Best bluetooth hearing aids

What are Bluetooth hearing aids?

Hearing aids with Bluetooth technology let you use them in place of earbuds or headphones. When streaming audio, the hearing aid shuts off its microphones so you only hear audio from your source device — not background noise.

Many hearing aid manufacturers with Bluetooth-enabled products also offer other high-tech options alongside this feature, including rechargeable batteries, tinnitus relief and artificial intelligence.

When comparing hearing aid prices, make sure you know whether the price is per pair or per ear.

Bluetooth technology allows compatible devices to connect and communicate through a wireless earbud. This means Bluetooth hearing aids are able to play high-quality audio sent directly from other Bluetooth-enabled devices, and users can listen to their smartphones, TVs or radios without removing their hearing aids.

Streaming audio from a Bluetooth-compatible hearing aid also means you can sometimes filter out background noises that would otherwise distract from your listening experience. This is useful if you are in a noisy environment and want to focus on a phone call or music.

How do Bluetooth hearing aids work?

To use a hearing aid’s Bluetooth capabilities, you need to either connect it to a compatible device (like an iPhone or an Android smartphone) or use a compatible streamer. These streamers typically come with hearing aids and are worn around the neck just like a necklace. Once the Bluetooth hearing aid streamer is set up, it can pick up the Bluetooth signal from other devices and route it to your hearing aids.

Benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids

In addition to wireless connectivity, other common benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids include:

• Personalized settings: You can change the volume, pitch and other settings on a Bluetooth hearing aid with just a touch of a button or even through a smartphone app.
• Higher-quality sound: Bluetooth hearing aids often produce audio that’s clearer and more natural in sound.
• Noise reduction: Reduced background noise makes it easier to hear the audio you’re focusing on.
• Tinnitus support: Calming sounds can be streamed into Bluetooth hearing aids to help provide relief for people with tinnitus.

Compare our picks for top Bluetooth hearing aids

We’ve compared our top picks below to help you find the right Bluetooth hearing aid for your needs. Remember to think about your budget and what factors are most important to you as you research your options.

The Miracle-EarENERGY line of hearing aids is a series of rechargeable, Bluetooth-capable designs. Configurations include receiver-in-canal (RIC), behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) models.

Features of the Miracle-EarENERGY line include direct audio streaming (to iPhones only), voice recognition technology, directional microphones, digital noise reduction, tinnitus control, app connectivity and remote control.

What else we like: Miracle-EarENERGY models have a solid warranty and sleek designs. Their batteries can last up to 24 hours before needing a charge, and Miracle-Ear also provides lifetime aftercare service that includes free hearing aid checks, cleanings and adjustments.

What to consider: Miracle-Ear 4.7 doesn’t publish prices online, but this line is at the premium end of its range. Ask about financing options when you book your appointment for a hearing test — options differ by location.

What reviewers say: Verified Miracle-Ear reviews are overall positive, highlighting convenient technology and ongoing customer support.

A reviewer in New Jersey said that with the Bluetooth setup, they “can listen to TV without a problem. It makes a big difference in the clarity.”

“They cost more but are well worth it,” according to a reviewer in California. “Their hearing aid technology includes GENIUS noise reduction and speech recognition … The only hearing aids that I can hear from behind.”

The Audicus Wave can stream directly from Apple and Android smartphones, eliminating the need to use a Bluetooth streamer with these devices. However, an intermediary device could still be necessary if you have a phone that doesn’t use either of these operating systems.

What else we like: The Wave offers Bluetooth capabilities and the option to choose between traditional batteries and a rechargeable battery. The standard option uses disposable batteries that last for about a week of normal usage (according to the company), while the rechargeable battery should be plugged in every night. As of the time of publishing, the rechargeable option will cost you an extra $100 per ear, though.

Each Audicus 4.4 Wave also comes with two directional microphones. One focuses on picking up speech, while the second one suppresses background noise so conversations are clearer.

Plus, adjusting the settings on the Audicus Wave is easy. With a tap of the button, you can change volume settings and switch between programs. Settings and volume are also adjustable through an app.

What to consider: Audicus also has a monthly subscription service that allows you to get the Wave without having to pay the full cost upfront. This option lets you trade in your hearing aid for a new device every 18 months, but unlike with the company’s financing, you’ll never actually have the device paid off. Expect to pay a one-time $100 setup fee and an extra $20 per month for the rechargeability upgrade, as well. (Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.)

Additionally, Audicus’s warranty is relatively short.

What reviewers say: The majority of Audicus reviews that mention Bluetooth-connected hearing aids have 5 stars, and there are no 1-star reviews that mention Bluetooth connectivity at the time of publishing.

A reviewer in Wisconsin said, “The Audicus hearing aids are a lot better than I ever had. I have the ones that have the Bluetooth in them. If people are gonna get hearing aids, it’s best they go with the Bluetooth.”

Audicus Wave hearing aids “go through batteries pretty quickly, probably every three days,” a reviewer in North Carolina said. “Fortunately, I am on the Audicus subscription plan, so they send me batteries every three months as part of the plan. At some point I may consider switching to rechargeable.”

