Best Hearing Aids Brands

We compared 25 companies and chose the top hearing aids

  • Eargo
    3.8(588)
  • Hear.com
    4.8(686)
  • Audicus
    4.7(375)

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

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Best Hearing Aids Brands

Hearing aids are small devices that fit over or inside the ears to help improve hearing. Some models offer features like Bluetooth capability or a telecoil (T-coil) to selectively amplify a speaker’s voice while shutting out background noise. Hearing loss varies from person to person, so talk with your audiologist to find out which type is right for you.

To make our top picks for hearing aid brands, we first eliminated any relevant company on our site with an overall satisfaction rating below 3.5 stars. The remaining companies also had to have at least a 2:1 ratio of 5-star to 1-star reviews based on verified review data.

Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
  • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
  • 4,565,274 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
*All prices are correct as of the time of publishing

More details on our top hearing aid companies

Our pick for comfort

Eargo

Featured model
Eargo 7
Featured model starting cost
$2,950 per pair
Trial period
45 days
Warranty
2 years

The Eargo 7 is a good choice for those who want a discreet, rechargeable device. The hearing aid comes with the company’s Sound Adjust+ feature, which automatically adjusts your device settings to help you hear best in your current sound environment. It also uses the company’s self-fitting technology if you’d prefer to skip an in-office appointment and adjust the hearing aid yourself at home.

Other models are also available, and Eargo’s hearing aid costs start as low as $77 and go up to $84 per month with financing, depending on the model you choose. You can get a hearing check through the company’s website to find out if you’re a suitable candidate.

Eargo has a 4.5-star overall satisfaction rating as of publishing. In 2022, about 67% of reviewers said they would recommend the company to a friend. Some highlights from happy reviewers include:

  • Comfortable to wear
  • Great technology
  • Good price
  • Good battery

Hear.com

Buyer's Choice Award Winner
Featured model
Go IX
Featured model starting cost
$4,500
Trial period
45 days
Warranty
1-3 years
3x Award Winner
Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Experience with Staff and Best Value for Price

Hear.com matches customers with the right hearing aid through free consultations at one of its partner providers. The company offers basic, midrange and premium technology hearing aid options. Hear.com’s line of IX hearing aids provide conversation enhancement, dual processor technology and Bluetooth capabilities. They are tailored to younger, more active people experiencing hearing loss.

You start with a free phone consultation that lets a representative make recommendations based on your lifestyle and level of hearing loss. Hear.com then schedules a hearing test for you at the closest partner provider, where you’re fitted for your hearing aids and can start your free trial.

Hear.com has positive reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Many reviewers commented on how much better they can hear with hear.com’s products compared with other hearing aid options they’ve tried. Highlights from happy customers include:

  • Attentive customer service
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Worth the price
  • Clear sound

Audicus

Buyer's Choice Award Winner
Featured model
Omni
Featured model starting cost
$1,898
Trial period
100 days
Warranty
2 years
2x Award Winner
Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service and Best Experience with Staff

Audicus works to make hearing health financially and physically accessible by working directly with manufacturers to keep costs low and offering a monthly membership program. Its membership program allows you to rent your hearing aids at a reduced monthly cost instead of buying them outright.

There’s a one-time startup fee and your monthly fee is based on the model of hearing aid you choose. The contract is for 18 months and at the end, you have the option to cancel or renew.

Audicus also has a simple purchase process that lets you pick out and buy your hearing aids at one of its clinic locations or online to have them shipped right to your door. The team helps you get set up with a hearing aid model that fits your needs, and you’ll continue to have access to the Audicus team for support after you’ve made your purchase.

Overall, customers are satisfied with the products and services that they’ve received from Audicus. Satisfied customers tend to mention:

  • Attentive customer service
  • Quality and performance of hearing aids
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Rechargeable batteries
Our pick for value
Featured model
X-Series
Featured model starting cost
$899 per ear
Trial period
45 days
Warranty
3 years

Hearing aids in Embrace Hearing’s X-Series line are rechargeable and come with Bluetooth connectivity to make hands-free phone calls and TV streaming easier. The company programs the device according to your hearing test, and remote reprogramming and adjustments are also available.

C-Series hearing aids (Embrace’s other product line) are made to fit in the ear canal. They're discreet, and you can control them through a smartphone app. Devices in this series are designed to be comfortable for users wearing masks and large glasses.

