Bluetooth Hearing Aids Costs Top Models and More Everyday Health
Bluetooth Hearing Aids Costs Top Models and More Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Healthy Living Bluetooth Hearing Aids Costs Top Models and MoreWant to answer a call with your hearing aid? Upgrade to Bluetooth hearing aids, which promise convenient and clear wireless audio streaming from your favorite devices. Learn about the top models and decide which is right for you.Facebook TwitterPinterestCopy LinkBy Nicole GleichmannReviewed: September 30, 2021This content is researched and written independently of the views or opinions of Everyday Health's editorial team. Everyday Health may earn a commission from purchases of featured products in this article. Best Customer SupportLivelyChoose from conventional or rechargeable batteriesThree years of free follow-up careGet Started Best BudgetMDHearingAidHigh-quality hearing aids for the costAutomatic adjustment between four audio settingsGet Started Best Universal ConnectivityAudicusDirectly compatible with Apple and Android smartphonesNo need for a Bluetooth streamerGet Started Best for Profound Hearing LossPhonak Audeo Paradise 90Suitable for mild to profound hearing lossADP 2.0 feature makes listening and understanding easierGet Started Best for ComprehensionOticon MoreUnderstand speech 15 percent better with BrainHearing technologyDirect streaming from all iPhones and select Android devicesGet Started Best for Tinnitus ReliefReSound OneIndustry-leading 17 audio channelsAdjust settings in-app for tinnitus reliefGet Started Clearest SoundWidex MomentShortened processing time results in clearer soundDirectly pairs with iPhones or iOS devicesGet Started Best for Single-Sided Hearing LossSignia CROS XSpecially designed for single-sided hearing lossComes with rechargeable batteriesGet Started Best for Active PeopleStarkey Livio AIHearing aid includes fitness activity trackerApp transcribes your phone conversations for better clarityGet Started People who wear hearing aids often struggle to hear audio from cell phones, televisions, computers, and other personal audio devices. Bluetooth hearing aids help solve that problem — they bring the traditional daily benefits of hearing aids along with clearer audio and greater sound control. But what exactly is Bluetooth technology, and how do you choose the best Bluetooth hearing aids? We explore everything you need to know to decide if Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids are right for you, and review some of the best Bluetooth hearing aids available today. What Is Bluetooth Capability You’re probably familiar with Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth technology is common in wireless headphones, speakers, smartphones, newer vehicles, computers, and televisions. Bluetooth is a form of wireless technology in which devices use radio waves to communicate over a short distance. Bluetooth helps users connect their electronic devices wirelessly, enhancing the ease of use. When you connect two Bluetooth-compatible devices — such as a smartphone with a set of Bluetooth headphones — it’s called “pairing the devices.” Once paired, you can take calls or listen to music without having to hold your phone up to your ear or deal with wires. What Are Bluetooth Hearing Aids and What Do They Do Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids facilitate wireless connectivity with Bluetooth-compatible devices, including your smartphone, music player, computer, and television. With Bluetooth, you can stream sound directly to your hearing aids. Here are a few of the things you can do with Bluetooth digital hearing aids that you can’t with traditional hearing aids:Hands-free calls You can take calls without lining up your phone with the hearing aid microphone.Audio on the go You don’t need to take out your hearing aids to put in headphones. Instead, stream audio directly to your hearing aids while walking or working out. Another perk? You can retain your ability to hear what’s going on around you.Control personal volume You can watch TV with your family or friends and adjust your sound without changing the volume for everyone.Smartphone app control Pair your smartphone with your hearing aids for easy hearing aid control. You won’t need to manipulate your hearing aids directly — instead you use the app to adjust settings like volume and connectivity. The Pros and Cons of Bluetooth Hearing Aids Hearing aids with Bluetooth capabilities provide new opportunities for people who use hearing aids, but this technology has both advantages and disadvantages. Find out what to expect so you can decide if Bluetooth hearing aids are a good fit for your needs. ProsBetter sound quality With Bluetooth hearing aids, you experience music, podcasts, and phone calls without removing your hearing aids or having to line up devices with the hearing aid microphone. The result is