Finding the best hearing aids at the lowest price takes some research. You want to find a comfortable fit with the benefits of the latest hearing aid technology. We investigated the best hearing aid companies to help narrow your choices and save time.
This guide provides the information you need to help clear the path to choosing the best hearing aids. You’ll learn what features you can expect at different price levels and how various hearing aid models improve hearing loss.
We started with an evaluation of 32 well-known hearing aid brands. We considered costs, features, hearing aid model selection, consumer reviews and expert data. Our search ended with the 13 best hearing aid companies: Eargo, Jabra Enhance, Lexie Hearing, Audicus, MDHearing, Embrace Hearing, Hear.com, ZipHearing, Widex, Signia, Phonak Hearing Aids, Oticon and Starkey Hearing Aids.
Top Hearing Aid Tips:
- Hearing aids are expensive, but don’t sacrifice quality to save money.
- Don’t buy the smallest hearing aids if you have poor vision or manual dexterity.
- Consider your lifestyle to choose the best type of hearing aid for your needs.
What to know if you buy hearing aids
If you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss and have been told that you need hearing aids, take heart! 48 million Americans are dealing with hearing loss, and you have options. But how do you know what choice to make when selecting a hearing aid?
There are three crucial – and universal – decision-making criteria in our mission to find the best hearing aids around: price, quality, and support. So before you make the commitment, take a look at these wise buyer tips first:
Our Hearing Aid Expert
Geoffrey Cooling is an Irish hearing aid blogger and the author of the book The Little book of Hearing Aids (Buy on Amazon) which is an in-depth hearing aid advice book for consumers. He has been involved with the hearing aid industry for over ten years.
Geoffrey Cooling, Author of The Little Book of Hearing Aids
How Hearing Aids Work
You should have a general idea of how hearing aids work before you start shopping. Most hearing loss happens because tiny hair cells lining the inner ear become irreparably damaged by loud noises, the aging process, illness, genetics or medications.
The hair cells help the brain understand speech and other sounds, and when they are damaged, hearing aids take over. There are three essential parts to all hearing aids:
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Microphone: Receives sounds in your environment, then converts the sounds into a digital signal.
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Amplifier: Selectively increases sounds digitally.
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Speaker or receiver: Produces sound amplified at the proper level in your ear.
Knowing how hearing aids work gives you a base
for understanding various technologies and features.
We used the term “amplified,” but compare hearing amplifiers to hearing aids, and you’ll see they are not the same. You can learn more about this later in our FAQ.
Understanding Hearing Aid Technology
As you research hearing aids, you’ll notice the devices are much smaller now compared to decades past. Even behind-the-ear models can be barely noticeable. Rechargeable hearing aids are common and do away with changing batteries, which is especially a hassle if you don’t see well or have trouble handling small parts.
Hearing Aid Technology: The Latest Innovations provides more details, but here are some quick facts:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) trains hearing aids to differentiate between sounds to amplify or de-emphasize. The technology cuts through the cluttered noise in most environments. AI utilizes machine learning and Deep Neural Networks to simulate the brain’s neural connections.
- Hearing aid loop systems and telecoils are ideal for hearing well in a crowded or large space.
- Bluetooth wireless technology connects hearing aids to smartphones, tablets and other devices for streaming sound and other benefits.
- Directional microphones, infrared and FM systems filter out background noise and automatically change settings based on your surroundings.
Types of Hearing Aids and How to Choose the Right One
While hearing aids continue trending toward smaller devices, your degree of hearing loss may rule out the tiniest styles. The chart below is a reference for various types of hearing aids and hearing loss remedies.
