5 Best Hearing Aids for 2023

For the 37.5 million American adults who have hearing difficulties, choosing a suitable hearing aid can go a long way toward improving their quality of life. While they won’t cure hearing loss, the best hearing aids combine a discreet design with modern technology to enhance sounds so you can listen and communicate more easily.

This comprehensive guide will help you screen the best hearing aid brands available and pick one that meets your needs.

Our Top Picks for Best Hearing Aids

• Best for moderate hearing loss: Eargo
• Best for severe hearing loss: Phonak
• Best for advanced features: MDHearing
• Best rechargeable hearing aids: Jabra Enhance
• Best cheap hearing aids: Audien

Best Hearing Aids Reviews

Why we chose it: All three Eargo hearing aid models are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss. They are small and have soft, flexible tips that enable them to “float” inside your ear.

Eargo makes CIC hearing aids that are small, making them ideal options if you’re looking for discreet hearing aids. They come with lifetime customer support and are available in three models: Eargo 5, 6 and 7. All three models have petal ear tips which, according to Eargo, amplify sound, improve quality and reduce the vibration of your voice in your head.

Eargo hearing aids are self-fitting — you can control the settings on your smartphone via the Eargo app. The company has audiology specialists who can help you create ideal sound profiles. All of Eargo’s hearing aids have rechargeable batteries that use inductive charging.

At $2,950 a pair, Eargo 7 — which comes with a two-year warranty — is the most expensive model. It’s water-resistant and sweat-resistant. The Eargo 6, which costs $2,250 per pair, has a one-year warranty and uses Sound Adjust to adjust your hearing aid settings to various environments automatically. Eargo 7 has Sound Adjust+, which includes Clarity Mode that produces clearer speech.

While Eargo 5 lacks Sound Adjust, it has Sound Match, which is also included on the Eargo 6 and Eargo 7 models. Sound Match is a technology that — according to Eargo — analyzes your hearing and allows you to personalize the device’s settings to your hearing needs via the mobile app. At $1,650 a pair, it’s the cheapest model, but it’s neither water-resistant nor sweat-resistant. It also comes with a one-year warranty.

Eargo hearing aids are cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as OTC hearing aids. However, they lack some extra features, like Bluetooth streaming. Eargo models may be more expensive than other OTC options, but the cost is due to the premium technology and design. Eargo is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A- rating.

Why we chose it: Phonak hearing aids are fully customizable for varying degrees of hearing loss. Although you can use most of them if you have mild to moderate hearing loss, some — including the Naída Paradise, Audéo Lumity, Audéo Paradise and six other models — are suitable for severe to profound hearing loss.

There are close to 30 Phonak hearing aid models to choose from, depending on your degree of hearing loss. Some of the features available with different models include Bluetooth streaming, customizable sound settings, water resistance capabilities, motion sensor hearing, dynamic feedback cancellation, speech enhancer, a directional microphone and processing channels for customizing sound profiles.

Phonak uses various technologies in its hearing aids that the company claims to help reduce user listening effort and improve the hearing experience. For example, the Audéo line uses StereoZoom 2.0, which helps focus on speech in noisy environments, and SpeechSensor, which helps improve the hearing of speech by detecting where the main speech is coming from. Another example is Speech Enhancer — used in the Virto and Naída lines — which helps enhance soft-spoken speech.

For further customization, some of Phonak’s lines have different model options. For example, the Audéo Lumity has four options, namely the L30, L50, L70 and L90. The L90 is the most comprehensive and includes additional features like speech in the car, speech in loud noise, comfort in echo and speech enhancer, none of which are available in the L30, L50 or L70.

You can’t purchase Phonak hearing aids directly from the manufacturer’s website — the company doesn’t offer OTC hearing aids, so you can only get them from an authorized retailer. Each retailer outlet sets its own price, warranty, free trial and customer support policies. Phonak itself is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating.

Why we chose it: MDHearing’s Volt Max hearing aid comes with Bluetooth, smartphone connectivity, feedback cancellation, four audio settings and adaptive directional technology.

MDHearing offers four hearing aids, with the Volt Max being the most advanced. At just under $1,000 apiece, it’s also the most expensive style. The Volt Max features four audio settings, a rechargeable battery, feedback cancellation for eliminating whistling sounds and Bluetooth connectivity for linking the hearing aid to your smartphone. This model combines intelligent noise reduction and adaptive directional technology to help you pick up sounds from specific directions and “tune out” noise. While the other three MDHearing models have a one-year warranty, the Volt Max has an extended two-year warranty.

The MDHearing Air is a BTE hearing aid model. It costs just under $600 for each aid. Like the Volt Max, it has four audio settings and feedback cancellation. The Air devices are fitted with a telecoil, which helps you pick up signals in various environments. It essentially filters out background noises and allows you to listen to specific sounds, even in public places. It has a rechargeable battery but lacks both Bluetooth and adaptive directional technology.

