Looking for the most affordable hearing aids on the market? Read our review of the best hearing aids that deliver advanced technology and features at budget-friendly prices.
This content is researched and written based on extensive testing by an external reviews team and does not reflect the views or opinions of Everyday Health’s editorial team. Everyday Health may earn a commission from purchases of products featured in this article. Digital Audio Amplifier
With the introduction of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids in 2022, the high cost of hearing aids is expected to decline as more companies enter the market and create competition that drives down prices. That’s good news, as more than 37.5 million Americans have hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Not only does hearing loss affect overall quality of life, it’s also linked to higher rates of other health conditions, like depression, falls, and dementia, according to a 2017 study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry.
Hearing aids have traditionally cost thousands of dollars, which is too expensive for some people who would benefit from them. Thankfully both hearing aid costs and technology have come a long way in the past few years, with more changes on the horizon.
The price of hearing aids is indeed dropping, but you still need to be a savvy shopper to find the best inexpensive hearing aids. How do you find quality affordable hearing aids? Read our review to learn about the most affordable hearing aid brands, features to look for, and how to save money when buying hearing aids.
Our experts spent more than 2,000 hours researching more than 30 styles and models of hearing aids and reading hundreds of customer reviews. We consulted audiologists for their expert opinion on the devices and considered customer experience and company reputation as well. Also, the fact that hearing aids must meet strict criteria set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), was taken into consideration.
We considered the following qualities and features, and we think these are helpful questions to ask when shopping for a hearing aid.
Type of hearing aid Receiver-in-canal
Hearing loss Mild to moderately severe
Battery type Disposable (Enhance Select 50) or rechargeable (Enhance Select 100, Enhance Select 200)
Warranty and trial period One- to three-year manufacturer’s warranty, three-year loss and damage protection, and 100-day money-back trial period
Jabra Enhance unites the technology of personal sound equipment manufacturer Jabra with the hearing aid expertise and reliable customer service of Lively. The resulting combination of affordability, ease of use (our reviews team found these hearing aids easy to set up and use), and high marks for customer satisfaction (with the premium package, Jabra Enhance has the longest warranty and money-back trial period on this list) led our reviews team to name this brand “Best for Seniors.” In our reviews team’s survey of 600 hearing aid users, respondents 54 and older chose “ease of setup and use,” “price,” and “ongoing care after setup,” as the three most important things, respectively, they value in a hearing aid.
Jabra Enhance hearing aids are made by GN ReSound, the same company that makes ReSound prescription hearing aids. The Enhance Select line includes three models, each of which offers distinct features and price points. All three models are designed to address mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
All three Enhance Select models come with four preset listening profiles: All-Around, Restaurant, Outdoors, and Music. You can use either the buttons on the hearing aids or the Jabra Enhance Select app to choose a setting based on your environment, as well as to make adjustments within each setting to focus on speech or reduce background noise.
Jabra Enhance hearing aids also come with options for tinnitus management, and wireless accessories that allow you to stream sound directly from any audio device to your hearing aids.
Many customers prefer the convenience of rechargeable hearing aids in today’s market. Our reviews team’s survey of hearing aid customers found that rechargeability was the second most sought-after feature (after digital noise reduction), although some people still prefer disposable batteries. Disposable batteries were the second-least popular feature and telecoil was the least-popular feature.
Jabra Enhance does provide one model that uses disposable batteries — the Enhance Select 50, which includes a year’s supply of replacement batteries.
One drawback of rechargeable batteries is that you may be without your hearing aids for a few hours while waiting for them to charge. Jabra Enhance addresses this potential inconvenience with a quick-charge option on the Enhance Select 100 and 200 models.
One hour of charging will give you 15 hours of use, the same amount you’d get on a full charge with Eargo or Audicus hearing aids. A three-hour charge powers the hearing aids for up to 30 hours, depending on the amount of Bluetooth use. The charging case holds three full charges, which is helpful for people who are frequently away from home.
Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids are only sold online. The company recently released basic and premium package options.
You can send in the results of a previous audiogram or take the website’s free online hearing screening before or after making your purchase. The Jabra Enhance audiology team will program your hearing aids based on the results of your screening before shipping them to you.
When you receive your hearing aids, you’ll have a one-on-one video appointment with an audiology team member to set up the hearing aids and begin using them. The brand also offers three years of free, unlimited remote care for the premium package.
This can be very helpful for people who are new to hearing aids but don’t want to visit an in-person hearing clinic due to concerns about COVID-19 or other communicable diseases. Audiologists and hearing instrument specialists urge hearing aid wearers to receive some type of ongoing audiology support, as coaching and guidance are key components of long-term success with hearing aids.
While the remote care offered by the Jabra Enhance premium package doesn’t match the level of care you’d get in-person at a hearing clinic, it is much better than having no after-purchase care (if this isn’t a concern for you, the basic package doesn’t include remote support). We’ve seen high marks from Jabra Enhance customers regarding the company’s remote assistance, and both our testing team and the Jabra Enhance customers we’ve interviewed find the app easy to navigate for making adjustments to the volume and hearing profiles.
People who are new to hearing aids or who want the ability to visit a hearing clinic in-person may want to explore prescription hearing aid options, some of which are similar in price to Jabra Enhance models. For instance, the entry level models of the Ruby or Siya hearing aids from Oticon can be purchased at some clinics for a price comparable to Jabra Enhance devices.
Hearing care professionals that fit prescription devices in-person have the advantage of being able to see and adjust your hearing aids in your ears, rather than looking at them through a computer screen. They can also conduct further testing using equipment designed to troubleshoot problems and adjust settings.
Jabra Enhance offers a 100-day trial period, the longest of any online hearing aid manufacturer. The company has a one-year warranty for the basic package and a three-year warranty with the premium package, both of which cover manufacturer’s defects, loss, and damage, which is on par with prescription hearing aid brands.
Customers can get financing for a Jabra Enhance hearing aid through third-party lender Bread, which accepts payments with no interest for up to 18 months, depending on your credit score.
For more information, read our Jabra Enhance hearing aids review.
Get Jabra Enhance at Jabraenhance.com.
Type of hearing aid Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal
Hearing loss Mild to moderate
Battery type Disposable (Lumen, B1) or rechargeable (B2)
Warranty and trial period One-year manufacturer’s warranty and 45-day money-back trial period
Lexie offers several affordably priced options in the emerging over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid market. The brand’s integration of technology, low price, and knowledgeable customer care make it our reviews team’s pick for “Best OTC” hearing aid.
OTC hearing aids are designed for adults 18 years and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, according to the FDA. They came on the market in October 2022 and are generally less expensive than prescription hearing aid brands. Lexie is a good example of the price difference. The company offers a wide range of features and capabilities in its three models, at prices that are less than half the average prescription hearing aid cost of $4,600 per pair, according to the federal government.
All OTC hearing aids are regulated by the FDA for efficacy and safety. Some OTC devices have an additional distinction, one that requires the submission of performance data regarding the hearing aid’s safety and efficacy to the FDA. This data proves that the hearing aid in question includes the software needed for users to fine-tune their device at home.
Hearing aid companies that complete this process receive FDA clearance and can label these models as self-fitting hearing aids. The term self-fitting does not refer to the physical fit, but to how the hearing aid is calibrated to fit each user’s specific hearing needs.
Lexie offers two self-fitting models, the B1 and B2, both of which have been engineered using the same Bose sound technology that was previously in Bose SoundControl hearing aids, which were discontinued in mid-2022.
Lexie hearing aids do not come with Bluetooth streaming capacity, only the ability to connect your hearing aids via Bluetooth to the Lexie smartphone app to make adjustments on your hearing aids.