To learn more detailed information, read Hearing Aid Types Explained.
| Hearing Aid Types Explained | |
|---|---|
| Hearing Aid Style | Treated Level of Hearing Loss |
| Behind-The-Ear (BTE) | Largest style. Mild to extreme hearing loss. |
| Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) | Similar to BTE, but with better amplification. Mild to extreme hearing loss. |
| Open Fit | Doesn’t completely cover the ear canal; lets some natural sound come through. Mild to moderate hearing loss. |
| In-The-Ear (ITE) | Sits in the bottom half of the ear. Mild to severe hearing loss. |
| In-The-Canal (ITC) | Custom molded to fit more discreetly in the outer ear and into the canal. Mild to moderate hearing loss. |
| Completely-In-Ear (CIC) | Custom molded to fit in the ear canal. Smallest and most discreet hearing aids. Mild to moderate hearing loss. |
5 Tips for Buying Hearing Aids That Work for Your Lifestyle
In addition to choosing a hearing aid style that provides the proper treatment for your hearing loss, it’s critical to consider your lifestyle before you buy hearing aids.
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If your lifestyle demands you have the best possible hearing in many different and complex sound environments, focus on features and make cost secondary.
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Those who spend most of the day listening to the TV and conversing in small groups may be happy with basic, less expensive hearing aids.
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If you’re active outdoors, a model that reduces wind noise will be best.
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In meetings most days? Buy a hearing aid with microphones that process sound at various angles (not just the front).
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An ITE or ITC model won’t interfere with wearing glasses, hats or masks.
Lise Hamlin, Director of Public Policy at Hearing Aid Association of America, explained why lifestyle plays a primary role in hearing aid choice. Hamlin advises, “You need to know your own needs. Are you a working person who needs all the features that are offered regardless of price, or is price important and worth considering?”
Consider how you live your day-to-day life while choosing hearing aids.
Hamlin also says finding a good hearing aid professional is important. She advised, “… shop around to find the professional you can best work with before purchase. There are many professionals who are qualified and do a good job. But this is a long-term relationship. The consumer must (make) sure the professional is properly credentialed and that they explain the terms of their sales.”
Hearing Aid Prices
The Hearing Industries Association reports the average cost of one hearing aid ranges from less than $1,000 to $4,000. If you have severe hearing loss, you could pay $8,000 or more to treat both ears. However, the devices typically make up only around one-third of your total cost.
Total hearing aid prices generally include services bundled with hearing aids. You may receive service for years after the sale and pay no additional fees.
| Services Bundled with Hearing Aid Cost | |
|---|---|
| – Initial consultation and evaluation- Custom molds (in-ear and in-canal)- Fit adjustments- Occasional checkups | – Hearing test with hearing aids inserted- Reprogramming as needed (several times over the years) |
Be sure you know what services are included in the price you pay for hearing aids.
If you’re interested in hearing aids with an unusually low price tag, ask if the cost includes follow-up or other services. You may learn you have to pay for follow-up appointments and adjustments. If you get bundled services with low-cost hearing aids, get the details in writing before you buy.
Maintaining Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids require ongoing maintenance. Daily and less frequent cleaning routines differ among hearing aids, so be sure you understand the instructions. Choose a hearing professional or online hearing aid company that will quickly answer any questions you may have about maintenance.
You may use the same hearing aids for seven to ten years. During that time, your hearing could change. You should be sure you can have the devices reprogrammed in the future and you have options for getting help as needed.
Plan to clean hearing aids daily and perform other regular maintenance.
Whether you buy online or use a local provider, our top hearing aid companies offer unparalleled support. You may have access to 24/7 customer support via phone or online or to office locations across the country for appointments.
Our Search For The Best Hearing Aid Companies
Our list of the best hearing aid companies explains what you can expect for quality, technology and style selection. We also provided a price range for each company’s hearing aids. Our recommendations include low-cost and high-tech options.
We started our search with 32 of the most popular hearing aid companies. We narrowed our recommendations down to the 13 best options using these steps:
- We evaluated advances in hearing aid technology.
We selected companies that continue to develop hearing aids that offer improvements in sound and convenience. Some companies sell models that automatically adjust to the noise level in your surroundings and that have multiple sound profiles, tinnitus masking and other features.
- Hearing aid prices weighed in on our selections.
We weren’t concerned about finding the cheapest hearing aids, but we ruled out hearing aids that didn’t provide features or a level of service to justify the cost. You will find some budget-friendly hearing aids on our list.
- Customer service before and after the sale.
