The Best Hearing Aids
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for those with hearing challenges, there’d long been just one option for dealing with it: an expensive, bulky hearing aid prescribed by a doctor. That changed in 2022 when the US Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter hearing aid devices, giving consumers access to a vast and growing array of alternatives. Today, there are more hearing aids than ever, and they come in all different shapes, sizes, and most importantly, prices. How does a $100 hearing aid compare to a $5,000 prescription device for treating mild to moderate hearing loss? We’ve been testing products for the past two years to answer that question.
To help us out with this analysis, we brought in an expert. Licensed audiologist Ruth Reisman analyzed all of these hearing aids in a scientific lab setting, approving only models that amplified noises at safe levels. At the same time, I did hands-on (ears-on?) testing of these hearing aids around my home, outside, and in noisy environments.
We found plenty to like on the market today—and plenty of aids we’d avoid. The Jabra Enhance Select 300 has the current crown as the best hearing aid, with the Eargo Link and Sony CRE-C20 close behind. Here’s our complete roundup of the best prescription and over-the-counter hearing aids we tested and approved.
Updated August 2024: We've added the Sony CRE-C20, JLab Hear, and a few to the avoid list.
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Compare the Best Hearing Aids
| Hearing Aid | Price | Battery Type | Max Battery Life | Style | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: Jabra Enhance Select 300 | From $1,695 | Rechargeable | 30 hours | BTE | OTC |
| Best Budget Hearing Aids: Eargo Link | From $799 | Rechargeable | 16 hours | ITE | OTC |
| Best Upgrade: Jabra Enhance Select 500 | From $1,995 | Rechargeable | 30 hours | BTE | OTC |
| Best in-the-Ear Hearing Aids: Sony CRE-C20 | From $1,000 | Rechargeable | 28 hours | ITE | OTC |
| Best Ultra-Low-Cost Hearing Aids: JLab Hear | From $100 | Rechargeable | 10 hours | ITE | OTC |
What to Consider Before You Buy
Every person is unique, and so are their hearing loss needs. Consider these factors to find a device that suits your needs and lifestyle. For more tips, check out our How to Buy a Hearing Aid guide.
Hearing aids shouldn’t bankrupt you. With such a steep price and minimal insurance coverage, it’s no wonder why so many people put off hearing loss treatment. Between audiologist visits, hearing aid orders, custom fittings, and maintenance, it’s justifiable that you might postpone treatment rather than fork over your credit card. It’s vital you know your budget before you start browsing for hearing aids. Many brands offer trial periods where you can test out the device for a set number of days and, if they’re a bad fit, return them free of charge.
It doesn’t have to be obvious that you’re wearing a hearing aid. Despite cartoonish media depictions of hunched-over seniors screaming “WHAT?!” at every person who tries to talk to them, hearing loss doesn’t discriminate by age. With nearly 10 million Americans under the age of 60 affected, more should be taking advantage of the sleekly designed hearing aids on the market. Similar to the stigmas that keep people from seeking mental health treatment, the hearing loss community is plagued by self-consciousness when it comes to wearing these devices. Modern in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids have come a long way in subtlety.
Opt for a professional hearing test over an online one. While online and app-based tests are a good way to dip your toes in and see whether you have hearing loss, a detailed audiogram that only an in-office visit can provide is a far better option. A hearing professional can use this audiogram to calibrate hearing aids to your specific needs.
- Photograph: René Fielder
Best Overall
Jabra Enhance Select 300The latest model in Jabra’s elite line of hearing aids are not only the Danish company’s best offering yet, but they're also the best hearing aids on the market. With enhanced speech recognition and an excellent customer service network, the Enhance Select 300 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) stand out for their ability to match the quality of prescription hearing aids without requiring a prescription. These relatively small behind-the-ear (BTE) devices pair with the Enhance Select mobile app, allowing users to choose between four listening modes—All Around, Restaurant, Music, and Outdoor—though I found the All Around setting to work fine in most environments. Each mode can be customized and lets you further tweak preferences for speech clarity and noise filtering. The Select 300 are Bluetooth-compatible so you can stream media directly from a smartphone or tablet. And despite the rechargeable case being bulkier than most others on this list, it carries an impressive 72 hours of juice. Fully charged, the aids can last up to 30 hours off a single three-hour charging session.
