The 13 Best Hearing Aids of 2023

With the announcement of an FDA ruling regarding a new category of over-the-counter hearing aids, you might be thinking there's no better time than the present to finally address all of those hearing loss symptoms you've been experiencing. Designed to make it easier for people with mild to moderate hearing loss to get their hands on reasonably priced devices, the ruling is a milestone in the landscape of hearing aids available to the average consumer.

"These devices have great potential to increase access to hearing technology for individuals who felt that traditional hearing aids were financially out of reach or [who had] poor access to hearing healthcare professionals," says Rebecca Lewis, AuD, Audiology Director of the Adult and Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in California.

It’s important to keep in mind, though, that OTC devices are best used by people with mild to moderate hearing loss—and you still need to consider some important factors before running out and buying a more affordable hearing device. The best hearing aids are comfortable, within your budget, and designed with the style and technical details to address the type of hearing loss you have. We researched dozens of hearing aids to find the ones suitable for people with all kinds of hearing loss needs, from seniors and the budget-minded to people looking for Bluetooth capability and superior sound quality.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Jabra Enhance Select 200 at Jabraenhance.com

Jump to Review

Best Runner-up:

Audicus Wave at Audicus.com

Jump to Review

Best for Seniors:

Starkey Hearing aid at Starkey.com

Jump to Review

Best for Tinnitus:

Widex Moment at Widex.com

Jump to Review

Best for Severe Hearing Loss:

Phonak Naida Marvel at Phonak.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Otofonix ELITE at Otofonix.com

Jump to Review

Best for First-Time Hearing Aid Users:

Lexie Hearing Aid at Lexiehearing.com

Jump to Review

Most Discreet:

Audien atom pro audienhearingaids hearing aids at Audienhearing.com

Jump to Review

Best for Single-Sided Hearing Loss:

MDHearing VOLT at Mdhearingaid.com

Jump to Review

Best for Mild Hearing Loss:

Jabra 3-in-1 earbuds at Jabra.com

Jump to Review

Jabra

View On Jabraenhance.com

Why We Like It: Each Enhance Select 200 hearing aid is small and discreet but jam-packed with quality and convenience features that help it fit seamlessly into your life.

It's Worth Noting: It's only available in a behind-the-ear style, so if that's not your preferred type of hearing aid, this one won't be right for you.

You name it, and the Enhance Select 200 does it—and its impressive array of features is what sets it above the other hearing aids on this list when it comes to quality sound, accessibility, and overall comfort. Available in a mini behind-the-ear style (mBTE), the Enhance Select 200 aids combine a streamlined construction with a ton of technologically-advanced features, making them a good choice for people of all ages and with a range of hearing loss.

Some of the more notable specs of the Enhance Select 200 hearing aids include clear, natural sound that adapts to your environment, automatic volume control, the ability to stream your calls and music seamlessly (and, if you have an iPhone, hands-free calling), and a long-lasting rechargeable battery life.

We also love that the Enhance Select 200 is app-compatible, meaning you can make adjustments to your hearing aids—increasing your volume or altering the direction of sound—with ease, right from your smartphone or tablet. Finally, you have flexible options for payment and three years of customer service through Lively, making it even more of a smart investment.

Price at time of publication: $1,995

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: rechargeable
Bluetooth capabilities: yes
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 3-year manufacturer's warranty and 100-day money-back guarantee

Audicus

View On Audicus.com

Why We Like It: The membership plan lets you easily pay in installments and upgrade to a brand new device every 18 months, saving you money over time.

It's Worth Noting: There's no app with this hearing aid, so you need to be comfortable making sound adjustments right from the device.

In terms of features and affordability, the Wave sits right in the middle of Audicus' hearing aid selection, making it a solid choice for anyone who wants a device with lots of options but doesn't want to break the bank. It's a rechargeable and Bluetooth-compatible mBTE device that fits snugly inside the ear canal to send clear, focused sound right where you need it. You can sync up your Wave to your smartphone, TV, or sound system, and the controls are based on the device itself, so if you're not super tech-savvy, you don't have to worry about utilizing an app.

We also like that, in spite of their smaller size, these hearing aids still offer two directional microphones for multilayered sound and a long-lasting battery life. We think the membership plan is pretty great, too: for $99 per month, you can make payments on your device, receive an unlimited warranty, and a new replacement hearing aid every 18 months.