Embrace Hearing has a 4.7-star overall satisfaction rating as of publishing. Throughout 2022, about 78% of reviewers said they would recommend the company to a friend. Highlights from happy customers include praise for Embrace’s:

  • Great prices
  • Ease of use
  • Advanced technology
  • Customer service
Buyer's Choice Award Winner
Featured model
Genesis AI
Featured model starting cost
Varies
Trial period
45 days
Warranty
Limited warranty
3x Award Winner
Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Experience with Staff and Best Value for Price

Starkey’s hearing aids let you use the Thrive Hearing Control app to control hearing aid settings from your smartphone. You can adjust hearing performance and create presets, track your daily activity and ask the Thrive Assistant questions to troubleshoot issues — all with a few clicks.

The Genesis AI hearing aids have extremely sophisticated technology and make over 80 million adjustments per hour. They have a discreet, ergonomic design and all-day rechargeability, and they’re made to withstand sweat, dirt, dust and water.

Starkey hearing aids have mostly high ratings on ConsumerAffairs. A number of people mentioned how their quality of life improved greatly after getting a Starkey hearing aid. Happy customers mentioned:

  • Comfortable hearing aids
  • Friendly customer service
  • Ease of use
  • Mode options to improve hearing/simplicity of switching between modes
Our top pick overall
Featured model
Miracle-EarEASY RIC 312
Featured model starting cost
Varies
Trial period
30 days
Warranty
3 years

We like that the Miracle-EarEASY RIC 312 is relatively affordable and discreet. The company also offers models with Bluetooth capabilities and water resistance. In-the-ear, receiver-in-canal and behind-the-ear models are available. To get started, you can book an appointment online, take a free hearing test or visit a local center near you.

With 4.7 stars out of 5, Miracle-Ear is the second-highest-rated hearing aid company on our site as of publishing. Over 84% of reviewers in 2022 said they would recommend Miracle-Ear to a friend. Positive reviews frequently include comments like:

  • Comfortable to wear
  • Great customer service
  • Worth the price
  • Good for tinnitus
Our pick for hearing care and support
Featured model
Imagine
Featured model starting cost
Varies
Trial period
30 days
Warranty
1 year

Beltone’s Imagine uses M&RIE (microphone and receiver-in-ear) technology to offer a highly customizable experience. The design works with your ear shape to deliver natural sound, and it even works with noisy backgrounds and windy environments.

Another feature that makes Beltone stand out as a company is its customer care. Beltone offers online hearing tests, and you can get a consultation at one of its over 1,500 physical locations or in your own home with Beltone Remote Care Live. These remote consultations use video chat technology to let you communicate with a hearing care professional and adjust your hearing aids.

Beltone has a 4-star overall satisfaction rating as of publishing. Some highlights from happy customers include phrases like:

  • Very comfortable
  • Good quality
  • Great customer service
  • Tried others and came back
Our pick for rechargeables
Featured model
VOLT MAX
Featured model starting cost
$799.99 per ear
Trial period
45 days
Warranty
1 year

MDHearing’s FDA-registered hearing aids are for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. We like the VOLT MAX because it features easy-to-recharge batteries that last an average of 15 hours on a single charge, and the magnetic charging case can supply up to three full charges.

Other models start between $399.99 and $599.99 per ear. Discounted bundle packages are available for most devices. Financing costs start at $25 per month for those who qualify.

About 77% of MDHearing reviewers in 2022 said they would recommend the company to a friend. The company has a 4-star satisfaction rating at the time of publishing. Some comments from reviewers that recommend MDHearing include:

  • Easy to recharge
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Good customer service
  • Very affordable cost

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Hearing aids buyer's guide

Hearing aids are now more accessible and affordable than ever, thanks to the 2022 ruling from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that made it possible for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss to buy hearing aids over the counter (OTC).

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.

Only 1 in 5 people who can benefit from hearing aids actually use them, however, and those who do often wait about seven years before getting them, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. However, this doesn’t need to be the case — read on to see what you need to know about these devices.

How to know if you need hearing aids

If you’re trying to decide whether you need hearing aids, you’ll want to figure out the reason for your hearing loss and the degree of its impact. There are different ways to go about this, but it’s important to establish whether you really need a hearing aid and do what you can to keep your hearing loss from getting worse.