Whether you buy hearing aids online or in person, you should expect guidance that takes your level of hearing loss and lifestyle into consideration. Most people need adjustments to their hearing aids after using them for a while. You may also need some help getting used to your hearing aids.
Our best hearing aid companies provide tools for selecting the correct type of aids. Each provides telephone, online or in-person support. Many of our top picks provide convenient customer service available in a mobile app that also allows a specialist to make remote hearing aid adjustments.
- We read consumer reviews and advice from respected hearing health sources.
We only included companies that scored 4 out of 5 stars or higher in online customer reviews. We pored over research and data from the government and the Hearing Loss Association of America to find the best hearing aid brands and providers.
Best Hearing Aid Companies Reviews
Our evaluation yielded the 13 best hearing aid companies: Eargo, Jabra Enhance, Lexie Hearing, Audicus, MDHearing, Embrace Hearing, Hear.com, ZipHearing, Widex, Signia, Phonak Hearing Aids, Oticon and Starkey Hearing Aids. Each of these companies stood out above and beyond the competition.
Eargo Hearing Aids Review
Innovative Products |
Eargo sells affordable and attractive in-canal hearing aids without a prescription. Eargo hearing aids are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss with tips that create a breathable fit. Customers receive lifetime phone support from licensed hearing professionals.
Eargo Hearing Aids
- Eargo 6 is the latest release from Eargo, and offers advance Sound Adjust technology with allow the device to constantly adapt to changing environments and filter out background noise. The Eargo 6 is water resistant with a IPX 7 rating.
- Eargo 5 is the smallest in-canal hearing aid Eargo offers, with sound quality that improves over time. Sound Match technology provides custom tuning and hearing screenings without leaving your home. The battery lasts about five years and operates continuously for up to 15 hours.
- Eargo Neo HiFi is designed for the pickiest of audiophiles, with advanced noise reduction and feedback cancellation. Neo HiFi comes with Eargo’s patented Flexi Tetrapalms, soft medical-grade silicone tips that cause the devices to float inside your ear.
- Eargo Max features four sound profiles, improved amplification, dynamic feedback reduction, and active noise cancellation. These hearing aids come standard with Flexi Fibers, but you can upgrade to Flexi Palms.
Eargo hearing aids come with a one-year warranty (two years for Eargo 5) and a 45-day return period, and all models are rechargeable. A mobile app customizes how the hearing aids work. You can also use the Eargo app to speak to a hearing professional via chat or by scheduling a call appointment.
Eargo hearing aids cost from $1,450 to $2,950 per device. Financing is available with payments starting at $67 per month for Eargo Max and $94 per month for Eargo 6.
To learn more, read our comprehensive Eargo hearing aids review.
Jabra Enhance Hearing Aids Review
Great Virtual Support |
You can buy Jabra Enhance hearing aids without a prescription from the direct-to-consumer website. Jabra Enhance offers low-cost behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids backed by GN, a global leader in the industry with 150 years of hearing expertise.
Jabra Enhance Hearing Aids Screenshot
Choose a battery-powered or rechargeable hearing aid. A one-hour charge provides 15 hours of wear. Charge Jabra Enhance hearing aids for three hours for 30 hours of power.
Jabra Enhance hearing aids include three years of adjustments and follow-up care via the mobile app:
- Reach the Jabra Enhance audiology team with one tap in the mobile app.
- Explain what you need help with.
- Get remote real-time adjustments.
Jabra Enhance offers a 100-day risk-free trial, a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, and three-year loss and damage protection. You have a choice of colors to match your complexion or hair color..
The regular price for Jabra Enhance hearing aids is $1,195 for the battery-powered model and $1,595 or $1,995 for rechargeable devices. The company frequently offers financing as low as $39 per month.
Read our comprehensive Jabra Enhance hearing aids review for more information.
Lexie Hearing Aids Review
Great Technology |
Lexie Hearing aids provide cutting-edge technology at low prices. The company sells one BTE model, the Lexie Lumen. You can reach customer service via phone or mobile app weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Lexie’s subscription payment plan makes hearing aids, parts and maintenance affordable for just about anyone.
