The Best Hearing Aids for 2023

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

How we vet brands and products

Austra Health only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

Was this helpful?

• Most tech-forward hearing aids:Starkey Livio Edge AI | Skip to Review
• Best invisible hearing aids:Eargo Neo HiFi, Phonak Lyric | Skip to Review
• Best Invisible hearing aids for mild hearing loss:Nano CIC Invisible Hearing Aids | Skip to Review
• Best hearing aids for natural sound:Jabra Enhance Select 200, ReSound One | Skip to Review
• Best low cost hearing aids:Kirkland Signature 10.0 with Tcoil | Skip to Review
• Best hearing aids for streaming:Signia Styletto Connect | Skip to Review
• Best hearing aids for one-sided hearing loss:Signia CROS Pure Charge&Go X | Skip to Review
• Best hearing aids for severe hearing loss:Oticon Xceed, Phonak Bolero Marvel | Skip to Review
• Best hearing aids for tinnitus:Oticon More | Skip to Review
• Best ready-to-wear hearing aids:Signia Silk X | Skip to Review
• Best over-the-counter hearing aids:Lexie B1 Self-fitting OTC Hearing Aids Powered by Bose | Skip to Review

If you’re thinking about getting hearing aids or looking into new ones, you’re not alone. Approximately 37.5 million U.S. adults have some degree of hearing loss. Many people with hearing loss may benefit from assistive technologies, such as hearing aids.

Shopping for hearing aids can be challenging, especially if you haven’t purchased them before. Some come with lots of options and settings, while others are simpler to use. We rounded up an array of options based on common concerns, including cost.

Administrative spending is particularly problematic in United States hospitals, where it makes up about 25% of total hospital spending and accounts for hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare spending annually, The Commonwealth Fund The percentage of total hospital spending devoted to administration is highest in for-profit hospitals, followed by nonprofit hospitals, teaching hospitals, and finally public hospitals. Outdated reimbursement and reporting methods are a big part of the administrative cost, says Salvo-Wendt. “Reimbursing in bundled payments instead of itemizing each service or component would produce instant savings of administrative costs.”

Note that before choosing the right hearing aids for you, it’s best to speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional and ask for a hearing assessment. They may refer you to a specialist and can help you decide if and what type of hearing aids you might need.

For this roundup, we only chose hearing aids from manufacturers with solid reputations. Hearing aids are medical devices that must meet criteria approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

We read scores of online consumer reviews and spoke with people who use some of them. We only chose hearing aids that consistently get more positive than negative comments.

Most of the hearing aids on this list come with financing options, a manufacturer’s warranty, and a 30-day or greater risk-free trial.

We looked at a wide range of features that are important to consumers, including:

• invisibility, or being discreet to wear
• Bluetooth connectivity
• ease of use
• adaptive noise reduction
• tinnitus relief
• custom fit options
• price
• ability to recharge

Pricing guide

Hearing aid prices can vary significantly from retailer to retailer. We’ve indicated the price for single hearing aids. In some instances, these prices are bundled and reflect additional services like follow-up visits and hearing aid maintenance.

Prices are estimated as follows:

Most tech-forward hearing aids

Starkey Livio Edge AI

• Price: $$$
• Features: AI-powered speech enhancement; boosts speech sounds; has fall detection and alerts, language translation, virtual assistance, find my hearing aids, Thrive app for caregivers
• Style of fit: behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, in-the-canal, receiver-in-canal
• Battery life: rechargeable (17–20 hours), disposable (3–7 days)

These tech-forward hearing aids have Bluetooth connectivity, plus lots of other special features. They’re available in multiple styles, including behind the ear, in the ear, in the canal, and receiver in the canal.

According to Starkey, the company uses artificial intelligence (AI) to adapt to your environment and hearing needs through automatic adjustments that don’t require manual input.

They suppress background noise and boost speech sounds, so you can easily follow conversations. They can also detect falls and can be programmed to notify an emergency contact.