Because certain medical conditions, such as infection or built-up earwax, can cause hearing loss, start by visiting your primary care physician or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist to see if you can improve your hearing without a hearing aid.

If the doctor finds that your hearing loss is permanent, they can refer you to an audiologist for a hearing test (called an audiogram) to assess how extensive your hearing loss is and what frequency ranges it affects.

Hearing tests are usually performed in a closed environment (such as a soundproof booth) and are available at audiologists’ offices and certain stores, including Costco and Sam’s Club. These tests take a few minutes each and are often free or covered by insurance, depending on the provider and your location.

Alternatively, you can try to self-diagnose your range of hearing loss by using an app that tests your hearing and helps determine whether you are a better candidate for an OTC hearing aid, a prescription hearing aid or a cochlear implant.

One such app is Hearing Number, provided by Johns Hopkins University. It’s similar to an audiogram in that it assesses how well you can hear speech sounds and your brain’s ability to make sense of sounds you hear regularly.

» MORE: Hearing aid statistics

Types of hearing aids

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles:

  • Behind-the-ear (BTE): 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. 
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • In-the-ear (ITE): 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.
  • Canal hearing aids: These come in two types: in-the-canal (ITC), which are molded to fit your ear canal, and completely-in-canal (CIC), which are inserted into the canal and almost completely hidden. Both are ideal for those with mild to moderately severe hearing loss who want a discreet option.

    Canal hearing 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 who have more severe hearing loss because they offer less power and volume than others.

As you look for a hearing aid, it's a good idea to check out different providers and compare prices, financing options, price-matching commitments and discounts. Make sure to note if the prices are per pair or per ear. Hearing aid prices vary significantly, so don’t be discouraged if the first prices you see are outside of your budget.

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 comply with the FDA.

These devices are available without a prescription, hearing exam or fitting from an audiologist (unlike traditional hearing aids), and many hearing aid brands have introduced OTC models since the FDA’s ruling.

The biggest advantages of OTC devices are that they’re usually:

  • More affordable than prescription hearing aids
  • Easier to purchase than prescription hearing aids
  • More user-friendly than prescription hearing aids

The disadvantages of OTC hearing aids are that they often:

  • Have fewer features than prescription hearing aids
  • Aren’t as adaptable to different hearing environments
  • Come with limited follow-up care and support (such as tunings, cleanings and warranty coverage)

OTC hearing aids are also limited to adults (age 18 or older) with mild to moderate hearing loss, so they aren’t suitable for everyone.

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.

Many audiologists and manufacturers also offer free replacements if a hearing aid no longer functions properly or is lost (usually limited to one loss replacement per ear).

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.

The pros and cons of each type of hearing aid

When you’re choosing a hearing aid, one of your most important considerations is the type of device you want, also referred to as its style. The right type of device for you depends on how the hearing aid fits in your ear, how it works, your level of hearing loss and the device’s appearance.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

behind-the-ear-hearing aids
SUITABLE FOR
  • Mild to profound hearing loss
AVERAGE COST
  • $400 to $1,700 per ear

Pros

  • Easy to handle and clean
  • Fewer feedback issues
  • Very durable
  • Compatible with most features and technologies

Cons

  • More visible
  • More prone to wind noise
  • Phone use can be awkward

Open-fit hearing aids

open fit hearing aids
SUITABLE FOR
  • Mild to moderate hearing loss
AVERAGE COST
  • $300 to $1,400 per ear

Pros

  • Similar benefits to BTEs
  • Doesn’t plug the ear canal

Cons

  • Similar cons to BTEs
  • May be hard to find
  • Less powerful than BTEs

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids

receiver-in-canal hearing aids
SUITABLE FOR
  • Mild to severe hearing loss
AVERAGE COST
  • $600 to $2,000 per ear

Pros

  • More discreet than BTEs
  • Similar benefits to BTEs

Cons

  • Less durable than BTEs
  • Similar cons to BTEs

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

in-the-ear hearing aids
SUITABLE FOR
  • Mild to severe hearing loss
AVERAGE COST
  • $500 to $1,500 per ear

Pros

  • Easy to handle
  • Directional mics and volume control generally available

Cons

  • Earwax may clog speaker
  • More visible than other in-ear styles
  • More prone to feedback issues