Lexie Hearing Aids
Lexie’s Directional Hearing technology first focuses on sounds in front of you to help with hearing conversations. Then, Digital Noise Management separates speech from background noise. Lexie Lumen’s dual microphones automatically adjust amplification to improve your hearing in noisy environments.
Lexie Hearing’s mobile app can adjust your hearing aids and monitor battery power along with several other features. Lexie Rewards is an optional free program that encourages you to use your hearing aids while accumulating points. Use the points to get up to 15% off the monthly subscription, batteries or accessories.
You can buy a Lexie Lumen hearing aids set for $799 or a $49-per-month subscription. There is a one-time $50 activation fee for the subscription, and you can cancel anytime and return the hearing aids. The two-year subscription includes:
- Hearing aid insurance with free repairs and a $120 replacement fee for lost or stolen aids.
- Replacement batteries, domes, tubes and drying capsules delivered to your door.
- New hearing aids every 24 months with the latest technology and trends.
Read our comprehensive Lexie Hearing review to learn more.
Audicus Hearing Aids Review
Great Subscription Plan |
Audicus offers customers hearing aids at an affordable price by eliminating the “middleman” in hearing aid transactions and reducing overhead. Pay for hearing aids up front, with a monthly subscription, or by leveraging the financing options available. While you can visit one of the four clinics located in major U.S. cities, it’s easiest to buy hearing aids directly from the website.
Audicus Hearing Aids
Take a hearing test online (Audicus hearing aids don’t require fitting), and an audiologist will customize your hearing aids depending on your needs. You can make further adjustments using the mobile app or buttons on the device.
Audicus provides unlimited customer support and sells four hearing aid models:
- Mini is an invisible CIC model with all-day comfort for mild to moderate severe hearing loss.
- Wave is a Bluetooth-enabled RIC hearing aid for mild to severe cases.
- Spirit is a rechargeable Bluetooth RIC model with remote adjustments for mild to severe hearing loss.
- Omni is an adjustable RIC hearing aid with direct-streaming Bluetooth and adaptive-directional microphones for greater sound.
Audicus provides a 45-day trial period. One Audicus hearing aid costs between $699 to $1,499, or $89 to $119 per month.
Read our full Audicus hearing aids review to learn more.
MDHearing Review
Great Value |
MDHearing’s three high-quality, medical-grade hearing aid models come with 24/7 customer service and affordable prices. The company offers 12-month 0% financing for audiologist-tested hearing aids. MDHearing manufactures the devices in the U.S. and sells directly to consumers to keep costs down.
MDHearing
MDHearing is a great money-saving option if you don’t need a custom fit. The latest model is tiny and nearly invisible. These devices won’t work for severe hearing loss, but every customer gets a 45-day trial period and a money-back guarantee. MCHearing products are FDA-registered and designed by doctors and audiologists.
- Air is an advanced digital hearing aid with four settings.
- Volt is rechargeable with state-of-the-art audio quality and feedback cancellation. The Volt Max comes with VIP clinic-level care.
- Neo is a tiny in-the-ear device with advanced noise reduction.
MDHearing offers four devices ranging from about $800 to $1,900 for two hearing aids. The company runs frequent sales, and single-device pricing is also available.
For details, read our full MDHearing review.
Embrace Hearing Review
Great Service and Value |
Embrace Hearing offers two hearing aid designs, each featuring two models. All Embrace Hearing aids are custom programmed to the customer’s hearing test. The same audiologist who initially programs your hearing aids makes future adjustments.
Embrace Hearing Aids
- The X-Series is a RIC design with Bluetooth for hands-free calls and TV streaming. Adjust the hearing aids with a button on the device, remote control or mobile app. Performs well at home and in small group settings.
- Embrace Hearing’s C-Series is a practically invisible ITC model that works well with glasses, masks and helmets. Use the mobile app or a small remote control to adjust the hearing aids. Works well in group meetings and large venues like theaters with background noise.
