6 Best Hearing Aids, According to Health Experts (2024)

These OTC hearing aids will help those with hearing loss prioritize speech in noisy settings, like a busy office or restaurant, via Jabra's SoundScape technology. Though they may seem pricey, they're Jabra's most premium pair so you can expect the best sound quality and amplification.

Not only is the device sleek and stylish, but it's available in various finishes so you can choose one to your liking, including sparkling silver, champagne, gold, bronze and warm gray. Each pair of hearing aids comes with a carrying case that will provide three full charges, according to the brand, for days when you're busy traveling or can't get to an outlet. Plus, your purchase comes with a free 100-day trial. For even more perks, consider opting for the premium package for $200 more that comes with a three-year warranty, custom-programmed hearing aids according to your needs and app compatibility to adjust settings.

Improving your hearing doesn't have to set you back thousands. Our pros recommend these OTC hearing aids if you're looking for the best deal without sacrificing performance. While they're not as feature-rich or attractive as other pairs you'll find, you can purchase left or right ears separately or both pairs for even less.

The beige hearing aid sits behind your ear where you can make quick sound adjustments, while the clear tip should look discreet inside your ear. Claimed battery life is up to 12–16 hours, with up to three full charges provided from the carrying case so you can always stay connected. Our pros do warn, however, that Bluetooth connectivity isn't available with this model so you won't be able to connect your hearing aids directly with your phone's audio.

If there's one thing these Eargo hearing aids have going for them, it's their tiny, compact size that's virtually invisible once inside your ear. Because they're OTC, you can skip any in-office visits and use Eargo's "Sound Match" to self-fit and find the right fit for you. When it comes to battery life, these hearing aids feature 16 hours on one charge according to the brand, though the carrying case provides up to two days total of on-the-go charging.

Best of all, the Eargo 7 are waterproof and can stand up to humidity, thanks to their IPX7 rating, meaning they've been tested to be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. While these are pricey for an OTC hearing aid, each purchase comes with a two-year warranty.

Bose is a reputable name in the audio industry for its clear, refined sound, so it's no surprise that these OTC hearing aids powered by Bose earn a spot on this list. What sets this pair apart is the customization to your hearing level. Before wearing the device, you'll take an in-app hearing test to create a unique hearing profile. While we haven't tested the app yet, consumers share that it's easy to use and intuitive.

Like other hearing aids, these feature Bluetooth connectivity so you can connect your hearing aids to your iPhone and take calls (though you won't be able to stream music or connect to Androids). And in case you're worried about battery life, rest assured that the charging case provides an extra 18 hours when you're on the go. It's only available in gray, however each purchase includes a one-year warranty.

Signia claims that these hearing aids offer a refined fit, and our experts couldn't agree more. Not only is this device slim and discreet, fitting nicely behind your ear, but you can look forward to top-notch quality and several gorgeous finishes like black/fine gold, black/graphite, white/rose gold and much more. Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, these prescription hearing aids require a consultation with a local hearing care professional before you can purchase them.

Our pros love that the feature-rich Styletto AX has some of the best battery life of any of the hearing aids on this list, with up to 20 hours on each charge and wireless charging capabilities. You'll also get up to four additional days of recharging from the carrying case so you can go about your day freely. Our tech experts point out that the device connects to both Android and iPhone for seamless streaming from the device of your choice.

"The basic idea is that sensitive microphones pick up all the sounds around you and play them into your ear louder to help you hear them," says Sabrina Lee, audiologist at HearUSA, a network of 4,000 independent Hearing Care Professionals and more than 350 HearUSA centers. Though modern hearing aids are much more complex and factor in levels of loss, acoustics of the ear and listening preferences to customize the sound to your specific needs, each hearing aid has the same purpose — to help you cope with hearing loss and communicate more effectively.

Rajarshi Pratihar, AuD, MHA, MBA, Director of Audiology with UTHealth Houston explains the technology behind hearing aids even further: “These electronic medical devices capture sound waves through a microphone, which then converts the sound into digital code via an internal computer chip. This code is analyzed and adjusted based on an individual's hearing loss, and then converted back into sound waves delivered directly into the ear through a speaker, also known as a receiver. This personalized approach helps enhance the sounds that users find difficult to hear, improving speech, understanding and environmental awareness."

There are several notable differences between prescription hearing aids and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.

"Prescription hearing aids are for any level of hearing loss — from mild to profound — and are professionally fitted by trained professionals who test hearing through advanced diagnostic tools and validate the proper function of the device based on normative data and years of experience," says Lee. While these devices tend to be initially more expensive, she explains that when an individual purchases prescription hearing devices, they are also often purchasing several years of in-office service and product warranty.

OTC hearing aids, on the other hand, do not require professional hearing evaluations or programming adjustments and are intended for customers 18+ only. “OTC hearing aids provide general amplification suitable for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, making them more affordable and accessible with less personalized options,” says Pratihar. Though these hearing aids are a reliable option, they do come with certain limitations. "OTC devices are not suitable for those with hearing loss beyond moderate severity — a diagnostic term for the degree of impact on speech understanding that is obtained during a standard audiological evaluation," says Lee. She warns of potential drawbacks like inadequate testing and a lack of ongoing counseling. "Unlike eyeglasses, hearing aids require ongoing support from audiologists and specialists. Studies show that a lack of counseling on care and maintenance often leads to discontinued use due to discomfort or incorrect usage," she says.