The Lumen has the added advantage of being fitted with a telecoil, a tiny wire wrapped around a metal rod inside the hearing aid that picks up electromagnetic signals from telephones and public facilities that are equipped with a hearing loop system.
If you see the symbol below posted in a place of worship, theater, museum, or other public place, you can switch on the telecoil in your hearing aid to pick up sounds without interference from background noise.
Like the Jabra Enhance premium packages, Lexie offers only remote support, but each purchase comes with free support from an audiology team for as long as you own the hearing aids. Lexie devices are sold both online and in stores that carry healthcare devices, including Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.
Keep reading in our full Lexie review.
Get Lexie at Lexiehearing.com.
Type of hearing aid Receiver-in-canal
Hearing loss Mild to severe
Battery type Disposable or rechargeable
Warranty and trial period Two-year manufacturer’s warranty and 45-day money-back trial period
Audicus is an affordable hearing aid brand with three models that offer Bluetooth streaming capability, something not easy to find among online options. This makes Audicus our choice for the “Best Bluetooth” hearing aid among budget-priced brands.
Audicus is one of the leaders among online hearing aids when it comes to Bluetooth capabilities. Most other brands that are available without a prescription only offer Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone for making hearing aid adjustments. Only a few other online manufacturers, such as Jabra Enhance, provide Bluetooth streaming capability, whereas every prescription brand comes with the ability to stream TV, music, and phone calls to your hearing aids.
Audicus offers three models with Bluetooth streaming technology. The price tag reflects this added feature, but it’s one that many customers find useful.
Bluetooth hearing aids allow you to listen to TV at a volume you prefer without disturbing others, talk on the phone or computer without background noise, and stream music directly from your phone or other Bluetooth device. Bluetooth essentially turns your hearing aids into wireless headphones.
If you’re comfortable using technology and would benefit from the ability to directly pair your hearing aids with your audio devices, such as your phone, TV, and/or computer, Bluetooth hearing aids could be a great fit. But they also tend to be more expensive and have a shorter battery life compared with non-Bluetooth devices.
Each of the Bluetooth-equipped Audicus models comes with your choice of disposable or rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable options are $400 more per pair, so it’s worth considering whether you really want rechargeable batteries or don’t mind changing out disposable ones.
We conducted a focus group of hearing aids customers and received comments from people who like both types of batteries. One person preferred disposable batteries, commenting that they’re easy to find in stores, even while traveling, and they didn’t want to worry about having their charging case with them on trips. Others enjoyed the ease of rechargeable hearing aids and didn’t want to change out tiny disposable batteries every few days.
One of the downsides to this brand, compared with others with rechargeability, is that Audicus battery life tends to be shorter — about 16 hours, depending on how much you use the Bluetooth, as Bluetooth use drains the battery faster. Some other brands offer a battery life twice that long, such as ReSound, Signia, and Jabra Enhance, all of which sell Bluetooth models that last 30 hours or more on one charge.
As you can see from the table above, each step up in functionality corresponds to a step up in price. The Spirit offers remote adjustments through the Audicus app, which isn’t available for the Wave. (Settings and volume on all three models can be adjusted using buttons on the hearing aids.)
The Omni, a step up from the Spirit, has the most advanced technology Audicus offers. In addition to Bluetooth streaming, feedback cancellation, automatic background noise reduction that changes with your environment, and directional microphones (which are included with all three Bluetooth models), the Omni also has a feature called Speech Finder that optimizes understanding of speech in noisy environments.
It’s worth noting that the price of the top two Audicus models (Spirit and Omni) is comparable to the cost of prescription hearing aids, although Audicus devices don’t come with the same level of functionality and customization as prescription brands. Audicus does operate a handful of in-person clinics in three cities (Chicago, New York, and Denver), but the majority of Audicus customers will only be able to get remote care from the manufacturer.
You can either submit results from a previous hearing test or take the Audicus online hearing screening, and your results will be used to program your hearing aids before the company ships them to you. Audicus customers receive unlimited support for the lifetime of their hearing aids, something not every hearing aid company offers.