Price at time of publication: $1,898

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: rechargeable
Bluetooth capabilities: yes
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 2-year manufacturer's warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee

Starkey

View On Starkey.com

Why We Like It: Features like "mask mode," "fall detection," and "find my hearing aids" make this an excellent choice for seniors.

It's Worth Noting: The extra features make these hearing aids more expensive than some of the others on this list.

Many hearing aids are developed with seniors in mind, but only the Starkey Livio offers features like fall alerts and "mask mode," which feel especially designed to serve people 65 and older with hearing loss. In other words, these hearing aids don't just perform well when it comes to sound quality—they make life easier for seniors.

With an emphasis on overall health, the Starkey Livio's biggest benefits can be found through its associated Thrive app, which not only allows you to make the usual device adjustments to your aids but also allow you to switch to "mask mode," a setting that enhances speech clarity when someone is speaking to you while wearing a mask, and enable fall detection, a feature that allows you to notify your loved ones if you've taken a tumble and need assistance. There's also a "find my hearing aids" function in the app that makes it easy to locate misplaced devices.

Of course, in addition to all these nifty features, the Livio aids offer high-quality sound, phone call and multimedia streaming, and even adaptive car mode, which reduces the distracting sounds of the road while driving.

Price at time of publication: Starting at $3,000

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: rechargeable
Bluetooth capabilities: yes
Warranty or money-back guarantee: warranty included (inquire about specific model) and 30-day money-back guarantee

4.9

Widex

View On Widex.com

Why We Like It: Natural sound and a tinnitus-focused app make these hearing aids super comfortable for people with hearing loss conditions.

It's Worth Noting: It can be hard to find information about these devices online; you have to do some digging.

There are a few ways that Widex Moment hearing aids work better than the average hearing aid to relieve symptoms of tinnitus. These hearing aids close the gap between the sound created in your environment and the sound processed through your hearing aid, bringing the two together to create the most natural sound possible. That will be a relief to people with tinnitus, who already struggle with distracting and frustrating auditory noises like ringing and buzzing.

We also like that Widex offers people with tinnitus a special app, designed to give them even more relief from their symptoms—Widex Zen, which aims to provide you with soothing noises that distract from your tinnitus symptoms. Plus, within the Moment line, you can choose from multiple styles of hearing aid, including behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, and in-the ear models, maximizing your physical comfort based on your personal preference.

Price at time of publication: Starting at $1,390

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: rechargeable
Bluetooth capabilities: yes
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 3-year manufacturer's warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee

Phonak

View On Phonak.com

Why We Like It: Phonak's comprehensive Marvel technology makes these hearing aids an option for people with more severe hearing loss.

It's Worth Noting: It's a little pricier than some of the other models featured here.

Many types of hearing aids, especially ones available OTC, are made for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, not severe. But the Phonak Naida can accommodate people with moderate to profound hearing loss, thanks to Phonak's Marvel technology; notable features include responsive sound quality that adapts to your environment, a seamless link between the right ear hearing aid and the left for bidirectional audio streaming, and Phonak's smart microphone technology (Roger iN), which makes it easier to participate in conversations.

On top of that, the Naida Marvel easily connects to Bluetooth, streams audio from your favorite devices, and charges easily with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. The Phonak app also makes it easy to control all these settings and feature through your smartphone or tablet.

Price at time of publication: $4,598

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: rechargeable
Bluetooth capabilities: yes
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 1-year manufacturer's limited warranty

Otofonix

View On Otofonix.com

Why We Like It: If all you want is to hear better, the Otofonix ELITE is an easy-to-use hearing aid at an affordable price.

It's Worth Noting: There are no fancy features here—this is a basic hearing aid that gets the job done.

If you're looking for a high-quality hearing aid without all the bells and whistles—and want to stay within a lower price point—the Otofonix ELITE does everything a hearing aid needs to do for an exceptionally affordable cost. It's a BTE style aid, so the clear receiver fits discreetly into your ear canal while the rest of the device sits behind your ear (it's a light beige color, so it will blend in well for people with light skin or hair).

It offers background noise reduction with 10 different volume levels and four pre-programmed settings for different environments. The batteries are disposable, so you don't have to pay for or maintain a charging device, plus you get a decent service package: free phone support for the life of your product, a one-year warranty, and 45 days to try it out and see if it's the right fit for you.

Price at time of publication: $395

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: disposable (size 312)
Bluetooth capabilities: no
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 1-year manufacturer's warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee

Lexie Lumen

View On Lexiehearing.com

Why We Like It: First-time hearing aid users will appreciate the chance to customize the color of their device and get auto-adjusted settings based on the Lexie hearing test.

