If you think you might have hearing loss but aren’t sure where to start with hearing aids, don’t hesitate to get help. Hearing aid users wait 10 years, on average, to address their hearing loss.¹ And during those 10 years, the risks of untreated hearing loss—like higher risk of falls, dementia, depression, and heart attacks—grows.

Research has even shown that “untreated hearing loss significantly increases the odds of being emotionally lonely” and feeling socially isolated.² The flip side is also true: Using hearing aids is linked with later diagnoses of dementia, depression, anxiety, and falls that cause injury.³ Addressing hearing loss early and wearing hearing aids helps us stay healthy.

We tested more than 50 hearing aids and then narrowed the list down to the nine best hearing aids for older adults. We included a mix of the best OTC hearing aids and best prescription hearing aids to give you a wide price range to choose from. Keep reading for more information on our first-person testing and our picks of the best hearing aids in 2025.

Our Top Pick

Jabra Enhance

Best Overall

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• Our top pick for OTC hearing aids
• Long battery life

• 100-day risk-free trial
• Audiology support

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Audien Hearing

Most Affordable

1

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• Bluetooth available

• 45-day trial period

1

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Eargo

Best Invisible Fit

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• Virtually invisible design
• Free “Fit & Feel” sample kit

• Includes lifetime support and warranty

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Our picks for the best hearing aids

• Jabra Enhance: Best Overall
• Audien: Most Affordable
• Eargo: Best Invisible
• Audicus: Best Bluetooth
• MDHearing: Best Under $500
• Lexie: Best for Beginners
• Phonak: Best Prescription
• Starkey: Best for Health and Safety Features
• Signia: Best Battery Life

Comparing the best hearing aids of 2025

*Prescription hearing aids do not publish prices on their websites. For specific pricing information based on your needs and region, you’ll need to speak with a local hearing care professional who sells prescription hearing aids.

Our reviews of the top hearing aids

Jabra Enhance: Best Overall

We chose Jabra Enhance as our “Best Overall” hearing aid for its top sound quality, strong battery life, long trial period, and industry-leading post-purchase care from hearing experts.

Our Top Pick

Jabra Enhance

Best Overall

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• Type of hearing aid: RIE

• Rx or OTC: OTC

Jabra Enhance features

• Type of hearing aid: RIE
• Rx or OTC: OTC
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Trial period: 100 days

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Pros and Cons of Jabra

Why we chose the Jabra Enhance Select as Best Overall

Jabra Enhance stands out in all categories. It’s an OTC brand with top-tier sound quality, a strong battery, a long 100-day trial period (important for OTC brands that don’t offer in-person support), and clear Bluetooth streaming.

It also offers the best post-purchase support for an OTC hearing brand we’ve seen. For $200 extra, you’ll get three years of follow-up virtual care with hearing experts (like audiologists or hearing instrument specialists), an expanded three-year warranty, and three years of remote adjustments. Jabra Enhance also starts the setup process with a virtual orientation call with an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist, which can be very helpful when setting up your OTC hearing aids out of the box.

One of the most unique features of the Jabra Enhance is the addition of Bluetooth streaming in all models. No other OTC brand on this list can say the same. Some brands, like Lexie, have all models with Bluetooth connection, but that’s only for connecting to the app—all Jabra Enhance models not only connect to the app but stream music and phone calls.

Our testing experience with the Jabra Enhance Select 500

The Jabra Enhance Select 500 was easy to use right out of the box.

Setup was simple with the user manual and Jabra app, according to testers. “Each step [in the setup process] is small and short enough that they’re easy to complete with clear next steps,” said one tester. “The app itself is very user-friendly and makes it easy to adjust programs and volumes,” said another.

_{The Jabra Enhance Select 500 in our tester’s ear with the sports lock (the thin white plastic) not put in place.}

But testers did have trouble using the sports lock, a thin flexible plastic strip that helps stabilize the devices in your ears during movement. “There’s no illustration or instruction on how the device actually fits in the ear with the sport lock in place,” said one tester. “An image showing it in the ear in the manual would be helpful.”

_{Our same tester, this time with the sports lock placed correctly (note how it curves in the bowl of his ear to stabilize the hearing aid).}

After some trial and error, testers were able to fit the hearing aid successfully with the sports lock in place. “[With the sports lock, the hearing aids] feel very secure while walking and I don’t feel any movement,” one tester said. “When jogging without the sports lock I can feel the hearing aids bounce a little bit in my ear, but with the sports lock on they feel very stable in my ear.” Some testers did note that older adults or those with dexterity issues may find the sports lock difficult, since it’s small and requires two hands to insert into your ear.

Though the sports lock had a learning curve, Jabra excelled in our Bluetooth range test. Testers connected the hearing aids to their smartphone, streamed audio, and started to slowly walk away from their phone to measure how far the connection lasts.

After walking 100 feet away from their phone, testers said the connection was still strong and audio was clear. “There was an impressive range with these hearing aids,” one tester said. “Even more than 100 feet away, I could hear my music clearly.”

Overall, our testers were very happy with the Jabra Enhance Select 500. “I enjoyed the Jabra Enhance Select 500—the app and website allowed me to easily get started, and the preset programs helped my hearing immediately,” said one. “Using the app, charger, and hearing aids was straightforward and I was able to begin using them quickly.”

For those looking for a features-rich hearing aid with flexibility in their budget, Jabra could be a good option.

Comparing Jabra Enhance Select models

*Higher price is the cost with Jabra Enhance’s Premier Package (three years of post-purchase audiology care)

The Jabra customer experience

Testers gave the Jabra Enhance Select 500 a 10/10 for customer service. Here’s what you can expect:

• Warranty and trial period: 100-day risk-free trial period for all Jabra Enhance Select devices; one- to three-year manufacturer’s warranty; loss-and-damage protection (depending on basic or premium package)
• Financing: Yes
• Customer service: If you need additional assistance, you can visit the Jabra Enhance customer support page to fill out an online contact form. Other options include:
  • By phone: 800-854-2772 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. ET; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. ET)
  • By email: support@jabraenhance.com
  • Using chat: Type your message and a real-life support agent will respond within two to five minutes

Audien: Most Affordable

We chose Audien as the Most Affordable OTC hearing aid because it’s the least expensive on this list by about $200. For such a low price, these hearing aids come with some unexpectedly advanced features, like rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth.

Audien

Most Affordable

(205) 255-1112

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• Type of hearing aid: ITE and BTE

• Rx or OTC: OTC

Audien features

• Type of hearing aid: ITE and BTE
• Rx or OTC: OTC
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Trial period: 45 days

(205) 255-1112

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Pros and Cons of Audien

Why we chose Audien as Most Affordable

Audien’s low price makes it a shoo-in for “Most Affordable,” but it’s the affordability plus decent performance that makes this brand stand out.