You can program them to listen and transcribe your words or translate conversations through the Thrive Care app.

Pros

• features Bluetooth technology and fall detection
• can translate foreign languages

Cons

• may not be budget-friendly for all buyers

Was this helpful?

Best invisible hearing aids

Eargo Neo HiFi

• Price: $$
• Features: advanced noise reduction and feedback cancellation, wind noise reduction, very comfortable fit, access to a hearing professional through the mobile app
• Style of fit: invisible in the canal
• Battery life: 16 hours; case stays charged and provides additional charge to hearing aids for 1 week

Eargo hearing aids are only sold in pairs, so their cost represents two hearing aids, a charger, and other accessories.

The company doesn’t require a prescription from an audiologist.

The Neo HiFi is Eargo’s most recently developed hearing aid. They’re designed for people with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss. They can help make sounds like human speech easier to hear.

Eargo hearing aids use a design they call Flexi Tetrapalms that lets them float in the ear canal and is part of what makes these hearing aids discreet.

They come with four settings that you can manually adjust with two simple ear taps.

Pros

• only sold in pairs
• easy to adjust settings

Cons

• not suitable for those with severe to profound hearing loss

Was this helpful?

Phonak Lyric

• Price: $$$
• Features: uses your natural ear anatomy to generate natural sound, 24-7 tinnitus relief
• Style of fit: completely invisible, placed into ear canal by an audiologist
• Battery life: no batteries required; hearing aids remain in the ear for months at a time, and duration varies from person to person

The Phonak Lyric is placed directly into your ear canal near your eardrum by a professional, making the aids invisible. They use your ear’s natural shape and anatomy to localize sound.

You can leave these hearing aids in your ears for months at a time without removing them.

They also provide relief from tinnitus. Their price is based on an annual subscription.

Pros

• sits inside your ear canal so it isn’t noticeable
• can remain in your ears for months

Cons

• must be placed by a professional

Was this helpful?

Best invisible hearing aids for mild hearing loss

Nano CIC Invisible Hearing Aids

• Price: $
• Features: automatic noise reduction, telecoil loop amplification
• Style of fit: invisible in the canal
• Battery life: disposable (3 to 7 days)

Nano hearing aids come to you directly from the manufacturer. By cutting out the middleman, Nano is able to keep the cost of its hearing aids low. These hearing aids don’t require an audiologist visit or prescription. They may be a good choice for you if you have mild hearing loss.

They come with four earbud domes in different sizes. You’ll need to choose the dome that best fits your ear canal. These hearing aids should enhance your ability to follow one-on-one and group conversations and enjoy television and talking on the phone without straining.

They come with a 45-day, risk-free money-back guarantee and free lifetime support.

Pros

• affordable option
• automatic hearing adjustment
• come with a money-back risk-free guarantee

Cons

• can’t be used to stream media
• not be a good choice for severe hearing loss
• requires manual insertion of small batteries

Was this helpful?

Best hearing aids for natural sound

Jabra Enhance Select 200

• Price: $$
• Features: hands-free calling, charging case, Bluetooth streaming
• Style of fit: behind the ear
• Battery life: rechargeable (30 hours)

The brand formerly known as Lively is now rebranded as Jabra Enhance. They call their Select 200 hearing aid their “most natural and immersive hearing experience.” It features streaming capabilities and a music mode, which can help improve the sound of live music.

While this isn’t the most budget-friendly pick on our list, Jabra Enhance does offer a 100-day trial period, a 3-year warranty, and free shipping and returns. If you’re unhappy with your experience, you can return it within the trial period for a full refund.

This model is available in eight different colors, and it’s available to ship directly to consumers with personalized audiologist support.

Pros

• includes Bluetooth connectivity
• automatic volume control
• 3-year warranty

Cons

• other top picks have a longer battery life

Was this helpful?

