Best Hearing Aid Brands

When choosing a hearing aid, one of your most important considerations is the type of device you want, also referred to as its style.

Hearing aids with AI technology

Some newer hearing aids use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze sounds and automatically adjust how they process speech, background noise and other sounds without requiring you to manually change settings.

For users, this can mean fewer manual adjustments and a more personalized listening experience as they move between environments, such as a quiet room, busy restaurant or outdoor setting. Some AI-enabled hearing aids also offer features such as fall detection, health tracking or voice assistants.

The main difference between analog and digital hearing aids comes down to how they process audio:

• Digital hearing aids analyze incoming sound waves before deciding how to amplify them. They can separate voices from unwanted noise and make smart decisions on what to amplify and minimize.
• Analog hearing aids amplify all sounds in the environment, both voices and unwanted noise.

Over-the-counter hearing aids became available in 2022 after a long-awaited FDA rule was put in place to increase access to hearing aids and potentially lower prices. As of April 14, 2023, hearing aid manufacturers have specific regulations they need to follow to follow the FDA.

Prescription hearing aids and OTC hearing aids also differ in their degree of customer service. Prescription hearing aids usually come with an extended trial period, a multiyear warranty period and regular services from the audiologists who prescribed them — such as cleaning and adjustments — included in the price.

OTC hearing aids tend to come with less customer service. You have to fit the device to your ear yourself, and setup and support are usually limited to email, online chats or phone calls. OTC trial periods can be short (often 30 to 45 days), and the warranties aren’t as long. Also, if you lose an OTC hearing aid, there’s often no replacement guarantee.

Pros and cons of OTC hearing aids

As of publishing, prescription hearing aids cost $1,000 to $4,000 per ear, on average, but OTC hearing aids often cost just $600 to $1,000 per pair. Hearing aids can be a significant expense, so it’s important to define your budget and figure out how much you can pay for them. On the high end, Sue in Washington spent more than $9,000 on hearing aids.

Is it safe to buy hearing aids online?

While it’s generally OK to buy your hearing aids online (especially since the introduction of OTC hearing aids), it can still be a good idea to visit an audiologist in person, especially if you have significant hearing loss. Just beware of retailers passing off personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) as real OTC hearing aids.

You might not need or want all of these features, but it’s helpful to know what is available so that you don’t miss out on what your new hearing aid could offer.

Noise cancellation

Some models are designed to block out noise. This can happen in a few different ways:

• Directional microphones: These specialized microphones are designed to enhance the wearer's ability to focus on sounds coming from a specific direction, usually in front of them, while reducing background noise from other directions.
• Binaural processing: Binaural processing lets your hearing aids communicate with each other. This cross-ear coordination helps eliminate distracting noises and provides a better listening experience.
• Wind noise management: Wind is a common problem for hearing aids — it blows on the microphone and creates an unpleasant, distracting sound. Hearing aids with wind noise management identify this noise and reduce or eliminate it.
• Feedback suppression technologies: You’ve probably heard a microphone let off a high-pitched whine when it encounters interference. Feedback suppression technology helps prevent this from happening. Hearing aid feedback suppression or reduction is a standard feature in most hearing aids.
• Digital noise reduction: Digital hearing aids can be programmed to recognize distracting ambient noise and reduce it, making it easier to hear speech and improving overall voice clarity.

Rechargeable batteries

Traditional hearing aids have disposable batteries that last just a few days. However, some people find that hearing aids with rechargeable batteries are more convenient and easier to use. Wearers charge the batteries when they’re not using them, typically right before bed, so the batteries can charge overnight.

Bluetooth 

Hearing aids with Bluetooth can wirelessly connect to other Bluetooth-compatible devices, such as cellphones and computers, and stream directly from the audio source. You can also stream music or receive mobile notifications directly to your hearing aid.

» COMPARE: Best Bluetooth hearing aids

Telecoils

Electronic interference from telephone conversations can cause problems for hearing aids. (Many hearing aid users avoid talking on the phone for this reason.) However, adding a telecoil (also known as a T-coil) reduces feedback and increases audio clarity.

A telecoil works by transmitting sound from the telephone by a magnetic signal rather than an acoustic signal. The magnetic signal helps avoid interference and makes taking phone calls a more pleasant experience.

Telecoils can also connect with public sound systems, such as those in church services and theaters. Newer models of hearing aids, such as ITE and ITC, have these features already in place.

Preprogrammed settings

Many hearing aids come with preprogrammed settings. These might be used for different environments or for safety purposes (like preventing a child from turning up their hearing aid too loud).

Tinnitus management

Tinnitus is when you hear sounds that no one else hears (e.g., ringing, buzzing or clicking). You can download tinnitus relief apps to help decrease symptoms. They work by customizing the programming to block out the problematic frequencies. Other apps pair with hearing aids to provide distracting sounds or relaxing tones. The American Tinnitus Association recommends that people consult with an audiologist or a doctor to determine the best course of action for managing tinnitus.

» COMPARE: Best hearing aids for tinnitus

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your hearing aids will help them last longer and lower your chances of infection. Read the manufacturer's instructions for how to clean your specific hearing aids so you don’t void your warranty and accidentally damage them.

How you clean your hearing aids depends on which type you have. You will want to use a hearing aid cleaning brush to remove any wax or debris from the tubing, wires, speaker and microphone. Some hearing aids will have parts that need to detach, such as the tubing, to be cleaned.

Use a microfiber cloth to remove any leftover debris. Put back any parts you had to take apart during cleaning. Check that the batteries don’t need to be changed, and store your hearing aids in their case or dehumidifier to prevent moisture and damage. The National Council on Aging gives a detailed overview of cleaning your specific type of hearing aid.