Hearing loss is a condition that impacts over two-thirds of U.S. adults who are age 70 and older, as reported by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. And hearing aids can revitalize the lives of those with this condition.
The Forbes Health editorial team consulted three audiologists from the Forbes Health Advisory Board, who used their expertise to assist us in finding the best hearing aids in an array of categories and offer their product recommendations. Star ratings for each product were determined based on starting prices, product features and average user ratings. Take a look at the top hearing aids that made our list.
Note: All product prices are accurate as of the publication date.
These Forbes Health advisory board members shared their extensive audiology knowledge and product recommendations to support our ranking.
To determine the best hearing aids from audiologists, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of three audiologists for product recommendations based on their expertise. Star ratings were then determined by the Forbes Health editorial team based on the starting price of a single hearing aid, average user ratings and product features.
Prices and user rating information are reflected from HearingTracker.com. Hearing aid models also earned points for having both rechargeable and disposable battery options, Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free calling and a large number of color choices. All selected hearing aids can be fitted and serviced by audiologists.
A hearing aid is a small electronic device that helps compensate for (but not cure) mild to profound hearing loss. Hearing aids come in a wide variety of styles and sizes and can be worn by people of all ages struggling with hearing loss.
Hearing aids are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are fit and sold by state-licensed hearing care professionals—audiologists typically have the most training with them. A handful of manufacturers dominate the market and produce hundreds of types of aids with various components and technology levels.
A hearing aid typically contains a microphone, amplifier and speaker. The microphone picks up acoustic sound waves and converts them into electrical signals, which are then processed and enhanced by the amplifier. Those signals are then sent to the speaker, which converts them back into sound waves, providing a louder and clearer sound for the wearer. This method of sound amplification can help improve a person’s hearing and make speech from others easier to understand.
Hearing aid prices can vary dramatically depending on the manufacturer of the aid, the model you choose, the additional technology features you select and the audiologist from whom you purchase them. Most hearing aids are priced individually, so if you have hearing loss in both ears, remember to double the prices you see listed by hearing aid retailers. Taking top manufacturers and models into consideration, starting prices for a pair of hearing aids in 2022 ranged from about $1,400 to over $5,000.
There are many different types and styles of hearing aids available to best suit the wearer, their level of hearing loss, their fit preferences and their physical abilities (such as finger dexterity needed for replacing batteries). Some hearing aid devices sit outside the ear, others nestle completely in the ear, and several types have both inner and outer ear elements.
Four basic types of hearing aids include:
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, which house all tech components behind the ear in a casing that connects to the inside of the outer ear via a thin tube to a dome or ear mold. A common style is a mini-behind-the-ear (mBTE) or a slimmer BTE.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, which are also worn behind the ear but connect via a form-fitted wire to a small speaker that sits in the ear canal.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, which are nearly hidden inside the ear canal with no components behind the ear.
Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids, which are custom-made to sit entirely inside the ear canal.
Read our in-depth guide to different types of hearing aids for more information.
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids may soon be available for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss as well. These hearing aids are expected to be significantly more affordable than current options that require an audiologist for hearing health examination, device fitting and subsequent device servicing. However, the FDA has yet to approve this new hearing aid category and establish clear guidelines and regulations for industry players to follow in providing them to the public.
According to panelist Abram Bailey, an audiologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member, Audicus, Bose, Eargo, Jabra, Lexie and Lively are all brands to keep an eye on as the OTC hearing aid market solidifies.
Only one in five people who would benefit from a hearing aid uses one, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America[2]. Cost, confusion about and access to hearing care, and gradual hearing loss going unrecognized are all reasons for this underutilization. Vanity also plays a role, though hearing aids continue to become smaller and sleeker.
“Having hearing loss is like you’re backing out 10 feet from a conversation,” says John Coverstone, an audiologist in New Brighton, Minnesota, and host of the AudiologyTalk podcast. “People feel more isolated,” he says.
Studies link trouble hearing with serious health consequences. Untreated hearing loss increases your risk of anxiety, depression, social isolation, falls and cognitive decline, research shows.
Proper hearing aids can greatly improve hearing and, consequently, health, studies find. For example, wearing hearing aids appears to reduce the “excess risk” of dementia from hearing loss, according to a 2020 report in The Lancet[3].
The best hearing aid for you depends on your level of hearing loss, your lifestyle and your fit preferences. First, consult a hearing health professional, such as an audiologist, for a hearing examination to determine your level of hearing loss. From there, they can help you review specific hearing aid models most appropriate for your situation and pick the one you’d like to try.