higher quality sound.Superior sound control Many Bluetooth hearing aids allow you to pair one or both hearing aids to a device. When you pair both, you get to enjoy a richer, more balanced sound. With just one hearing aid paired, you retain your ability to hear what’s going on around you, which can keep you safe when driving or jogging outdoors.Enhanced ease of use When you pair Bluetooth hearing aids with your smartphone and other Bluetooth devices, you don’t have to switch from one device to another. You may listen to music from your smartphone and seamlessly accept a call or start a conference call from your laptop.Convenient hearing aid control Adjusting traditional hearing aid settings can be challenging if you have limited dexterity. Using either a streamer or smartphone, you gain easy control over your hearing aid settings. ConsHigher price Because Bluetooth hearing aids contain additional technology, they cost more than your standard hearing aids.Short battery life Bluetooth utilization can drain hearing aid batteries. Look for hearing aids with good battery life and charging cases for convenient charging on the go.Learning curve If you’re new to Bluetooth technology, it will take time to learn. Over time, the process becomes easier and faster.May need a streamer While you can most likely find hearing aids that pair with your existing smartphone, you may need a streamer — especially if you don’t use a smartphone. A streamer acts as a central connection point for Bluetooth devices. Highly Rated Bluetooth Hearing Aid Models Our team of experts has spent more than 200 hours researching hearing aids to find the best Bluetooth hearing aids for different needs. After we talked with audiologists, read customer reviews, and researched more than 30 models and styles of hearing aids, the following Bluetooth hearing aid models stood out. Best Customer Support Lively Sponsored Advertising Content LivelyChoose from conventional or rechargeable batteriesThree years of free follow-up careGet StartedLively is a leader in online Bluetooth hearing aids. Buyers purchase Lively hearing aids online and work remotely with an audiologist, saving them a trip to the doctor’s office. Lively sells only one model of hearing aids with the choice of either conventional or rechargeable batteries. The battery-powered hearing aids come with a one-year supply of batteries. The rechargeable version boasts 30 hours of sound per charge, with the portable case holding three additional charges. Lively hearing aids are nearly invisible and come in seven colors designed to match your hair shade. Both versions allow for direct streaming from Apple devices, while the rechargeable model also supports streaming from select Android devices. You can purchase Lively’s Android Phone Clip+ streamer that accommodates all Bluetooth-enabled Android devices for an added fee. What sets the Lively buyer’s experience apart is three years of complimentary follow-up care. Use the Lively app to work remotely with an audiologist when you need assistance with your sound experience. Price: $1,195 to $1,595 Hearing loss suitability: Mild to moderately severe hearing loss Type: Behind-the-ear Trial period: 100-day money-back guarantee Warranty: Three-year manufacturer’s warranty and three-year loss and damage protection Get Lively at Listenlively.com. Best Budget MDHearingAid Core MDHearingAidHigh quality hearing aids for the costAutomatic adjustment between four audio settingsGet StartedMDHearingAid carries a line of affordable hearing aids. The Core is the most advanced model, designed to enhance audio sound quality. Not only do these hearing aids pair with your smartphone and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, but the MDHearing app has unique features that support hearing aid customization. With noise reduction, feedback cancellation technology, and automatic adjustment between four audio settings, the Core hearing aids deliver high quality for the cost. MDHearingAid often runs specials on its products. Its latest promotion is to buy one MDHearingAid Core and get the second one for 75 percent off. Price: $799 to $1,599.99 Hearing loss suitability: Mild to moderately severe hearing loss Type: Behind-the-ear Trial period: 45-day risk-free trial Warranty: 90-day warranty Get MDHearingAid Core at Mdhearingaid.com or call 844-936-0233. Best Universal Connectivity Audicus Wave AudicusDirectly compatible with Apple and Android smartphonesNo need for a Bluetooth streamerGet StartedAudicus Wave Bluetooth hearing aids are directly compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones. Because the Wave works with most Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, you won’t need to carry around a streamer. The Wave standard model is a budget-friendly Bluetooth hearing aid with conventional batteries. For $400 more per hearing aid, you can upgrade to rechargeable batteries. Audicus