Another unique feature of Audicus is the variety of financing options offered. The Audicus Plus subscription plan allows you to lease hearing aids rather than buying them. By paying a setup fee and monthly fee, you enroll in an 18-month contract that includes unlimited service, cleaning, supplies, and loss and damage protection, along with new hearing aids every 18 months.
Audicus also provides financing for the Spirit and Omni through Allegro, and Care Credit for all of its models, with zero-percent financing for up to 12 months.
For more information, read our Audicus hearing aids review.
Get Audicus at Audicus.com.
Type of hearing aid Completely-in-canal
Hearing loss Mild to moderate
Warranty and trial period One- to two-year manufacturer’s warranty and 45-day money-back trial period
Eargo wins the title of “Best Invisible OTC” hearing aid for its three completely-in-canal (CIC) models, all of which are rechargeable and come with lifetime support from the Eargo audiology team.
While concern about how hearing aids look is decreasing, some people still want a small hearing aid that no one else can see. One person in our reviews team’s focus group of current hearing aids users said: “I am still very active in the workforce and have had to recently apply for a new job and go through interviews … so I would want [a hearing aid] that you couldn’t really detect.”
Eargo has designed its devices small enough that they fit completely inside the ear canal, making them invisible to others. The tips are designed unlike other hearing aid tips; some have flexible fibers and others have petal-style domes so you can find the best fit. The company’s audiology team is also available to help you with remote support if needed.
All Eargo models are equipped with Bluetooth connectivity (but not streaming) to allow for adjustments within the Eargo app. While you can connect to the app to make adjustments to your hearing aids, you won’t be able to stream audio to your hearing aids from a phone or TV.
The Eargo 5, 6, and 7 are self-fitting devices. You can choose from one of four listening setting and make finer adjustments within each setting, similar to the fine-tuning adjustments available on Jabra Enhance, Lexie, and MDHearing models.
The Eargo 6 and 7 also come with Sound Adjust technology, which enables the hearing aids to immediately change settings based on your environment, without your input.
Like Audicus, Eargo hearing aids have a shorter battery life at about 16 hours per charge. Because they are small devices, the batteries are also tiny and don’t hold a charge as long as that of a larger model with larger batteries (such as an RIC or BTE hearing aid).
Eargo hearing aids are sold online and at Best Buy and Victra-Verizon stores. The company also offers financing with no interest for up to 24 months.
For more information, read our Eargo hearing aids review.
Get Eargo at Eargo.com.
Type of hearing aid Behind-the-ear, in-the-canal
Hearing loss Mild to moderately severe
Warranty and trial period One- to two-year manufacturer’s warranty and 45-day money-back trial period
MDHearing is an online over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid manufacturer that gives customers a choice of four models, each with a distinct set of features. Our reviews team chose this brand as the “Most Versatile OTC” hearing aids due to its variety of models in a price range that is well below the average cost of prescription hearing aids.
The Air MDHearing model previously came with disposable batteries but has since been updated to feature rechargeable batteries. It comes with four sound settings that can be adjusted with a button on the back of the hearing aid.
The Neo is the brand’s newest model, an in-the-canal device with rechargeable batteries, advanced noise reduction (to help you focus on conversations), and feedback cancellation (to reduce whistling). In comparison to the Air, the Neo is in the same price range, but is designed to address mild to severe hearing loss, while the Air is only appropriate for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Also intended for mild to severe hearing loss, the Volt is similar to the Air in style, price, and number of listening settings.
The Volt Max is the brand’s top-of-the-line model and includes technology to automatically adjust to your sound environment, similar to the functionality of the Eargo devices. All prescription hearing aids come with auto-adjust capabilities as well.