ReSound One

• Price: $$$
• Features: a microphone and receiver are in the ear to generate natural sound, including the sound of your own voice; directional sound identification supports one-to-one conversations in noisy environments; supports speech clarity in windy environments
• Style of fit: behind the ear
• Battery life: rechargeable (25 hours)

These behind-the-ear hearing aids have three microphones: two on the hearing aid itself and one at the opening of the ear canal.

This technology is made to support your ability to pinpoint and localize sound. The ReSound One aims to mimic the ear’s natural ability to funnel sound into the ear canal.

You can purchase this hearing aid as a rechargeable device or with disposable batteries.

Pros

• can choose between models with rechargeable or disposable battery operation
• designed to produce natural sound

Cons

• very expensive compared with other options

Was this helpful?

Best low cost hearing aids

Kirkland Signature 10.0 with Tcoil

• Price: $$
• Features: stereo quality sound, Bluetooth compatible, tap control, motion sensor hearing, automatic setting adjustment through the Easy Line remote app
• Style of fit: receiver in the ear
• Battery life: rechargeable (16 hours)

These affordably priced hearing aids are sold through Costco Wholesale warehouse stores. To purchase Kirkland hearing aids, you must be a Costco member by paying Costco’s annual membership fee.

These hearing aids automatically adjust their settings to your environment, with no manual adjusting. They produce rich, stereo-quality sound. They’re designed to optimize speech in challenging environments, including noisy rooms.

They’re rechargeable but don’t use inductive charging, which may make them more challenging to handle if you have hand dexterity or strength issues.

They’re Bluetooth compatible with iPhone and Android. Double tapping your hearing aids lets you pause or stream media directly from your smart device. You can also tap your hearing aids to answer or hang up on phone calls.

These hearing aids are telecoil enabled. You can use them with many landline telephones and in public places that use loop systems or hearing-assisted technologies, such as airports and stadiums.

They come in five colors, are water-resistant, and are dust-tight.

Pros

• affordable price point
• Bluetooth compatible with iPhone and Android
• rich stereo-quality sound

Cons

• don’t have inductive charging
• may be bulky for people who wear eyeglasses
• can only be purchased by Costco members

Was this helpful?

Best hearing aids for streaming

Signia Styletto C onnect

• Price: $$
• Features: Bluetooth media streaming; sleek design; natural sound generation including your own voice; streamlined mic enables hands-free calls; small charger case for charging on-the-go
• Style of fit: receiver in the ear
• Battery life: rechargeable (4 days)

These hearing aids double as high-tech earbuds that allow you to stream TV, music, and telephone calls.

They’re meant for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The brand claims they provide a natural hearing experience with clear, clean sound.

These come with a lithium-ion charging case that provides 4 days of streaming without the need to recharge.

They pick up and process the sound of your own voice separately, making it sound as natural to you as it does to others.

The Signia app for iOS or Android allows you to change and personalize your settings.

Pros

• ability to stream content, like earbuds
• battery lasts for up to 4 days
• available in three different colors

Cons

• may not be budget-friendly for all

Was this helpful?

Best hearing aids for one-sided hearing loss

Signia CROS Pure Charge&Go X

• Price: $$
• Features: Bluetooth for media streaming; app for setting adjustments and communication with a hearing professional; face mask mode for clearer voice quality; directional hearing configuration
• Style of fit: receiver in the ear
• Battery life: rechargeable (1 day)

This small, behind-the-ear hearing aid has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream phone calls, music, and TV directly to your ear from other devices. They’re designed to provide enhanced hearing in noisy environments.

They can also charge overnight for a full day’s worth of reliable hearing performance, plus they have a fast-charging option. In addition, they detect your voice and process it to generate a natural sound.

Pros

• allows for content streaming
• comes with a fast-charging option
• available in 10 colors

Cons

• other top picks offer longer battery life

Was this helpful?

Best hearing aids for severe hearing loss

Oticon Xceed

• Price: $$$
• Features: provides 360-degree sound without static or whistling; scans your surroundings 100 times per second to reduce listening effort and enhance speech clarity
• Style of fit: behind the ear
• Battery life: rechargeable (3–10 days)

These hearing aids are designed to isolate sound and focus on the person in front of you, to differentiate between speech and background noise.