It's Worth Noting: You can't stream audio directly from your devices with these hearing aids.

Trying to find and acclimate to a hearing aid for the first time can be overwhelming; we like that the Lexie Lumen offers just enough features to get you started, but not so many that you'll end up feeling overwhelmed. You can choose between a variety of colors for your BTE style aid, benefit from adjustable volume and feedback cancellation, plus opt for one of six pre-programmed hearing environments to suit your needs, like noisy indoor and everyday use.

You can't stream audio or phone calls to your hearing aid, so the Bluetooth connectivity here is just to help you control your devices through the Lexie app. But speaking of the Lexie app, it's another cool feature for newbies: You can pair the Lumen aids to the Lexie app, take the Lexie hearing test, and then let the hearing aids self-adjust according to your test results. This eliminates some of the guesswork related to buying hearing aids for the first time—particularly OTC, when you may or may not also be working with a hearing specialist.

Price at time of publication: $800

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: disposable
Bluetooth capabilities: yes
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 1-year manufacturer's warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee

Audien Hearing

View On Audienhearing.com

Why We Like It: No one will be able to tell you're wearing a hearing aid when you fit the Atom Pro into your ear canal.

It's Worth Noting: There's no Bluetooth capability with these (given the small size, there isn't much room for extras features).

Want a hearing aid that's practically invisible but doesn't force you to give up important things like comfort and long battery life? The Audien Atom Pro is a completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid that's half-clear, half-nude (for light-skinned people) and almost 100 percent invisible unless you're really looking for it. But just because it's small doesn't mean it isn't powerful: it fully eliminates feedback, boasts an advanced sound chip for excellent sound quality, and can hold a battery charge for up to four days.

Even better, a pair of these nifty little CICs will only cost you about $250, which is a major cost savings for such a streamlined device.

Price at time of publication: $249

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: rechargeable
Bluetooth capabilities: no
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 1-year manufacturer's warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee

Mdhearing

View On Mdhearingaid.com

Why We Like It: It's affordable, discreet, and easy to use, making it perfect if you only need to boost hearing in one ear.

It's Worth Noting: You only get about 20 hours on a single charge, so the VOLT will have to be put in the charging station each night while you sleep.

The MDHearing VOLT is available in a pair or for single ears (left or right), so no matter what hearing help you need, each VOLT device will make it all available to you. With its rechargeable and discreet BTE design, the VOLT virtually disappears behind your ear—but somehow still manages to include easy to access volume controls right on the device for on-the-spot adjustments.

We also like that the VOLT cancels out unnecessary feedback while promoting crystal clear sound through two directional microphones (in other words, conversations will be a total breeze, wherever you are). And if you do need to wear a hearing aid in both ears, VOLT often runs BOGO promotions that can help you save big.

Price at time of publication: $600

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: rechargeable
Bluetooth capabilities: no
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 90-day manufacturer's warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee

Jabra

View On Jabra.com

Why We Like It: It isolates important sounds from distracting ones—and looks just like a normal earbud.

It's Worth Noting: It's not a good choice for people with moderate or higher hearing loss.

When your hearing is just beginning to fade and you're not quite ready to take the plunge into high-tech hearing devices, the Jabra Enhance Plus is a solid transition device: it's designed to enhance the sounds you want to hear more of while minimizing background noise, making it easier to turn up things like speech, music, and TV audio without simply making everything louder.

Plus, they fit inside your ear just like regular earbuds for music, so most people won't even bat an eye at the new device hanging out inside your ear. Through the Jabra app, you can set your sound preferences, personalize your device, and switch between different listening modes. The aids also make your streaming music and incoming phone calls sound clearer, allowing you to go from one activity to the next with total ease.

Price at time of publication: $800

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: rechargeable
Bluetooth capabilities: yes
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 1-year manufacturer's warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee

ziphearing

View On Ziphearing.com

Why We Like It: Stream your music, TV, and phone calls to your hearing aid with easy touch controls.

It's Worth Noting: It doesn't feature the most advanced Phonak technology (unlike the Marvel models).

We featured the Phonak Naida Marvel on this list already, but the Audeo Paradise is a slightly different Phonak option. It works for people with mild to profound hearing loss and is one of Phonak's most popular devices thanks to how smoothly it works with all the other tech in your life. There are several different Audeo models, though they are all receiver-in-canal styles with a clear wire and discreet receiver.