Like all OTC hearing aids, MDHearing devices are meant to be set up and used right out of the box. Our reviews team found the user manual easy to understand, with clear instructions. The father of one of our reviews team members recently ordered the Volt, and he was happy with the remote care he received. The MDHearing staff helped him learn how to make the appropriate adjustments to get a good fit, and also sent follow-up emails to see if he needed any further assistance.
MDHearing provides financing through Affirm, with no interest up to 12 months.
For more information, read our MDHearing review.
Get MDHearing at MDhearingaid.com.
Type of hearing aid In-the-canal
Hearing loss Mild to moderate
Warranty and trial period One-year manufacturer’s warranty and 45-day money-back trial period
Audien is a no-frills hearing aid with two models that are priced well below any other FDA-registered hearing aid, giving this brand the distinction of “Most Affordable.”
The Audien Atom and Atom Pro are true hearing aids, unlike personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), which are not intended for people with hearing loss and are regulated as consumer electronics, not medical devices.
Audien hearing aids are inexpensive and offer few of the advanced features you’ll find in many other OTC hearing aids. For example, every brand on this list except for Audien provides multiple listening profiles that vary based on your environment. With Audien you get only one hearing setting.
Our reviews team tested Audien hearing aids and found the volume control to be inconvenient, compared with the other brands they tried. Audien hearing aids come with a tiny screwdriver, which is needed to adjust the volume dial on the back of the hearing aids. No other hearing aid we tested required a tool to adjust volume — instead other brands use either a mobile app or buttons on the actual hearing aid.
Audien hearing aids also don’t have Bluetooth capability, telecoil, or app-enabled adjustments. But one popular feature is rechargeability on both the Atom and Atom Pro, and an impressive battery life of 20 hours for the Atom and 24 hours for the Atom Pro.
Our testing team also found the Audien devices to be durable, withstanding 10 six-foot drops without any scratches or other damage.
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss and need a hearing aid that’s lower priced than other brands, Audien may be just what you’re looking for.
Get Audience at Audienhearing.com.
Everyone wants to save money when possible, especially on high-cost items like hearing aids. But whether the most affordable hearing aids are the best choice for you depends on a number of factors, and important differences distinguish budget hearing aids from higher-end models. Take a look at the pros and cons of buying affordable hearing aids.
The up-front cost of affordable hearing aids can be less than half the price of the most expensive devices. Many of the less expensive hearing aids tend to be sold by manufacturers of over-the-counter (OTC) brands, such as Audien, Eargo, Lexie, Audicus, and MDHearing.
But OTC hearing aids generally don’t come with the same level of post-purchase audiology support as prescription devices like Signia and Oticon. In some cases, you’ll pay more upfront for a prescription hearing aid, but the price will include several years of cleanings, exams, and adjustments. While a few OTC manufacturers (such as Audicus) are now offering in-person support, the company only partners with a handful of hearing clinics across the United States.
OTC hearing aids, which tend to be some of the most affordable devices, can be purchased online without the cost of an in-person hearing exam or a fitting appointment after your purchase. This can save money upfront but should be weighed against the downside of not getting the benefit of an in-person hearing test or fitting.
While buying OTC hearing aids online is convenient, they are designed to be fitted and adjusted by the user at home, without professional help. This can be tricky for many people, especially first-time hearing aid customers. While most OTC manufacturers offer online support from an audiology team, audiologists and hearing instrument specialists often say that there is no substitute for in-person help from a hearing care provider.
Less expensive hearing aids come with fewer features than pricier brands and models. While some of these features are optional, such as Bluetooth streaming and rechargeability, others are necessary for adequate treatment of hearing loss and long-term success using hearing aids.
These features include digital noise reduction to dampen background sounds and help you focus on conversations, feedback cancellation to reduce whistling in your hearing aids, tinnitus management, and directional microphones to improve your understanding of speech.