The Enhance Select 300’s best feature are not what it includes, but what it lacks: hiss. Most hearing aid wearers (myself included) are all too familiar with the unpleasant hiss or static noise that sometimes happens when you increase a hearing aid’s volume beyond about halfway. This model virtually eliminates feedback at even the highest volume levels. But with prescription-level quality comes prescription-level pricing, and at $1,695 a pair, the Enhance Select 300 certainly aren't cheap. You can get financing for as low as $52 per month with a three-year warranty. You can shave off $200 if you opt for the entry-level Enhance Select 100 model, but you’ll be sacrificing features like access to Jabra’s audiologist staff and professional adjustments.
OTC. Compatible with iOS and Android. Battery life of 24 to 30 hours.
- Photograph: René Fielder
Best Budget Hearing Aids
Eargo LinkThe unfortunate reality of hearing aids is that they’re expensive. And at $799, the Eargo Link (7/10, WIRED Recommends) are certainly not cheap. But when you factor in their excellent noise reduction and directional microphones, you start to see how they're a relative bargain. The in-the-ear (ITE) design resembles wireless earbud headphones more than hearing aids, which lends a degree of subtlety. They’re also sweat-, splash-, and dust-resistant, so you can sport them on a rainy day or while you work out. Perhaps the best feature of the Eargo Link are its media streaming capabilities. The hearing aids match the bass boost and sound-blocking features you’d find in premium noise-canceling headphones. You can stream your favorite music, movies, and other media via Bluetooth or take phone calls with a tap.
But these budget aids aren’t without their flaws. Unlike the much-pricier Eargo 7 model, the Link hearing aids do not work with a mobile app (the company says an app is on the way soon and will include customization options and a transparency mode). Anyone looking to adjust settings has to use touch controls on the Link to navigate through the four preset listening programs, which vary only when it comes to loudness and not much else. The Link also have a relatively weak rechargeable battery that lasts only around nine hours on a charge, so they’re not a great option for all-day wearers.
OTC. Compatible with iOS and Android. Battery life of nine hours.
- Photograph: Chris Null
Best Upgrade
Jabra Enhance Select 500With its Enhance Select 500 (9/10, WIRED Recommends), Jabra has taken its winning Enhance Select 300 and made it, well, one louder. It’s ever so slightly smaller (just 3 percent by weight) but otherwise a nearly identical device, right down to the color selection. The scant few added features include support for Bluetooth LE and Auracast, plus an added tap-to-call feature for Android users that is missing on the older 300, but I’m skeptical that most users will miss either one of them if they don’t opt for the upgrade.
Still, the 500 is smaller and therefore slightly less obtrusive, and that’s something that merits consideration. Most users will be perfectly fine with the 300, but if you’re so flush with cash that you won’t miss the loss of 300 bucks, then why not shoot for the moon?
OTC. Compatible with iOS and Android. Battery life of 24 to 30 hours.
- Photograph: Christopher Null
Best In-the-Ear Hearing Aids
Sony CRE-C20 Hearing AidsAs with any medical condition, you may not want every person you meet to know that you experience hearing loss. Unfortunately, quality hearing aids are as subtle as a pair of antlers. That’s where in-the-ear (ITE)—also referred to as in-the-canal (ITC)—hearing aids like the Sony CRE-C20 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) come in handy. Developed in conjunction with WS Audiology, the C20s are virtually invisible when worn, with a short retrieval wire hanging out that is noticeable only to someone actively looking for it. They’re also quite comfortable, performance-wise, the C20s offer a crisp sound quality that rivals some competitors charging twice as much.
