10 Best Hearing Aids of 2022

Hearing loss can impact every area of your life, from talking with friends and family to being able to hear in challenging listening situations. The good news is that wearing a hearing aid can help improve your hearing potential and your overall quality of life.

But with so many companies, styles, and hearing aid models available, it can feel overwhelming to even know where to start. We’ve done the research for you and found that some hearing devices come out on top when it comes to quality, support, price, technology, and fit, making it easy to narrow your choices. Here are 10 of the best hearing aids on the market today.

Our Top Picks for Best Hearing Aids

• Best for Profound Hearing Loss: Phonak Audeo Marvel
• Best Value: MDHearing Aid
• Best Customer Experience and Remote Care: Lively
• Best Tech Features: Oticon More
• Best for Mild-to-Moderate Hearing Loss: Eargo
• Best Membership Plan: Audicus
• Best Variety: Signia
• Best for Tinnitus: Resound One
• Best for Natural Sound and Clarity: Widex Moment
• Best for Active Lifestyle: Horizon

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

• Consulted with audiologists and geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped the brands
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews

If you have profound hearing loss, you need a high-powered hearing aid that provides clear sound in any environment. The Phonak Audeo Marvel, one of Phonak’s top performers, is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid equipped with all the technology you need to increase the volume of incoming sound while reducing feedback between the microphone and speaker.

Because the Audeo Marvel is an RIC model, the device is sturdy, comfortable, easy to handle, and clean, making this a great choice if you struggle with dexterity.

One thing that sets Phonak apart from its competitor is Roger™ technology. This unique Phonak feature works by picking up voices through a Roger™ microphone, then wirelessly transmitting them to you while reducing background noise. This technology is available in wireless devices like remote microphones, table microphones, and TV streamers designed to help improve speech understanding in difficult-to-hear situations.

Online reviews give this powerful hearing aid tons of positive feedback about its intuitive nature and ease of use. It also receives high praise for its universal Bluetooth connectivity to Android, iPhone, and lots of other smart devices.

You can purchase the Phonak Audeo Marvel directly through a hearing center or audiologist of your choice. Or, you can buy one online through a discount supplier such as Zip Hearing that helps connect you to a participating local dispenser or audiologist who conducts a hearing evaluation, facilitates the order, and assists with your new hearing aid.

See our full Phonak Hearing Aids Review

Budget-friendly devices are always worth considering, especially if you’re limited in what you can spend. With MDHearing Aid, you’ll get one of the best hearing aids for the money from a company that has been in the hearing care business for over a decade. Not only does MDHearingAid keep things affordable, but it also keeps the selection process simple by only offering three models: the Air, VOLT+, and Core.

If you’re looking for an entry-level device, the Air is a good place to start. This hearing aid works for mild to moderate hearing loss in a noisy environment while watching television, during conversations, and talking on the phone. But if a rechargeable battery and superior sound quality is key, then the company’s most popular model, the VOLT+, might be a better fit. MDHearing Aids also gets positive feedback as one of the best hearing aids for glasses wearers since they fit snugly between your glasses and ear.

All MDHearing Aid models are available through the company’s website, with support provided by a U.S. team of hearing aid specialists.

See our full MDHearingAid Review

Customer service and continued care are priorities when deciding on a hearing aid company. While most people equate this type of service with brick-and-mortar hearing care centers, online retailers like Lively are changing how we shop for hearing aids.

Lively offers high-tech hearing aids and excellent follow-up care at an incredible value. It also has one of the best risk-free trial periods in the business (100 days!). If you’re comfortable navigating this on your own, Lively is worth checking out. The process is quite simple, and you have access to customer care at all times. All it takes to start is an online hearing test followed by a pre-purchase video. You then order and pay for your hearing aids. After that, Lively delivers to your doorstep, and the hearing aids are programmed based on your test results.

With the hearing aids, you’ll also get access to the Lively app, which allows you to customize settings and control your device from a smartphone. Plus, the Lively care team of audiologists and tech support is available seven days a week and can provide support through the app.

All Lively hearing aid models are available through the company’s website.

See our full Lively Hearing Aid Review.

Seniors looking for a hearing aid that offers cutting-edge technology and superior sound will appreciate what the Oticon More has to offer. Available in three models, the More is appropriate for people with mild to severe hearing loss. The tech features of the Oticon More are numerous and the BrainHearing technology that comes equipped with this device is fantastic and definitely worth checking out—especially the Deep Neural Network, which is trained on 12 million real-life sounds.

