Best Hearing Aids Brands

Hearing aids are now more accessible and affordable than ever, thanks to a 2022 ruling from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that made it possible for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss to buy hearing aids over the counter (OTC).

Hearing aids contain a microphone, amplifier and speaker. These parts work together to detect or increase the volume of sounds and send these louder sounds into your ear. They’re battery-operated, and some models use rechargeable batteries.

Only 1 in 5 people who can benefit from hearing aids actually use them, however, and those who do often wait about seven years before getting them, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. However, this doesn’t need to be the case — read on to see what you need to know about these devices.

If you’re trying to decide whether you need hearing aids, you’ll want to figure out the reason for your hearing loss and the degree of its impact. There are different ways to go about this, but it’s important to establish whether you really need a hearing aid and do what you can to keep your hearing loss from getting worse.

Because certain medical conditions, such as infection or built-up earwax, can cause hearing loss, start by visiting your primary care physician or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist to see if you can improve your hearing without a hearing aid.

If the doctor finds that your hearing loss is permanent, they can refer you to an audiologist for a hearing test (called an audiogram) to assess how extensive your hearing loss is and what frequency ranges it affects.

Hearing tests are usually performed in a closed environment (such as a soundproof booth) and are available at audiologists’ offices and certain stores, including Costco and Sam’s Club. These tests take a few minutes each and are often free or covered by insurance, depending on the provider and your location.

Alternatively, you can try to self-diagnose your range of hearing loss by using an app that tests your hearing and helps determine whether you are a better candidate for an OTC hearing aid, a prescription hearing aid or a cochlear implant.

One such app is Hearing Number, provided by Johns Hopkins University. It’s similar to an audiogram in that it assesses how well you can hear speech sounds and your brain’s ability to make sense of sounds you hear regularly.

» MORE: Hearing aid statistics

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles:

• Behind-the-ear (BTE): This is the most common type, fitting over and behind your ear. These are ideal for children because they’re easier to manage and clean than other types. BTE hearing aids are good for people who have a whole range of hearing losses, those looking for a lower-cost option and those who don’t mind wearing a visible hearing aid. 
• Open-fit hearing aids are a smaller version of the BTE model with a thinner tubing that leaves the ear canal open. These work well for those who are more prone to earwax buildup.
• Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are also similar to BTE models, but instead of tubing, they have a small wire that connects to a speaker in the ear canal. They’re good for people with mild to severe hearing loss, but since they can get clogged more easily than other models, they may not be good for people who have earwax buildup.
• In-the-ear (ITE): This type of hearing aid fits inside the outer ear and accommodates those with mild to severe hearing loss. They aren’t recommended for children — they need to be replaced as the ear grows.
• Canal hearing aids: These come in two types: in-the-canal (ITC), which are molded to fit your ear canal, and completely-in-canal (CIC), which are inserted into the canal and almost completely hidden. Both are ideal for those with mild to moderately severe hearing loss who want a discreet option.

  Canal hearing aids are small and can be hard to handle and adjust, so those with arthritis or dexterity concerns may find them difficult to use. They aren’t recommended for children or those who have more severe hearing loss because they offer less power and volume than others.

As you look for a hearing aid, it's a good idea to check out different providers and compare prices, financing options, price-matching commitments and discounts. Make sure to note if the prices are per pair or per ear. Hearing aid prices vary significantly, so don’t be discouraged if the first prices you see are outside of your budget.

Over-the-counter hearing aids became available in 2022 after a long-awaited FDA rule was put in place to increase access to hearing aids and potentially lower prices. As of April 14, 2023, hearing aid manufacturers have specific regulations they need to follow to comply with the FDA.

These devices are available without a prescription, hearing exam or fitting from an audiologist (unlike traditional hearing aids), and many hearing aid brands have introduced OTC models since the FDA’s ruling.

The biggest advantages of OTC devices are that they’re usually:

• More affordable than prescription hearing aids
• Easier to purchase than prescription hearing aids
• More user-friendly than prescription hearing aids

The disadvantages of OTC hearing aids are that they often:

• Have fewer features than prescription hearing aids
• Aren’t as adaptable to different hearing environments
• Come with limited follow-up care and support (such as tunings, cleanings and warranty coverage)

OTC hearing aids are also limited to adults (age 18 or older) with mild to moderate hearing loss, so they aren’t suitable for everyone.