The sound quality for Audien hearing aids is good overall, even on the lowest priced model (although we’d like to hear less whistling). We also like the brand’s variety of devices, with six models to choose from in different styles, all below $700.

And although it’s the most expensive model ($689/pair), the Ion Pro comes with features we usually see in more expensive OTC models, like rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth streaming, and the ability to take calls through your hearing aids. The Ion Pro also has a very competitive battery life at 48 hours.

Our testing experience with Audien

Testers were pleasantly surprised with the sound quality of the Audien. “There’s no whistling whatsoever” when setting up the hearing aids and swapping out domes, said one tester with short hair.

But another tester with long hair had some issues. “My long hair creates static,” said the tester. “It’s fine when I’m sitting still, but when my hair moves, or I shake my head, tuck my hair, or put on my glasses, I hear static.”

_{Testers with long hair noticed feedback and whistling sounds whenever their hair touched the hearing aids, which proved distracting.}

Long or short hair, all testers found the fit to be comfortable. “The domes fit well and feel comfortable,” said one tester. “I have smaller ears, so it’s more difficult to get a good fit. Swapping the domes [to find the right fit] was easy for me, but if you have vision or dexterity issues, it may be harder. It feels like threading a needle.”

Another unexpected surprise: Testers loved the Ion Pro’s Bluetooth streaming quality. “Bluetooth music streaming was very clear,” one tester said. And although testers reported the hearing aids’ noise-cancellation feature “doesn’t make much of a difference,” streaming Bluetooth audio effectively reduces background noise. “When you turn on music streaming, you can’t hear anything else. The music streaming is more effective at noise cancellation than the background noise reduction setting. Literally could not hear a thing while streaming music (and it was set to a normal volume),” the tester said.

But call streaming wasn’t as good as music streaming. “Using Bluetooth to make a phone call was really quiet. I needed to turn up the volume several times,” said another tester.

Testers were also disappointed with the lack of detail in the setup process. “It’s easy to connect to the app (it took me one minute), but there are no other setup instructions,” a tester said. “And overall the app was pretty bare bones. There are only three environment settings.”

Other than the basic app, the only other way to adjust the hearing aids is with the buttons on the devices themselves. But testers found the buttons tricky. “The buttons on the hearing aids are not intuitive. You need to press the button for different lengths of time to turn on/off, pause music, etc.,” a tester said.

But for those looking for an affordable OTC hearing aid with decent features, Audien could be a good fit.

Comparing Audien models

The Audien customer experience

Testers gave Audien a 9.3 out of 10 for customer service. Here’s what you can expect:

• Warranty and trial period: 45-day money-back guarantee for all Audien devices; limited one-year warranty unless you upgrade to a protection plan
• Financing: No
• Customer service:
  • By phone: 205-255-1112 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.– 4 p.m. PT)
  • By email: support@audienhearing.com

Eargo: Best Invisible

We chose Eargo as our Best Invisible hearing aid for its nearly undetectable CIC (completely-in-canal) design, excellent sound quality, user comfort, and lifetime professional support.

Eargo

Best Invisible

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• Type of hearing aid: Earbud and CIC

• Rx or OTC: OTC

Eargo features

• Type of hearing aid: Earbud and CIC
• Rx or OTC: OTC
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Trial period: 45 days

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Pros and Cons of Eargo

Why we chose Eargo as Best Invisible

Eargo performs well across the board. It comes with an industry-standard 45-day trial period, free returns, and a generous two-year warranty. We love the “fit and feel” option, which allows you to order and try a non-working pair of Eargos to test-drive their comfort before you buy.

But ultimately, Eargo really stands out with its “invisible design” and the brand’s available lifetime professional support.

Our testing experience with Eargo

Testers said the setup was easy with the helpful user manual. “The text is really large, which makes it easy to read, and there are images on almost every page,” the tester said. “Eargo does a really good job explaining what all of the components are used for.”

Our testers also loved the comfortable fit. “They don’t feel intrusive at all, and it’s very easy to take the domes off,” the tester said. “I don’t really feel them in my ear. They’re pretty comfortable. It feels like they are so small that they could get lost in my ears.”

_{A tester inserts the hearing aid to gauge the comfort of the Eargo 7s.}

They also loved the discreet design. “You can’t see the hearing aids from the front at all as long as the wire is curled up in the ear. They are slightly visible from the side but would be less so if they had different color options.” It’s worth noting that Eargo models only come in black.

_{Our tester after successfully inserting the hearing aids and getting a snug fit}

One intuitive feature our testers really liked: When you correctly fit the hearing aids in your ear, you hear a verbal cue saying, “normal.” Since you won’t be getting in-person fitting support with Eargo (it’s an OTC brand), testers thought this feature could go a long way in helping people feel confident their hearing aids are fitted correctly.

Eargo hearing aids have a lot going for them, but because they’re so small, they don’t have room for some more advanced technology, which we’d like to see. That includes:

• Bluetooth streaming (only the Link has Bluetooth)
• Longer battery life (Eargo’s longest battery only lasts 16 hours)
• More preset listening programs (Eargo comes with four, but brands usually average six or more)

With Eargo, you may sacrifice some features for a more discreet and comfortable fit. But if design is most important for you, Eargo could be worth it.

Comparing Eargo models

The Eargo customer experience

Testers gave the Eargo 7 a 10 out of 10 for customer service. Here’s what you can expect:

• Warranty and trial period: 45-day risk-free trial period for all Eargo devices; one- to two-year manufacturer’s warranty depending on model
• Financing: Yes
• Customer service:
  • By phone: 800-903-6883 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. CT; Saturday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT.)
  • Using chat: Representatives are available during the same times as above

Audicus: Best Bluetooth

We chose Audicus as the “Best Bluetooth Hearing Aid” because all but one Audicus model (the CIC Mini 2) comes with Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling for both Apple and Android devices. No other brand on this list can match Audicus’ Bluetooth capabilities for the price.

Audicus

Best Bluetooth

(855) 971-0451

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• Type of hearing aid: RIC, CIC

• Rx or OTC: OTC

Audicus features

• Type of hearing aid: RIC, CIC
• Rx or OTC: OTC
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Trial period: 100 days

(855) 971-0451

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Pros and Cons of Audicus

Why we chose Audicus as Best Bluetooth

Audicus provides the Best Bluetooth at the lowest price we’ve seen. Other brands on this list offer most models with Bluetooth (like Jabra Enhance or prescription brands). But no others on this list offer Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling for Apple and Android at this price. Jabra Enhance, for example, has hands-free calling, but some devices only work with Apple products.