In terms of Bluetooth capability, anything your old hearing aid couldn't do, the Audeo can: it streams directly from all devices (allowing you to hear music and TV right within the device), chat on the phone using only your hearing aid, and even switch between streaming and phone mode with little to no interruption. Of course, the Audeo comes with Phonak's "Roger" microphone technology, which makes holding and participating in conversations less challenging, and is easily volume-controlled with just one tap of your finger.

Price at time of publication: $1,998

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: rechargeable
Bluetooth capabilities: yes
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 3-year manufacturer's warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee

Eargo

View On Eargo.com

Why We Like It: The in-ear design means these hearing aids won't interfere with the fit of your glasses.

It's Worth Noting: They're small, so there are no device-based controls to adjust settings.

If you wear glasses, you know how hard it is to find a pair that fits just perfectly on your face—and the last thing you need is a hearing aid messing everything up. For glasses-wearers, a CIC or in-the-ear is often a better choice, since these don't require any parts or pieces to loop over the back of your ear and eliminate the possibility that your hearing aid and your specs won't play nicely together.

That's why we recommend the CIC-style of the Eargo 6 hearing aids, which are designed to just be popped right into your ear canal and "float" there, thanks to the uniquely-shaped silicone tips. Like the Audien Atom Pro aids, the Eargo 6 aids don't force you to sacrifice sound quality for their teensy size; the Eargo 6 features environmentally-reactive sound quality, noise reduction, and feedback cancellation, just like larger-sized hearing aids.

You do have to sacrifice device-based controls, however, but the Eargo app makes it so you won't even miss them: you can set your preferred volume and also switch between different listening environments right from your tablet or smartphone.

Price at time of publication: $2,950

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: rechargeable
Bluetooth capabilities: yes
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 2-year manufacturer's warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee

Lexie Hearing

View On Lexiehearing.com

Why We Like It: You can set up more sophisticated sound settings, like treble and bass for voices, with the sound technology created by Bose.

It's Worth Noting: You can't stream audio to the hearing aids, which is a bummer for a product "powered by Bose."

If you've always prioritized superb sound quality when listening to music or watching your favorite blockbuster movie at home, you might be disappointed by what some hearing aids call "quality sound." In that case, the Lexie B1 hearing aids have a better chance at meeting your needs; they're powered by Bose, meaning that when Bose stopped making their own branded hearing aids, they handed over their sound technology to Lexie.

It also means that you get a few features unique to this specific model: features like "world volume," which turns up quiet sounds while keeping loud sounds low, treble and bass voice settings, and directional microphone adjustments for holding conversations versus immersing yourself in a crowd. Unfortunately, you still can't stream audio directly into your hearing aids (this is a limitation with both available Lexie devices), but the sophisticated sound settings offered with the Lexie B1s will still enable you to hear crisper, brighter, Bose-quality sound when they're in use.

Price at time of publication: $900

Product Details:

Disposable or rechargeable batteries: disposable
Bluetooth capabilities: yes
Warranty or money-back guarantee: 1-year manufacturer's warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee

How We Selected the Hearing Aids

To find the best hearing aids available to consumers, we spoke with four specialists—including audiologists, otologists, and otolaryngologists—about the things to consider when choosing the right device for you. They emphasized the importance of knowing what type of hearing aid you need, and encouraged people to weigh the cost/benefit comparison of choosing a more affordable OTC option over one provided through a specialist's office.

Is Bluetooth connectivity a must-have for you? What about directional microphones? And are you willing to sacrifice a longer battery life for a more discreet device? These are the questions our experts think consumers should be asking themselves before deciding on a hearing aid—and with these questions in mind, we researched hearing aids across a wide variety of needs, budgets, age groups, and degrees of hearing loss.

What to Know About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

Before you choose a hearing aid, it helps to know what to expect: hearing aids come in many different styles, and with the new FDA ruling, it may seem more overwhelming than ever to find the one that best fits your needs.

Types of hearing aids

There are several different types of hearing aids, and the one that's right for you depends on the features you need. Some are smaller or larger than others, some are more noticeable while others are fairly discreet, and some work better for mild versus severe hearing loss.

In-the-canal (ITC)

This type of hearing aid is very small, which makes it one of the most discreet styles (but also one of the tougher aids to remove and adjust). Still, ITC aids can accommodate longer battery life and directional microphones, something their smaller counterparts can't.

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)

CIC aids are similar to ITC aids, but they are even more invisible, sitting fully within the ear canal—only a small string sits outside the canal for easy removal. They typically offer users the advantage of less feedback when using a telephone and less disruptive noise from wind, but since they are so tiny, they can be hard to manipulate and don't have the longest battery life.

