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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. With ever-advancing technologies, hearing aids are becoming more sophisticated, capable, and discreet. Research suggests that helping to restore a person’s hearing can improve their overall well-being. Share on Pinterest A quick look at 11 of the best hearing aidsBest for multiple sound environments: MDHearingAid AIRBest for a range of hearing loss Oticon miniRITE TBest for an invisible hearing aid: Eargo MAXBest for a universal fit: HA-1800 Cool AidsBest rechargeable hearing aid: Phonak Audeo B-RBest for app compatibility: Signia Motion 13 NxBest for streaming: ReSound LiNX QuattroBest for skin tones: Starkey PicassoBest water-resistant: Widex MomentBest for artificial intelligence: Starkey Evolv AIBest for Android and IOS Oticon More miniBTE R About hearing aidsResearch shows that hearing loss is common in those aged 48 and older, with the loss often affecting a person’s emotional, social, and physical well-being. Hearing aids are small devices that people wear in or behind the ear. They magnify sound vibrations, which helps hair cells convert the vibrations into signals that pass to the brain and allow an individual to hear. Modern hearing aids have digital signal processing that adapts to different listening environments. Common features include:multichannel compression: allows people to adjust frequency bands and noise levelsdirectional microphones: can improve sound quality by adjusting to different directionsnoise reduction features: reduce background noise Some more advanced hearing aids may offer automatic adaption of the same features. Types of hearing aid There are several varieties of hearing aids. Some may be more or less suitable for a person depending on their requirement and preference. Learn more about the types of hearing aids here. Behind-the-ear BTE BTE hearing aids are plastic cases that a person wears behind their ear. The device connects to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. Some BTE hearing aids have a tube instead of an earmold that goes into the ear canal. This type of BTE hearing aid may benefit those who experience earwax buildup, as the tube does not block the outer ear. BTE hearing aids are suitable for people of all ages with mild to severe hearing loss. In-the-ear ITE ITE hearing aids are hard plastic molds that sit inside the outer ear. These hearing aids may include a telecoil feature. Telecoil technology may make it easier for people to hear telephone conversations and sounds emitted from sound systems. ITE hearing aids are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss. Receiver-in-the-ear RITE RITE hearing aids are similar to BTE hearing aids. However, the part of the hearing aid that sits behind the ear is smaller. A thin wire connects to a speaker inside the ear’s opening. RITE hearing aids are suitable for many different types of hearing loss. In-the-canal ITC ITC hearing aids fit into the ear canal. Manufacturers make these hearing aids to fit the size and shape of a person’s ear canal. Receiver-in-canal RIC RIC aids are similar to BTE, with a difference. The receiver sits inside the canal, allowing for greater amplification without feedback. Completely-in-canal CIC CIC hearing aids fit into the ear canal in the same way as ITC hearing aids. However, these are less visible than other products. Some types of hearing aids are made specifically for different types of hearing loss or hearing conditions. Invisible-in-canal IIC IIC devices are similar to CIC hearing aids, but they fit in the second bend of the ear canal. As such, they are usually invisible to other people. Tinnitus masker A tinnitus masker is a hearing aid that may be able to mask tinnitus. This product can operate as both a hearing aid and a tinnitus masker. Bone conduction hearing aid A bone conduction hearing aid, or a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA), transmits sound via bone vibration. Surgeons implant either a magnet or a fixture that attaches to a processor outside of a person’s head. CROS BiCROS Contralateral routing of signal (CROS) and Bilateral routing of signal (BiCROS) hearing aids are usually suitable for a person with hearing loss in one ear or better hearing in one ear than the other. In both cases, the devices come as a pair. When a person has hearing loss in one ear, CROS hearing aids transmit sound from the ear with diminished hearing to the other. When an individual has hearing loss in both ears, BiCROS hearing aids transmit sounds from one ear to the ear with better hearing. Sounds can transmit either wirelessly or through a wire. Body-worn analog Suitable for those with severe hearing loss, body-worn hearing aids are small boxes that connect to earphones. A person can clip the box to clothing or put it into a pocket. This device is suitable for those who have severe hearing loss. How we chose Medical News Today chooses products that fit the following criteria where possible:FDA approval: MNT chooses products that have received FDA approval.Hearing aid styles: MNT chooses products in a range of styles, such as in-the-ear, in-the-canal, and behind-the-ear.Features: MNT chooses products that have a range of features, such as rechargeable batteries, white noise, and smartphone app connectivity.Tinnitus features: MNT chooses products that may help relieve tinnitus, with features such as white noise and customizable soundscapes. Best hearing aids Below are some of the best hearing aids available to purchase. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for multiple sound environments MDHearingAid AIR BTE hearing aidList price: from $399.99Type: BTE The AIR BTE hearing aid has four settings that a person can choose according to their environment, including: quietsocialnoisy The company states that this hearing aid is suitable for theatres, churches, watching TV, dinner parties, and other similar settings. It works with size 13 batteries, fits with glasses, and features a battery life that lasts up to 26 days. The company includes free lifetime support and offers a 45-day trial. Pros and cons This product does not cause any issues or interferences when people use the telephone. Additionally, there is no feedback when a person who uses this hearing aid comes into close contact with another hearing aid. This hearing aid is nearly invisible, featuring a thin and clear tube in the ear. The aid itself hides behind the ear. However, the battery is not rechargeable. Additionally, it does not feature dual directional microphones, and the device is not compatible with smartphones. Learn more about MDHearingAid here.SHOP NOW Best for a range of hearing loss Oticon miniRITE TList price: no information availableType: RITE This RITE hearing aid sits behind the ear with a thin wire feeding a speaker into the ear canal. This aid comes in seven colors and features a disposable battery and Bluetooth connectivity. Oticon More offers a 3-year guarantee. Pros and cons The company states it made this hearing aid for use with the iPhone, but it also works with Android. It uses Bluetooth, features telecoil technology, and has simple push-button controls. The miniRITE T is suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, and the company provides a risk-free trial. However, this hearing aid is not available for purchase online. People must find a hearing center that offers these devices. Learn more about Oticon here.SHOP NOW Best for an invisible hearing aid Eargo MAX ITC hearing aidList price: $1,450Type: ITC Eargo provides this ITC hearing aid that uses medical-grade silicone fibers that conduct sound. The company offers a 45-day trial and a 12-month warranty. It also offers flexible payment methods, including plans starting from around $67 per month. Pros and cons The brand says it is invisible and breathable. It sits in the ear canal and provides feedback cancellation and noise reduction. Additionally, the hearing aids have four different sound profiles, feature noise reduction, and have a rechargeable battery case. However, these aids are on the lower end of the spectrum for price and features. They do not come with a smartphone app and have no Bluetooth connectivity. Learn more about Eargo here.SHOP NOW Best for a universal fit HA-1800 Cool Aids CIC hearing aidList price: $999.99Type: CIC Manufactured by Hearing Assist, this CIC hearing aid fits inside the ear canal, making it almost entirely invisible and easy to wear. Hearing Assist states that this product does not require a custom mold of the ear because its universal fit makes it suitable for most ears. This product comes with a 1-year warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Pros and cons This model comes in black, which blends in with the shadow of the ear canal. It has eight channels allowing for features such as:ambient noise reductionsuppression of feedbacknoise compression However, this hearing aid does not feature Bluetooth connectivity or rechargeable batteries. Learn more about Hearing Assist here.SHOP NOW Best for rechargeable batteries Phonak Audeo B-R rechargeable hearing aidList price: no information availableType: RIC These hearing aids are compatible with most phones. This rechargeable hearing aid model is only available in RIC style. The company states that this hearing aid will provide the following battery life based on charging times:15 minutes of charging: 2 hours of power30 minutes of charging: 6 hours of power3 hours of charging: 24 hours of power Phonak claims that their rechargeable hearing aids can last up to 6 years. A portable mini charger that is suitable for travel is available. The company offers a 1-year guarantee. Learn more about rechargeable hearing aids here. Pros and cons This hearing aid is fully automatic and adapts to sounds according to location and background noise. Additionally, this device has Bluetooth connectivity, enabling users to connect it with any compatible device. However, a person has to acquire this product from a hearing care professional. Warranties, guarantees, and prices may vary depending on which hearing center a person purchases this product from. Learn more about Phonak here.SHOP NOW Best for app compatibility Signia Motion 13 Nx battery-powered hearing aidPrice: no information availableType: BTE This hearing aid uses size 13 (orange) disposable batteries, which may suit people who do not want to use a charger