The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them.
The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Hearing Amplifiers For Elderly
Hearing loss affects more than two-thirds of U.S. adults age 70 and older, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers[1]Older People Who Use Hearing Aids Still Report Hearing Challenges. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Accessed 4/27/2022. . Fortunately, hearing aids can drastically improve life for people with hearing loss. If you’re experiencing hearing loss and interested in trying hearing aids, we have all the information you need.
To find the best hearing aids available right now, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted several audiologists (a number of whom sit on the Forbes Health Advisory Board) for product recommendations based on their expertise. Star ratings were solely determined by the editorial team and are based on starting price, average user rating and product features that are typically important to hearing aid users. Read on to find out which hearing aids made our list.
Note: Product prices are accurate as of the publication date.
Why You Can Trust Forbes Health
The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes the accuracy and integrity of the data collected. Our ranking is based on quantitative data and is free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured in our ranking and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about hearing health that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our hearing aids methodology for the rankings below.
Available at Best Buy and certified Jabra Enhance centers, these rechargeable hearing aids look like modern earbuds while providing an enhanced hearing experience that can be controlled easily by the user via an accompanying app. Jabra Enhance Plus devices use four microphones to help reduce background noise and improve speech clarity, and they feature three listening modes to cater to various noise environments and hearing needs.
“GN Hearing (the manufacturer of Jabra devices) makes fantastic products, and they have the longest history with Bluetooth connectivity on the market, as they were the first to come out with the ‘made for iPhone’ devices,” says Amy Sarow, Au.D., a Michigan-based audiologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. She also commends the company’s level of quality and customer support.
Read our full review of Jabra Enhance hearing aids here.
Engage hearing aids from Lucid Hearing offer high-definition, natural sound with the help of a speaker that sits inside the ear for improved clarity, according to the company. Wearers can pair the devices to an accompanying app to customize their sound settings, and Bluetooth compatibility allows for streaming from both iOS and Android devices. Users can choose between a rechargeable option and one that uses disposable batteries, depending on their preference.
“Lucid manufactures Sam’s Club hearing aids, and it also makes a good-quality OTC product,” says Dr. Sarow. “Engage from Lucid Hearing offers an intuitive and easy-to-use fitting app for ease with self-fitting. The product also comes with a variety of dome tip sizes for a good fit in the ear.”
Read our full review of Lucid Hearing hearing aids here.
This hearing aid also won a 2023 Expert Choice award from HearAdvisor, and independent hearing aid testing lab co-founded by Forbes Health Advisory board member Abram Bailey.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial
Available at Best Buy and on the Lexie website, Lexie B2 rechargeable hearing aids offer sufficient sound quality thanks to a collaboration with Bose and easy self-tuning via the accompanying smartphone app, says Lindsey Banks, Au.D., a Florida-based audiologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member.
“Lexie B2 is an impressive product in the OTC category and a great affordable option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss,” adds Dr. Sarow. “The accompanying smartphone app is well-designed and supports the user experience at each step of the process.”
The hearing aids are also Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices. However, users seeking tinnitus relief are likely better served by another device.
Read our full review of Lexie hearing aids here.
This hearing aid also won a 2023 Expert Choice award from HearAdvisor, and independent hearing aid testing lab co-founded by Forbes Health Advisory board member Abram Bailey.
This rechargeable OTC option from Sony may be a good fit for users who prefer the look of black wireless earbuds to hearing aids, according to Abram Bailey, Au.D., a leading expert on hearing aid technology and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. Developed in partnership with leading hearing aids manufacturer WS Audiology, Sony’s CRE-E10 devices also perform particularly well in both quiet settings and places where conversations have to compete with background noise, he adds.
The rechargeable hearing aids (which charge wirelessly in a convenient carrying case) can provide up to 26 hours of continuous use on a single charge. They also offer Bluetooth compatibility for iOS devices. However, the hearing aids don’t feature any sort of tinnitus relief programming some competitors offer.
Sony CRE-E10 hearing aids are available for purchase from Sony directly, as well as Best Buy, HearUSA and Amazon.