But it’s not just technology that sets this hearing aid apart from other models. Users also appreciate the fit and comfort, as well as the tinnitus sound support feature, making it an excellent choice for people looking to get relief from a variety of sounds.

You can purchase the Oticon More directly through a hearing center or audiologist of your choice. You can also purchase it online through a discount supplier such as Zip Hearing that helps connect you to a participating local dispenser or audiologist who conducts a hearing evaluation, facilitates the order, and assists with your new hearing aids.

Mild to moderate hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss in the United States, according to a 2016 study from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The good news is that people with this type of hearing loss often respond well to hearing aids like the ones from Eargo, which are designed to address mild to moderate hearing loss.

Eargo is a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) rechargeable hearing aid, making it an extremely discrete and comfortable alternative to bulkier models with superior sound quality. The company also offers several other models, including the Eargo Max, Eargo Neo, Eargo Neo HiFi, and the company’s latest solution: the Eargo 5, which is its smallest device to date. Plus, Eargo eliminates the need to sit in waiting rooms and visit clinics through the power of telehealth, shipping the product directly to your door.

You will need to program the device yourself, so this is something to keep in mind if you’re unsure about setting up and programming the device on your own. However, Eargo provides remote support every step of the way with its user-friendly app or on the phone with a hearing specialist.

See our full Eargo Hearing Aid Review.

If you like the idea of ongoing support and replacement devices, then Audicus is worth considering. Audicus offers two purchase options: a one-time sale or a membership program.
The membership program is a monthly fee-based service that provides support, loss protection, accessories like earwax guards and batteries, and a new pair of hearing aids every 18 months.

To get a better idea of how the membership program works, let’s look at the Wave, which is a middle-range-priced device. If you purchase the Wave outright, it will cost $899 per ear or $1,798 per pair. This hearing aid is yours to own forever with unlimited service. If you want insurance, cleaning, or regular delivery of supplies, you will pay extra.

But if you go with the monthly membership plan, you pay $59 or $118 for a pair per month as part of a lease. This gives you access to a device for the duration of your membership and unlimited service. Plus, you’ll benefit from free cleaning, loss and damage protection, regular delivery of supplies, and a new device every 18 months. The membership plan might be a good option if you want to try a hearing aid at little cost and low risk, or if you’re still trying to figure out whether hearing aids are right for you.

Audicus hearing aids come in a variety of models and price points. The company has five options: the Dia II, Aura, Clara, Wave, and Spirit. All Audicus hearing aid models are available through the company’s website.

When it comes to variety, innovative design, and forward-thinking technology, Signia is the clear winner. With hearing aid models covering the gamut of styles, there’s a good chance you’ll find a hearing device that fits your needs.

Plus, Signia is one of the few hearing aid companies that features a CROS (contralateral routing of signal) device made specifically for single-sided hearing loss. The company is also on the cutting-edge of mask technology with their mask mode option on the smartphone app. This feature allows you to better hear people wearing face masks.

But with all the perks comes a higher cost. Like other audiologist-recommended hearing aids, Signia’s devices are not cheap. But if you’re committed to wearing a device and you want innovative technology, Signia is a great hearing aid to consider.

You can purchase Signia hearing aids directly through a hearing center or audiologist of your choice. Or, purchase online through a discount supplier like Zip Hearing that helps connect you to a participating local dispenser or audiologist who conducts a hearing evaluation, facilitates the order, and assists with your new hearing aids.

See our full Signia Hearing Aid Review.

Tinnitus impacts millions of people each year, according to the American Tinnitus Association. This perception of sound, when no actual noise is present, can take the form of buzzing, ringing, whistling, and hissing. If you’re dealing with this condition, finding relief is critical to overall quality of life. The good news is that several hearing aid companies like ReSound offer devices with support for hearing loss and tinnitus.

The ReSound One has an excellent reputation for improving tinnitus symptoms while also making it easier to hear in many environments. In fact, it’s routinely rated as one of the best hearing aids for tinnitus on the market. The company prides itself on providing a truly individualized and more complete sound experience by using an extra microphone placed in your ear canal (this is in addition to the two on the hearing aid). The Resound One features a unique Microphone and Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) style.

With the ReSound Assist, you get live assistance and remote fine-tuning, all with your phone. Plus, the ReSound Relief app provides tinnitus management through a combination of sound therapy, relaxing exercises, meditation, and guidance.

