Best Hearing Aids Brands

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.

The Eargo Neo HiFi is another good choice for those who want a discreet, rechargeable device. It comes with noise reduction and feedback cancellation features to deliver clear, natural sound, and Eargo’s Sound Profiles are designed for those who want more clarity instead of more volume.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you have hearing loss, it’s time to think about buying a hearing aid, whether that means getting a prescription device or an over-the-counter (OTC) model. Read the steps below to see what’s involved.

1. Learn about your hearing loss

Your first task should be figuring out the reason for your hearing loss and the degree of its impact. There are different ways to go about this, but what’s important is that you establish whether you really need a hearing aid and do what you can to keep your hearing loss from getting worse.

Because hearing loss can sometimes be caused by treatable conditions, like an infection or built-up earwax, you might want to start by visiting your doctor or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist to see if you can improve your hearing without a hearing aid.

Your first task should be figuring out the reason for your hearing loss and the degree of its impact.”

If the doctor finds that your hearing loss is irreversible, 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 are affected.

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 are often free or covered by insurance, depending on the provider and the area you live in.

Alternatively, you can try to self-diagnose your range of hearing loss by using an online application 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 application is the Hearing Number provided by Johns Hopkins University. It is similar to an audiogram in that it can assess how well you can hear speech sounds and your brain’s ability to make sense of sounds you hear regularly.

2. Decide what type and style of hearing aid you want

There are many different hearing aids available, so it’s a good idea to narrow down your options early by identifying your needs and preferences.

If you have difficulty hearing loud sounds (like engines, power tools or major home appliances), your hearing loss is probably more severe than what OTCs can handle.

One consideration that will impact the rest of your hearing aid shopping experience is whether you’re looking for a prescription or over-the-counter hearing aid. OTCs are legitimate hearing aids with several advantages over traditional options, but they’re not right for everyone.

While OTC hearing aids are easier to buy and can be significantly cheaper than prescription hearing aids, they’re only recommended for people 18 or older with mild to moderate hearing loss. (For more info on which type is right for you, see our section on OTC vs. prescription hearing aids below.)

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles, too. The most common style is behind-the-ear (BTE) — these hearing aids fit over and behind your ear. There are also hearing aids that fit inside your ear canal, which hides them almost completely. (For more information on different hearing aid configurations, see our explanation of hearing aid styles below.)

3. Set a budget

Hearing aids can be a significant expense, so it’s important to define your budget and figure out how you want to pay.

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.

Typically, health insurance doesn’t cover hearing aids. However, coverage is sometimes available for children, veterans and employees of the federal government. Currently, 23 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. 

4. Shop around, compare and purchase

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. Hearing aid prices vary significantly, so don’t be discouraged if the first prices you see are outside of your budget.

Make sure to note if the prices you see are per pair or per ear.

Besides cost, another major consideration is what degree of customer service you expect. 

• 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), warranties aren’t as long, and if an OTC hearing aid is lost, there’s often no replacement guarantee.

Both prescription and OTC hearing aids can also offer useful features that you might want to have in your device. These features may increase your cost, but they’re often worth it if they improve your quality of life. (For more information on what technologies are available, see our section on hearing aid features below.)

Finally, before you buy, check reviews from previous customers to make sure they're happy with their purchases. 

7. Try out your new hearing aids

Hearing aids might not improve your hearing instantly, but don’t worry. It’s common for people to have several adjustments over the course of a few weeks before their hearing aids are tuned to their personal situation, their brain adjusts to processing different sounds and they’re comfortable with the fit and operation of their hearing aids.

It’s also 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 purchased:

• Prescription: 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.
• OTC: If you go the over-the-counter 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.

Over-the-counter hearing aids became available in 2022 after a long-awaited FDA rule designed to increase access to hearing aids and potentially lower prices. 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 are 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 cleanings, tunings 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.

Which type of hearing aid is best for you will largely depend on your situation, level of hearing loss and personal preferences, so it’s worth considering both options as you shop around and research hearing solutions.

Hearing aids are available with a wide variety of features and technologies that can improve your hearing and make your life easier. While you might not need or want all of these features, it’s helpful to know what’s available so that you don’t miss out on what your new hearing aid might be capable of.

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. There’s also a correlation between the different types of hearing aids and prices.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids 

SUITABLE FOR Mild to profound hearing loss AVERAGE COST $400 to $1,700 per ear

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are generally plastic, with the earpiece resting behind the ear. The earpiece holds the circuitry that makes the hearing aid work. A small plastic tube transmits audio from the plastic earpiece to an earmold that sits inside the ear canal.

BTE hearing aids are larger than other types and often offer a higher level of amplification. They’re frequently a better option for children because they are easy to clean and can fit over almost any ear, no matter the wearer’s age.

Open-fit hearing aids

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

Open-fit hearing aids are behind-the-ear hearing aids that are smaller than standard BTE models. They are called open-fit because the tubing is thin and leaves the ear canal open. Because the canal is open, it can naturally pick up low-frequency audio, but high-frequency sounds that are harder to hear go through the hearing aid to be amplified.

The typical design uses a small tube or wire to transfer sound from the outer earpiece to the ear canal. These hearing aids can also cancel noise feedback.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids

SUITABLE FOR Mild to severe hearing loss AVERAGE COST $600 to $2,000 per ear

You might hear receiver-in-canal hearing aids referred to as mini-behind-the-ear hearing aids. (Because the receiver is in the canal instead of in the earpiece, the plastic casing behind the ear is smaller.) RICs rest behind the ear like BTEs, but they have a smaller casing and are connected with wires instead of tubing. The design may get clogged more easily than other types, but it offers wearers the advantage of creating less distortion.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

SUITABLE FOR Mild to severe hearing loss AVERAGE COST $500 to $1,500 per ear

This type of hearing aid (often called half-shell or full-shell hearing aids) sits in the outer portion of the ear, making it easy to insert and remove. In-the-ear models are potentially more discreet than behind-the-ear models but sometimes have fewer technological features because of their smaller size.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

SUITABLE FOR Mild to severe hearing loss AVERAGE COST $900 to $1,500 per ear

In-the-canal hearing aids are a type of in-the-ear hearing aid that rest in the ear and show only a small portion of the hearing aid outside the ear canal. They stay in place well but may not offer as many features as larger styles.

Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids

SUITABLE FOR Mild to moderate hearing loss AVERAGE COST $900 to $3,000 per ear

Completely-in-canal or completely-in-the-canal hearing aids are designed to mold to the inside of the ear canal. These devices have one of the most unobtrusive designs available. They’re discreet but typically don’t offer the volume control available on other types of hearing aids.

Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids, a type of CIC hearing aid, are custom-fitted and placed farther down in the ear canal, making them almost invisible. They provide natural sound but may lack the directionality of more visible styles.

A local audiologist or hearing aid store can help you find a hearing device that fits you perfectly. We compared our favorites across the U.S. to help consumers find trusted guidance in their cities.

• Albuquerque
• Atlanta
• Austin
• Bakersfield
• Baltimore
• Boise
• Buffalo
• Chicago
• Cincinnati
• Cleveland
• Dallas
• Denver
• Detroit
• Fort Myers
• Fresno
• Green Bay
• Honolulu
• Houston
• Indianapolis
• Kansas City
• Knoxville
• Lansing
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• Memphis
• Miami
• Milwaukee
• Nashville
• Omaha
• Orlando
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix
• Pittsburgh
• Portland
• Sacramento
• San Antonio
• San Diego
• Seattle
• Tallahassee
• Tucson
• Tulsa
• Waco
• West Palm Beach