Prescription hearing aids and OTC hearing aids also differ in their degree of customer service. Prescription hearing aids usually come with an extended trial period, a multiyear warranty period and regular services from the audiologists who prescribed them — such as cleaning and adjustments — included in the price.

Many audiologists and manufacturers also offer free replacements if a hearing aid no longer functions properly or is lost (usually limited to one loss replacement per ear).

OTC hearing aids tend to come with less customer service. You have to fit the device to your ear yourself, and setup and support are usually limited to email, online chats or phone calls. OTC trial periods can be short (often 30 to 45 days), and the warranties aren’t as long. Also, if you lose an OTC hearing aid, there’s often no replacement guarantee.

When you’re choosing a hearing aid, one of your most important considerations is the type of device you want, also referred to as its style. The right type of device for you depends on how the hearing aid fits in your ear, how it works, your level of hearing loss and the device’s appearance.

Prices between different hearing aid types range widely, too, often from $1,000 to $4,000 per ear.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

SUITABLE FOR Mild to profound hearing loss AVERAGE COST $400 to $1,700 per ear

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are generally plastic, with the earpiece resting behind the ear. The earpiece holds the circuitry that makes the hearing aid work. A small plastic tube transmits audio from the plastic earpiece to an earmold that sits inside the ear canal.

BTE hearing aids are larger than other types and often offer a higher level of amplification. They’re frequently a better option for children because they are easy to clean and can fit over almost any ear, no matter the wearer’s age.

Open-fit hearing aids

SUITABLE FOR Mild to moderate hearing loss AVERAGE COST $300 to $1,400 per ear

Open-fit hearing aids are behind-the-ear hearing aids that are smaller than standard BTE models. They are called open-fit because the tubing is thin and leaves the ear canal open. Because the canal is open, it can naturally pick up low-frequency audio, but high-frequency sounds that are harder to hear go through the hearing aid to be amplified.

The typical design uses a small tube or wire to transfer sound from the outer earpiece to the ear canal. These hearing aids can also cancel noise feedback.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids

SUITABLE FOR Mild to severe hearing loss AVERAGE COST $600 to $2,000 per ear

You might hear receiver-in-canal hearing aids referred to as mini-behind-the-ear hearing aids. (Because the receiver is in the canal instead of in the earpiece, the plastic casing behind the ear is smaller.)

RICs rest behind the ear like BTEs, but they have a smaller casing and are connected with wires instead of tubing. The design may get clogged more easily than other types, but it offers wearers the advantage of creating less distortion.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

SUITABLE FOR Mild to severe hearing loss AVERAGE COST $500 to $1,500 per ear

This type of hearing aid (often called half-shell or full-shell hearing aids) sits in the outer portion of the ear, making it easy to insert and remove. In-the-ear models are potentially more discreet than behind-the-ear models but sometimes have fewer technological features because of their smaller size.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

SUITABLE FOR Mild to severe hearing loss AVERAGE COST $900 to $1,500 per ear

In-the-canal hearing aids are a type of in-the-ear hearing aid that rest in the ear and show only a small portion of the hearing aid outside the ear canal. They stay in place well but may not offer as many features as larger styles.

Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids

SUITABLE FOR Mild to moderate hearing loss AVERAGE COST $900 to $3,000 per ear

Completely-in-canal hearing aids are designed to mold to the inside of the ear canal. These devices have one of the most unobtrusive designs available. They’re discreet but typically don’t offer the volume control available on other types of hearing aids.

Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids, a type of CIC hearing aid, are custom-fitted and placed farther down in the ear canal, making them almost invisible. They provide natural sound but may lack the directionality of more visible styles.

Hearing aids are available with a wide variety of features and technologies that can improve your hearing and make your life easier. While you might not need or want all of these features, it’s helpful to know what is available so that you don’t miss out on what your new hearing aid might offer.

Device compatibility

Electronic interference from telephone conversations can cause problems for hearing aids. (Many hearing aid users avoid talking on the phone for this reason.) However, adding a telecoil (also known as a T-coil) reduces feedback and increases audio clarity.

A telecoil works by transmitting sound from the telephone by a magnetic signal rather than an acoustic signal. The magnetic signal helps avoid interference and makes taking phone calls a more pleasant experience.