We also love Audicus’ “dual active connections,” which allows you to have two Bluetooth-enabled devices connected to your hearing aids at one time and easily switch between the two. For example, your hearing aids could be connected to the TV when you get a phone call. Just press the button on your hearing aids, and they’ll switch from the TV connection to your phone.

Our testing experience with Audicus

Testers loved how easy Audicus hearing aids were to set up right out of the box. They appreciated the large font, helpful images, and easy-to-read instructions in the user manual. And when testing the Mini 2, testers loved the small, nearly invisible design.

_{Our tester holds the Mini 2 in his hands to show how small it is.}

The hearing aids were comfortable right out of the box, too. “It’s very easy to place the hearing aids in my ears,” a tester said. “Very comfortable and lightweight.”

_{One of our testers after successfully placing the Mini 2 in her ear}

Setting up the app was a little difficult, though. Testers called the app “simple and intuitive,” but thought it was too basic. “The app has very few features,” a tester said. “You can use the telehealth feature in the app to connect with the audiology team, but other than that there aren’t many features.”

_{When using the app, our testers appreciated the ability to schedule remote fitting services.}

Another tester said the simplistic app could be a perk for some. “Although the app has very few features, that could be good for someone who isn’t as comfortable with technology.”

When we tested Bluetooth streaming, Audicus passed with flying colors. “Pairing the hearing aids to my phone with Bluetooth was easy and intuitive,” a tester said. “They are automatically in pairing mode when you turn them on, and you simply connect them in the Bluetooth part of your phone settings.”

It only took testers one try to successfully pair the hearing aids to their phone, and they said the process was the easiest of all the Bluetooth models they’ve tested. “Audicus Bluetooth is extra intuitive. It requires the least number of directions and steps for you to connect,” a tester said. “Hands-free calling is automatically connected—you don’t need to do anything extra for calling versus streaming.”

When we tested Bluetooth streaming range, we heard crystal clear audio up to 60 feet away. But some testers noted that the audio could sometimes sound tinny.

If you’re looking for the best Bluetooth capabilities at the lowest price, Audicus could be the right pick.

Comparing Audicus models

The Audicus customer experience

Testers gave Audicus an 8.5 out of 10 for customer service. Here’s what you can expect:

• Warranty and trial period: 100-day risk-free trial, two-year warranty, and free lifetime support with next-day appointments
• Financing: Yes
• Customer service:
  • By phone: 855-971-0451 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. ET)
  • By email: help@audicus.com

MDHearing: Best Under $500

We chose MDHearing as the “Best Hearing Aid Under $500” because it offers six different models, four of which cost under $500. The other two are under $600. MDHearing offers a variety of features and styles at a low cost. Most OTC brands sell one or maybe two styles—MDHearing sells three (BTE, CIC, and ITC).

MDHearing

Best Under $500

(800) 918-3914

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• Type of hearing aid: BTE, ITC, CIC

• Rx or OTC: OTC

MDHearing features

• Type of hearing aid: BTE, ITC, CIC
• Rx or OTC: OTC
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Trial period: 45 days

(800) 918-3914

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Pros and Cons of MDHearing

Why we chose MDHearing as Best Under $500

MDHearing offers the most variety at the lowest price we’ve seen. Four of the six MDHearing models sell for under $500, and the other two sell for under $600. Models come in three different styles—MDHearing is the only OTC brand on this list to offer that many styles.

The brand has impressive device variety and decent features to choose from. Two of the six models connect to an app (compared to Audien—the other budget pick on this list—which has only one model connecting to an app), and all models have rechargeable batteries. All MDHearing models also come with lifetime remote audiology support. The device variety, along with high scores from testing, make this a strong option.

Our testing experience with MDHearing

Testers were happy with MDHearing’s easy setup process and helpful user manual. “The user manual has lots of pictures and clear instructions along with step-by-step guides,” a tester said. “The print is a little small, but it’s still easy to read, and there are helpful graphics showing what the device should look like in your ear.”

Testers tried the Volt (BTE) and Neo XS (CIC) and found them both comfortable. Testers said both were easy to place in their ears, and they fit great (after finding the right dome size for the Neo XS).

The domes in the Neo XS were a bit challenging, though. “It’s not easy to switch the domes. It feels like I would break them from pulling too hard,” a tester said. “I think this could be difficult for people with dexterity issues.”

_{NEO XS is MDHearing’s smallest device.}

It took some trial and error to find the right domes since they weren’t labeled. “The domes come in a little plastic baggy, and they aren’t labeled with the size,” a tester said. That required some trial and error to find the right fit.

_{Our testers wish the NEO XS was more discreet—it looked noticeable to others.}

Another process involving some trial and error was adjustments in both the Volt and Neo XS. Because neither model connects to the app, the only way to make adjustments is use the buttons on the hearing aids themselves. But that presented a problem at first for our testers, since both models use the same button for volume, turning on/off, and switching between programs. 

“Since the volume and the power are the same button on the Volt, changing them can be awkward and challenging,” said one tester. “It’s not intuitive and feels kind of hard to manage since you need to grab the back of the hearing aid to get enough leverage to press the button.” Testers thought this could be difficult for those with finger dexterity issues.

Testers had the same issue with the Neo XS. “You have to hold the button for three seconds to change the program. It’s the same button as volume, so I mixed it up at first,” another tester said. “You also have to change volume on each hearing aid, which is kind of annoying.”

Testers quickly got the hang of it, but you should expect some initial trial and error.

After getting set up, testers were pleased with the stability of the devices in their ears. “They feel very secure. No movement at all,” testers said. They just wish the design was more discreet. “The Neo XS isn’t as discreet as I’d like. You can see it from the front and side,” testers said. Since the Neo XS is a shiny beige color, testers said they would prefer a matte finish and more color options to make it less noticeable.

If you’re looking for a budget hearing aid with a range of features and styles to choose from, MDHearing might be a good choice.

Comparing MDHearing models

The MDHearing customer experience

MDHearing earned a 9/10 score in our customer service testing. Here’s what you need to know:

• Warranty and trial period: MDHearing offers a one-year warranty on the Air, NEO, NEO XS, and Volt, a two-year warranty on the VOLT MAX, and a 45-day trial period on all models.
• Financing: Yes
• Phone: 800-918-3914, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, Monday - Friday
• Email: support@MDHearingAid.com, available 24/7, responses take 24–48 hours
• Contact form: https://www.mdhearingaid.com/contact-us/

Lexie: Best for Beginners

We chose Lexie as the Best Hearing Aid for Beginners because it has some of the easiest setup instructions of any hearing aid we tested. Plus, fitting and pairing the hearing aids was simple. Of all the hearing aids we’ve tested, Lexie was one of the easiest to use right out of the box.