hearing aids come standard with unlimited programming adjustments and support; a short, 45-day trial; and a one-year warranty. Audicus charges extra for loss and repair coverage. Starting at $59 per month, Audicus offers a membership program that includes new Wave hearing aids every 18 months, loss and damage protection, and accessories. Price: $899 to $1,798 Hearing loss suitability: Mild to severe hearing loss Type: Receiver-in-the-canal Trial period: 45-day money-back trial Warranty: One-year manufacturer’s warranty Find Audicus Wave at Audicus.com. Best for Profound Hearing Loss Phonak Audeo Paradise 90 Phonak Audeo Paradise 90Suitable for mild to profound hearing lossADP 2.0 feature makes listening and understanding easierGet StartedPhonak is a well-known hearing aid brand, and its Audeo Paradise 90 Bluetooth hearing aids provide clear sound for people with all levels of hearing loss. With features including speech enhancement, noise cancellation, and ADP 2.0 — an algorithm that makes listening and understanding easier — the Phonak P90 hearing aids utilize cutting-edge technology to help people hear better. The P90 Bluetooth hearing aids come with either standard or rechargeable batteries. For ease of use, the P90 has built-in tapping technology so you can pause or play audio streaming by tapping near your hearing aids. Price: $2,299 to $2,399 Hearing loss suitability: Mild to profound hearing loss Type: Receiver-in-canal Trial period: 45-day risk-free trial Warranty: Three-year warranty for manufacturing defects and loss and damage Get Phonak Audeo Paradise 90 at Ziphearing.com. Best for Comprehension Oticon More Oticon MoreUnderstand speech 15 percent better with BrainHearing technologyDirect streaming from all iPhones and select Android devicesGet StartedOticon hearing aids are some of the most advanced products for clear hearing. The Oticon More Bluetooth hearing aids contain advanced BrainHearing technology and optional Tinnitus SoundSupport. BrainHearing enhances understanding by providing the brain with the information it needs to interpret sound better. Based on clinical evidence collected by Oticon, BrainHearing technology results in a 15 percent increase in speech understanding. And with Tinnitus SoundSupport, you can manage tinnitus symptoms with customizable sounds and settings. Oticon More facilitates direct streaming from all iPhones and select Android devices. With Oticon’s ConnectClip streaming device, you can pair all Bluetooth-enabled smartphones to the More hearing aids. The More are rechargeable and fully charge in only three hours. Price: $1,599 to $2,399 Hearing loss suitability: Mild to moderate hearing loss Type: In-the-canal Trial period: 45-day money-back guarantee Warranty: Three-year manufacturer’s warranty and three-year loss and damage warranty Get Oticon More at Ziphearing.com. Best for Tinnitus Relief ReSound One ReSound OneIndustry-leading with 17 audio channelsAdjust settings in app for tinnitus reliefGet StartedThe ReSound One is an advanced hearing aid with 17 channels — far more than most hearing aids. More channels support better sound differentiation, so you can clearly hear speech and filter out background noise. The One boasts an additional microphone in the ear canal that helps you locate sounds and get a better sense of your surroundings. The One’s Bluetooth capabilities can stream directly from either Android or Apple smartphones. These hearing aids are rechargeable with up to three days of charges in the portable carrying case for easy charging anywhere. With the ReSound One Relief app, users can adjust settings to manage tinnitus symptoms and enhance overall sound quality. Price: $1,499 to $2,399 Hearing loss suitability: Mild to severe hearing loss Type: Receiver-in-ear Trial period: 45-day trial with free returns Warranty: One-year to four-year manufacturer’s warranty and one-year lost, stolen, or damaged warranty Find ReSound One at Ziphearing.com. Clearest Sound Widex Moment Widex MomentShortened processing time results in clearer soundDirectly pairs with iPhones or iOS devicesGet StartedHearing aids take time to process sounds and send them to your ear. The delay between when the sound occurs and when you hear it — caused by the processing time — creates an artificial sound. Widex utilizes PureSound technology to shorten the processing time, creating more real-life sound. The Moment BTE 13 D hearing aids marry clear sound with Bluetooth connectivity. You may pair your Moment hearing aids to an iPhone or iOS device directly or use a COM-DEX streamer to connect to Android devices. Price: $1,399 to $2,299 Hearing loss suitability: Mild to moderately severe hearing loss Type: In-the-ear or behind-the-ear Trial period: 45-day risk-free trial Warranty: Three-year manufacturer’s warranty and three-year loss and damage warranty Get Widex Moment at Ziphearing.com. Best for Single-Sided