They use a technology that the manufacturer calls BrainHearing to scan your environment repeatedly, providing speech clarity and reduced listening effort. They can eliminate the feedback noise caused by close proximity to the speaker, such as whistling and static.

They also have Bluetooth technology and direct streaming capability.

Pros

• features Bluetooth technology
• long lasting battery life

Cons

• higher price point than other top picks

Was this helpful?

Phonak Bolero Marvel

• Price: $$$
• Features: Bluetooth streaming, remote fine-tuning
• Style of fit: behind the ear
• Battery life: rechargeable (24 hours)

These hearing aids come in two models based on your hearing loss level. A hearing care professional, such as an audiologist, will work with you to determine which model and performance level will be best for you.

These hearing aids are powerful enough to produce clear, crisp sounds in noisy environments. This translates into less listening effort during conversations and during events like lectures and plays.

They’re Bluetooth-compatible with iOS and Android. You can use them for hands-free calling and for streaming media.

They’re rechargeable and will hold a charge for 24 hours, even if you use them for streaming.

The MyPhonak app lets you adjust and fine-tune your hearing aids remotely.

Pros

• work well for people with severe hearing loss
• come in nine colors
• Bluetooth compatible for hands-free calls and streaming

Cons

• prices may vary based on the hearing professional you work with and your geographic location

Was this helpful?

Best hearing aids for tinnitus

Oticon More

• Price: $$$
• Features: tinnitus relief app, Bluetooth-enabled streaming, hands-free calling from any smartphone
• Style of fit: behind the ear
• Battery life: rechargeable (24 hours)

Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss. Oticon More hearing aids come with Oticon’s Tinnitus SoundSupport system, which is controlled through an app. The app is compatible with iPhone and Android. It uses masking relief sounds that reduce your brain’s perception of tinnitus sounds. There’s a library of sounds to choose from, including white noise and ocean sounds.

Oticon More hearing aids have a chip embedded in each device that has been trained on 12 million real-life sounds. According to the manufacturer, this supports your brain to make better sense of the sounds coming into your ears. The result is less listening effort and enhanced speech understanding.

A variety of hearing programs includes MyMusic, which provides rich, crystal-clear sound when you’re listening to live music or streaming music from your device.

Pros

• library of masking sounds provides tinnitus relief
• available in two styles
• come with a risk-free trial

Cons

• can only be purchased through an Oticon hearing aid specialist or audiologist
• price may vary based on your provider and geographic location

Was this helpful?

Best ready-to-wear hearing aids

Signia Silk X

• Price: $$
• Features: tinnitus relief, no-wait custom fit, Bluetooth compatibility, telecare remote support
• Style of fit: completely in canal
• Battery life: disposable (up to 7 days)

These hearing aids eliminate the wait time typically required for custom-made hearing aids. They come with silicone click sleeves that click onto the hearing aids, providing a secure, custom-like fit.

They’re Bluetooth-compatible and can be used to make phone calls and stream media.

Telecare remote support with a hearing professional is available through the Signia app. You can also use the app to control your settings and volume. Settings can also be adjusted through a mini-device you attach to your key ring.

If you have one-sided hearing loss, you can use these hearing aids with a CROS Silk X accessory.

Signia hearing aids come with tinnitus-relieving tools, including Notch Therapy. Notch Therapy can identify and reduce your tinnitus frequency. Sound masking is also used.

Pros

• includes tinnitus relief tools
• good for one-sided hearing loss
• small, discreet size

Cons

• prices may vary based on your hearing professional and geographic location
• no rechargeable option

Was this helpful?