A reviewer in Florida got an extra set for their spouse: “Using the Bluetooth TV connector we both get excellent audio sound quality directly into our ears so that we do not miss any words, even from old movies. And, coupling our cellphones directly to the hearing aids is such a luxury. We get crystal clear phone conversations all controlled with the push of a button. I stream music and podcasts while I'm outside riding my bicycle.”

The X-950, like all of Embrace Hearing’s hearing aids, comes programmed with a Tinnitus Manager. This program plays white noise directly into the background of your hearing aid. For some people, this helps provide relief from the symptoms of tinnitus. It’s self-adjustable, which gives you complete control over when it is in use.

What else we like: The X-950 can connect directly to Apple and Android smartphones, and its LiveSpeechFocus also makes speech clearer in group situations. The X-950 also comes in four colors, and it’s appropriate for people at multiple levels of hearing loss.

What to consider: The X-950 is Embrace's 4.8 top-of-the-line performance model, but you can get the same Bluetooth and tinnitus features on the company's less expensive X-550 model, which starts at $899 per ear. The X-950 performs better in more challenging situations, such as noisy restaurants, but the X-550 will meet many people's needs for a lower price.

What reviewers say: People seem to like these hearing aids for their clarity and convenience. “I wanted one that connects with my Samsung. I got Embrace and I love them,” a reviewer in Michigan said. “They're clearer than my other ones were and I like the rechargeable batteries.”

“I got the one that goes over the ear,” a reviewer in Maryland said. “I found when I used it though, the sound of the TV was a little overwhelming. Still, that's not a bad thing. If you had trouble hearing the TV, you could definitely hear it with the Bluetooth,”

“I don't even have to take my phone out of my pocket. I look on my watch, see who's calling, and then answer from my watch and talk,” a reviewer in Delaware said.

A reviewer in Georgia said, “I do not have to change to my headset if I want to make a phone call or listen to an audiobook, so I'm impressed with them so far.”

ReSound’s 1.1 LiNX Quattro is another option if you want a rechargeable Bluetooth hearing aid, and it has superior ratings for battery life compared to our other picks. It uses a lithium-ion battery that can fully charge in just three hours. You can get up to 30 hours of battery life (or 24 hours if you’re streaming audio for 50% of the time).

What else we like: You can use the ReSound Assist app to meet with your hearing professional and fine-tune your hearing aid remotely. It’s easy to personalize your adjustments for tinnitus management with the ReSound Relief app, too.

ReSound hearing aids come with a limited warranty plus “Lost, Stolen or Damaged” protection for a full year.

What to consider: Costs and financial options vary since you have to buy through dealers, not ReSound’s website. You also need at least Android v10 and Bluetooth 5.0 to get full streaming compatibility. ReSound doesn’t guarantee compatibility with all Android devices, either.

What reviewers say: Happy customers highlight that ReSound hearing aids are affordable, effective and easy to maintain.

“I liked that ReSound was a pioneer with the connection to the iPhone. I’m a big proponent of iPhone and I like the way that they connect. I'm able to control the volume and the different settings I'm in. I can also adjust my hearing aids to make changes to the environment that I found myself in and very easily by using the iPhone,” a reviewer in New Jersey said.

“There is a world of difference in sound quality and streaming. I also like it can work with my implant. Was not able to adjust the Phonak to work with implant. The battery life far exceeds my expectations,” a reviewer in Arizona said.

“I have the hearing aids that wrap around your ear and can adjust the sound volume on them. They work very well and are very easy to maintain,” another reviewer in Pennsylvania said about the LiNX Quattro. They added that it “isn't real expensive so an average person can afford them.”

Starkey 4.4 manufactures two lines of hearing aids with Bluetooth compatibility and artificial intelligence: Livio and Livio Edge AI. Each is supported by the company’s Thrive apps.

In the Thrive Hearing Control App, you can adjust the settings of your hearing aid(s) and take advantage of AI features like transcription, reminders and a “Find My Hearing Aids” locator. You can even test the performance of your hearing aids using the self-check feature of the app.

We’ve chosen the Livio Edge AI as our pick for a Bluetooth hearing aid with artificial intelligence because it has more advanced features, but either line is a capable option.

What else we like: Livio Edge AI is available in three configurations (each with a rechargeable version): behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal (ITC).

Devices are also available for those with single-sided hearing loss, including people with normal hearing in one ear (CROS) or limited hearing in one ear and some hearing loss in their better ear (BiCROS).

What to consider: Starkey doesn’t disclose prices or warranty details on its website, and costs and financing options vary depending on where you buy your hearing aids.

What reviewers say: Starkey reviews are generally positive. “These hearing aids have significantly improved my hearing. These are my first set of hearing aids and wish I would have bought them sooner. Would highly recommend the Livio product to anyone struggling with hearing loss,” a reviewer in Minnesota said.

However, a reviewer in Ohio complained about Bluetooth connection problems last year, and another reviewer in Florida said, “My one big complaint is that my LGL163BL smartphone will not stay linked to the Livios.”