regularly. Learn more about hearing aid battery types. Signia claims that this hearing aid is suitable for mild to profound hearing loss. Pros and cons It is available in 12 different colors but is discreet, as it sits behind the ear. It is available with an optional telecoil. The product is also compatible with the Signia app, allowing easy customization and control of the hearing aid. However, streaming from any device other than an iPhone requires the StreamLine accessory, which is available for an extra fee. Additionally, people can only purchase this hearing aid from a hearing care professional, and prices may vary. Learn more about Signia hearing aids here.SHOP NOW Best for streaming ReSound LiNX Quattro Bluetooth hearing aidPrice: no information availableType: RITE, BTE, and custom This Bluetooth hearing aid can stream directly to Bluetooth-compatible devices without using an intermediate device. People can use it to stream TV, audio, and more directly to their hearing aids. This makes it a potential option for those who want Bluetooth capabilities from their hearing aids. ReSound provides an app that allows users to customize and control their hearing aids from their smartphones. For example, the app enables users to adjust volume based on location or setting, check the battery status, and find missing hearing aids. Pros and cons These hearing aids use rechargeable batteries and can last up to 30 hours after a complete charge. They are also available in three different designs, including a custom fit. The company states that people using these devices will experience no distortion to sound quality, a full sound spectrum, and an easy way to request assistance from the app. However, people will need to purchase this hearing device from a hearing care professional. Prices and guarantees may vary. Learn more about ReSound here.SHOP NOW Best for skin tones Starkey Picasso invisible hearing aidPrice: no information availableType: IIC, ITC, CIC, and ITE This hearing aid is discreet and near-invisible and is available in a choice of six skin colors. It uses disposable batteries. The model is available in the following styles:invisible-in-canal (IIC)in-the-canal (ITC)completely-in-canal (CIC)in-the-ear (ITE) Pros and cons This hearing aid has Bluetooth technology, so users can stream TV, phone calls, and audio directly to the device. People can also choose several customizable tinnitus relief programs. However, this model does not feature rechargeable batteries. Additionally, people cannot purchase it directly from the manufacturer, which means prices and guarantees may vary depending on the hearing center a person uses. Learn more about Starkey here.SHOP NOW Best for Tinnitus Widex MomentList price: no information availableType: BTE, RIC, and ITE This hearing aid is available in 3 styles and up to 13 colors. The company states that this device has a water-resistant nano-coating to help resist moisture and corrosion. Additionally, Widex claims that people will not experience listening delays and artificial sounds while using this hearing aid. Pros and cons This hearing aid has Bluetooth connectivity and in-built Android and iOS device streaming capabilities. Additionally, the battery is rechargeable and offers up to 37 hours of battery life for each charge. However, people cannot purchase this hearing aid from the manufacturer. Prices and guarantees may vary depending on where a person purchases this device.SHOP NOW Best with fall detection Starkey Evolv AIList price: no information availableType: BTE, RIC, ITC, ITE, CIC, and IIC The Evolv AI is available in six different styles. These devices have artificial intelligence that makes up to 55 million adjustments per hour for realistic sound quality. Additionally, these devices have rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth and app connectivity. Starkey offers a 30-day risk-free trial. Pros and cons The Starkey Evolv AI hearing aids come with the following features:two-way audio that allows people to communicate hands-free with an iOS devicefall alert which sends a notification to contacts when the hearing aids detect a falltranslation and transcription technologylocating lost hearing aids technology However, people cannot purchase these hearing aids directly from the manufacturer. Prices and guarantees may vary depending on the distributor.SHOP NOW Best for Android and IOS Oticon More miniBTE RList price: no information availableType: BTE This BTE hearing aid is available in eight colors. This hearing aid also has a rechargeable battery, telecoil, and Bluetooth connectivity. Pros and cons The Oticon More miniBTE R has a single-push button and an LED light. Additionally, it is compatible with Apple devices with an IOS 15 or later and Android devices with Android 12 or later. However, people cannot buy this model directly from Oticon. Prices and guarantees may vary depending on where a person purchases this hearing aid.SHOP NOW Comparison chart The following table compares the hearing aids in this article.TypeRechargeable batteriesBluetooth connectivityList priceMDHearingAIDBTEnonofrom $399.99Oticon miniRITE TRITEnoyesno information availableEargoITCyesno$1,450HA-1800CICnono$999.99PhonakRICyesyesno