Lexie

Best for Beginners

(800) 499-1336

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• Type of hearing aid: BTE

• Rx or OTC: OTC

Lexie features

• Type of hearing aid: BTE
• Rx or OTC: OTC
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth compatible: Yes
• Trial period: 45 days

(800) 499-1336

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Pros and Cons of Lexie

Why we chose Lexie as Best for Beginners

If you want a budget hearing aid that’s ready to use right out of the box, consider Lexie. It’s one of the least expensive brands on this list and one of the easiest to set up. Lexie hearing aids fit different testers nicely without any need to customize—none of our testers had to swap out the default domes, which they almost always need to do.

The user manual was also one of the most straightforward we’ve seen. It has three simple, easy to follow steps. For beginners on a budget who are new to hearing aids, Lexie could be a great option.

Our testing experience with Lexie

Our testers loved how easy the Lexie setup process was, but they found the user manual font to be too small.

“The user manual is super easy to follow. It has just three steps to set up the hearing aids,” our tester said. “The user manual helpfully bolds information, but the text is a little small. For those who struggle to read small print, this might be hard.”

Testers also didn’t love that you have to turn on each hearing aid individually (usually hearing aids will both turn on automatically when you remove them from their charging case).

_{A tester demonstrates the snug fit of the Lexie B2 Plus}

But these are small issues compared to the ease of setting up and fitting the hearing aids for the first time. “It was super easy to place these in my ear. I even did it without needing a mirror,” a tester said. For most devices, testers need a mirror to help them place the hearing aids correctly the first time. Not necessary for Lexie. “The hearing aids fit well immediately,” one tester said. “The default domes they come with were the right size, and they slid into my ear easily.”

_{Check out the start screen of the Lexie app, which testers said was easy and intuitive.}

Testers flew through the process of setting up the hearing aids and connecting to the app to ensure a tight fit. The app walks users through a simple setup process and plays tones to let you know you’re ready to proceed to the next step. Then it guides you through a few simple steps to customize your fit. Testers appreciated these steps, which asked you to do things like use a mirror and shake your head from side to side to ensure the hearing aids would stay put.

For a budget brand, the Lexie app comes with a decent number of features. Testers appreciated how the app lets you mute each ear individually (helpful in noisy rooms) and schedule on-demand virtual adjustment calls with hearing experts. And unlike MDHearing, the Lexie app lets you adjust volume on both hearing aids at the same time. No need to adjust each one separately.

Lexie even performed well in Bluetooth testing. The B2 Plus, the only Lexie model with Bluetooth streaming, was able to maintain a connection up to 100 feet with decent audio quality. But be aware the B2 Plus doesn’t have hands-free calling, so you’ll need to always have your phone on you when taking calls through your hearing aids.

We think anyone who’s looking for a plug-and-play budget OTC hearing aid should consider Lexie.

Comparing Lexie models

The Lexie customer experience

Testers gave Lexie a 9.3 out of 10 for customer service. Here’s what you can expect:

• Warranty and trial period: 45-day risk-free trial and a one-year warranty
• Financing: Available through Klarna
• Customer service:
  • By phone: 800-499-1336 (Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.– 8 p.m. ET)
  • By email: support@lexiehearing.com
  • Via text: 779-212-7090

Phonak: Best Prescription

We chose Phonak as the Best Prescription Hearing Aid because it’s one of the most respected brands in the category. It was founded in 1947, making it one of the oldest hearing aid companies in the world. It comes with some of the most cutting-edge technology on the market (like AutoSense OS) and advanced speech processing). Plus, its all-around high scores from our testing make Phonak the Best Prescription Hearing Aid.

Phonak

Best Prescription

18006794871

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• Type of hearing aid: BTE, RIC, ITC, ITE, IIC

• Rx or OTC: Rx

Phonak features

• Type of hearing aid: BTE, RIC, ITC, ITE, IIC
• Rx or OTC: Rx
• Battery type: Rechargeable and disposable
• Bluetooth compatible: Yes
• Trial period: Depends on retailer

18006794871

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Pros and Cons of Phonak

Why we chose Phonak as Best Prescription Hearing Aid

Phonak is consistently ranked as one of the best prescription hearing aid brands available. “Phonak [owned by the Sonova Group] is the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturer,” said Ron Binkley, a hearing instrument specialist at Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. “And they make a really good product.”

The brand has a reputation for innovating new technology. In 2024, the company introduced the world’s first hearing aid with a dedicated AI chip (the Audéo Sphere), which the company says processes speech faster and filters out noise automatically. The Audéo and Infinio product lines now both come with Spheric Speech Clarity, a technology using sound from all around you (in a sphere) rather than from just two directional microphones. Phonak says this technology significantly suppresses background noise and makes it easier for you to zero in on conversations around you—even in noisy environments.

Phonak’s advanced technology, coupled with consistently high scores from our in-person testing, makes this brand our pick for Best Prescription Hearing Aid.

Our testing experience with Phonak

We approached testing a prescription hearing aid like Phonak differently than testing an OTC hearing aid. To get prescription hearing aids, you must see an audiologist or other hearing expert in person for an exam. From there, the audiologist will fit you with the recommended pair and help you adjust the fit and settings.

Because you can only get these models through a hearing care professional, we wanted to focus on features and comfort—what sort of advanced features can you expect to find in a Phonak versus others? And how comfortable are these hearing aids out of the box?

Regarding the fit, testers were very pleased. “Wow this is a really ergonomic, comfortable fit,” a tester said about the Phonak Audéo. “It feels like it practically snaps into place in your ear.”

Testers also loved the fit of the Phonak Slim, the brand’s discreet RIC model. “It’s thin and ergonomic, with a discreet fit behind the ear. It’s probably the slimmest hearing aid I’ve ever tested,” said one tester.

But Phonaks really shined when we tested sound quality, where it earned a 10/10.

“The Audéo has really good audio quality and clarity. Probably the best I’ve tested,” a tester said. “Wearing it for the first time, I hardly hear any background noise. No tinny sounds or distortion. Honestly it sounds like the audio is amplified and that’s it. Very impressive.”

One small but thoughtful design touch our testers loved: The Audéo has a multi-function button for adjustments, but it’s strategically placed on the top of the hearing aid. That way, you can easily press the button with one hand without dislodging the hearing aids or needing to use two hands (like testers had to do with MDHearing).

_{Note the placement of the multi-function button toward the top of the hearing aid. Testers appreciated this design and said it made it easier to press the button with one hand without knocking the device loose.}

When it comes to Phonak’s advanced features, testers loved the app, especially the health-tracking features. You can pair your hearing aids to the app and track things like your heart rate, steps walked, activity levels, and more.

But all these advanced features come with a higher price. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,558–$6,969, although prices can vary from clinic to clinic.

According to our testers, Phonak’s biggest drawback is price—it has high marks across the board, but a high price tag. If you’re looking for feature-rich hearing aids and don’t mind spending extra, Phonak could work for you.