With hearing aids that house some or all components behind the ear, two kinds of parts go in the ear—an open-fit dome or a closed-fit mold. Many people like the feel of an open-fit dome as it lets some hearing pass in naturally. A closed fit, custom-made ear mold may result in the best hearing but users have to adjust to the “stopped up” feel.
The most important factors for hearing aid success are acoustic fit and physical fit, says audiologist Catherine Palmer, former president of the American Academy of Audiology and director of audiology and hearing aids at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Acoustic fit is how well an audiologist programs the aids to your specific hearing needs. Physical fit has to do with how well they fit in your ear, which affects both hearing and comfort.
A great hearing aid fit hinges on three things:
Your type of hearing loss. Many people lose hearing in the high frequencies first. Others have difficulty across all frequencies. Hearing tests measure sensitivity, or how loud a sound has to be to be heard, and clarity, or how well someone can understand speech. Often, you’ll also get a “speech in noise” test. These results create a sound prescription for the best hearing aid for you.
Your lifestyle. Do you work? Do you love dining in restaurants? Do you listen to podcasts? Your lifestyle suggests which features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, are important. Also, certain hearing aid styles, such as behind-the-ear or completely-in-the-canal are better or worse for certain situations.
Your dexterity. If you have trouble manipulating batteries, a rechargeable hearing aid is often recommended.
Based on these findings and your budget, your hearing professional will recommend style, technology level and features. “At the end of the day, the best hearing aid is the one the person will wear,” says Palmer.
Once your hearing aid is programmed and customized for you, real-ear measurements are typically performed. This is an important test to ensure our hearing aids are meeting your sound prescription. At this point or later checkups, an audiologist may also recommend accessories such as a clip-on “remote microphone,” which can dramatically help you hear one particular person.
Hearing aids can also come with a variety of features, including (but not limited to):
As you learn about the various types of hearing aids and their optional features and technologies, know that there are several important steps to take before making a purchase.
Get a hearing health examination. Confirm with a hearing health professional (such as an audiologist) that you do, in fact, have hearing loss that can be addressed with a hearing aid and the specific degree to which you’re experiencing hearing loss so you can explore hearing aid products designed for your situation.
Ask about a hearing aid trial period. When speaking with the audiologist about appropriate hearing aid options, ask if you can test them out for a given period of time to make sure they are the best fit for you before paying in full.
Ask about the full capabilities of the hearing aid. Even if you only have moderate hearing loss now, that may change in the future, and hearing aids are expensive. Rather than plan for an additional purchase down the line, ask about hearing aid options that are capable of addressing your needs now and also offer adjustable settings to treat more significant levels of hearing loss in the future.
Gather warranty information. Hearing aids come with their own warranties on parts, and audiologists might offer their own warranty in addition to the one from the product manufacturer to cover professional services, too. Make sure you’re happy with the level of coverage the warranties provide.
We talked to hearing aid user Katherine Bouton, author of Smart Hearing: Strategies, Skills and Resources for Living Better With Hearing Loss. She has these three top tips for hearing aid users:
There are five levels of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound, according to the Hearing Health Foundation (HHF). If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, you may be eligible for personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) or hearing aids, depending on an individual evaluation conducted by a hearing health professional.
It depends on the type of hearing aid you wear, but generally, you can wipe the devices with a damp cloth to remove any larger debris. Then, use a small, gentle brush tool to clean ear wax out of any small holes on the device where it could build up over time.
Most high-quality hearing aids typically last three to seven years. Some people will use their hearing aids longer. Manufacturers often stop producing legacy parts required for repairs after five to seven years.
You can buy hearing aids directly from your audiologist, through a hearing aid dispenser, from stores owned by hearing aid manufacturers and wholesale clubs like Costco.
Medicare and most private insurance plans don’t cover hearing aids. Some plans, including Medicare Advantage, pay for some costs.
The Veterans Administration covers hearing aids in many cases. And many federal workers, including retirees, may have hearing aid benefits through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.
Speak with an audiologist to learn about the most appropriate hearing aid options for you, and then make your selection based on affordability. Aiming for a less expensive option over one that can address your hearing loss appropriately can lead to the selection of a hearing aid that doesn’t work as well as it should for you.
Most states require a 30- to 60-day trial period for hearing aids, according to the Federal Trade Commission. During this time, you can return your hearing aids and get most, sometimes all, of your money back. Typically, providers will offer a trial period even in states that don’t require it.
Wearing hearing aids can result in some side effects when not sized or used correctly, including:
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
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