This hearing aid also won a 2023 Expert Choice award from HearAdvisor, and independent hearing aid testing lab co-founded by Forbes Health Advisory board member Abram Bailey.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial
For users who prefer a disposable battery-powered option, this Sony hearing aid is a discreet OTC device that fits inside the ear canal and offers improved sound quality in both quiet and noisy environments, according to Dr. Banks. Similar to its rechargeable counterpart, the CRE-C10 was developed with WS Audiology and Sony’s sound technology to provide prescription-grade, clear sound quality, according to the company.
Powered by traditional size 10 air batteries, these hearing aids provide users with up to 70 hours of continuous use before requiring new batteries. Sony’s CRE-C10 hearing aids also feature a more simplified functionality than some competitor models, making them an ideal option for users who tend to feel overwhelmed by numerous extra features.
Sony CRE-C10 hearing aids are available for purchase from Sony directly, as well as Best Buy, HearUSA and Amazon.
This hearing aid also won a 2023 Expert Choice award from HearAdvisor, and independent hearing aid testing lab co-founded by Forbes Health Advisory board member Abram Bailey.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial
This hearing aid from Phonak is the best universal Bluetooth hearing aid on the market and a go-to option for people who enjoy connecting to multiple Bluetooth devices, says Amy Sarow, Au.D., a Michigan-based audiologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. The device provides a flexible sound quality, allowing the user to “set it and forget it” regarding device settings or tinker with its effects to achieve the best sound quality for each environment. Phonak is known for managing background noise effectively as well, says Megan Bilodeau, Au.D., a Massachusetts-based audiologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member.
This hearing aid can also be particularly helpful for people who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors, thanks to its durability and water resistance rating (IP68). It comes in both rechargeable and disposable battery versions to suit either preference.
Read our full review of Phonak hearing aids here.
This hearing aid also won a 2023 Expert Choice award from HearAdvisor, and independent hearing aid testing lab co-founded by Forbes Health Advisory board member Abram Bailey.
The Phonak Naída Paradise is the best hearing aid option for those with severe to profound hearing loss due to its robust power ability, according to Lindsey Banks, Au.D. , a Florida-based audiologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. Other experts echo this accolade, highlighting the device’s power in addition to its sound quality and universal Bluetooth compatibility.
The hearing aid is available in both rechargeable and disposable battery-powered options, and the disposable battery model (the Naída P-UP) can last up to three weeks before requiring a battery replacement, says Abram Bailey, Au.D., a leading expert on hearing aid technology and Forbes Health Advisory Board member.
Read our full review of Phonak hearing aids here.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial
Recommended by both Dr. Banks and Dr. Bailey, the Starkey Genesis AI incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technology for true-to-life sound quality and myriad health and convenience features.
“It’s great for active people who want fitness monitoring and who like to take an active role in tweaking the audio and performance of their hearing aids through the [accompanying] app,” says Dr. Bailey. “Fall alerts are a great help, too, for those who are susceptible to falling.”
Depending on the style selected, Starkey Genesis AI hearing aids come in both rechargeable and disposable battery-powered options, and the rechargeable devices can last up to 51 hours on a single charge, according to Dr. Bailey.
Read our full review of Starkey hearing aids here.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial
Anyone searching for a more affordable hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing loss fitted by an audiologist should consider this prescription option from Signia, says Abigail Friend, Au.D., a Washington-based audiologist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. These professional-grade devices also offer enhanced sound quality and speech clarity among background noise, according to the company.
These rechargeable hearing aids are also available with an optional portable charging case, providing up to 36 hours of continuous use and extra convenience for users often on the go, adds Dr. Friend. Plus, they’re Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices and offer hand-free calling for iOS smartphones specifically.
Read our full review of Signia hearing aids here.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial
Widex Moment hearing aids feature a natural sound quality that’s especially helpful for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, thanks to the presence of ZeroDelay and PureSound technology, according to Dr. Sarow. People who enjoy listening to music or who want tinnitus management do especially well with Widex Moment, she adds. Dr. Friend reiterates their fit for people with tinnitus, adding that the “PureSound” program makes sound quality noticeably more natural.
Widex Moment hearing aids also feature Bluetooth compatibility and a durable, water-resistant coating. Users who prefer rechargeable models can upgrade to the wireless charging case and enjoy up to 29 hours of use on a single charge.