Comparing Phonak technology platforms

The Phonak customer experience

Phonak scored a 9.5 in customer service during our testing. Here’s what you can expect:

• Many hearing aid companies offer three-year warranties, but Phonak only provides a one-year international warranty, beginning the day you purchase your hearing aids. An additional two years of repair, loss, and damage coverage is available for an extra fee at the time of purchase.
• Phonak customer support is available through:
  • By phone: 1-800-679-4871
  • By email: info@phonak.com
  • Online form: https://www.phonak.com/en-us/contact

Starkey: Best Health and Safety Features

We chose Starkey as the Best Health and Safety Features because the brand offers unique wellness innovations no other brand has, like fall detection. Starkey earned the highest Features score in our prescription hearing aid testing, with a 9.4/10. Starkey’s industry-leading health monitoring capabilities, safety technologies, and high scores from first-person testing make this brand our pick for “Best Health and Safety Features.”

Starkey

Best Health and Safety Features

Visit Site

• Type of hearing aid: BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, IIC, CIC

• Rx or OTC: Rx

Starkey features

• Type of hearing aid: BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, IIC, CIC
• Rx or OTC: Rx
• Battery type: Rechargeable and disposable
• Bluetooth compatible: Yes
• Trial period: Depends on retailer

Visit Site

Pros and Cons of Starkey

Why we chose Starkey as Best Health and Safety Features

Starkey created the world’s first hearing aid with fall detection, the Evolv AI. The Evolv AI uses built-in sensors to automatically detect falls. When the device detects a fall, it sends a “fall alert” to three contacts you enter in the app. This alert also contains the wearer’s GPS location, which will help those contacts find you in case of an emergency.

We love the idea of a hearing aid with automatic fall detection, since falls are the leading cause of injury for adults age 65+.⁴ And we think a hearing aid is a great place for fall detection technology, since fall detection worn on the chest or upper part of the body is most accurate.⁵

Our testing experience with Starkey

It’s not just the unique health and safety features—Starkey's work great, too. “The setup was really easy and the user manual was surprisingly helpful for a prescription user manual,” a tester said. Most prescription user manuals tend to have much more information than OTC manuals and lack simple-to-follow directions.

Connecting to the app to finish setting up the hearing aids was easy to do, but testers worry that the app might be too complicated for some. “People who aren’t tech-savvy may find the app complicated and need help setting up some features, like fall detection,” one tester said. “But it’s got lots of options—activity tracking, adding goals, the find my hearing aids feature, etc.”

_{A hearing instrument specialist holds the Genesis RIC model in his hands to show how small it is.}

The Starkey Generis RIC model was also comfortable right out of the box. “They’re very comfortable, lightweight, and feel secure in my ear,” one tester said. “I had no problems fitting it right away.” That’s important, since we’d want to see a hearing aid with fall detection stay very secure in the ear, so it doesn’t come out when you fall. Even after some light exercise the Genesis stayed put.

_{A hearing instrument specialist wears the Starkey Genesis AI to demonstrate the comfortable, snug fit.}

Testers were impressed by the Genesis AI’s battery life. It’s currently the longest-lasting rechargeable hearing aid on the market, with a maximum battery life of 51 hours.

Overall, Starkey only got docked for a few things: it’s got the highest price on this list and lacks “own voice” technology, which is a feature common among prescription brands (Phonak and most major brands have it). This feature helps process the sound of your own voice, so it sounds more natural.

But if you’re interested in a higher-priced brand with exclusive health and safety features, Starkey could be a good option.

Comparing Starkey models

The Starkey customer experience

Starkey earned a 9.5 out of 10 in our customer service testing. Here’s what you can expect:

• Warranty: Depends on retailer
• Trial period: Minimum 30 days
• Financing: Dependent on retailer
• Customer service:
  • https://www.starkey.com/contact-starkey-hearing
  • https://www.starkey.com/support/get-help

Signia: Best Battery Life

We chose Signia as the Best Battery Life because the brand’s new Pure Charge&Go BCT IX hearing aids have the longest runtime of any Bluetooth hearing aid: 36 hours of battery life, including five hours of streaming, on a single battery charge. Signia also reduced the size of the Pure Charge&Go BCT IX, making it one of the smallest devices on the market, without compromising on Bluetooth and battery life.

Signia

Best Battery Life

(800) 350-6093

Visit Site

• Type of hearing aid: BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, IIC, CIC

• Rx or OTC: Rx

Signia features

• Type of hearing aid: BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, IIC, CIC
• Rx or OTC: Rx
• Battery type: Rechargeable and disposable
• Bluetooth compatible: Yes
• Trial period: Depends on retailer

(800) 350-6093

Visit Site

Pros and Cons of Signia

Why we chose Signia as Best Battery Life

In February 2025, Signia released the Pure Charge&Go BCT IX hearing aids, which stand out as the smallest hearing aid with Bluetooth currently available on the market. These new devices also have the longest battery runtime of any Bluetooth hearing aids at 36 hours. That means these hearing aids can go all day without requiring a charge, even if they stream for up to five hours. Streaming usually cuts down on battery life, but not on this device. Anyone who listens to music throughout the day or takes many calls on their phone will appreciate this feature.

We like that the new model’s 36-hour battery life comes in such a small device, especially since we’ve found most smaller hearing aids require users to sacrifice battery life or desirable features. Signia developed its own, high-density rechargeable battery, which it placed in the Pure Charge&Go BCT IX with the goal of reducing the devices’ power usage, extending battery life, and maintaining the sound quality of the hearing aids.

Our testing experience with Signia

Signia’s hearing aids offer more than just a long battery life. The brand’s newest technology platform, IX for Integrated Xperience, includes RealTime Conversation Enhancement technology. As Signia describes it, “With RealTime Conversation Enhancement, your hearing aids can now enhance and follow multiple conversation partners simultaneously, even as they move, or you turn your head.”

Signia IX users experiencing this new technology can expect a more natural experience in group conversations. As one of our testers stated, “I could instantly tell the sound quality was clear—much clearer than an OTC hearing aid.” Signia also offers Own Voice Processing (OVP) technology, which helps users hear their voice without the distortion typically found in hearing aids.

_{In addition to clear sound, the newest Signia hearing aids are smaller and more discreet.}

While the size and sound quality of Signia’s hearing aids stand out, our testers also noted the devices were easy to unbox, though getting set up on the app took a little time, requiring a couple of attempts. Once the app was installed and connected, our testers found it easy to make adjustments through their phone.