Best over-the-counter hearing aids

Lexie B1 Self-fitting OTC Hearing Aids Powered by Bose

• Price: $
• Features: self-fitting, Bluetooth enabled, directional microphone, wind and feedback repression, ambient noise reduction
• Style of fit: receiver-in-canal
• Battery life: 4-7 days, depending on use

If your hearing aids aren’t comfortable, you probably won’t wear them. Since they’re self-fitting, the Lexie B1 overrides that potential issue. They come with an ear measuring tool and domes in multiple sizes, so you’ll be able to give yourself a professional-level hearing aid fitting at home.

They’re also self-tuning. You can amplify quiet sounds to better hear conversations in noisy rooms, plus adjust treble and bass for crispness and tone.

You can also use the Lexie app to store multiple hearing environment settings, like watching TV, parks, and restaurants.

The Lexie B1 uses disposable 312 zinc-air batteries. If you prefer a rechargeable hearing aid option, the Lexie B2 is also available at a slightly higher price.

Pros

• self-fitting
• easy to adjust, button-controlled settings
• discreet design
• comes with a one-year warranty and a 45-day trial period

Cons

• only available in grey
• can’t be used to stream music or phone calls

Was this helpful?

Hearing aid	Price	Style of fit	Battery life
Starkey Livio Edge AI	$$$	-behind the ear -receiver in canal -in the ear -in the canal	rechargeable: 17–20 hours disposable battery: 3–7 days
Eargo Neo HiFi	$$	invisible in canal	16 hours; case stays charged for 1 week and recharges hearing aids
Phonak Lyric	$$$	invisible in canal	no batteries required: months
Nano CIC Invisible Hearing Aids	$	invisible in canal	disposable: 3-7 days
Jabra Enhance Select 200	$$	behind the ear	rechargeable: 30 hours
ReSound One	$$$	behind the ear	rechargeable: 25 hours
Kirkland Signature 10.0 with Tcoil	$$	receiver in the ear	rechargeable: 16 hours
Signia Styletto Connect	$$	receiver in the ear	rechargeable: 4 days
Signia CROS Pure Charge&Go X	$$	receiver in the ear	rechargeable: 1 day
Oticon Xceed	$$$	behind the ear	rechargeable: 3–10 days
Phonak Bolero Marvel	$$$	behind the ear	rechargeable: 24 hours
Oticon More	$$$	behind the ear	rechargeable: 24 hours
Signia Silk X	$$	invisible in canal	disposable: up to 7 days
Lexie B1 Self-fitting OTC Hearing Aids Powered by Bose	$	receiver in canal	disposable: 4 to 7 days

Once you have identified your hearing loss level, you can work with an audiologist or hearing professional on the fit and features that will be beneficial for you. Things to consider include:

• Trial periods and warranties: If you’re new to hearing aids or are trying out a new type, make sure you have wiggle room to return them if they don’t work for you.
• Visibility: Some hearing aids are completely invisible. Others have small, unobtrusive wires or behind-the-ear parts that can be seen. Your hearing ability, hairstyle, and comfort are factors that may influence your choice.
• Streaming capability: Bluetooth streaming enables you to listen to media and phone calls through your hearing aids, hands-free.
• Budget: Hearing aids can be very expensive and aren’t always covered by insurance. Never look to cut costs by buying used hearing aids or defunct models. Instead, look for hearing aids that work within your budget or those that come with payment plans.
• Battery type: Hearing aids may be rechargeable or use very small, disposable batteries. If you have issues with hand dexterity, you may be better off with a rechargeable model.
• Noise reduction: All hearing aids reduce noise to some extent. Find out the level of noise reduction you can expect in the environments that are important to you, such as restaurants and windy, natural settings.
• Program changes and adjustments: Hearing aids may be adjusted via a remote control, app, or by touching the hearing aid itself.

There are several factors to consider when you’re choosing between hearing aid types. These include the severity of your hearing loss and inner ear shape. Your personal preferences about hearing aid visibility and features like Bluetooth connectivity will also play a role.