Customer service and support are available 24/7. You can consult with audiologists for help choosing the ideal hearing aids based on hearing test results. Embrace Hearing requires an audiograph generated from a professional hearing test to dispense your hearing aids.
Embrace Hearing aids cost from $899 to $2,498. Add $200 per ear for a rechargeable model with a telecoil. The hearing aids are produced by one of the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers. Embrace Hearing offers a 45-day trial period, a three-year warranty and payment plans.
To learn more or start your 45-day trial, call 855-278-3108 or visit our full Embrace Hearing review.
Hear.com Review
Great Selection |
Hear.com combines a substantial assortment of best-in-class hearing aids and free consultations with top hearing professionals. Hear.com has served over 1 million consumers with the most advanced hearing aids created using world-leading German technology.
Hear.com Screenshot
A team of hearing care specialists guide consumers through choosing the right hearing aids for their level of hearing loss and budget. The hearing aid brands include:
- Oticon: Features a discreet hearing aid design.
- Phonak: Multi-microphone technology.
- ReSound: LiNX feature in a mobile app that stores settings for future use.
- Widex: Fully digital hearing aids differentiates between 100 different sound scenarios.
- Signia: Waterproof hearing aids.
You can’t buy cheap hearing aids at Hear.com, but you will get lower prices on the best hearing aid brands. Costs range from $1,600 to $6,500 per pair, which includes a 45-day no-risk trial.
Read our comprehensive Hear.com review for more information.
ListenClear
Great Order Process |
We awarded ListenClear hearing aids with an award for Great Order Process. Millions of adults suffer from hearing loss, though many never actually get the hearing aids they need. In light of this, ListenClear is making hearing aids accessible to all with reasonable prices – and is removing the typical medical care barriers to access.
Depending on your preferences, ListenClear offers three products, the ListenClear Pro, ListenClear Elite & ListenClear ITE (In-the-Ear). The ListenClear Pro, the company’s most affordable option, can be fitted to the user’s left or right ear and comes in a variety of colors. The ListenClear Elite offers the same features as the Pro model, with the addition of an inconspicuous remote that can adjust the devices. The ITE model is best for individuals who want to most benefits of a hearing aid without the external receiver.
ListenClear Hearing Aids
Price: ListenClear’s products are in-reach for most consumers because they are sold directly to consumers without the expensive fitting, service, battery and other costs bundled in by audiologists. Instead, the products are sold directly to consumers and start below $1,000.
Quality: All ListenClear devices offer high definition sound and can help to remedy mild to moderate hearing loss. The ListenClear elite was design to treat mild to severe hearing loss.
Support: ListenClear backs their products with a one-year warranty to cover the unit’s materials and workmanship. ListenClear also offers extendible warranties that can cover loss due to theft, physical damage or other types of losses.
Customers who are interested in exploring their options with ListenClear should take advantage of the company’s free 45-day trial.
Or, read our comprehensive ListenClear review.
ZipHearing Review
Great Discounts with Local Service |
ZipHearing combines the best of buying hearing aids online with in-person service and adjustments. ZipHearing can offer very competitive hearing aid prices as a nationwide provider. The company provides fitting and service at local partner offices.
ZipHearing Hearing Aids
Shop ZipHearing’s website with various filters and sorting to compare and select hearing aids. You can quickly narrow your options and read consumer reviews. Most models show prices, although some require a chat or phone call for cost due to the various model options.
Call or use the chat to speak to a ZipHearing specialist from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday. The company is an authorized seller of top brands like Phonak, Starkey, Signia, Resound and Widex. Visit one of 600 local audiology or hearing aid clinics for new batteries, adjustments and other services.
ZipHearing customers report saving up to 30% on the cost of hearing aids. Prices we found ranged from $1,349 up to $4,798 (per ear) for high-quality hearing aids. ZipHearing offers a 45-day risk-free trial.
To get started, give ZipHearing a call at 855-739-1910 or request a call back from this online form.
Read our comprehensive Zip Hearing Aids review.