The new C20 aids are an upgrade over our former top pick for this category, the CRE-C10s. The main difference—and almost the only difference—is that the new aids feature a rechargeable battery instead of requiring old-school replaceable ones. The weight of the units remains the same at just 1.34 grams, but battery life impresses at 28 hours per charge. And you can now top them up as often as you want. Sony’s rechargeable E10s offer a bulkier design, and you can still opt for the older C10s, which cost $200 less.
OTC. Compatible with iOS and Android. Battery life of 28 hours.
Best Ultra-Low-Cost Hearing Aids
JLab HearJLab has been a player in the earbud space for years, and with the Hear (8/10, WIRED Recommends), it launches its first hearing aid product—a pair of earbuds that do double duty for both improving your listening experience and streaming media from your mobile device. The earbuds are available in black, white, or beige, and while the 4.94-gram weight of each unit isn’t insignificant, they are reasonably comfortable even for moderate-term wear.
You can’t upload an audiogram to JLab’s app, but four operational modes and additional options like noise cancellation provide a quick way to tune your experience based on your environment. Naturally, the aids particularly shine when it comes to Bluetooth streaming, and they even feature an equalizer that can help you improve things further—though why the noise cancellation feature isn’t available while listening to music is a huge mystery. At this price though, the Hear over-delivers considerably.
OTC. Compatible with iOS and Android. Battery life of 10 hours.
Photograph: Simon HillOther Hearing Aids to Consider
Honorable MentionsWe've reviewed dozens of hearing aids, and many of them are good but not great. Here are alternatives to consider:
Signia Pure Charge&Go IX for $4,000+: These prescription aids require professional fitting by an audiologist, either online or in person. These were initially some of the least impactful hearing aids I've tested; they didn't amplify conversations the way Signia promised. However, after significant tuning with Signia's in-house doctor and my own audiologist (they pored over settings in the Signia administration app not accessible to end users), they dramatically boosted conversation volumes. Clearly, you can fine-tune the listening experience a great deal. Unfortunately, the pricing is set by the audiologist and ranges from $4,000 to $10,000.
Eargo 7 for $2,650: The Eargo 7 (7/10, WIRED Review) offer high-quality sound, and you can connect with an audiologist to fine-tune them to your ears. There are a few listening programs you can cycle through, but I didn't find the need to switch modes—they provided well-amplified audio no matter what I was doing. The main issue? They're needlessly expensive.
Sony CRE-E10 for $1,100: The CRE-E10 (7/10, WIRED Review) aren't so much of an upgrade to the C20 we recommend above, but a different class of product. They're much more visible, though they look like a standard pair of Bluetooth earbuds. The E10 provide a comfortable fit but can get tiring after a long day. At least they use a rechargeable battery (via USB-C) with up to 26 hours on a single charge. You can control them only through Sony's app, and the hearing test lets you tune the frequency response of the aids. The audio experience is excellent at low volumes, though these aids have a bit of an echo and some additional noise. Still, I found it manageable. They do a decent job streaming media and calls via Bluetooth.
Elehear Alpha Pro for $459: If you suffer from mild hearing loss, the Elehear Alpha Pro (7/10, WIRED Review) are worth a look. They're traditional-looking hearing aids, and new users get a free 30-minute session with an audiologist to get them set up. There are several modes you can cycle through in the app to boost the volume and decrease ambient noise, plus you can tweak the presets Elehear offers, though a lot of this is trial and error. They have good battery life—around 20 hours on a single charge—and did not deplete for me after using them for a full day. You can pop them into a carrying case that can recharge them up to seven more times.
Photograph: René FielderHow We Test Hearing Aids
Testing ProtocolOur hearing aid testing was conducted by myself and licensed audiologist Ruth Reisman. First, we sent devices to Reisman to test for effectiveness and safety. In her laboratory in Brooklyn, New York, Reisman used a Verifit 2 test box, also known as a hearing aid analyzer, to evaluate the performance of each hearing aid per the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). She placed each device in the box, testing the hearing aids’ sound frequencies and listening comfort against the audiogram of a test patient with mild to moderate hearing loss. Reisman also used speech mapping to visually record the test box results, creating simple graphs that show how a hearing aid’s output would sound in a patient’s ear. These graphs even show how audible certain sounds are, including soft, moderate, and loud. The final parameter tested was how the devices fared when faced with extremely loud noises to ensure they could control for UCL (uncomfortable loudness), to avoid causing further damage. Based on these results, Reisman weeded out unsafe or poorly performing hearing aids and identified devices we would test further.