The main hearing aid types are:

• behind the ear (BTE) – worn behind or on top of the outer ear
• in the ear (ITE) – worn in the ear canal
• receiver in the ear (RITE)/receiver in canal (RIC) – components are placed in and behind the ear
• invisible in the canal (ITC) – fit deeply inside the ear canal and are virtually invisible
• completely in the canal (CITC) – worn within the ear

Many hearing aids are available in either rechargeable or disposable battery options. Your ability to handle small batteries and other hearing aid components is another important factor to consider.

Prescription hearing aids aren’t usually covered by health insurance and can be prohibitively expensive for many people. This can lead to uncorrected hearing loss and reduced quality of life.

The inability to hear well, and the discomfort or embarrassment that it causes, can cause feelings of isolation and place stress on relationships. It may also increase the risk of dementia in some people.

To reduce cost and increase access, the FDA issued a ruling that makes more affordable hearing aids available over the counter (OTC) without a doctor’s prescription.

The new OTC hearing aids are available for purchase in many brick-and-mortar pharmacies, stores, and online sites. They’re meant for adults 18 years old and older with mild to moderate hearing loss.

These new hearing aids range in cost from around $200 to $1,000 per pair.

You won’t need an audiogram, fitting, or prescription to get them. Along with reducing the cost of the hearing aids themselves, this eliminates an additional financial hurdle for people without health insurance and for those with high-deductible plans.

The FDA estimates that the new OTC hearing aid ruling will reduce the overall cost of hearing aids by around $3,000 per pair. However, they’re not right for everyone.

If you’re considering OTC hearing aids but don’t know the level or type of hearing loss you have, it may make sense to see a specialist first.

If you’re ready to try them, these are some of the retailers who are stocking or planning to stock over-the-counter hearing aids for online and in-person sales:

• CVS
• Walmart
• Hy-Vee
• Best Buy
• Sam’s Club
• Walgreens

Hearing loss usually occurs gradually, over time. You may suddenly realize you’ve been turning the volume up on your devices or TV for a while so that you can hear them better.

If you’re struggling to hear and follow conversations, especially in noisy environments, that may be a sign that your hearing should be checked. Difficulty hearing while on the phone is another possible sign.

The only way to know for sure that you need hearing aids is to have a professional audiological evaluation. You can also take an online hearing test, but these are not as conclusive or detailed as the type of exam you’d get from a hearing professional.

How to talk with a loved one about getting hearing aids

It’s not unusual to realize that a loved one, friend, or colleague, has hearing loss before they do.

If the person asks you to repeat yourself often, or can’t follow conversations, you may feel the need to speak up. It can also be frustrating to live in a household where the television or music is consistently played too loudly, prompting the need for a conversation.

Not everyone wants to think they need hearing aids, so this can be a challenging conversation to have. Timing is important. Don’t broach the subject from a place of anger or frustration.

It’s important to be as loving and as empathetic as your relationship allows. Remember that your friend or loved one is struggling.

The person may also be concerned about getting older. They may be embarrassed to keep asking people to repeat themselves. Fears about increasing isolation, and concerns about hearing aid cost may be anxiety-producing for them.

Keeping all this in mind, gently let them know you’ve noticed them struggling. Let them know that hearing aids can help alleviate their current issues, making life easier.

If you’re talking with aging parents or an aging partner, let them know that hearing aids can help them maintain their independence, plus reduce some risk of dementia.

If you wish to broach the subject with a co-worker, consider your relationship first. Are you also friends? If not, you and the person in question may be better served by bringing this to the attention of the human resources department. You may not wish to take that route, however, if it may result in job loss for your colleague.

Be prepared for defensiveness and denial. Try to remain calm in the face of these understandable reactions. If the person isn’t ready to have the conversation, let it go for a few days or weeks, and then try bringing it up again along with an action plan.

You can also provide them with literature to read about hearing loss and hearing aids. Information often removes feelings of anxiety.

It’s important to know your hearing loss level before you buy. If you’re considering over-the-counter hearing aids this is especially important, since OTC hearing aids only address mild to moderate hearing loss.