MDHearing’s Neo listening aid costs just under $500 per ear and is an ITE model that fits in your ear canal. It has a rechargeable battery but only one audio setting, which may not be ideal if you’re frequently in different types of environments.

The Volt is a BTE model that costs just under $800 per ear and comes with a rechargeable battery, improved feedback cancellation, four audio settings, intelligent noise reduction and a dual-directional microphone. The latter distinguishes the sounds you want to hear from ambient noises, making this model a good choice if you’re frequently in noisy environments.

MDHearing has a 45-day money-back guarantee on all its products. In addition to providing 24/7 customer support, MDHearing has licensed audiologists who offer technical support via phone and email. The company is not BBB-accredited. The company also doesn’t offer a model designed for people with severe hearing loss because it only offers OTC hearing aids. Additionally, MDHearing products are registered with the FDA but are not yet approved, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA).

Why we chose it: Four out of five Jabra Enhance hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries. Three models last up to 30 hours per charge, which is significantly longer than the market standard.

Jabra Enhance currently offers five models of hearing aids and four of them use rechargeable batteries. The Enhance Select 50, a RIC type, is the only one that uses disposable batteries.

Apart from the Enhance Select 50, the other Jabra Enhance over-the-counter hearing aids are the Enhance Select 100, Enhance Select 200 and Enhance Plus, which cost $1,495, $1,995 and $799, respectively. All four models support Bluetooth streaming of music and movies. They have noise reduction and four directional microphones, meaning they can filter out background noise and prioritize speech. They also let you customize your settings and include 12 processing channels.

The Select 200, a RIC model, also allows you to make hands-free calls. The Plus is an ITE model with a smaller, more discreet style. The tradeoff is a small battery capacity of 12 hours per charge. Both the Select 100 and Select 200 can function for up to 30 hours on a single charge.

The Enhance Pro 10 is a RIE prescription-only hearing aid that requires a Costco membership to purchase. It comes with an app exclusive to this model. The app allows you to preset your sound preferences, control volume, access therapeutic settings and reach out to the Jabra team of hearing care professionals. The downside is that all Jabra Enhance apps only work on iOS 14 or newer devices. Some online reviews have noted that the app can be buggy and cumbersome.

The company offers free online hearing tests, 100 days of risk-free trial, three years of manufacturer’s warranty and three years of audiology care on all its hearing aids. Jabra Enhance is accredited by the BBB, where it holds an A+ rating. The company’s website claims that Jabra Enhance products are compliant with FDA regulations.

Why we chose it: Audien sells the Atom hearing aids at $99 per pair, which is the lowest price point of our selections. The company’s other models also cost significantly less than standard market prices, making Audien an ideal choice if you’re on a budget.

Audien has two different models of ITC hearing aids: the Atom and Atom Pro. The models cost $99 and $249 respectively, making this one of the most affordable lines of hearing devices. The company attributes its low price points to the fact that you can buy these hearing aids without seeing an audiologist. Audien also offers BTE OTC hearing aids for $489 for a pair.

The Atom uses wireless charging technology and can hold a charge for about 20 hours. Audien’s Atom Pro is the smallest hearing aid in the company’s line. The differences between the Atom and Atom Pro are that the Atom Pro model comes with a portable charging case and has enhanced feedback cancellation for eliminating background noise and whistling. Both the Atom and Atom Pro models are medical-grade hearing aids that are registered with the FDA, according to the NCOA.

Audien also offers two models that, according to the NCOA, the FDA classifies as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs): The EV1 and EV3. The EV1 is small and designed to be inconspicuous and comfortable. Its batteries last up to 20 hours on one charge, and it offers four distinct tip sizes. The EV3 is even smaller, supports wireless charging and comes in six different tip sizes. The EV3 devices can work for up to 24 hours on a single charge. The EV1 costs $89 per pair, while the EV3 costs $199 per pair.

With the exception of the BTE model, you must use a screwdriver to adjust volume settings. As mentioned, two of Audien’s models are considered PSAPs. These are essentially sound amplifiers that may help adults perceive certain sounds better, but they aren’t intended for hearing loss. The two other models are classified as hearing aids. Audien offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty on its hearing devices. The company is accredited and rated B by the BBB.

Other hearing aids we considered

Audicus

Audicus offers four hearing aid models: the Wave, Mini, Spirit and Omni. The Wave, Spirit and Omni are RIC devices that use telecoil and support Bluetooth streaming. The Mini is the only CIC model in the lineup.

Otofonix

Otofonix has five hearing aid options: the Elite, Encore, Helix, Sona and Groove. All models come with a 45-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty, but you can buy an additional protection plan. The devices all have customizable settings to fit your environment.

Lexie

Lexie has three models of hearing aids: B1, B2 and the Lumen. The B1 and B2 models are RIC styles, while the Lumen is a BTE style. All of the models have noise reduction and directional microphones. The B2 has a rechargeable battery, but the other models use disposable batteries.