Widex Hearing Aids Review
Great Sound |
Widex offers high-quality hearing aids with precision tuning and rigorous testing. PureSound and ZeroDelay technologies enhance hearing while reducing background noise. Widex hearing aids also help suppress wind noise, something to consider if you frequently travel or spend time outdoors.
Widex Hearing Aids
The latest innovation is the Widex Moment. This hearing aid eliminates the delay from receiver to ear for a more natural sound. Widex Moment is designed with an advanced water-resistant nano-coating, durable microphones and smart engineering.
Other Widex hearing aid models include:
- Evoke, which uses the built-in Fluid Sound Analyzer and Controller to adjust to your environment automatically.
- Unique is great for outdoor use, capturing every corner of the soundscape and reducing wind noise for a rich sound experience.
- CROS is especially effective at enhancing speech sounds. This model helps improve one-sided hearing loss or deafness in one ear with impaired hearing in the other.
Widex offers behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE) and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids. One of four Widex mobile apps can be used to control most models.
Widex does not publish prices on its website and notes that the costs for the same model can vary by provider. We found pricing from $1,424 to $3,521 per device.
Read our comprehensive Widex hearing aid review to learn more.
Signia Hearing Aids Review
Great Mobile App |
Signia manufactures a selection of premium hearing aids for mild to profound hearing loss. Customers can use TeleCare in the mobile app to contact a hearing specialist for assistance without an office visit. The app also allows you to adjust your hearing aids to your environment.
Signia Hearing Aids
Signia makes hearing aids for active individuals, those who prioritize elegant style or discreet wear and many others. Most models help manage tinnitus and are rechargeable. A sampling of the many hearing aid models Signia produces includes:
- Styletto Connect: SLIM RIC with a sleek design for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Pure Charge&Go Nx: RIC for mild to severe hearing loss featuring Bluetooth and travel charger.
- Silk: ITC for invisible wear for mild to severe hearing loss.
- Insio: CIC custom-molded hearing aid. Invisible wear for mild to severe hearing loss.
- CROS Nx: For single-sided hearing loss. Design varies.
Signia’s lowest-cost hearing aid is in the Pure Nx line, with prices starting at $1,349 per device. The most expensive Signia hearing aid is the Insio 7Nx at $2,299 each.
Read our full Signia hearing aids review for more information.
Phonak Hearing Aids Review
Broad Product Line |
Phonak manufactures hearing aids with technology like Direct Connectivity for hands-free cell phone conversations and streaming TV audio. Other cutting-edge features include AutoSense environmentally adaptive technology, Binaural VoiceStream and Roger Wireless technology for extremely challenging hearing environments.
Phonak Hearing Aids
Phonak sells hearing aids for any level of hearing loss across all age groups. The product line is designed for comfort and ease of use. Most Phonak hearing aids are rechargeable. Hearing aid models include:
- Invisible Lyric is a CIC hearing aid designed for 24/7 wear for months at a time (although it’s water-resistant, not waterproof). Lyric is the size of a pencil eraser.
- Phonak Nadia treats for severe to profound hearing loss and includes connectivity to smart apps, smartphones and other devices.
- Phonak Virto B hearing aids provide discreet wear for mild to profound hearing loss. One model is the smallest custom hearing aid made from medical-grade titanium.
- Phonak Audeo has an ActiveVent Receiver that utilizes a mechanical switching vent to optimize hearing while allowing you to hear your voice naturally.
Prices start at $1,300 for a single hearing aid. You’ll pay from $3,000 to $6,000 for Lyric hearing aids, which require a professional to insert and remove them every few months. The company warrants hearing aids for one year, but dealers may extend coverage.
Read our comprehensive Phonak hearing aids review to learn more.
Oticon Review
Innovative Technology |
Oticon developed the first hearing aid with an onboard deep neural network (DNN) trained on 12 million real-life sounds. Oticon More’s DNN delivers 30% more sound to the brain. The result is improved speech understanding and less effort while listening. Oticon More also helps the wearer remember more of what they hear, even in noisy environments.
Oticon Hearing Aids
Oticon More rechargeable batteries provide a full day of battery life on a three-hour charge and come in eight colors. The hearing aids are designed for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss.