Hearing Loss Signia CROS X Signia CROS XSpecially designed for single-sided hearing lossComes with rechargeable batteriesGet StartedContralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing aids assist people who have hearing loss in just one ear. The Signia CROS X line of hearing aids offers Bluetooth connectivity designed to enhance audio clarity for people with one-sided hearing loss. The CROS X hearing aids have rechargeable batteries. Price: $1,649 Hearing loss suitability: Mild to moderate hearing loss Type: In-the-ear Trial period: 45-day trial Warranty: Three-year manufacturer’s warranty and three-year loss and damage warranty Get Signia CROS X at Ziphearing.com. Best for Active People Starkey Livio AI Starkey Livio AIHearing aid includes fitness activity trackerApp transcribes your phone conversations for better clarityGet StartedThe Starkey Livio AI combines advanced sound technology with activity tracking for a hearing aid that supports overall wellness. You can think of the Livio AI as a Bluetooth hearing aid plus a fitness tracker all in one. Starkey’s Healthable technology tracks fitness goals and active listening for optimal health and hearing. The Thrive Hearing Control app also boasts some unique features. Using your hearing aids, you can find your phone by having it ring, and the app can transcribe your conversations. Price: $1,449 to $2,899 Hearing loss suitability: Mild to profound hearing loss Type: Behind-the-ear Trial period: 45-day money-back guarantee Warranty: Three-year manufacturer’s warranty and three-year loss and damage warranty Get Starkey Livio AI at Ziphearing.com. How to Choose the Right Bluetooth Hearing Aids Most people use a smartphone as their central connection point for Bluetooth devices. Because it is convenient to use a smartphone, Bluetooth connectivity is an important factor to consider when shopping for Bluetooth hearing aids. Most hearing aids are designed to connect with either Android or Apple iOS devices. If you have an iPhone, look for Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing aids. For Android users, the best hearing aids have Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) technology. Universal Bluetooth hearing aids are compatible with both Apple and Android phones and other devices. Consumers without a smartphone require a separate device called a streamer. A streamer acts as a central connection point for your Bluetooth devices. Similarly, you may find that you need a streamer in the future if you buy a different smartphone or have some Apple and some Android devices. Other factors to consider include:Price Bluetooth hearing aids range in cost from around $800 to $5,000 each.Battery Consider the battery life and whether the hearing aid uses rechargeable or disposable batteries. Rechargeable batteries are the most convenient for adults who spend lots of time away from home.Style Consider whether you prefer in-the-ear, in-the-canal, or behind-the-ear Bluetooth hearing aids. How Do I Find Bluetooth Hearing Aids Near Me ZipHearing is a valuable tool for finding high-quality hearing aids with local service. ZipHearing works with the most trusted hearing aid brands to bring customers the same products at an average of 30 percent savings. Locations are scattered across the United States, so you can work with a local doctor to help you select, fit, program, and service your hearing aids. Here’s how ZipHearing works:Call ZipHearing at 800-731-6794. A representative answers any questions and helps you find a local ZipHearing provider.Call the local provider to make an appointment.During the consultation, the audiologist works with you to select the best hearing aids for your needs.Once your hearing aids arrive, make another appointment to get them set up.You have a 45-day trial, during which you qualify for a 100 percent refund.If you decide to keep your new Bluetooth hearing aids, visit your ZipHearing provider for ongoing care. Frequently Asked QuestionsDo Bluetooth hearing aids work?Bluetooth hearing aids work just as well as traditional hearing aids for general daily use and provide better sound quality when using audio devices. Bluetooth hearing aids enhance audio clarity for people with hearing aids when paired with smartphones, computers, speakers, TVs, tablets, and music players.What are the best Bluetooth hearing aids? The best Bluetooth hearing aids for you depend on whether you use an Android or Apple smartphone, how much you’re willing to spend, and what features you want. A healthcare provider can help you select the best pair.How much do Bluetooth hearing aids cost? Bluetooth hearing aids have a higher price point than similar hearing aids without Bluetooth connectivity. You can expect to spend a minimum of $800 per ear, with the highest-quality Bluetooth hearing aids costing as much as $5,000 each. Medicare Advantage plans may help cover hearing aid costs.