Read our full review of Widex hearing aids here.
This hearing aid also won a 2023 Expert Choice award from HearAdvisor, and independent hearing aid testing lab co-founded by Forbes Health Advisory board member Abram Bailey.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial
Experts agree that the Signia Styletto AX is a modern, stylish option (especially when it comes to BTE hearing aids) and are ideal for users most interested in finding a discreet hearing aid.
“Signia’s Own Voice Processing helps users adjust more comfortably to their own voice, and the AX background noise does an excellent job of helping in those challenging environments,” says Dr. Sarow. “Not to mention, [the hearing aid features] excellent battery life and convenient charging options.”
The device’s rechargeable model includes a portable charger option, which resembles an Apple AirPods charger.
Read our full review of Signia hearing aids here.
This hearing aid also won a 2023 Expert Choice award from HearAdvisor, and independent hearing aid testing lab co-founded by Forbes Health Advisory board member Abram Bailey.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial
A number of experts nominated the ReSound OMNIA for its unique microphone and receiver-in-canal design, which provides background noise support and reduces wind and handling noise better than almost any other device on the market, according to Dr. Sarow. In addition to excellent sound quality, the hearing aids come in a wide fitting range and sync with an app that makes it easy for users to tweak various settings.
“ReSound OMNIA offers the only beamforming (a technique used to improve signal-to-noise ratios) in the industry to improve hearing in noise without feeling cut off,” explains Dr. Friend. “It’s also the only hearing solution that simultaneously combines narrow beamforming directionality for hearing in noise and omni-directional listening.”
ReSound also offers great rechargeability and wireless streaming support for both iOS and Android devices, adds Dr. Bailey.
Read our full review of ReSound hearing aids here.
This hearing aid also won a 2023 Expert Choice award from HearAdvisor, and independent hearing aid testing lab co-founded by Forbes Health Advisory board member Abram Bailey.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial
Oticon is known for its excellent sound quality, according to Dr. Banks, and the Real model is no exception. These hearing aids offer increased support in both noise and wind, as well as in the event of sudden loud noises that are often jarring for hearing aid wearers.
“Oticon Real gives the user’s brain access to the sounds of the real world via a unique on-board Deep Neural Network,” explains Dr. Friend. “This built-in intelligence recognizes all types of sounds and how they should ideally sound and instantly adapts to changes, helping the user remain focused, engaged and sharp.”
These hearing aids are strong performers in quiet environments, too, and provide excellent streaming support for both iOS and Android devices, adds Dr. Bailey.
Read our full review of Oticon hearing aids here.
This hearing aid also won a 2023 Expert Choice award from HearAdvisor, and independent hearing aid testing lab co-founded by Forbes Health Advisory board member Abram Bailey.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial
As far as rechargeable hearing aids go, these devices from Signia boast a particularly long battery life, lasting up to 60 hours on a single charge, according to Dr. Friend. What’s more, these devices utilize sensor technology that recognizes when the user is moving to ensure they fully experience their changing environment, according to the company.
While the hearing aid is made for iPhone and offers wireless streaming from most iOS devices, it’s also compatible with Android devices, says Dr. Bailey. Users can also make remote adjustments to these Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids through the Signia app.
Read our full review of Signia hearing aids here.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial
Hearing aid users seeking the perfect fit should consider a custom model of ReSound One hearing aids, experts suggest. These hearing aids are designed using exact renderings of the user’s ear canals to fit their unique shape. Rechargeable models also feature ReSound’s most advanced hearing technology, suiting the full range of hearing loss. Furthermore, these devices borrow earbud technology used by sister company Jabra to support their discreet design.
Resound One Custom hearing aids are both weatherproof and sweatproof, and they feature Bluetooth compatibility with both iOS and Android devices.
Read our full review of ReSound hearing aids here.
Have you considered Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids?
Jabra Enhance high-tech hearing aids will revolutionize the way you experience sound. With machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, Jabra Enhance adapts to different listening environments, making it easier for you to hear and understand conversations, even in noisy or challenging settings. Here's why we chose it:
Nearly invisible hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled & offer 360-degree sound
Delivered straight to your door
Hearing Aids With Bluetooth Financing available with 100-day risk-free trial