Paying more for a higher quality hearing aid and receiving in-person support after your purchase can have long-term effects on your overall health by increasing the chances that you’ll keep wearing them. This isn’t a minor point. A December 2022 study in JAMA Neurology found that people with hearing loss who wore hearing aids had a 19 percent lower risk of cognitive decline and scored higher on cognitive tests, compared with those with untreated hearing loss.
People with severe or profound hearing loss need powerful hearing aids, and according to FDA regulations, those devices don’t fall into the OTC category. OTC hearing aids, which tend to be some of the more affordable brands, can only treat mild to moderate hearing loss.
In addition to hearing loss severity, if you are often in challenging listening environments, such as noisy workplaces, you may want a more advanced hearing aid that can process frequencies quickly and provide automatic adjustments to your listening settings.
Hearing aids range in price from about $200 to upward of $7,000 per pair, depending on a number of factors. The introduction of OTC hearing aids to the market in 2022 is expected to lower prices by giving customers more budget-friendly options and increasing competition among manufacturers.
“We’re seeing significant cost reductions over prescription hearing aids now that the initial FDA-approved devices are on the market. Devices average $850 (ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars),” says Kerri Haresign, director of technology and standards for the Consumer Technology Association in Washington, DC.
Hearing clinics that carry prescription devices may also begin unbundling their prices, which will result in customers being able to buy their hearing aids and post-purchase audiology services and support separately. This will, in effect, help to lower prices as well, since in the past many high-priced hearing aids reflected a bundled cost, not just the price for the device.
When shopping for the most affordable hearing aids, keep in mind the following factors that will influence your final cost.
There are five different types of hearing aids available to meet your preference and comfort levels. These include:
Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries tend to run $300 to $400 more than those with disposable batteries. For example, Audicus gives customers the option of either disposable or rechargeable batteries in four of its models, but you’ll pay $400 more for the rechargeable option. Over time, though, you’ll likely save money by using rechargeable batteries.
Similar to other types of electronics, more advanced technology means a higher price tag. Hearing aids with digital noise reduction, multiple directional microphones, and sophisticated sound processing can cost several hundred dollars more than basic models. Depending on your listening needs, you may enjoy a better listening experience and reap more benefits from your hearing aids if you invest in an advanced model.
It’s important to think about the different listening environments you experience on a regular basis when looking at technology levels. If you spend much of your time at home or in quiet environments, advanced sound processing and automatic adjustments (which enable the hearing aids to sense your environment and change listening profiles accordingly) may not be worth the extra cost. But if you are routinely in a variety of environments with different sound levels, you may appreciate having the extra functionality and customization available in prescription brands like Oticon, Signia, Widex, and Starkey,
Bluetooth is another feature to carefully consider before making a purchase. Bluetooth hearing aids cost more than devices without Bluetooth connectivity, as you can see from the prices listed in this review. Many people enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth for hands-free calling and making fine-tuning adjustments to their hearing aids. But if you don’t have a smartphone or aren’t comfortable with technology, you may find that paying less for a hearing aid without Bluetooth is a better choice.
Hearing aids have traditionally cost $4,600 per pair on average, according to data from the federal government. That price reflects not just the price of the devices, but also ongoing audiology care in the form of exams, hearing aid cleanings, maintenance, and repairs.
As OTC hearing aids become increasingly available online, customers can expect to see prices drop considerably. Manufacturers and third-party retailers selling online don’t have the overhead costs of brick-and-mortar hearing care clinics, allowing them to sell their products at lower prices and still make a profit.
The lack of in-person care also reduces overhead, although whether that’s the best choice for the customer depends on the individual’s hearing needs and comfort level with adjusting their hearing aids at home.
Read on for money-saving tips when buying hearing aids.
Watch for sales on over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid websites and at retail stores that carry OTC devices, such as Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. Holidays are a good time to take advantage of lower prices on hearing aids.
United States veterans who receive general VA healthcare are also eligible to receive coverage for hearing exams, hearing aids, batteries, and other supplies. Visit the Veterans Affairs website for more information.