In-the-ear (ITE)

This type of hearing aid is like a larger CIC aid: it sits completely in the canal, but since it's bigger, it's more visible and easier to manipulate. The larger size also gives it more functionality than CICs, such as Bluetooth, directional microphones, and telecoil.

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

These look the most like a traditional hearing aid, with a device that sits behind your ear and is connected to a piece inside your ear canal with a plastic tube. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are bulkier and more visible, but they are also easier to handle and more appropriate for profound hearing loss. They are sometimes also called receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) devices, and they're often the best of both worlds for many users in terms of form and function.

Mini behind-the-ear (mBTE)

If you prefer a behind-the-ear style but want something more streamlined, mBTE aids are basically a downsized version of the traditional hearing aid, with smaller and less visible pieces.

Since hearing aids cost a lot of money, it's important to research the different companies and styles to ensure you're getting the right hearing aid for your hearing loss. Reading a variety of hearing aid reviews can help you better understand the different styles and how people choose the best hearing aids for their comfort level and needs.

How long hearing aids last

It depends on a few things, like how regularly you need to use your hearing aid and how well you care for it.

Oliver Adunka, MD, otolaryngologist The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, says hearing aids usually last for about three to five years, while Kenny Lin, MD, an otologist with Houston Methodist Hospital, says some aids can last for up to eight years

Either way, you should plan to take proper care of your hearing aid if you want to prolong its lifespan for as long as possible: this includes keeping hearing aids dry and clean, storing them in a safe place, removing them before showering or swimming, and turning them off when they're not in use.

Special hearing aid features

All hearing aids include a microphone, amplifier, and speaker, but modern technology has allowed many hearing aids to come with additional forms of technology.

Dr. Lin says Bluetooth connectivity is a big one, not only so you can receive your phone calls directly to your device but so you can sync up other smart devices around your home with your hearing aid, like your music and TV. In some cases, he adds, you may even be able to download an app onto your smartphone to control almost all of the settings on your hearing aids, eliminating the need to remove your hearing aids to make adjustments.

Many previous issues with sound quality have also been resolved with the newer generation of hearing aids, says Dr. Adunka, and most have improved upon comfort, too, making them easier to wear.

Why the FDA's ruling on over-the-counter hearing aids will improve access

The FDA's new ruling stands to improve access in two key ways, says Dr. Lin: by increasing product choice and lowering hearing aid prices.

"Cost is most commonly given as the reason patients postpone the decision to treat their hearing loss," Dr. Lin says. "For patients with mild to moderate hearing loss that need just a little amplification of sounds, this will be a great change."

Dr. Lewis agrees, noting that only one-third of people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually get one; she says she is hopeful that OTC options will improve access and encourage individuals to treat their communication difficulties.

The FDA also hopes that the new ruling will remove some of the existing barriers to people obtaining hearing aids, such as needing to schedule, attend, and pay for professional audiology appointments, fittings, and adjustments.

Your Questions, Answered

How do I know if I need a hearing aid?

Unless a doctor or audiologist has recommended hearing aids, you may not know if you need a pair. But, if you're noticing hearing loss in one or both ears, it might be time to consider hearing aids.

Some signs of hearing loss to be aware of include:

shouting when talking
requiring electronic devices to be turned up louder than normal
asking people to repeat themselves because you can't hear or understand what they are saying
straining to hear
ability to hear better out of one ear
difficulty hearing people on the phone
certain sounds and voices sound muffled

If you're experiencing any signs or symptoms of hearing loss, consider seeing a doctor or hearing specialist. They can perform a hearing test to determine the degree of hearing loss and recommend different hearing styles and brands.

It's worth noting that all of the experts we spoke with warned that people with severe forms of hearing loss are often not good candidates for hearing aids, especially ones purchased OTC.

"Patients with more complex hearing changes or more severe hearing loss will still benefit from working with an audiologist and otolaryngologist to ensure they are using the appropriate device, and that the device is optimized for them," advises Dr. Lin.

How does a hearing aid work?

According to Jessica Galatioto, AuD, audiologist at ColumbiaDoctors and assistant professor of audiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, hearing aids use one or two small microphones to capture environmental sounds, which are then processed through and amplified by the hearing aid according to the patient's degree of hearing loss.