_{Signia Pure Charge&Go BCT IX hearing aids come in a portable case which holds all of the accessories and charging equipment.}

The biggest drawback our testers found was when they tried doing regular maintenance on the Signia devices. While it was generally easy to change the domes and wax guards, it wasn’t as intuitive as it could be. “The instructions are more technical than many OTC brands, like Audicus or Eargo,” said a tester. We also wish Signia offered some of the advanced features available in some other prescription brands, like Auracast, or a find my hearing aids option.

Those who aren’t concerned about losing their hearing aids and want the reassurance of an exceptionally long battery life will want to consider Signia.

Comparing Signia models

The Signia customer experience

Starkey earned a 9.5 out of 10 in our customer service testing. Here’s what you can expect:

• Warranty: Depends on retailer
• Trial period: Minimum 30 days
• Financing: Dependent on retailer
• Customer service:
  • https://www.signia.net/en-us/service/contact/
  • https://www.signia.net/en-us/support/
  • Bluetooth consumer hotline for connectivity issues: 800-350-6093, open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET

Brands that didn’t make the cut

We’re constantly testing new hearing aids. Not everything we test makes the cut—and that’s on purpose. We only want to recommend the best-performing hearing aids on the market.

The brands below didn’t pass our rigorous internal testing.

• Nebroo
  • We don’t recommend Nebroo, a new OTC brand that is heavily marketing on social media.
  • When we investigated this brand, we found a suspiciously high number of five-star reviews (700+) on the reviews section of its website, odd since the brand has only been in business for about one year.
  • The company has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau and a string of complaints from dissatisfied customers alleging difficult returns, refunds that never came, and non-working devices.
  • We’ve also had users reach out to us to say that they purchased a Nebroo device, it didn’t work as advertised, and they were unable to return them.
• Nano
  • Nano is another hearing aid brand marketing primarily on social media we don’t recommend.
  • The brand was sued by the State of Vermont in 2023 for “unfair business practices and misleading marketing statements.” Some of these unfair practices included company leadership directing sales staff to identify themselves as hearing instrument specialists (a position that typically requires a two-year degree) when they held no such credentials.
• Apple Airpods
  • Apple recently added OTC-grade sound processing software to its Airpods 2.
  • While we like the idea of a consumer electronic expanding access to hearing aids, the Airpods didn’t pass our test. Testers said the sound processing was blunt and not nuanced (either “too loud” or “too soft”). And despite trying multiple domes, testers couldn’t find a good fit and usually felt like the devices were going to fall out. Lastly, testers said the Airpods Pro 2 look and feel bulky and make them feel a distinct “plugged-up feeling” in their ear.
• Go Hearing
  • These hearing aids have an attractive price ($299/pair), but that’s about it.
  • They have no Bluetooth, no app, and only three preset listening profiles to choose from.
  • For less money, you can get more features with a brand like Audien.

How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear better, but they won’t restore hearing to normal. These devices play the part that your ears typically would on their own without hearing loss. The microphone pulls in sounds and passes them to the amplifier, which sends them to a speaker.⁶ The amplifier does the heavy lifting, taking the sounds and improving them based on your specific needs and then converting them back to sound waves to send through to the speaker.

Types of hearing aids

There are many different types of hearing aids, and finding the right ones for your needs will depend on your style preferences, the features you want or need, and your degree of hearing loss.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Most of this style of device sits behind your ear, and a small clear tube is attached to an earmold, which sits in your ear. This is the style most people think of when they imagine a hearing aid. Its large size means it can fit more advanced technology, and this style often houses the most features.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIE)

This style is also called “mini BTE” because it looks like a BTE style, only smaller. People sometimes prefer a RIC hearing aid because the small receiver means you may not experience the plugged-up feeling people describe when wearing full ear molds or earbud-style hearing aids.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

These look like the ear mold of a BTE hearing aid without the part that rests behind the ear. Because they sit in the outer ear, they can be bulky and cause a plugged-up feeling, but they’re also easier to handle than smaller styles.

In-the-Canal (ITC)

Instead of sitting in the outer ear, these insert into the ear canal. They still stick out some, but they’re more discreet than any of the above styles. ITC hearing aids are very small and can be tricky to handle if you have arthritis or hand dexterity issues.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

This style is the most discreet of all, sitting all the way inside the ear canal. While it’s almost invisible to others, it’s also more difficult to get in and out for things like charging, battery changes, and cleaning. Some devices can be left in the ear for longer periods of time. For example, the Phonak Lyric is a device designed to fit so deep in the ear canal it’s inserted by a hearing professional and can be left in the ear for months at a time.

OTC vs. prescription hearing aids

Until October of 2022, people had to go to an audiology clinic, get a traditional hearing test, and pay thousands of dollars for a pair of prescription hearing aids. Largely because of the high cost, many people were unable to get help with their hearing loss. To expand access to these devices, Congress passed bipartisan legislation in 2017 to get the wheels in motion for the existence of OTC hearing aids as they are sold today.⁷ As of October 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates what is and is not an OTC hearing aid, helping shoppers to buy legitimate devices and avoid scams.

Now, anyone with mild-to-moderate hearing loss can purchase OTC hearing aids at pharmacies and big box stores, or from online retailers like Amazon. These devices are much less expensive than traditional hearing aid. But they can’t support more severe levels of hearing loss and lack many of the more advanced features prescription devices can offer.

What to look for when buying a hearing aid

Before you start shopping, determine your type of hearing loss and degree of hearing loss. You should always get an exam by a hearing professional, like an audiologist, before buying hearing aids. Even though an in-person exam isn’t required, online hearing tests cannot diagnose an underlying condition that may be causing your hearing loss, like impacted ear wax or damage to the ear canal.

After you’ve gotten an exam, you can either take a hearing test in-person at a hearing clinic, a local superstore, like Costco or Sam’s Club, or in your own home via a company like Yes Hearing. Or you can take an online hearing test. If this test shows that you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, you can go ahead and purchase OTC hearing aids. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a prescription pair.

Choose a style that fits your personal preferences and hearing needs. For example, you may appreciate the discreet look of an ITC device.

“I always felt they would be very noticeable and immediately make me look and feel really old, but that's not the case at all. Mine are pretty tiny and barely noticeable,” said one NCOA hearing aid survey respondent.

You may want feature-packed BTE functionality instead. If you’re frequently taking calls throughout the day or love to stream music, Bluetooth connectivity will be important to you.

Read through our Hearing Aid Buyers Guide for more hearing aid shopping tips.

Top hearing aid features to consider

There are many features to consider when shopping for hearing aids, but a few stand out from the pack. In our February 2025 survey of 300 hearing aid users, sound quality was the number one most important thing shoppers wanted in a hearing aid, followed close behind by affordability. Here’s what else you should consider:

• Ease of use
• Post-purchase support and customer care
• Bluetooth
• Rechargeable batteries
• Directional microphones
• Telecoil
• Digital noise reduction
• Feedback suppression
• Speech clarity processing
• Tinnitus masking

Hearing aids for tinnitus

Tinnitus is a perceived sound that doesn’t come from an external source, so other people can’t hear it.⁸ Though it’s often described as a ringing, it can also be other sounds. There isn’t a cure for tinnitus, so the most common treatment is “masking,” or layering on other ambient sounds to make the tinnitus sound more bearable.

