- No prescription required
- Try risk-free 45 days
- New A2™ chip for better sound
- Largest selection of hearing aids
- Nearly invisible + bluetooth + rechargeable
- Proven results with medical-grade fitting
- User-friendly app for reconfiguring settings
- All devices have rechargeable batteries
- Special offer: Up to $500 in savings available
- Almost invisible behind-the-ear aids
- 100-day free trial
- Connect to audiologist via easy-to-use app
- In-the-ear and behind-the-ear hearing aids
- 45-day free trial and money-back guarantee
- Sales on hearing aids starting at $297/pair
- Personalized in-home + virtual support & care
- Rechargeable and battery-powered devices
- From $2,125 with flexible payment plans
- No prescription required
- Try risk-free 45 days
- New A2™ chip for better sound
Natural Intelligence does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or your local emergency number immediately.
The Top 10 Best Hearing Aids in 2024
About 37.5 million adults in the United States have hearing loss to some degree and would benefit from wearing hearing aids, but only 1 in 5 does so.
How do hearing aids work?
Hearing aids are small electronic devices that are worn in or behind the ear by people with hearing loss. Their job is to amplify specific sounds helping their wearer hear and communicate with others better. Hearing aids can help people hear better both in quiet and noisy environments, depending on their specific needs.
While there is a large range of different designs, almost all types of hearing aids function on the same basic principle. The hearing aid’s microphone picks up sound waves, converts them to electrical signals, and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier then processes, boosts, and modifies the power of these signals and passes them on to a tiny receiver in the ear.
What are the different types of hearing aids available?
Depending on the characteristics of your hearing loss, your ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) or audiology professional will recommend the right type of hearing aid for your needs.
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
A BTE hearing aid has two parts: the main part hooks over your ear and sits behind your auricle. A thin, clear tube connects it to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. The earpiece itself can be custom molded, but many people now use small pre-made eartips that fit very comfortably.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC, also RITE or mBTE)
The receiver-in-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) styles are similar to a behind-the-ear hearing aid with the speaker or receiver that sits in the ear canal. A tiny wire, rather than tubing, connects the piece behind the ear to the speaker or receiver. This style of hearing aid usually has a less visible behind-the-ear portion and may be available with a rechargeable battery.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC/IIC)
A completely-in-the-canal or invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) aid sits deeper inside the ear canal, making it nearly or entirely invisible. They are made to fit the size and shape of a person’s ear canal and are the most discreet kind of hearing aid. Because of their small size, they may be difficult for a person to adjust and remove. Their compact form also means less space for additional features such as volume control or extra microphones.
In-the-canal (ITC)/In-the-ear (ITE)
An in the ear/canal (ITE/ITC) aid sits completely within your outer ear (ITE) or just inside your ear canal (ITC). As these styles are larger than CIC/ICC hearing aids, they can include practical features and are available with directional microphones (two microphones for better hearing in noise). ITE hearing aids usually include larger batteries and can be easier to handle.
What to consider before buying a hearing aid:
Hearing test
Before getting your hearing aid, the first thing you need is a thorough hearing test and evaluation from a qualified hearing healthcare professional. They will also explain the differences between hearing aid styles and recommend which type might fit your lifestyle best. Hearing tests are easy and painless, and covered by most health insurance companies. Many online hearing aid retailers also include a free hearing test in their offer, so be sure to shop around.
Pricing
Unlike a hearing test, hearing aids are generally not covered by health insurance companies, leaving you to cover the cost. Hearing aid prices can vary significantly from retailer to retailer and range from just a few hundred dollars to well over $2000. Professional fees, remote controls, hearing aid accessories, and other hearing aid options may cost extra. Talk to your audiologist about your needs and expectations, and make sure that you understand which features are important to you and fit your budget. Almost all online hearing aid retailers offer comfortable payment plans to fit your financial needs.
Trial period
Hearing aids can be a major investment, so make sure to purchase one that comes with a risk-free trial of at least 30 days, as well as a manufacturer’s warranty. Retailers will usually credit the cost of the trial toward the final price of the hearing aid. Also, ask how much is refundable if you return the hearing aid during the trial period.
Warranties/Repairs and adjustments
Make sure your hearing aid includes a warranty that covers parts and labor for a specified period. Some hearing aid dispensers may include office visits or professional services such as cleanings and adjustments in the warranty.