information availableSigniaBTEnoyesno information availableReSound• RITE• BTE• customyesyesno information availableStarkey Picasso• IIC• ITC• CIC• ITEnoyesno information availableWidex Moment• BTE• RIC• ITEyesyesno information availableStarkey Evolv• BTE• RIC• ITC• CIC• IICyesyesno information availableOticon miniBTE RBTEyesyesno information available How to choose a hearing aid According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), individuals should consider the following before purchasing a hearing aid:which option provides the most useful features for their needsthe total cost of the hearing aidwhether there is a trial periodwhether a company offers a warranty, how long that warranty lasts, and what it coverswhether the manufacturer will provide temporary replacement hearing aids if the originals need repairing Features to look out for A person may work with an audiologist to determine what features would benefit them in a hearing aid. A nonexhaustive list of available features people may look for include:noise reduction capabilitydirectional microphonestelecoil technologyrechargeable batteriesmultichannel compression When to contact a doctor People who believe they may have hearing loss should contact a hearing care professional. Signs of hearing loss include:finding it difficult to concentrate on and follow a conversationfinding it difficult to hear people in noisy environmentsfinding it difficult to hear and understand conversations on the phonehaving to turn up the volume on devices higher than usualasking people to repeat themselves during conversations Hearing care professionals, such as audiologists, can recommend whether a hearing aid is necessary and which device best suits a person’s needs. Frequently asked questions about hearing aids Here we answer some common questions about these devices. How much should I pay for a good hearing aid Hearing aids differ in price but can start from around $1,000 for a quality pair. Additional features increase the cost of hearing aid such as smart features, tinnitus relief, and more hearing programs to help produce clear sound in different environments. Hearing care professionals can work with people’s budgets to help find a hearing aid that fits their needs. What should I look for when buying a hearing aid People may consider several factors when buying a hearing aid. Some products have rechargeable batteries, whereas others have disposable ones. More expensive models often have extra features, such as tinnitus relief, artificial intelligence, and streaming capabilities. A person should consider their needs when choosing a hearing aid. Hearing care professionals can help people choose the right device for their requirements. What is the easiest hearing aid to use The easiest hearing aid to use depends on several factors. Some people may prefer the ease of rechargeable batteries, whereas others may prefer a hearing aid with app connectivity and features such as streaming. People should discuss their requirements with a hearing care professional to find out which hearing aid will be easiest for them to use. Which hearing aid has the most natural sound A hearing care professional can recommend which hearing aid will offer the most natural sound depending on a person’s hearing needs. People may wish to look for a hearing aid with a longer trial period to test how their hearing changes with the device. Summary There are various hearing aids available, and some may be more suitable for certain hearing conditions than others. Individuals should always consider the warranties and trial periods a hearing aid manufacturer offers. Last medically reviewed on August 18, 2022Uncategorized 10 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.A tinnitus masker. (n.d.).https://www.hear-it.org/A-maskerBone conduction hearing devices. (2017). https://www.hearinglink.org/your-hearing/implants/bone-conduction-hearing-devices/Choi, J. E., et al. (2019). A comparison between wireless CROS BiCROS and soft-band BAHA for patients with unilateral hearing loss.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6383877/Cox, R., et al. (2017). Impact of hearing aid technology on outcomes in daily life I: The patient's perspective.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4925253/Dawes, P., et al. (2015). Hearing aid use and long-term health outcomes: hearing handicap, mental health, social engagement, cognitive function, physical health and mortality.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4730911/Hearing aids. (2017).https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-aidsHearing aid styles. (n.d.)https://advancedhearingcare.org/hearing-aid-stylesHearing aids. Healthy body. (2020).https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/hearing-aids/Hearing loss. (2021).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-loss/Schuster-Bruce, J., et al. (2021). Conventional hearing aid indications And selection.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567712/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP — By Veronica Zambon and Stefano Iavarone — Updated on August 18, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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