Since hearing aids are not usually covered by insurance, keep your budget in mind. Hearing aids can be very expensive. However, there is a range of costs you can explore, and plan for.

Special features such as media and phone call streaming can boost cost significantly. Think about the features that are important to you, as well as the ones you can do without when you’re planning your purchase.

Hearing aids that use multiple components, such as receiver-in-the-ear hearing aids, can be challenging to handle. So can small batteries. Think about your hand dexterity when choosing the type that is best for you.

If you have arthritis or a condition that causes your hands to shake, you may be best served with a rechargeable hearing aid option.

Hearing aids can take time to get used to. If you buy a pair that doesn’t address your needs sufficiently, they may wind up being the most expensive dust collectors you’ve ever owned. To avoid this, only buy hearing aids that come with a trial period, so you can return them if necessary.

Also check for a warranty and insurance options that protect you in case of loss or damage.

Buying hearing aids online can be a convenient and budget-friendly option. However, it’s important to buy wisely so that you don’t waste money, instead of saving it.

Even if the sales site you choose offers an online hearing test option, consider seeing an audiologist first for a checkup. This will help you determine the best type of hearing aids to buy.

Only buy hearing aids from a reputable site that has a solid consumer track record. Check their listing on the Better Business Bureau’s website to see if they’ve lodged a large body of customer complaints. If so, shop elsewhere.

Look for consumer-friendly features and policies, such as free shipping, free returns, a trial period, and manufacturer’s warranty. Also, look to see if they have online access to a hearing professional or audiologist.

Remember that hearing aids are not a perfect fit or in the right setting at the first go. Talk with a hearing professional to help you troubleshoot and tailor your experience with your hearing aids.

Here are answers to some common questions about hearing aids.

How can I get a hearing exam?

If you work with a healthcare professional such as an audiologist, they’ll give you a full audiogram, or hearing test, which provides concrete information about your level of hearing loss.

They can also explain the differences between hearing aid styles and make a recommendation about which style might be best for you.

Audiologists may not offer the same variety of brands and styles that you might get from an online retailer.

If you purchase hearing aids through an online retailer, you may have the option of taking an online hearing test. These tests may be accurate, but may not be as comprehensive or personalized as some people would like.

Should I get fitted for a hearing aid?

Research from 2013 studied why a group of individuals chose not to wear hearing aids, and, along with other reasons, some people chose to opt out of wearing their aids due to an uncomfortable fit.

To avoid this, make sure the ones you choose fit correctly and feel comfortable in your ears, even after all-day wear.

Do my hearing aids need extra technology?

Some people need certain technological functions added to their hearing aids, such as the ability to pair them with their phones. Others simply want to put their hearing aids in and forget about them. Choose hearing aids that accommodate your unique situation.

What can I do if I have tinnitus?

If you have tinnitus, look for a hearing aid that specifically addresses this condition. Many hearing aids come with apps that provide built-in tinnitus therapy sounds or reduce overstimulation.

Are hearing aids covered by Medicare or insurance?

Hearing aids can be expensive, and while not usually covered by insurance or by Medicare, it’s possible to find ones that work for you and ways to cover the costs.

Shop around for the best price. Many online retailers and big-box stores sell hearing aids at deep discounts.

Ask if the price you’re paying is bundled or unbundled. Unbundling the costs of your hearing aids may eliminate line items you have no use for.

Hearing aids are an investment, so make sure to only purchase those that come with a risk-free trial of at least 30 days, as well as a manufacturer’s warranty.

What’s the difference between hearing aids and PSAPs?

Make sure you purchase an FDA-regulated medical device instead of a personal sound amplification product (PSAP). PSAPs are sold over the counter and don’t need an audiogram. They’re not meant to be used by people with hearing loss.

About 37.5 million U.S. adults have hearing loss and would benefit from wearing hearing aids.

Get fitted for hearing aids, and make sure the ones you buy fit properly, are comfortable, and accommodate your tech style.

Last medically reviewed on March 21, 2023