Telecoils can also connect with public sound systems, such as those in church services and theaters. Newer models of hearing aids, such as ITE and ITC, have these features already in place.

Directional microphones

Some hearing aids are designed to be worn in both ears and can direct sound to you automatically or reduce background noise. These are ideal for hearing certain sounds more easily and for lessening distractions.

Preprogrammed settings

Many hearing aids come with preprogrammed settings. These might be used for different environments or for safety purposes (like preventing a child from turning up their hearing aid too loud).

Noise cancellation

Some models are designed to block out noise. This can happen in a few different ways:

• Digital noise reduction: Digital hearing aids can be programmed to recognize distracting ambient noise and reduce it, making it easier to hear speech and improving overall voice clarity.
• Binaural processing: Binaural processing lets your hearing aids communicate with each other. This cross-ear coordination helps eliminate distracting noises and provides a better listening experience.
• Wind noise management: Wind is a common problem for hearing aids — it blows on the microphone and creates an unpleasant, distracting sound. Hearing aids with wind noise management identify this noise and reduce or eliminate it.
• Feedback suppression technologies: Hearing aid feedback suppression or reduction is a standard feature in most hearing aids. You’ve probably heard a microphone let off a high-pitched whine when it encounters interference. Feedback suppression technology helps prevent this from happening.

Bluetooth options

Hearing aids with Bluetooth can wirelessly connect to other Bluetooth-compatible devices, such as cellphones and computers, and stream directly from the audio source. You can also stream music or receive mobile notifications directly to your hearing aid.

» MORE: Best Bluetooth hearing aids

Tinnitus management

Tinnitus is when you hear sounds that no one else hears (e.g., ringing, buzzing or clicking). You can download tinnitus relief apps to help decrease symptoms. They work by customizing the programming to block out the problematic frequencies. Other apps pair with hearing aids to provide distracting sounds or relaxing tones.

Rechargeable batteries

Traditional hearing aids have disposable batteries that last just a few days. However, some people find that hearing aids with rechargeable batteries are more convenient and easier to use. Wearers charge the batteries when they’re not using them, typically right before bed, so the batteries can charge overnight.

Hearing aids can be a significant expense, so it’s important to define your budget and figure out how much you can pay for them. As of publishing, prescription hearing aids cost $1,000 to $4,000 per ear, on average, but OTC hearing aids often cost just $600 to $1,000 per pair.

Beware — cheaper hearing devices may actually be personal sound amplification products, often called PSAPs, not real hearing aids. A ConsumerAffairs investigation found that these devices are often mislabeled as hearing aids online despite not being suitable for people with hearing loss.

Typically, health insurance does not cover hearing aids, including Medicare Parts A and B and Tricare. There are some Medicare Advantage plans that offer partial hearing aid coverage. Medicaid offers some coverage. Coverage is sometimes available for children, veterans and employees of the federal government.

Currently, about two dozen states mandate that health insurance companies provide full or partial hearing aid coverage for children, and five states (Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire and Rhode Island) also extend those mandates to adults, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Certain organizations, such as Easterseals and Lions Clubs International, might also be able to help you afford a hearing aid. ASHA maintains a helpful list of other funding resources, and the Hearing Industries Association has a full guide to financial assistance for hearing aids.

Hearing aids might not improve your hearing instantly, but don’t worry. It might take a few weeks for your hearing aids to be tuned to your personal needs and for your brain to adjust to processing different sounds. It could also take time for you to get comfortable with the fit and operation of your hearing aids.

It’s a good idea to try out hearing aids in different environments and situations to see how they adapt. However, your adjustment process will depend on the type of hearing aid you purchase.

With a prescription hearing aid, if you don’t hear as well as you think you should, you might ask your audiologist to make the necessary adjustments or show you how to make the adjustments yourself.

If you go the OTC route and your hearing aids don’t meet your expectations within the first few weeks, you should consider returning them and trying a different model. If you experience significant problems with your OTC hearing aids past the return period, you may even consider filing a complaint with the FDA.

When you first receive your hearing aids, practice putting them in and taking them out. If you have prescription hearing aids, you can do this in the provider’s office. Make sure you know the difference between the right and left hearing aid, and practice cleaning them and changing the batteries.

Make sure you understand how to adjust the volume if the hearing aids don’t have it programmed automatically.

If you have Bluetooth capability with your hearing aids, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to pair your hearing aids with your device.