Hearing aids sometimes come with tinnitus-masking technology that allows you to choose one or more sounds to play. Most prescription devices offer this, but some OTC brands do, too. We named Elehear Best for Tinnitus in our roundup of the best OTC hearing aids because of its impressive masking offerings.

How much do hearing aids cost?

Over-the-counter hearing aids range in price from as low as $99 a pair to as high as $2,500 a pair, while prescription hearing aids typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 a pair—though they can cost much more. Factors like audiology care, battery type (rechargeable vs. disposable), and extra features, like tinnitus masking, all contribute to the price differences in hearing aids. 

Prescription hearing aids cost

Pricing for prescription hearing aids can be confusing. Prescription hearing aid brands don’t share prices online because there are so many versions and customization options for each device, so it’s hard to give exact numbers. Specific cost information for prescription hearing aids requires a consultation with your local hearing care professional.

Prescription hearing aids also offer many more features than OTC hearing aids, like automatic sound adjustments and technology to make your own voice sound more natural. Some of these features are particularly helpful for those with severe hearing loss, which these devices are designed to treat.

Most prescription hearing aids come in a range of technology levels. As the technology of the hearing aids gets more complex, the price of the devices rises.

Prescription hearing aid costs by technology level

*These prices are a general range when buying prescription hearing aids at full price. To obtain exact pricing, you’ll need to visit your local hearing care professional.

How to save money on hearing aids

Hearing aids are costly. At a minimum, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a more basic, OTC device. Most hearing aid distributors offer financing options. But you don’t always need to pay full price for hearing aids. And there are many options to find discounts while supporting your hearing health.

Some options for saving money on hearing aids include:

• Using an HSA or FSA: Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow you to set aside funds for medical devices before they’re taxed.
• Look for discounts and sales: Many hearing aid brands offer discounts on their devices for certain professions, like teachers, or for veterans. You can also frequently find sales on hearing aids, especially during holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Presidents Day.
• Private insurance: Most private insurance companies do not cover hearing aids, but some states require insurance to pay for hearing aids, even if it’s only partially. You can look for your state on the American Speech and Hearing Association’s page.
• VA benefits: Some veterans receiving general VA health care can receive free hearing exams, as well as hearing aids, implants, batteries, and more at low or no cost. Learn more at the Veterans Affairs website.
• Discount retailers: Discount retailers, like Yes Hearing, and nonprofit hearing centers can offer significant savings for those shopping for hearing aids with a limited budget.
• Area agency on aging: Your local area agency on aging offers older adults resources to age safely at home. They can help you find the information you need to access local services.
• Community service organizations: Many community service organizations work to connect those in need with hearing aids. Some popular options include the Elks Club, the Lions Club, The Knights of Columbus, Rotary International, and more.

Does Medicare and Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Currently, you cannot use Medicare A or B to pay for hearing exams, hearing aids, or fittings.⁹ You can use Medicare Part B to pay for hearing and balance exams. When ordered by your health care provider. Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, may pay for some hearing aid expenses.

Medicaid often pays for all or part of your hearing aid costs, but your coverage will vary by state. You can learn more about Medicaid hearing aid coverage at the Hearing Loss Association of America’s website.

How to buy hearing aids

Recently, there’s been a push to make purchasing hearing aids more accessible. So, while in the past the only option to get hearing aids was to find a hearing care clinic, now there are several options to choose from.

Before you decide you need hearing aids, the most important first step is to undergo a hearing exam. A hearing exam will help you determine which hearing aids are the right match for your needs.

How to get a hearing test

Many sites offer hearing tests online. These are a great way to track your hearing health when you’ve already seen an audiologist. But online hearing tests are limited. They cannot diagnose your type or cause of hearing loss, and they can’t identify any physical issues related to your hearing loss. If your hearing loss is due to impacted ear wax, an online test may show you need hearing aids when there’s a much easier and less expensive solution.

“An online hearing test is a quick screening tool if somebody would like to get a rough idea of their current hearing status (for a pass/fail result),” said Taylor Ferrell, AuD, an audiologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. “If any hearing loss is determined via the online hearing test an in-person, comprehensive evaluation is warranted.”

“I took two online hearing tests, and they were completely different. One only tested me on speech in noise, the other only tested me on tones. The first one said my hearing was normal, and the second one said I had mild-to-moderate hearing loss,” said one tester.

An in-person hearing exam is the only way to receive a complete assessment of your hearing health. Your primary care provider can refer you to a hearing clinic for your exam. Or you can find one through any provider of prescription hearing aids, including an audiologist, an otolaryngologist (ENT), or a hearing instrument specialist.

Experts recommend getting a hearing check at least every two years. “Generally, older adults should have their hearing checked annually or every two years, sooner if they’ve had a change in hearing or other concerns,” said Ferrell.

_{A tester having his hearing tested at Costco}

Buying prescription hearing aids

Three main options are available for purchasing prescription hearing aids:

• An audiology or hearing health clinic
• A members-only warehouse store, like Costco or Sam's Club
• Having an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist come to you

Buying hearing aids at a hearing health clinic

A hearing health clinic offers an in-person consultation with an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist, complete hearing health exams, and an audiogram. An audiogram is a chart detailing the results of your hearing test. It shows the frequency and the volume where your hearing is declining. An audiogram also measures your speech audiometry, which is how well you hear and understand words in noise.

If your hearing test indicates you’re a candidate for hearing aids, a hearing health clinic will determine which style and type of hearing aid can best suit your needs. Then they’ll program and fit your hearing aids for you.

Buying hearing aids at Costco or Sam’s Club

Costco and Sam’s Club are membership-based warehouse stores offering other services, such as pharmacies, optometry clinics, and hearing aid centers. In our February 2025 survey of older adult hearing aid users, 12% said they bought their hearing aids from Costco.

The hearing aid centers at Costco or Sam’s Club employ audiologists or hearing instrument specialists to perform hearing exams and sell, program, and fit a limited line of hearing aids available in the store. These hearing aids are typically less expensive than other prescription hearing aids.

“Name brands often sell hearing aids through Costco or Sam’s Club at a discount because they’re defeatured, meaning they don’t have all of the extra capabilities the ones sold at an audiologist office do.” —Ron Binkley, HIS at Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center.

Hearing exams and audiograms are typically free for members of Costco or Sam’s Club, but membership costs $65 yearly for Costco, and $50 yearly at Sam’s Club.