Hearing Aids Guide

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sounds for those who have hearing loss. They come in many different styles, from ones that fit inside your ear canal to ones worn behind your ear. The following guide provides more information about how hearing aids work and what to consider before purchasing.

How do hearing aids work?

Generally, hearing aids have three parts: a microphone, an amplifier and a speaker. The microphone receives sound from the environment, converts it into electrical signals and sends the signals to the amplifier. The amplifier then boosts the power of these electrical signals — essentially making sounds louder and clearer — before sending the signals to the speaker, where they can be transmitted to your ear. This type of sound manipulation and amplification can help wearers perceive sounds better.

The different types of hearing aids

There are five main types of hearing aids: behind the ear (BTE), in the canal (ITC), in the ear (ITE), completely in canal (CIC) and receiver in canal (RIC).

• BTE: These are hearing aids that you wear behind your ear. They typically have an earmold or tube that fits in your ear and connects to a plastic case that fits behind your ear. People of all ages can use these hearing aids.
• ITC: These hearing aids are made to fit in your ear canal. For this reason, they usually have a design that fits the shape and size of your ear. Compared to BTE options, ITC hearing aids are more discreet.
• ITE: In-the-ear hearing aids come in two different styles — half shell, which covers a portion of your ear bowl, and full shell, which covers your entire ear bowl.
• CIC: Hearing aids that fit entirely in your ear canal are some of the smallest and most discreet options available. CIC hearing aids are nearly invisible.
• RIC: Like BTE hearing aids, RIC hearing aids have a portion that fits behind your ear. They feature a receiver wire with a soft tip extending into your ear canal. That tip is what sends sound signals to your ear. This style may also be called receiver-in-ear (RIE) hearing aids.

Beyond the different styles, you can choose from over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids or prescription ones. You can purchase OTC hearing aids directly from manufacturer websites and many retailers — like Best Buy or Walmart — and they are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss. You can choose from preset OTC ones that have a selection of settings for you to choose from, or self-fitting aids that allow you to personalize your settings.

Prescription hearing aids can treat all levels of hearing loss, including severe to profound hearing loss. You can get them through a hearing specialist or audiologist.

What to consider when choosing the best hearing aids for you

With so many different options, it may be overwhelming trying to decide which hearing aids are the best for you. Here are some things to consider.

Advice from a hearing professional

If you’re experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, the first thing to do is see an audiologist. Some common signs to look out for include speaking abnormally loudly, frequently asking others to repeat what they said and having difficulty hearing others in noisy situations.

If you notice any of the above signs, especially if they weren’t there before, go for a checkup. Your primary care provider may recommend an audiologist or a different type of hearing care professional. After a proper diagnosis, that professional may recommend a particular hearing aid for your condition.

Your level of hearing loss

Your degree of hearing loss will determine the best hearing aids for you. There are four main categories of hearing loss:

• Mild: Unable to hear soft sounds
• Moderate: Difficulty hearing and understanding normal speech at average volume
• Severe: Only able to hear loud noises and minimal speech
• Profound: Completely unable to comprehend speech

Start by getting a checkup and exam so a specialist can categorize your hearing loss. Then you can shop for hearing aids that are designed to address your degree of hearing loss.

The hearing aid features and capabilities that you need

Your lifestyle will play a role in the type of hearing aid that best suits you. For example, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you may want to look at water-resistant and sweat-resistant hearing aids. If you spend a lot of time out and about, an adaptive directional hearing aid will help you pick the sounds you need to hear in various environments, particularly in public settings.

Once you’ve decided on the type of hearing aid that fits your lifestyle, consider added features like type of battery, battery life, Bluetooth and smartphone capabilities as well as customization options.

Your hearing aid’s technology is critical because it will determine the clarity of the sounds you receive. Top hearing aids use a directional microphone, feedback cancellation, telecoil and automatic sound adjustments to ensure you perceive sounds clearly.

Hearing aid prices

The cost of hearing aids can vary significantly based on the brand, style and features. OTC models are generally more affordable than prescription hearing aids. Additionally, many brands also give customers the option to finance a purchase.

FDA approval

The FDA regulates OTC hearing aids. The FDA’s approval means that the hearing aid has a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Some hearing device manufacturers also sell personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) that the FDA classifies as devices that boost sound but aren’t intended for hearing loss.

How We Chose the Best Hearing Aids

This review considered the following factors when selecting the best hearing aid brands:

• Available models
• Battery type (rechargeable or disposable)
• Battery life
• Trial period
• Warranty
• Price
• Audiology support
• Customer support
• Customer ratings

Summary of The Sacramento Bee’s Best Hearing Aids

• Best for moderate hearing loss: Eargo
• Best for severe hearing loss: Phonak
• Best for advanced features: MDHearing
• Best rechargeable hearing aids: Jabra Enhance
• Best cheap hearing aids: Audien