Expert tip: When choosing between the two, double-check any information regarding warranty or returns. According to Pratihar, prescription hearing aids are designed to last five years and typically come with a trial period and a three-year full-service warranty and coverage for loss or damage. He explains that, on the contrary, FDA regulations do not mandate manufacturers to offer a warranty or return options for OTC hearing aids. Before making a purchase, it’s important to check each brand’s policies and to factor in any costs associated with ongoing care and maintenance of your hearing aids.

Most hearing aids are powered by rechargeable batteries, but the devices can come in various shapes, sizes and styles. “Each is designed to meet different aesthetic preferences and hearing needs,” explains Pratihar. These are some of the most popular styles you'll find:

• Behind-the-ear (BTE): This is the most common type of hearing aid design and it's extremely versatile, according to experts. It rests behind the ear with a tube that directs sound into an earpiece called an earmold in the ear canal. It’s suitable for most types of hearing loss, whether severe or mild.
• Receiver-in-canal (RIC) or receiver-in-ear (RIE): These hearing aids “combine the benefit of a small, discreet device behind the ear with the powerful features of digital technology,” shares Lee. A speaker sits directly inside the ear (instead of behind your ear) and connects to the main unit by a thin wire. Both BTE and RIE hearing aids are appropriate for mild to profound hearing loss and can be as versatile as traditional BTE hearing aids.
• In-the-ear (ITE): Microphones, speakers and computer chips are stored in the shell of these hearing aids, which fit inside your outer ear. According to Lee, these devices can come in a custom style, where the housing of the hearing aid is made based on a mold of your own ear. Non-custom versions are also available, with tips similar to earbuds.
• In-the-canal (ITC): These custom-fit devices sit partly in the ear canal and are more discreet than BTE or RIC models. ITE and ITC devices are appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss.
• Completely-in-canal (CIC): These hearing aids are even more discrete, fitting fully in the ear canal.
• Invisible-in-canal (IIC): Even smaller than CIC, this style sits invisibly in the canal.

Though selecting hearing aids is ultimately a personal decision, industry experts like Pratihar and Lee advise considering multiple factors before making a purchase.

✔️ Design: Don’t be embarrassed to consider aesthetics when picking out your hearing aids. “If you’re considering what device is ultimately going to become a huge part of your daily routine, you should pick something you’re comfortable with inside and out,” says Lee. She advises thinking about whether you prefer a discreet style that blends in with your hair or skin, or a hearing aid that looks modern and sleek.

✔️ Ease of use: Consider a style, like in-the-ear, that’s easier to put in and take out every day if you face dexterity issues or difficulty manipulating small objects.

✔️ Lifestyle: Individuals who frequently encounter challenging listening environments, like places with significant background noise, should opt for advanced or premium hearing aids with powerful noise reduction, like the ones on our list. Lee explains how noise reduction works: “The device will listen to the environment around you and search for speech over other noises like dishes clattering or the din of a crowded restaurant. When it finds noise, the hearing aid will try to reduce it while allowing mainly speech and other important information to be highlighted for you.”

✔️ Battery: Rechargeable hearing aids with extended battery life mean that you won’t have to recharge as frequently or constantly replace batteries. A rechargeable carrying case that provides battery life on the go is a huge bonus.

✔️ Connectivity: Thanks for Bluetooth connectivity, hearing aids can seamlessly connect to smartphones, TVs, computers, tablets and other devices to stream calls, music, podcasts or entertainment, significantly improving the user experience.

✔️ Waterproofing: If you live in a rainy or humid environment, you may need to consider hearing aids with waterproofing capabilities. “In areas with high humidity, a waterproof feature is essential to protect the device and ensure its durability,” says Pratihar.

✔️ Cost: Lee explains that the cost of hearing aids will vary depending on the level of technology you choose as well as whether your health plan offers coverage for the device itself and fittings and follow-ups. “The price range for hearing aids is broad, typically running from $1,000 to $4,000 per ear, based on the device's features, individuals’ specific requirements and services provided,” Pratihar says.

✔️ Extra features: Most modern hearing aids come with extra features such as tinnitus therapy, background noise reduction, high-quality streaming and Bluetooth capabilities, rechargeability and acoustic motion sensors, explains Lee. Pratihar adds that “some hearing aids now integrate AI technology for seamless, real-time adjustments. These devices are capable of tracking steps and usage, and they can even detect falls, subsequently sending messages to loved ones.” It’s also worth noting that many of the latest hearing aid models are equipped with apps, which enable users to adjust their hearing preferences directly from their smartphones to meet their specific listening needs.

Good Housekeeping Institute Product Analyst and Writer Olivia Lipski covers gadgets, health and fitness, home, travel and more. She regularly collaborates with GH’s Wellness Lab to test and review wearables, health devices and more. Though she hasn’t tested hearing aids herself, she often covers the latest in audio as well as accessibility.

For this story, she spoke to Rajarshi Pratihar, AuD, MHA, MBA, Director of Audiology with UTHealth Houston, and Sabrina Lee, audiologist at HearUSA.