Hearing Aids Review Methodology

How we research and test hearing aids

We only recommend hearing devices we believe will have a positive impact in the lives of our readers, so we began our testing process with a deep review of the research in this space. We also consulted with audiologists and geriatric care experts to better understand that research, the users who require these devices, and the brands and models we’ll be reviewing. 

We read thousands of reviews on trusted third-party sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot to understand customers’ experiences and where they think hearing aids are falling short. Next, we conducted a survey to discover what people love about their hearing aids, what features they use, and what their biggest challenges are.

We focused on brands that are widely available, have a range of prices, treat different types of hearing loss, and offer a variety of features for different hearing concerns.

Any time we recommend a hearing aid brand, we have our selections medically reviewed by an audiologist to examine the company, find the best model, and ensure every hearing aid on our list is appropriate for our readers’ needs. 

How we rank and review hearing aids

To understand what was most important to hearing aid users, we went straight to the source. Our team conducted a poll of more than 300 hearing aid customers and asked about their experience. Each answer was given a score, with each score having a certain weight based on the following factors:

Price (35% of total score): We looked at how the cost of each device measured up against its features and customer experience to determine its overall value. We also considered whether the brand had a money-back guarantee and a warranty of at least three years.

User Experience (30% of total score): We surveyed users to find out if devices were easy to clean and pair with Bluetooth, if they could change the device’s batteries, and whether they needed to have their device repaired within the last five years. We also asked users to rate the comfort and fit of their hearing aids.

Features (15% of total score): We interviewed audiologists to determine the most requested hearing aid features. Our team gave extra points for brands that offered Bluetooth, directional microphones, feedback suppression, digital noise reduction, rechargeable batteries, telecoil, and fall detection in their hearing aids.

Customer Support (15% of total score): We mystery shopped the customer service experiences and gave brands extra points for offering remote adjustments, customer phone support, and follow up care with an audiologist.

Reputation & Credibility (5% of total score): We examined trusted third-party reviews on Better Business Bureau and TrustPilot.

Using our survey results and the factors above, our rating system gave a final score to each hearing aid brand.