The vocational rehab programs in many states will cover part or all of the cost of hearing aids, provided that you need them to get or keep a job. Check out the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council website to find the vocational rehab program in your state.
You can use money from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase hearing aids. Check with your insurance provider to confirm before making your purchase, then submit your receipt for reimbursement from your FSA or HSA account.
If you have a credit or debit card connected with your FSA or HSA account, you can use it to purchase hearing aids and avoid the extra step of seeking reimbursement.
Financing divides the cost of hearing aids into monthly payments. Brands like Jabra Enhance, Audicus, Eargo, and MDHearing offer monthly financing through third-party lenders, as do some retailers, like Best Buy and Walmart.
Some lenders’ interest rates inflate after an introductory period, so be sure to read the fine print when choosing a hearing aid financing plan. Your credit score may also affect financing terms.
Consider leasing hearing aids as an alternative to traditional financing. Lexie offers a 24-month lease and Audicus offers 18-month lease options to reduce up-front costs and supply you with fresh hearing aids when the lease renews.
Unfortunately, Medicare A and B do not currently pay for hearing aids, hearing aid fitting appointments, or hearing exams unless ordered by a doctor as part of a medical diagnosis. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and private insurance plans do include hearing benefits, though. Check with your insurance provider for details.
OTC hearing aids hit websites and shelves in October 2022 following a final ruling by the FDA that created a new category for OTC hearing aids, with specifications on labeling, packaging, and design. OTC hearing aids are appropriate for adults over the age of 18 with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Customers can buy OTC hearing aids online and in retail stores without a hearing exam, prescription, or fitting appointment. OTC hearing aids typically cost less than prescription hearing aids but don’t offer as much functionality or customization.
“OTC hearing aid devices are not intended to replace higher-priced prescription hearing aids for those under 18 or with severe hearing loss,” says Haresign. “Recognizing that just 20 percent of those who could benefit from hearing aids use them, learning their hearing score from an app, in-store, or telephone test may inform the decision to address hearing loss with OTC hearing aids or to seek clinical care for severe hearing loss.”
Hearing aids are not the same as personal sound amplification products, also known as PSAPs. Whereas hearing aids amplify the frequencies that each person needs help hearing, PSAPs magnify all environmental sounds equally.
In fact, PSAPs are not meant to be worn by people with hearing loss, and they are not regulated by the FDA for safety and efficacy. PSAPs can even cause hearing loss for people with healthy hearing if turned up too high or worn for too long.
Both OTC and prescription hearing aids, in contrast, are medical devices that must meet FDA guidelines and be registered with the FDA, or receive FDA approval, to be sold as medical-grade hearing aids.
The best affordable hearing aids will combine the features you want with the capabilities to address your particular hearing needs. Think about the following factors when making your buying decision.
It’s important to note that the less expensive hearing aids reviewed here don’t offer the most advanced processing technology needed for people with more complex hearing needs, such as those with unilateral hearing loss or people who live and work in challenging listening environments.
For example, musicians and others who need specific profile settings may be better off with one of the higher tiers of prescription hearing aids, which are programmed and fitted by a hearing care professional, and can be adjusted by the user between professional fittings. Brands such as Starkey, Widex, Signia, and Oticon all offer these capabilities. Read our review of the best hearing aids on the market for more information on prescription brands.
Think about whether you want disposable or rechargeable batteries. If you have dexterity problems, for instance, a rechargeable hearing aid might be much easier to handle than one with tiny batteries that need frequent changing.
When it comes to hearing aid support, you really do get what you pay for. The lowest-priced brand in our review, Audien, offers no after-care support from hearing professionals, whereas the next affordably priced brand on our list, MDHearing, offers lifetime remote audiology support.
Most OTC brands provide at least three years of remote support from an audiology team. Remote sessions can’t supply in-person help with fittings, but they may be able to help you get questions answered and have your hearing aid settings adjusted.