You can purchase Resound One directly through a hearing center or audiologist of your choice. Or, purchase online through a discount supplier like Zip Hearing that helps connect you to a participating local dispenser or audiologist who conducts a hearing evaluation, facilitates the order, and assists with your new hearing aids.

See our full ReSound Hearing Aids Review.

When it comes to pure, natural sound and clarity, Widex Moment is our pick for the best hearing aid for sound quality. This versatile device is a good choice for musicians, singers, and anyone wanting crisper, more natural sound while performing daily tasks.

What sets the Moment apart from its competitors is its PureSound technology, TruAccoustics, and SoundSense. All three features combine to give you fast processing times, noise reduction, better speech recognition, and an overall improved sound experience in any environment. Plus, the Moment is available in three styles—RIC, BTE, and ITE—so you have several options for finding the right fit.

You can purchase the Widex Moment hearing aid directly through a hearing center or audiologist of your choice. Or, purchase online through a discount supplier like Zip Hearing that helps connect you to a participating local dispenser or audiologist who conducts a hearing evaluation, facilitates the order, and assists with your new hearing aids.

Horizon hearing aids address the unique needs of younger, active seniors looking to improve their quality of life. Horizon boasts a sleek, nearly invisible design (for both the Mini and Styletto designs) and contains cutting-edge features, such as speech focus and relax mode.

Speech focus allows you to rise above the noise in any environment with a level of speech clarity, while the Relax mode allows you to unwind by streaming an ocean sound through the hearing aids. Horizon also features Bluetooth connectivity and wireless, portable rechargeability that lasts up to 19 hours, making it a perfect choice for those on the go.

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Hearing Aid

Hearing aids are not one-size-fits-all. It’s critical that you choose a device that will meet your needs and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. That’s why Hope Lanter, Au.D., lead audiologist at Hear.com, recommends consulting with a hearing care professional before buying a hearing aid. “Hearing aids are medical devices, and it’s important to consult a hearing care professional so they can conduct a hearing test to assess your needs and recommend a device that is the right fit for you,” she says. Most hearing aids are appropriate for mild to moderately severe hearing loss, but profound loss may require a specific style like a BTE.

You also need to know your budget. Remember, hearing aids range in price from $500 to more than $4,000 per pair. While finding a hearing aid that matches your budget and technology needs is critical, having easy access to your hearing care provider is paramount. If you’re going the in-person route, ask the hearing care expert if they offer both in-person and remote adjustments. But if you’re purchasing a device online, ask if the company provides televisits with an audiologist or hearing care expert to help set up, adjust, and fit your new hearing aid.

Finally, read the fine print about warranties and money-back guarantees. If you cannot find this information online, call the company and ask.

How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?

Hearing aids are a major purchase. Even with budget models, you’re looking at several hundred dollars per device. With more expensive brands, you can expect to pay several thousand dollars per aid. In general, costs depend on the brand, model, and where you purchase the hearing aid. Currently, you can buy hearing aids through an audiologist or hearing center, or online.

In general, hearing aid prices range from $400 to more than $6,000 per pair. On average, a high-quality hearing aid will cost between $1,800 and $5,000. This is a wide range, but it takes into account discounted prices offered by online discount suppliers, as well as full retail prices. One thing to note: The price you see listed online or in an informational brochure is often per aid, not per pair, so it’s important to read the fine print.

How Can I Save Money on Hearing Aids?

Investing in a good hearing aid can significantly change your quality of life, so it’s worth it to shop around or find out whether you have access to any benefits or assistance to help pay for them. Here are a few proven ways to save money on hearing aids:

• Medicare: Unfortunately, Medicare Part A and Part B do not offer hearing aid benefits. But, you may be eligible for some benefits if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part C. To determine whether you have benefits to apply toward hearing aid prices with Medicare Part C, contact your plan provider for more information.
• Medicaid: In some states, Medicaid will cover the cost of hearing aids when medically necessary. Make sure to check eligibility in your state before purchasing a hearing aid.
• FSA/HSA: If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you may be able to use funds from either of these accounts to cover the cost of a hearing aid. Check with your individual plan and hearing aid retailer for more information.
• Private medical insurance: Very few private insurance companies cover the cost of a hearing aid instrument for adults. Some may offer partial or full coverage for hearing tests and evaluations, but not a hearing aid device. Talk with your benefits manager to find out whether your plan provides hearing aid benefits for adults.
• Online discount network: Some online suppliers offer discounts up to 35 percent off the retail price.