I configured and qualitatively tested each device in several settings, including my home, outdoors, and crowded environments, to see how well they helped treat my mild hearing loss while more deeply evaluating the user experience. I tried charging rechargeable models, changing batteries if disposable, connecting Bluetooth features, and cleaning the devices. I also compared them based on overall look and style—style matters.
We pooled together Reisman’s data and my first-hand observations to determine the recommendations above.
Photograph: Halfdark/Getty ImagesTypes of Hearing Aids
Know the TermsBefore you choose which hearing aid is right for you, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the different styles on the market. While you may see multiple design styles, hearing aids essentially boil down to two main varieties: behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. Completely-in-canal (CIC) devices also exist, but none are available over the counter. Here are common terms you’ll see:
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, also known as over-the-ear, are probably the most traditional style. For these devices, an often bulky plastic case rests on the back of your ear while a tube delivers sound to an earmold. Because they’re bigger, they tend to have the most technology and can cater to higher degrees of hearing loss. That said, they also tend to stand out more, which is a drawback for those looking for subtlety. Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids are essentially the same as behind-the-ear devices, with a receiver component that sits in the ear canal instead of being built into the case. Though the industry likes to tout them as a sleeker, less noticeable counterpart, in actuality they’re not much smaller than BTEs and function identically.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, also known as in-the-canal (ITC), are more comparable to wireless earbuds from a design standpoint. These devices allow for directional mics but also tend to collect moisture and wax.
Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are the most “invisible” hearing aids on the market. This is because, as the name suggests, they’re completely submerged in your ear canal with nothing sticking out (besides a tiny string for removal). They typically have to be inserted by a professional and left in the ear for longer periods, and as noted, they are not available over the counter.
Photograph: Getty ImagesHow Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?
The Financial TollHow much money should you expect to spend on a hearing aid? The answer depends primarily on whether you’re looking into over-the-counter or prescription hearing aids. Unsurprisingly, the latter is a wallet guzzler, with average costs between $2,000 to $8,000. But OTCs can ring up quite a tab in their own right, and our most highly rated devices will still run you about $800 to $2,000 a pair. So far, we haven’t found an OTC device under this $800 price that is truly effective at treating hearing loss. In most cases, the $100 budget devices now flooding the market are too good to be true.
Fortunately, there are several methods to manage the high cost of a hearing aid:
Financing is available for virtually all reputable hearing aid companies, so you may not need to pay everything up front. Some plans are offered directly through the company, while others may require a third-party financing company like Klarna or Care Credit.
If you are over the age of 65, you may qualify for an add-on Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) that may include hearing-related benefits. Most private insurance providers don’t offer hearing exam and device coverage, though some may have the option to add it as a supplemental benefit.
Medicaid coverage in certain states also pays for hearing aids, provided the prescription brand accepts it. Veterans may also qualify for hearing aid coverage through their VA benefits.
Some state governments have programs to help their constituents front the costs of hearing aids. Call or write to your state department to see whether this is a service they offer.
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Photograph: WHPics/Getty ImagesHow to Buy a Hearing Aid?
There are two primary ways to buy a hearing aid: through a medical professional (the prescription route) or over-the-counter. Each has its pros and cons.
Prescription hearing aids are usually acquired through an audiologist. These specialists operate businesses ranging from sophisticated medical centers to small shops in a strip mall, usually emblazoned with a sign that reads “HEARING AIDS.” Again, this was the only way to acquire a hearing aid before 2022. An audiologist provides full service for your hearing aid from start to finish. They will test your hearing in a specialized room, physically examine your ears for medical problems, and suggest a hearing aid model. They will tune your chosen hearing aids and adjust them over time if things don’t sound right. The catch? Prescription hearing aids are expensive, anywhere from two to 10 times costlier than over-the-counter models. That said, for consumers who need hand-holding and significant fine-tuning of their hearing aids, professionals like this still have a function.