Oticon currently offers 10 other hearing aid models for adults and children. These are the most popular:
- Opn S miniRITE is Oticon’s smallest behind-the-ear hearing aid. This model works well with an iPhone and with mild to severe hearing loss.
- Oticon Xceed hearing aids are powerful enough for severe to profound hearing loss. Xceed features 360-degree sound processing for improved speech recognition.
- Oticon Ruby comes in five behind-the-ear styles for mild to severe hearing loss. The hearing aids feature superb sound quality and easy connectivity.
- Oticon CROS increases hearing for single-sided deafness with OpenSound Navigator and TwinLink dual-streaming technology.
- Opn ITE for mild-to-severe hearing loss is Oticon’s most advanced, discreet in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid. Open sound technology enhances conversations with multiple speakers.
- Oticon Siya ITE is available in several in-the-ear styles for mild to severe hearing loss.
Oticon doesn’t publish hearing aid prices online. However, we found a range from $1,179 to $3,822 per device based on consumer data.
To learn more about Oticon, read our comprehensive Oticon Hearing Aid review.
Starkey Hearing Aids Review
Great Variety |
Starkey Hearing Aids is an American-owned and -operated hearing aid manufacturer with headquarters in Minnesota. The company’s four hearing aid models are available in 11 styles. Starkey is one of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturers.
Starkey Hearing Aids
Starkey smartphone apps control and extend the functionality of your hearing aids. Thrive Hearing Control is a fitness app with reporting from hearing aids as they monitor your body and brain health. Thrive Care allows you to live independently by sharing fitness information and fall detection warnings with your family.
- Livio Edge AI uses artificial intelligence for sound performance in the most challenging environments. Includes fall detection and alerts.
- Livio AI works with a mobile app to track physical activity and monitor active listening for brain health.
- Picasso models are comfortable custom hearing aids that deliver a personalized hearing experience. Available styles are ITC, ITE or invisible.
Starkey Livio hearing aids have rechargeable options and come in BTE, RIC, ITE and ITC styles.
The company provides a warranty for all hearing aids, but the terms vary by model. Starkey hearing aids cost from around $1,300 to $4,400 per device, depending on the technology.
To learn more, read our full Starkey hearing aids review.
Additional Hearing Aid Companies
You’ll likely find the hearing aid you need from one of the companies on our best hearing aids list, but we wanted to share a few others for your consideration.
Costco offers five brands of hearing aids in many of its wholesale stores. Hearing aids from Costco are well-priced, thanks to the company’s bulk buying power. Read our comprehensive Costco hearing aids review.
Beltone is one of the most advanced hearing aid providers, with more than 1,500 locations across the country. Read our comprehensive Beltone hearing aids review to learn more about their services and technology.
Miracle-Ear has been selling hearing aids for over 70 years. The company offers several styles across four models, including a budget-level hearing aid. Read our Miracle-Ear review for more information.
ListenClear understands hearing loss is a unique experience for everyone, and differing lifestyles require a choice of hearing aids. Read our comprehensive ListenClear Hearing Aids review to learn more.
Hearing amplifiers from BeHear offer customers with mild hearing loss an affordable prescription-free solution. Read our comprehensive BeHear review to learn more.
Related Hearing Aid Resources
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Local Hearing Aid Companies Near Me
Frequently Asked Questions about Hearing Aids
How do I know if I need hearing aids?
Most run-of-the-mill hearing loss is about clarity, not volume. That means most people with hearing loss can hear the voices, they just aren’t sure what they are saying. If you think you are experiencing hearing loss, you’ll need to see an audiologist or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) for a full and proper diagnosis.
What are the best hearing aids for glasses wearers?
In-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are typically for those with mild to moderate hearing loss and cause no problems for glasses wearers. If you suffer from severe hearing loss and require a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, many newer models are smaller and made with an “open fit” design to accommodate glasses. It is best practice to put your BTE hearing aid on after you put your glasses on.
Why are hearing aids so expensive?