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

Hearing aids are electronic devices that can help improve your hearing in both noisy and quiet environments. You can wear a hearing aid in your ear (canal) or behind your ear. They work by magnifying sound vibrations entering the ear.

In general, most hearing aid styles have a microphone that picks up the sound, an amplifier to make the sound louder, and a speaker to produce the amplified sound in the ear.

Different Types of Hearing Aids

Hearing aid styles have come a long way over the last decade. Instead of being limited to one or two models, there are now several types of models available. This gives you a lot of flexibility when choosing a style that best fits your needs. Here are some common types of hearing aids.

• Behind-the-ear (BTE) means the parts are contained in a case that rests behind the ear. This is the largest device on the market.
• Mini BTE is similar to a BTE but smaller.
• In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids have all working parts in a shell that fits completely inside the outer ear.
• In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids have the device parts in a tiny case that fits partly in the canal.
• Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids have the device parts in a tiny case that fits completely in the canal.
• Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aid is the smallest and most discreet device available. The device parts rest deep in the second bend of your ear canal.

Buying Hearing Aids In-Person vs. Online

There is no right or wrong way to purchase hearing aids. In fact, you can shop for a hearing instrument online or in person. That said, navigating this process on your own is not always recommended.

According to Dr. Lanter, the best way to purchase hearing aids is through setting up a consultation and fitting with a hearing care professional, whether in-person or via telehealth. “Hearing care professionals have all the resources needed to evaluate your hearing, recommend a solution, and get you on the path to a better quality of life,” she says.

Plus, everyone’s hearing ability is different, and Dr. Lanter says scheduling a hearing test with a hearing care professional will help you get the most individualized care and device to best treat your hearing loss. “Not only can hearing care professionals help you with hearing loss, but they can also check for any other underlying issues that may be affecting your ability to hear and recommend a proper course of action,” she says. You can then purchase hearing aids in-person or online based on the professional recommendation.

How to Find the Best-Fitting Hearing Aid

When it comes to buying a hearing aid, finding one that fits is critical. After all, if your hearing aid is falling out or irritating your skin, you might not wear it as often as you should. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you get the best-fitting hearing aid:

• Make an appointment for a hearing exam with a doctor, audiologist, or hearing expert. They can determine the degree of hearing loss and recommend the best hearing aid.
• Consider your lifestyle. If you’re active, look at hearing aids designed for a lot of movement.
• If possible, work with an audiologist or hearing care expert to choose a hearing aid. They can recommend the right hearing aid style for your hearing loss and ear anatomy.
• Consider a custom-fit hearing aid. Some audiologists and online retailers can make a custom-fit hearing aid using a mold of your ear. This gives you a device made specifically for your ear anatomy.
• Don’t wait too long to ask follow-up questions. If the hearing aid is not fitting correctly or causing pain, contact the manufacturer or hearing care expert for help.

Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Hearing Aids

We consulted audiologists and geriatric care experts in addition to independently testing various models. We read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and TrustPilot.

Through this in-depth research, we determined the following to be the most important criteria to consider when shopping for a hearing aid:

• Price
• Audiologist care
• Comfort and fit
• Warranty
• Customer satisfaction
• Customer service
• Features such as bluetooth capability and rechargeable batteries
• Reliability

The Bottom Line

There’s no shortage of hearing aid devices on the market today. And with several options available online and in-person, there’s a good chance you’ll find one that fits your needs.

With that being said, if you’re looking for the best hearing aids for the money, MDHearingAid may be for you. The company offers decent devices with a price point that is much lower than other hearing aids. However, if remote care and customer experience top your list of needs, consider Lively. Eargo is a good match for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, but if you’re looking for the best hearing aids for severe hearing loss, Phonak has some of the best products in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hearing Aids

Resources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Hearing Aids.
https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/hearing-aids/

American Tinnitus Association. Understanding the Facts.
https://www.ata.org/understanding-fact

Goman A, et al. (2016). Prevalence of hearing loss by severity in the United States. American Public Health Association journal.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5024365/

Hearing Loss Association of America. Medicaid.
https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/financial-assistance/medicaid/

Manchaiah V, et al. (2019). Negative side effects associated with hearing use in adults with hearing loss. Journal of American Academy of Audiology.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30461414/

U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Hearing Aids.
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.(2018). Types of Hearing Aids.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/types-hearing-aids