A reviewer in Colorado said, “I like the versatility. [It] has ability to change for restaurant and auditorium. Level of sound is also helpful in adjusting sound volumes. The hearing aid also adjusts to listening on the phone as well.”

Most Bluetooth hearing aids can only be paired up with one or two devices. If you want to stream audio from more devices, you have to unpair a device and connect to another, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. However, the Audéo Paradise from Phonak 2.1 can be paired with up to eight different Bluetooth-enabled devices, and two can be connected at the same time.

What else we like: Some other features that make Phonak stand out include its PRISM chip that improves the audio streaming experience by increasing memory and reducing power consumption.

What to consider: Each Phonak retailer or clinic offers its own pricing and financing options, so there isn’t much helpful information on Phonak’s website to assist you in budgeting and comparing. Ask for details when working with a hearing aid professional at the retailer or clinic.

What reviewers say: Happy Phonak customers frequently say its products are discreet and effective. A reviewer in Texas said, “I truly enjoy these hearing aids because they are small and well hidden from sight. The hearing aids are very easy to maintain. What I like is that they can be connected to bluetooth and be programmed to [a] different setting.”

According to a reviewer in Illinois, “They have so many nice extra features such as Bluetooth connectivity and tinnitus settings that do a great deal towards mitigating my bothersome tinnitus.”

“My hearing aids changed my life! They bluetooth to my mobile phone so I can answer my phone with even touching my phone. All I have to do is tap the button to answer my calls while driving. I can even listen to music without bothering other people,” according to a reviewer in Illinois.

The Beltone 2.7 Legend is available in eight different colors and every configuration the company offers. Beltone has accessories that work with a variety of smartphones and tablets, though a direct connection is only possible with iPhones.

What else we like: Some of Beltone’s standout features include SmartGain Pro and Ear to Ear synchronization technology for automatic settings and volume adjustment. The company’s Tinnitus Breaker technology is designed to help mask ringing from tinnitus, too.

What to consider: Beltone doesn’t provide much information about pricing or financing on its website, and its warranty is among the shortest of our picks.

What reviewers say: Happy customers tend to like how easy their hearing aids are to use. Even when something goes wrong, they claim Beltone’s customer service can help find a solution.

“I communicate better on the phone and I get to enjoy some music. And for the first time, I get to hear the words with more articulation,” a reviewer in Oregon said. “It has Bluetooth and it's the only set that can connect to my phone.”

A reviewer in Alabama said the Bluetooth rechargeable hearing aid is “extremely expensive” but also that they “like its ease.”

“Beltone Aids are the best buy dollar for dollar,” according to a reviewer in Virginia. They added that the “battery life is phenomenal” and the hearing aids are “very easy to wear because they are very light.”

Bluetooth hearing aid costs

Prices for Bluetooth hearing aids vary dramatically:

• Prices for basic hearing aids start around $500 to $1,200 per ear. However, these models are often very basic and have limited features.
• The average cost of a Bluetooth hearing aid is $1,200 to $3,000 per ear.
• Some higher-end hearing aids with advanced features can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,500 per ear.

Factors that determine the overall cost of your hearing aid include:

• The severity of your hearing loss
• Your preferred type of hearing aid
• The make and model of your hearing aid
• Any custom features you choose
• Ongoing maintenance

Compare Bluetooth hearing aid prices

Bluetooth technology in hearing aids is becoming cheaper and more common. However, Bluetooth hearing aids still usually cost more than traditional hearing aids.

Costs are as of time of publishing. Terms and conditions may apply.

Bluetooth hearing aids considerations

Your main consideration when buying a hearing aid should be how it helps your hearing, but if you’re comparing similar models, it can help to think about the following factors to find the right Bluetooth hearing aid for you:

• Compatible devices: Some Bluetooth devices allow you to connect directly to your hearing aids without using a streamer. If you want a direct connection, make sure your Bluetooth hearing aid works with whatever devices you already have.
• Sound environment: Do you primarily need help hearing one-on-one conversations or in noisy settings such as restaurants, music venues or large groups? Hearing aids can feature different types of microphones, and these microphones might help more in certain environments.
• Battery life: Bluetooth hearing aids tend to drain their batteries faster than traditional hearing aids. When your hearing aid runs out of juice, you normally have to manually replace the battery. However, many people prefer the convenience of rechargeable hearing aids. Rechargeable batteries usually have to be charged every night, while disposable batteries last about a week on average.
• Adjustability: Can the hearing aids be adjusted (either by phone or an app) or do you have to make an appointment with a hearing aid specialist to get them dialed in? Most people prefer the convenience of adjustable hearing aids, but this function isn’t always available.

Bottom line: Are Bluetooth hearing aids better?

Bluetooth hearing aids offer technological capabilities that other hearing aids don’t. However, this comes at the cost of increased prices and decreased battery lives. The value of this tradeoff depends on how often you actually use your hearing aid’s Bluetooth capabilities. If you frequently find yourself taking out your hearing aids to use headphones or earbuds, a Bluetooth hearing aid may be right for you.

For related info, check out our picks for the top invisible hearing aids.