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

in-the-canal hearing aids
SUITABLE FOR
  • Mild to severe hearing loss
AVERAGE COST
  • $900 to $1,500 per ear

Pros

  • More discreet than ITEs
  • Longer battery life than CICs (described further below)
  • Resistant to wind noise
  • Directional microphones may be available

Cons

  • Can lack features of larger styles
  • More prone to wax and moisture problems
  • More prone to feedback
  • Can be difficult to handle and clean

Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids

completely-in-the-canal hearing aids
SUITABLE FOR
  • Mild to moderate hearing loss
AVERAGE COST
  • $900 to $3,000 per ear

Pros

  • The most discreet style widely available
  • Resistant to wind noise
  • Outer ear acts as a sound funnel

Cons

  • Relatively short battery lives
  • Too small for directional microphones or volume control
  • Can cause a plugged-up feeling
  • Similar cons to ITCs

Hearing aid features to consider

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

Device compatibility
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.
Directional microphones
Some hearing aids are designed to be worn in both ears and can direct sound to you automatically or reduce background noise. These are ideal for hearing certain sounds more easily and for lessening distractions.
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).
Noise cancellation
Some models are designed to block out noise. This can happen in a few different ways:
  • 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.
  • 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: Hearing aid feedback suppression or reduction is a standard feature in most hearing aids. You’ve probably heard a microphone let off a high-pitched whine when it encounters interference. Feedback suppression technology helps prevent this from happening. 
Bluetooth options
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.
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.
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.

How much do hearing aids cost?

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. 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.

Beware — cheaper hearing devices may actually be personal sound amplification products, often called PSAPs, not real hearing aids. A ConsumerAffairs investigation found that these devices are often mislabeled as hearing aids online despite not being suitable for people with hearing loss.

Does insurance cover hearing aids?

Typically, health insurance does not cover hearing aids, including Medicare Parts A and B and Tricare. There are some Medicare Advantage plans that offer partial hearing aid coverage. Medicaid offers some coverage. Coverage is sometimes available for children, veterans and employees of the federal government.

Currently, about two dozen states mandate that health insurance companies provide full or partial hearing aid coverage for children, and five states (Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire and Rhode Island) also extend those mandates to adults, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Certain organizations, such as Easterseals and Lions Clubs International, might also be able to help you afford a hearing aid. ASHA maintains a helpful list of other funding resources, and the Hearing Industries Association has a full guide to financial assistance for hearing aids.

How to use your hearing aids

Hearing aids might not improve your hearing instantly, but don’t worry. It might take a few weeks for your hearing aids to be tuned to your personal needs and for your brain to adjust to processing different sounds. It could also take time for you to get comfortable with the fit and operation of your hearing aids.

It’s a good idea to try out hearing aids in different environments and situations to see how they adapt. However, your adjustment process will depend on the type of hearing aid you purchase.

With a prescription hearing aid, if you don’t hear as well as you think you should, you might ask your audiologist to make the necessary adjustments or show you how to make the adjustments yourself.

If you go the OTC route and your hearing aids don’t meet your expectations within the first few weeks, you should consider returning them and trying a different model. If you experience significant problems with your OTC hearing aids past the return period, you may even consider filing a complaint with the FDA.

When you first receive your hearing aids, practice putting them in and taking them out. If you have prescription hearing aids, you can do this in the provider’s office. Make sure you know the difference between the right and left hearing aid, and practice cleaning them and changing the batteries.

Make sure you understand how to adjust the volume if the hearing aids don’t have it programmed automatically.

If you have Bluetooth capability with your hearing aids, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to pair your hearing aids with your device.

FAQ

What are the alternatives to a hearing aid?

You can now buy hearing aids without going to the doctor. OTC hearing aids are typically more affordable and are an option for those who have mild to moderate hearing loss.

There are other alternative options to prescription hearing aids, such as:

  • Personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs): These are similar to hearing aids in that they are worn over the ear and contain a microphone, amplifier and speaker. The FDA doesn’t consider them as alternatives to hearing aids, however, because they are intended to be used to make sounds louder for those with normal hearing.
  • Bone conduction hearing aids: This type of hearing aid can help those with outer or middle ear hearing loss. (Most hearing aids help with inner ear hearing loss.) They work by sending sound through the skull bone to the inner ear to help with hearing.
  • Cochlear implants: If you have severe hearing loss, cochlear implants can send sounds beyond the damaged areas of the ear right to the auditory nerve that is responsible for hearing.
  • Using different communication methods: Make sure that you are in a quiet environment; ask people to enunciate or talk louder, and face the person who’s talking. These strategies can all help you to hear better depending on the type and severity of your hearing loss.
Who qualifies for a hearing aid?