Over-the-counter aids can be bought through retailers online or offline, just like you would buy, say, a laptop computer. Different vendors offer different levels of pre-sales support, and as the price of an OTC hearing aid goes up, you can usually expect a higher level of service. This may start with an online hearing test delivered to you via your computer or phone; these are not as good as an in-person test, but some can be surprisingly accurate. You may also get access to a remote audiologist who can meet with you over a video chat and fine-tune your hearing aid settings over the air. Ultimately, higher-end OTC aids offer a user experience similar to that of prescription aids, only one that is fully remote. At the low end of the hearing aid spectrum, you may get no service and support at all.
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Photograph: Johnrob/Getty ImagesRechargeable vs. Replaceable Batteries
In the beginning, replaceable (or disposable) batteries were the only option for hearing aids. These batteries are tiny cells smaller than a pencil eraser which you replace with a new one after they die. Hearing aid batteries can last for 70 hours or more, so you'd typically replace them once every week or two, depending on use. The longer lifespan means that if you are often away from a power outlet (or forget to charge your aids), you can worry less about running out of juice. (However, you will have to remember to carry spare batteries with you.) Hearing aids with replaceable batteries can also be (but aren’t always) smaller and cheaper, but the batteries are difficult to work with. Even if you have steady hands, it can be difficult to get a tiny battery in and out. These batteries are easy to lose and represent a serious health hazard if children or pets eat them. There’s also a small cost consideration: spare batteries aren’t free.
Rechargeable hearing aids use lithium-ion batteries and recharge via a case, much like standard Bluetooth earbuds. Battery life can vary widely, from over 24 hours to less than eight. That said, for most users, if the case is kept plugged in and the hearing aids are dropped into the case any time they aren’t in use, they should never have to worry about a dead battery. The case itself also has a battery; these can supply an extra three to seven full recharges to the hearing aids before the case batteries die. Again, this varies widely. Rechargeable aids are much more commonplace today and reflect the most up-to-date technology. You’ll have far more options if you go for a rechargeable model.
Photograph: AmazonAvoid These Hearing Aids
Save Your MoneyJust as important as what hearing aids to buy are what hearing aids not to buy. While some of these devices are affordable, most are lacking in quality or style. After our testing, we don’t wholly recommend these hearing aids. (Poor hearing aids can harm your hearing.)
Audien Atom One for $98: I had high hopes for these (5/10, WIRED Review) but they're impossibly cheap. The Atom One come up short on smart features, as there’s no way to fine-tune these devices.
Lexie Lumen for $599: These are comically large and dated. The case was physically falling apart during testing, which I wouldn’t expect from hearing aids at this price. Though they sound fine, they’re far from subtle and were plagued with connectivity bugs.
Olive Union Olive Max for $447: The Olive Max (6/10, WIRED Review) are big and look like a Bluetooth headset from the early 2000s (except for both of your ears). You can use an app to fine-tune the listening experience, but the overall hearing aid performance was mixed and I experienced a steady, buzzing background noise. They were pretty unusable in loud environments too. That said, they work well as standard wireless earbuds.
Ceretone Core One for $349: The mandatory app required to control these hearing aids is so basic that it's useless (5/10, WIRED Review). You can't tune the frequencies, and the listening experience is quite blunt. They're also not comfortable to wear for long periods.
Sennheiser All-Day Clear for $795: Considering the price, these hearing aids (3/10, WIRED Review) are not effective and have a significant background hiss problem. They're bulky and difficult to position.
Linner Nova OTC for $300: The AirPods-like Linner Nova (3/10, WIRED Review) amplify environmental sound and can double as streaming earbuds, but do neither particularly well.
MDHearing Neo for $297 and Neo XS for $397: Never mind the Joe Namath endorsement, these in-ear aids are incredibly uncomfortable and feature a wildly dated design sensibility. Screeching feedback at the slightest touch makes them untenable for even short-term use.
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