_{Our tester was encouraged to walk around Costco wearing his Jabra Pro 20 hearing aids to see how they felt and sounded.}

Buying prescription hearing aids from home

Companies like Yes Hearing offer virtual consultations and follow up appointments with an in-person hearing specialist who comes to your home. The specialists from Yes Hearing speak with you online about your hearing loss, lifestyle, budget, and any other relevant information. Then, they schedule a hearing specialist to come to your home. At your in-home appointment, you’ll undergo a hearing exam, and they’ll program and fit a pair of hearing aids for you. You’ll also have a follow-up appointment in your home to ensure your hearing aids are working well for you.

As Sam Shear, Yes Hearing’s CEO, explains, “The key to the virtual consultation process is to truly understand the specific needs of each individual. More than simple testing results from an audiogram, we have found that identifying the best product comes down to a combination of lifestyle needs, financial needs, specific feature requirements, and often activity level. We then provide a full hearing test to ensure the recommendation is accurate from a technical standpoint and program the devices accordingly.”

_{One of our testers scheduled an appointment and had his hearing assessed by Yes Hearing.}

Buying OTC hearing aids

The process for purchasing OTC hearing aids can vary. You can buy them online directly from the manufacturer, or you can purchase them in many stores that carry health devices or online from retailers like Amazon.

While some OTC hearing aids are self-fitting, others are programmed for you before receiving them. For example, Audicus requires you to take their hearing exam or submit a previous audiogram when you purchase their hearing aids. When your hearing aids arrive, they’re already customized based on the results of your hearing test.

In contrast, self-fitting hearing aids do not come with any customized programming, and instead you adjust your settings directly. Most OTC hearing aids sold in stores are self-fitting. You can find OTC hearing aids at stores like:

• Walmart
• Target
• Best Buy
• Walgreens
• CVS
• Amazon

Some of the prescription hearing aid providers listed above also sell OTC hearing aids for their patients with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

Why your hearing health matters

The risks of untreated hearing loss are among the most important reasons to prioritize your hearing health. Untreated hearing loss can slowly decrease your brain’s ability to process sounds correctly, which affects many other aspects of your life.¹⁰

"Sometimes the hearing doesn’t decline, but the ability to process does. When you wait too long, it’s not that the hearing declines more, it’s that the processing changes." –Cindy Manzanares, HIS

Conditions linked to untreated hearing loss include:

• Dementia: More research is coming out about the relationship between untreated hearing loss and dementia.¹¹ A John Hopkins study found mild hearing loss doubles dementia risk, moderate loss tripled risk, and severe loss increased risk by five times.
• Cognitive decline: Research has shown that using hearing aids to treat hearing loss may slow cognitive decline.¹² One study looking at untreated hearing loss and the rate of cognitive decline found it would take a hearing-impaired older adult just under eight years, on average, to develop cognitive impairment, compared with 11 years for those with normal hearing.¹³
• Social isolation/loneliness: Research finds a clear connection between social isolation and hearing loss.¹⁴ It’s likely that people with hearing loss withdraw from social situations due to difficulties communicating. They may isolate themselves, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and other negative mental health issues.
• Poor mental health: When communication becomes limited due to hearing loss, it can feel exhausting. As a result, those with hearing loss may feel less comfortable with their surroundings, leading to the withdrawal mentioned above and feelings of unease. All these factors make older adults with hearing loss more likely to experience:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • General psychological distress^{15, 16, 17}
• Falls: Although more research is needed to understand the link between falls and hearing loss, mild hearing loss can triple your risk of falling, most likely due to decreased spatial awareness.¹⁸

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hearing aids?

The best hearing aids for you will depend on your level of hearing loss, features you need to hear your best, and preferred style. Based on our testing, we think the best OTC hearing aids are Jabra Enhance, and the best prescription hearing aids are Phonak. But a qualified hearing care professional can perform a formal hearing aid evaluation to determine the best product for you.

Does Medicare cover hearing aids?

Medicare Part A and B do not cover the cost of hearing aids, but some Medical Advantage Plans (Part C) may cover parts or all of the cost. Call your plan provider to see what type of coverage you have.

How much do hearing aids cost?

Over-the-counter hearing aids are much more affordable than prescription hearing aids. OTC brands can cost anywhere from $99-$2,500 per pair. Prescription hearing aids start around $3,000 and can cost more than $10,000 per pair.

How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids have a microphone, amplifier, and speaker—the microphone takes in sounds, the amplifier updates them based on your hearing needs and sends them to the speaker, and the speaker transmits them to your brain to process the sounds.

How long do hearing aids last?

Hearing aids generally last between 3-7 years. But this will depend on factors like how often you use them, whether you stream music and calls regularly, and if you use disposable or rechargeable batteries.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org

Sources

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss. Dec. 20, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
2. Golub J et al. Association of Subclinical Hearing Loss With Cognitive Performance and Neuroimaging Measures in Cognitively Healthy Adults. May 20, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2022.868673/full
3. Deal J et al. Association of Hearing Impairment and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults. April 22, 2020. Found on the internet at https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jgs.16109
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important Facts About Falls. Sept. 6, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html
5. Chen Y et al. Development of a Fall Detection System Based on Machine Learning Models Using Wearable Inertial Measurement Units. April 14, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/8/3983
6. Cleveland Clinic. Hearing Aids. Aug. 24, 2023. Found on the internet at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24756-hearing-aids
7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Finalizes Historic Rule Enabling Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids for Millions of Americans. Aug. 16, 2022. Found on the internet at https://web.archive.org/web/20221028042729/https:/www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-finalizes-historic-rule-enabling-access-over-counter-hearing-aids-millions-americans
8. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Tinnitus. March 6, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus
9. Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
10. Mener D et al. Hearing Loss and Depression in Older Adults. March 8, 2022. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8920093/
11. National Institutes of Health. Hearing Aids Slow Cognitive Decline in People at High Risk. July 18, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/hearing-aids-slow-cognitive-decline-people-high-risk
12. Lin F et al. Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults. Jan. 21, 2013. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1558452
13. Powell D et al. Hearing Loss and Older Adults’ Perceptions of Access to Care. June 15, 2022. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9162786/
14. American Academy of Audiology. Depression and Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/depression-and-hearing-loss/
15. Lawrence B et al. Hearing Loss and Depression in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Dec. 7, 2017. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5704938/
16. Reed N et al. Trends in Health Care Costs and Utilization Associated With Hearing Loss Among Older Adults. July 1, 2020. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768374
17. UT Southwestern Medical Center. Hearing Loss Linked to Increased Risk of Falls. July 7, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/articles/year-2022/july-hearing-loss-and-falls.html
18. NCOA. Hearing Aids Survey. 300 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched February 2025.