Warranties vary quite a bit in their length and scope. Ask questions before your purchase to make sure you understand how long your warranty is and whether it covers manufacturer’s defects, loss, damage, or all of the above.
To fully understand this category, our reviews team immersed themselves in the current published research on hearing loss and hearing aid devices, interviewed experts and hearing loss professionals, read thousands of reviews on trusted third-party sites, and deployed a survey of more than 600 hearing aid users to understand their customer experience.
We narrowed down which brands to review within this category by speaking with audiologists and looking at brand market share. We then considered cost, the degree of hearing loss each model could address, and special features offered — from directional microphones to digital noise reduction to rechargeable batteries.
Once our research team makes their selections, an audiologist medically reviews our picks to vet each brand and model.
We determined our top picks for the best hearing aids based on the following criteria:
Hearing aids are technologically advanced devices that can come with a steep price tag. But there are now many options available at lower prices, and with better performance when compared with hearing aids of the past. Affordable hearing aids that can be bought online and offer fine-tuning adjustments at home, such as Jabra Enhance, Lexie, and Audicus, may meet your hearing needs and fit your budget at the same time. Audien is the most basic hearing aid on the market, and the lowest-priced.
Start with an in-person hearing exam to get a full picture of your hearing loss, and talk to a hearing specialist to help you make an informed decision.
The best affordable hearing aids that don’t require a prescription include Jabra Enhance, Lexie, Eargo, and Audicus. While Signia, Widex, Oticon, Starkey, and ReSound are prescription brands that offer more advanced sound processing and higher levels of customization.
But remember: The best affordable hearing aids are the ones that meet your specific hearing needs and fit your budget. Hearing aides are not one-size-fits-all, and the increasing variety of brands and devices on the market is giving buyers more choices than ever.
Start with an in-person hearing exam to get a detailed assessment of your hearing loss, and then see which brands and models are appropriate for you. Many hearing clinics offer free hearing tests with a fee of about $35 for a copy of your audiogram. If you have mild or moderate hearing loss, you may be able to buy an OTC hearing aid. If your hearing needs are more complex or you have severe or profound hearing loss, you’ll require a prescription device.
Affordable hearing aids are becoming more common both online and in stores and hearing clinics. Look for OTC brands on manufacturers’ websites and in retail stores where healthcare devices are sold, such as Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. Some hearing care clinics, which sold only sold prescription hearing aids in the past, are now carrying OTC hearing aids as well.
Start your search for affordable hearing aids with an in-person hearing exam at a hearing care clinic. This will give you the clearest picture of your hearing loss and rule out any underlying conditions that could need treatment other than hearing aids.
After you have the results of your audiogram, talk with the hearing specialist at the hearing care clinic about options to treat your hearing loss. Depending on your specific hearing loss profile and your preferences on technology levels (which are directly related to cost), you may be able to use one of the affordably priced brands we’ve reviewed here, such as Jabra Enhance, Lexie, Audicus, Eargo, or Audien. Prices for prescription hearing aids are also coming down as hearing specialists are separating their device prices from the costs of after-purchase care.
Less expensive hearing aids do amplify certain frequencies with the same basic working parts as higher-end models, but they are not as customizable for your specific hearing loss or various listening environments.
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss and are 18 years or older, you may benefit from budget hearing aids such as Audien or MDHearing. While cheaper hearing aids are much more basic than their more expensive counterparts, they can provide hearing improvement for some people.
A number of organizations offer financial assistance for people who need hearing aids, as well as free hearing aids in some cases. The following list provides resources for assistance buying hearing aids:
Medicare Parts A and B do not cover hearing aids or hearing exams unless ordered by a doctor as part of a medical diagnosis. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do offer hearing benefits, though. Check with your insurance provider to see what your plan covers.
Medicare A and B do not currently pay for hearing aids for seniors, but if you have Medicare Advantage (Part C), your plan may include hearing benefits. Check with your insurance provider to see what your plan covers.
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