Accessories
Modern hearing aids, especially higher-end models, can come with a wide array of additional accessories such as remote controls, replaceable batteries, custom ear tips, cleaning tools, and many more. While some of these accessories are simply nice to have, others can make life with your new hearing aid considerably more comfortable.
Extra features
Directional microphones
Directional microphones help to improve the pickup of sounds and are most effective in noisy environments, allowing their wearer to focus on sounds from a specific direction without the distraction of background noise. Adaptive directional microphones can automatically focus on speech and sound coming from different directions giving their wearer the freedom to move between environments with varying noise levels comfortably.
Noise reduction/cancellation
All modern hearing aids have noise reduction features available. The degree of noise reduction will depend on the model of your hearing aid, with more expensive devices offering more advanced reduction. Some hearing aids also offer wind noise reduction.
Rechargeable batteries
Higher-end hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, making maintenance easier for you by eliminating the need to regularly change the battery.
Smartphone capabilities
Some modern hearing aids can wirelessly connect with your smartphone devices so you can stream calls and audio from your phone to your hearing aids. They also connect to hearing aid apps allowing you to adjust your sound settings discreetly.
Takeaway
Hearing aids can be expensive, and while not usually covered by insurance or Medicare, it’s possible to find ones that work for you and ways to cover the costs. We’ve broken down the top choices to help you make the right decision and find the best hearing aid for your needs.
Check out our in-depth reviews for more details.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 1Reasonable sound amplification at a great price
- Best for - Best for those on a budget
- Price range - $189-$299 a pair
- Trial period - 45 days
Reasonable sound amplification at a great priceRead Audien ReviewAudien Hearing offers two main models of hearing aids, the Atom and Atom Pro, which are distinguished by their affordability, rechargeability, and simplicity. These devices are available with accessories like charging docks and are designed to offer a straightforward purchasing and usage experience without the need for medical prescriptions or visits to an audiologist.
Why we chose Audien: We chose to review Audien Hearing aids due to their unique position in the market as a low-cost, accessible option for those seeking basic hearing amplification without the added complexities and costs associated with more advanced hearing aids. Their one-size-fits-all approach and the lack of a need for custom fitting stand out as particularly advantageous for individuals looking for simple solutions or those entering the hearing aid market for the first time.
Audien Pros & Cons
PROS
Low pricingEasy to use and maintainRechargeableCONS
Could be uncomfortableAverage sound quality - 2Hearing solutions from a network of specialistsVisit SiteCall786-868-0134786-868-0134
- Best for - Best for streamlined, personalized hearing aid solutions
- Price range - $800 to $3,250 per ear
- Trial period - 45 days, no-risk
Hearing solutions from a network of specialistsRead hear.com ReviewHear.com is one of the top licensed hearing aid distributors and manufacturers in the U.S. They partner with the top 2% of hearing specialists and audiologists across the country, which means you will have access to first-class, convenient care near your home. The company will connect you with your local specialist who will help identify the best hearing aids for your needs.
Virtual care from the comfort of home is also available in some states. Hear.com has a great reputation and offers numerous devices for all levels of hearing loss. Their own hearing aid, the hear.com Horizon Go, has become one of the most popular rechargeable hearing aids on the market today. The entire process is straightforward and guided by their knowledgeable and supportive care specialists.
hear.com Pros & Cons
PROS
Huge USA-wide partner networkDevices available from numerous hearing aid manufacturersFlexible financing options are availableCONS
No live online chat support options - 3Small in-the-ear aids for mild to moderate lossVisit SiteCall866-701-4734866-701-4734
- Best for - Best for mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss
- Price range - $1,450 to $2,950 per pair
- Trial period - 45 days
Small in-the-ear aids for mild to moderate lossRead Eargo ReviewEargo offers direct-to-consumer hearing aid technology at four model levels. The devices feature an in-the-canal design, making them virtually invisible when worn, and silicone tips replace hard plastic in the ears for a comfortable fit. All Eargo models are rechargeable, with a portable charging case for on-the-go charging. After 1000 charges, the batteries begin to lose power and are not replaceable.
The company offers sample products, a 45-day test period, and a one- to two-year warranty, with several options for customer support. Three of the models include an app to provide personalization, alerts, and updates.
Eargo Pros & Cons
PROS
Tiny design, nearly invisible in the earPortable charging case45-day return policyCONS
Rechargeable batteries cannot be replacedNot designed for severe hearing loss