The short answer is that hearing aids help people with hearing loss, so you may benefit from a hearing aid if you:

  • Have difficulty hearing in everyday situations
  • Feel like you’re missing out on the sounds around you
  • Find yourself turning up the volume on your TV or headphones to a point that’s irritating to others

Although hearing aids are now available over the counter, visiting a doctor for a hearing exam may be helpful if you are unsure about the cause of your hearing loss or whether a hearing aid is right for you.

Do I need a hearing aid for mild hearing loss?

A hearing aid isn’t necessarily required if you have mild hearing loss, but hearing aids that treat mild hearing loss do exist. With these devices, it’s easier to hear more subtle sounds like birds chirping, people whispering and leaves rustling.

Are hearing aids covered by Medicare?

Medicare itself doesn’t cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits that Medicare doesn’t. Check your plan details to see if you’re eligible for hearing aid coverage.

If you need help paying for a hearing aid, you might also be able to get assistance from the following:

  • The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): If you’re a veteran, you may be able to obtain hearing aids for free or at a discounted price through the VA.
  • Nonprofits or charities: Find out if you’re eligible for assistance from a nonprofit organization that helps individuals pay for hearing aids.
How do you clean 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, in order 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 on cleaning your specific type of hearing aid.

What’s the difference between analog and digital hearing aids?

Hearing aids have generally been made with either 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 what to 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, check out our article on how hearing aids work.

Is it OK 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 your doctor or check out a brick-and-mortar hearing aid store before you do. This is especially important if you have a significant level of hearing loss or need a specialist to help you find the type of hearing aid (and its features) that is right for you.

Also, it’s worth keeping your eyes open while shopping for hearing aids online — we’ve seen retailers passing off personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) as OTC hearing aids, even though PSAPS aren’t suitable for people with hearing loss.

Do hearing aids help tinnitus?

Many hearing aids have comfort settings with white noise or calming sounds that can help relieve the symptoms of tinnitus, but they can’t stop it. (Read our guide to the best hearing aids for tinnitus to learn more.)

The American Tinnitus Association recommends that people consult with an audiologist or a doctor to determine the best course of action for managing tinnitus.

Can I get my hearing aid reprogrammed?

In many cases, you can work with an audiologist to reprogram your hearing aid to best fit your hearing profile in a variety of listening environments. However, it’s worth pointing out that OTC hearing aids generally aren’t programmable in the same way that prescription hearing aids are.

How long does a hearing aid last?

Hearing aids go through normal wear from everyday handling, moisture and earwax buildup, so they need to be replaced every three to eight years.

Hearing aid batteries vary in their type and the hearing aid used but will last anywhere from three days to up to 20 days. Some hearing aids use rechargeable batteries, and most people charge them every night after removing them from their ears.


Guide sources

ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

  1. Hearing Loss Association of America, “Hearing Loss Facts and Statistics.” Accessed Jan. 2, 2024.
  2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Hearing Aids.” Accessed Jan. 2, 2024.
  3. Mayo Clinic, “Hearing aids: How to choose the right one.” Retrieved Jan. 2, 2024.
  4. National Council on Aging, FDA Hearing Aids Guidance: 2023 Compliance. Accessed Jan. 2, 2024.
  5. Hearing Loss Association of America, “Assistive Listening Systems.” Accessed Jan. 2, 2024.
  6. National Council on Aging, “Hearing Aids for Tinnitus: A Comprehensive Guide.” Accessed Jan. 2, 2024.
  7. National Council on Aging, “Does Medicare or Insurance Cover Hearing Aids in 2023?.” Accessed Jan. 2, 2024.
  8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplification Products: What to Know.” Accessed January 2, 2024.
  9. Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Types of Hearing Loss.” Accessed January 2, 2024.
  10. National Council on Aging, “Our Guide to Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean.” Accessed January 2, 2024.

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