The research and development costs for manufacturing hearing aids can be high – especially for companies committed to product innovation. There are also many consumer safety regulations and insurance challenges impacting healthcare product companies and healthcare service providers.
Beyond that, hearing aids, in general, are provided by retailers along with a host of ongoing services and support. Many providers have bundled this into one price, rather than detailing exactly what you receive in a detailed manner. This means that many people have been fooled into believing that the price is all about the device, it’s not, the price reflects the device or devices as a small part aligned with all of the ongoing
services.
What’s the story with the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017?
President Donald Trump signed the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017. The legislation means you’ll be able to buy hearing aids over-the-counter (OTC) – just like you were buying cold medicine. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has three years to devise new rules and regulations for OTC hearing aid manufacturers to abide by before these products are available for sale. A hearing aid price drop is expected around 2020, but if you need hearing aids now, don’t wait to buy. Your brain’s ability to interpret sounds and language will decline with extended hearing loss.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids? What about Medicaid?
No to Medicare. However, Medicaid may be able to help. The government does not require Medicaid to cover hearing aids, so each state set its own coverage criteria. Currently, 28 states offer some type of coverage. Here’s the breakdown:
- CA, IL, IN, MN, MO, NH, NV, NY, OH, SD, TX and VT: Hearing aids are covered for “mild” or greater hearing loss.
- FL, MT, NJ, ND, OR and WY: The criteria is “moderate” or greater hearing loss.
- HI, IA, MA, NE, RI and WI: There are no official standards, hence these states defer to opinions from audiologists and physicians.
- AK, CT, KS and NM: Zero criteria set.
- Contact your state agency to find out if you’re eligible.
And know this – most states’ Department of Health and Human Services office offer financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of hearing aids.
Is a hearing aid the same thing as a hearing amplifier?
No. Hearing aids are different from hearing amplifiers. What’s the difference? Hearing amplifiers are essentially a “one ear fits all” product. They “amplify” sounds and make them louder. Hearing aids are programmed to make sounds louder but also differentiate noises based on your hearing loss severity.
What’s the number one thing I should look for in a hearing aid?
That’s a case by case question. But overall the consensus is – look for a hearing aid that fits your lifestyle needs, you also need to look for a professional who you can trust to look after you and your ongoing needs. Don’t forget, your relationship with them may well be between seven and 10 years long. Lise Hamlin is the Director of Public Policy at Hearing Aid Association of America. Hamlin tells us, “You need to know your own needs: Are you a working person who needs all the features that are offered regardless of price, or is price important and worth considering (even the most basic hearing aids are a lot more sophisticated than those available 20 years ago, and may serve well for people who simply want to talk to friends and family).”
Hamlin also offers this insider tip, “…Shop around to find the professional you can best work with before purchase. There are many professionals who are qualified and do a good job. But this is a long-term relationship…The consumer must (make) sure the professional is properly credentialed, and that they explain the terms of their sales.”
Concluding Thoughts on Hearing Aids
Bottom Line:
If you have been told you need hearing aids, you have options.
We narrowed your choices for purchasing hearing aids but still gave you plenty of options to choose from. Always consider your lifestyle and cost when you shop for hearing aids. You may have to spend more to have your hearing effectively corrected, so don’t sacrifice quality to save money. However, low-cost hearing aids with excellent technology are available.
The Best Hearing Aid Companies
| Hearing Aid Company | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eargo | Innovative Products |
| 2 | Audicus | Great Subscription Plan |
| 3 | Lexie Hearing | Great Technology |
| 4 | Jabra Enhance Hearing Aids | Great Virtual Support |
| 5 | Embrace Hearing | Great Service and Value |
| 6 | MDHearing | Great Values |
| 7 | Hear.com | Great Selection |
| 8 | ZipHearing | Great Discounts and Local Service |
| 9 | Widex | Great Sound |
| 10 | Signia Hearing Aids | Great Mobile Apps |
| 11 | Phonak Hearing Aids | Broad Product Line |
| 12 | Oticon | Innovative Technology |
| 13 | Starkey Hearing Aids | Great Variety |
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