52 a month.
Best low-cost hearing aid: MDHearingAid Volt
Doctors and audiologists designed MDHEaring Aid Volt. It gives 18+ hours of hearing on a single full charge from its magnetic charger.
Each hearing aids use 2 directional microphones: one to block surrounding sound and the other to focus on the sounds a person wants. The company explains that hearing aids also use advanced feedback cancellation technology to stop feedback frequencies from reaching the ear.
The MDHearingAid Volt comes in a BTE style. The company states that a person can easily adjust sounds via the button on the hearing aid. A person can also wear glasses easily while using these hearing aids.
Some features of the MDHearingAid Volt include:
- 18+ hours of hearing time on a full charge
- magnetic charging case
- 45-day risk-free trial
- two directional microphones for adjusting background and focus noise levels
- feedback cancellation technology
- BTE style
This hearing aid is the most affordable option included in this list.
Pros
- very affordable
- available as one hearing aid or a pair
- long-lasting battery life
- simple to use
- has a user review rating of 4.29 out of 5 stars on BBB
Cons
- one style and color available
A single MDHearingAid Volt unit costs $599.99. The pair bundle costs $1,199.99.
Best for auto-adjustment: Eargo 6
The manufacturer designed the Eargo 6 to adjust to changing environments automatically. For instance, the company explains that this hearing aid will lower the sound in quiet spaces and heightens the focused sound in loud ones while reducing the background noise level. The company claims the Eargo 6 can make these adjustments in 10–30 milliseconds.
The Eargo 6 comes with a portable charging case, which can give 3 days of on-the-go recharging power. A full charge can give 16 hours of listening time.
The Eargo 6 comes as an in-ear canal design. According to the manufacturer, it is the smallest IEC hearing aid on the market.
The silicone medical-grade tips come in two sizes and two styles: closed petals to minimize sound leakage and open petals to create a more natural sound experience.
The Eargo 6 hearing aids are also water-resistant.
After purchasing, a person can access lifetime support and healthcare advice with the Telecare app.
Some features of the Eargo 6 include:
- two size and design options for the earbuds
- IEC-style hearing aid
- 16 hours of listening time on a full charge
- water-resistant
- auto-adjusts noise levels in all environments
- lifetime hearing aid and healthcare support via the Telecare app
- portable recharging case that gives 3 days of portable recharging
This hearing aid differs from others in that it can auto-adjust to all sound levels in all environments within 10–30 milliseconds.
Pros
- claims to be the smallest IEC hearing aid on the market
- auto-adjusting sound technology means ease of use for a person wearing them
- water-resistant
- long-lasting battery life
- lifetime access to support
Cons
- not as cost-effective as some other brands on the list
- has received 2.62 out of 5 stars from customers on BBB
The Eargo 6 costs $2,650 upfront, or a person can pay in monthly payments starting at $85 a month.
| Price | Type | Battery life | Covered by insurance | HSA/FSA eligible | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starkey Livio Edge AI | $4,968 | BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC | 24 hours | enquire with provider | yes | Starkey app includes a wide range of lifestyle and safety features | has a rating of 1 out of 5 on BBB |
| Phonak Audéo B-R | $2,022 | RIC | 24 hours | enquire with provider | enquire with provider | simple to use | users must buy wireless accessories separately |
| Signia Pure Charge&Go X | $2,451 | RIC | 24 hours | provides hearing aids through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | enquire with provider | 10 color options | takes longer to fully charge than other brands |
| Lively 2 Plus | $1,595 | BTE | 30 hours | yes, enquire with provider | yes | long battery life | one style and color available |
| MDHearingAid Volt | $599.99–$1,199.99 | BTE | 18 hours | yes, enquire with provider | enquire with provider | has a rating of 4.29 out of 5 on BBB | one style and color available |
| Eargo 6 | $2,650 | IEC | 16 hours | enquire with provider | HSA only | reportedly the smallest IEC hearing aid on the market | shortest battery life |
When choosing a hearing aid, a person will have numerous factors to remember to ensure they pick the right one for them and their needs. Factors a person should consider are:
- Price: Hearing aids can be expensive, and health insurance may not always cover them. A person should consider the hearing aid cost and whether they will have to regularly buy a supply of batteries, which may increase the overall cost.
- Style: Rechargeable hearing aids can come in four styles, including behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, and in-the-canal. However, not every brand makes hearing aids in every style. People should research which styles they prefer and which brands provide the styles they need.
- Additional features: Some hearing aids come with additional features, such as water resistance or an app that people can use to customize their hearing aid settings or track their fitness. Some people prefer having these additional features, while others prefer a simpler hearing aid with fewer features.
- Healthcare advice: A person can better understand the best fit and hearing aid for them by talking with a doctor before purchasing. A doctor can also offer advice on additional treatment for their particular hearing condition.
Hearing loss can be
If a person has undergone treatment for their ear health, such as treating an ear infection or helping with a build-up of ear wax, and their hearing has not improved, they may wish to seek advice from a doctor.
A person can work with a doctor to get advice, try further treatment, or get a referral to a hearing specialist.
Some symptoms that accompany hearing loss can include:
- gradual hearing loss in both ears
- difficulty hearing in one ear
- itchy ears
- feeling pressure in one or both ears
- hearing loss accompanied by dizziness, vertigo or
ringing in the ears
Signs of hearing loss may
- difficulty hearing or understanding what people are saying, particularly in busy areas
- listening to the TV or music at a higher volume than others need to
- difficulty hearing on the phone
- feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate when listening to others
- asking others to repeat themselves often
A person may also wish to speak to their doctor before purchasing any hearing aids to ensure they are the right type.
An alternative option to rechargeable hearing aids includes using hearing aids with disposable batteries. A person may find a greater range of styles of hearing aids when considering models that use disposable batteries compared to rechargeable models.
Learn about the difference between rechargeable and disposable hearing aid batteries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that by the year 2050, nearly
The WHO identifies some causes of hearing loss and deafness. Some of these potential causes are:
- genetic factors
- infections such as rubella and meningitis
- cytomegalovirus (CMV) and rubella infections in utero
- problems at birth, such as lack of oxygen or a low birth weight
- chronic ear infections or fluid build-up during childhood
- chronic diseases
smoking - nutrition deficienciesagingg
- noise exposure
- medication exposure
- congenital anomalies
Fluid build-up in the ear canal, such as in an ear infection, can cause a reversible form of conductive hearing loss.
The
The
- keep hearing aids away from moisture and heat
- regularly clean hearing aids as instructed
- avoiding hair care products, such as hairspray, when wearing them
- turning them off when they are not in use
- replacing batteries as soon as necessary
Many people consider rechargeable hearing aids more convenient, environmentally friendly, and safer around children and animals than models fitted with disposable batteries. However, there may be fewer styles and options of rechargeable hearing aids available, and people will have to consider fitting charging times into their lifestyle to ensure their hearing aids work when needed.
A person may wish to consider their budget and preferred style before making a final purchase and talk to a doctor to ensure they choose the right hearing aid.