Best Hearing Aid Brands

What are hearing aids?

Hearing aids are small devices that fit over or inside the ears to help improve hearing. Hearing aids contain a microphone, amplifier and speaker. These parts work together to detect or increase the volume of sounds and send these louder sounds into your ear. They’re battery-operated, and some models use rechargeable batteries.

Types of hearing aids

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

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

This is the most common type, fitting over and behind your ear. These are ideal for children because they’re easier to manage and clean than other types. BTE hearing aids are good for people who have a whole range of hearing losses, those looking for a lower-cost option and those who don’t mind wearing a visible hearing aid.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids Best for: Mild to profound hearing loss Average cost: $400 to $1,700 per ear

Open-fit hearing aids

Open-fit hearing aids are a smaller version of the BTE model with a thinner tubing that leaves the ear canal open. These work well for those who are more prone to earwax buildup.

Open-fit hearing aids Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss Average cost: $300 to $1,400 per ear

Receiver-in-canal (RIC)

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are also similar to BTE models, but instead of tubing, they have a small wire that connects to a speaker in the ear canal. They’re good for people with mild to severe hearing loss, but since they can get clogged more easily than other models, they may not be good for people who have earwax buildup.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss Average cost: $600 to $2,000 per ear

In-the-ear (ITE)

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are molded to fit your ear canal. This type of hearing aid fits inside the outer ear and accommodates those with mild to severe hearing loss. They aren’t recommended for children — they need to be replaced as the ear grows.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss Average cost: $500 to $1,500 per ear

Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids

Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are inserted into the canal and almost completely hidden. Compared to ITE hearing aids, these aids are small and can be hard to handle and adjust, so those with arthritis or dexterity concerns may find them difficult to use. They aren’t recommended for children or those with more severe hearing loss because they offer less power and volume than others.

Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss Average cost: $900 to $1,500 per ear

Analog vs. digital hearing aids

Hearing aids have generally been made with analog or digital technology. However, analog hearing aids are significantly less popular in today’s market, and few major brands still offer them. 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.
• Analog hearing aids amplify all sounds in the environment, both voices and unwanted noise.

That means digital hearing aids can separate voices from unwanted noise and make smart decisions on what to amplify and minimize. This process reduces distracting background noise, like restaurant chatter, and high-frequency white noise, like the hiss of an air conditioning unit. For more information, see our article on how hearing aids work.

Over-the-counter vs. prescription hearing aids

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

How much do hearing aids cost?

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.

Hearing aid features to consider

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

How to clean and maintain hearing aids

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.