"A majority of hearing aids do a good job at increasing speech while minimizing background noise through digital signal processing," says Dr. Galatioto. "The processed sound is then sent to the ear by a small speaker that sits in the ear canal [which gives] the user better access to sound."

Dr. Galatioto says it's important to understand that hearing aids don't provide normal hearing—they improve access to sound. In other words, they don't change or cure your hearing loss, they just make it easier to work around your impaired hearing.

How much do hearing aids cost?

There's a wide range of pricing for hearing aids, which Dr. Galatioto says is based on the level of technology and the service model employed by the provider. (The service model is a method of payment the user selects when purchasing hearing aids through a provider; there are bundled and unbundled models, both with pros and cons, but these are less likely to be a factor with OTC hearing aids).

In general, you can expect the out-of-pocket cost for a professionally-obtained hearing aid to be anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 per device, says Dr. Galatioto. Remember that you may need to purchase one aid for each ear, so that cost could be doubled!

Meanwhile, some of the hearing aid options now available OTC are being priced at less than $1,000 for two devices, which is a huge cost savings.

Does health insurance cover hearing aids?

Some health insurance policies do cover hearing aids, says Dr. Galatioto, but it varies greatly between carriers and plans. It's best to call your insurance carrier and ask about your policy and benefits if you have questions about whether hearing aids are covered under your plan.

Does Medicare cover hearing aids?

The purchase of hearing aids is not covered by Medicare. Children under the age of 18 may be eligible for coverage of hearing aids under Medicaid or other state programs, but Medicare only covers the diagnostic evaluation for adults.

How long does it take to get used to a hearing aid?

Adjusting to your new hearing aids takes time. For some people, getting used to wearing hearing aids happens within a few days. But for many others, there is a learning curve that may take a few months before being fully adjusted to wearing a new device. In general, you should notice a difference right away. If you're having problems, reach out to the hearing center or online retailer that sold you the hearing aids. They can provide tips and guidance to help with the fit and make your hearing aid review experience better.

Are in-the-ear hearing aids comfortable to wear?

In-the-ear hearing aids are less bulky than behind-the-ear hearing aids but larger than the nearly invisible, in-the-canal styles. In-the-ear hearing aids sit in the outer portion of the ear canal and are custom-made to fit the shape of your ear. All hearing aids require an adjustment period, and many people find them uncomfortable, at least initially. If you normally wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, you may experience some discomfort with in-the-ear styles. Adjusting to a device in your ear takes time, but most people find these styles comfortable and easy to wear.

Which is better: In-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aids?

Hearing aids come in several styles including behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. Finding the best device for you depends on several factors.

A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid sits behind your ear with a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. The case that sits behind your ear holds all the electronic parts necessary to make it work. BTE devices are bigger, so they are typically easier to use and handle, making them a good choice for kids and seniors. They're also able to house a larger battery, which provides a longer battery life. Plus, the bigger size makes them more durable and able to provide more features. BTE hearing aids serve a range of ages and hearing loss. They are appropriate for all ages and work well for anyone with mild to profound hearing loss.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit inside the ear, either partially or completely, and work well for mild to severe hearing loss. Some ITE devices come with a telecoil, which is a small magnetic coil, that enables you to hear sound through the circuitry rather than the microphone. This may improve the quality of phone conversations or help you hear in environments that use special sound systems like induction auditoriums. ITE aids are more discreet than BTE, but they are still bigger than nearly invisible options like a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid.

What kind of batteries do hearing aids use?

Hearing aids either use a rechargeable battery that comes with the hearing aid or a standard disposable battery. If the hearing aids use disposable batteries, make a note of the size. In general, standard hearing aid batteries come in four sizes. These include 10, 13, 312, and 675. You can purchase hearing aid batteries at pharmacies, retail locations, or directly through the hearing aid company. Most rechargeable batteries are unique to the hearing aid. Therefore, you will need to contact the company to purchase a replacement battery or charger.

Will hearing aids restore my hearing to normal?

Even the most technologically advanced hearing aids will not restore your hearing to normal. Hearing aids are designed to maximize your hearing potential—especially in challenging listening situations. Although they serve as an excellent tool to help retrain your brain to interpret sounds and filter others out, they cannot restore your hearing.

Who We Are

Sarah Bradley has been a freelance writer since 2017, tackling health commerce articles, product reviews, and shopping guides on everything from dry skin moisturizers and wart removers to menstrual cups and toothbrushes for braces. She has personally tested electric toothbrushes and water flossers, so knows what makes a good product stand out from a great one (and really, really wants to tell you about it).