The Best Hearing Aids for 2023

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Whether you’re looking for over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription hearing aids, we’ve got details on all the best options.

If you’re thinking about getting hearing aids or looking into new ones, you’re not alone. Approximately 37.5 million U.S. adults have some degree of hearing loss. Many people with hearing loss may benefit from assistive technologies, such as hearing aids.

Shopping for hearing aids can be challenging, especially if you haven’t purchased them before. Some come with lots of options and settings, while others are simpler to use. They rounded up an array of options based on common concerns, including cost.

Note that before choosing the right hearing aids for you, it’s best to speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional and ask for a hearing exam. They may refer you to a specialist and can help you decide if and what type of hearing aids you might need.

For this roundup, they only chose hearing aids from manufacturers with solid reputations. Hearing aids are medical devices that must meet criteria approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

We read scores of online consumer reviews and spoke with people who use some of them. They only chose hearing aids that consistently get more positive than negative comments.

Most of the hearing aids on this list come with financing options, a manufacturer’s warranty, and a 30-day or greater risk-free trial.

We looked at a wide range of features that are important to consumers, including:

Hearing aid prices can vary significantly from retailer to retailer. We’ve indicated the price for single hearing aids. In some instances, these prices are bundled and reflect additional services like follow-up visits and hearing aid maintenance.

Prices are estimated as follows:

The brand formerly known as Lively is now rebranded as Jabra Enhance. They call their Select 200 hearing aid their “most natural and immersive hearing experience.” It features streaming capabilities and a music mode, which can help Improve the sound of live music.

While this isn’t the most budget-friendly pick on their list, Jabra Enhance does offer a 100-day trial period, a 3-year warranty, and free shipping and returns. If you’re unhappy with your experience, you can return it within the trial period for a full refund.

This model is available in eight different colors, and it’s available to ship directly to consumers with personalized audiologist support.

If your hearing aids aren’t comfortable, you probably won’t wear them. Since they’re self-fitting, the Lexie B1 overrides that potential issue. They come with an ear measuring tool and domes in multiple sizes, so you’ll be able to supply yourself a professional-level hearing aid fitting at home.

They’re also self-tuning. You can amplify quiet sounds to better hear conversations in noisy rooms, plus adjust treble and bass for crispness and tone.

You can also use the Lexie app to store multiple hearing environment settings, like watching TV, parks, and restaurants.

The Lexie B1 uses disposable 312 zinc-air batteries. If you prefer a rechargeable hearing aid option, the Lexie B2 is also available at a slightly higher price.

These receiver-in-the ear hearing aids have three microphones: two on the hearing aid itself and one at the opening of the ear canal.

This technology is made to support your ability to pinpoint and localize sound. The ReSound ONE aims to mimic the ear’s natural ability to funnel sound into the ear canal.

You can purchase this hearing aid as a rechargeable device or with disposable batteries.

The Phonak Lyric is placed directly into your ear canal near your eardrum by a trained hearing care professional, making the aids invisible. They use your ear’s natural shape and anatomy to localize sound.

You can leave these hearing aids in your ears for months at a time without removing them.

They also provide relief from tinnitus. Price is based on an annual subscription.

This small, receiver-in-canal hearing aid has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream phone calls, music, and TV directly to your ear from other devices. They’re designed to provide enhanced hearing in noisy environments.

They can also charge overnight for a full day’s worth of reliable hearing performance, plus they have a fast-charging option. In addition, they detect your voice and process it to generate a natural sound.

These hearing aids are designed to isolate sound and focus on the person in front of you, to differentiate between speech and background noise.

They use a technology that the manufacturer calls BrainHearing to scan your environment repeatedly, providing speech clarity and reduced listening effort. They can eliminate the feedback noise caused by close proximity to the speaker, such as whistling and static.

They also have Bluetooth technology and direct streaming capability.

These hearing aids come in two models based on your hearing loss level. A hearing care professional, such as an audiologist, will work with you to determine which model and performance level will be best for you.

These hearing aids are powerful enough to produce clear, crisp sounds in noisy environments. This translates into less listening effort during conversations and during events like lectures and plays.

They’re Bluetooth compatible with iOS and Android. You can use them for hands-free calling and for streaming media.

They’re rechargeable and will hold a charge for 24 hours, even if you use them for streaming.

The MyPhonak app lets you adjust and fine-tune your hearing aids remotely.

Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss. Oticon More hearing aids come with Oticon’s Tinnitus SoundSupport system, which is controlled through an app. The app is compatible with iPhone and Android. It uses masking relief sounds that reduce your brain’s perception of tinnitus sounds. There’s a library of sounds to choose from, including white noise and ocean sounds.

Oticon More hearing aids have a chip embedded in each device that has been trained on 12 million real-life sounds. According to the manufacturer, this supports your brain to make better sense of the sounds coming into your ears. The result is less listening effort and enhanced speech understanding.

A variety of hearing programs includes MyMusic, which provides rich, crystal-clear sound when you’re listening to live music or streaming music from your device.

These hearing aids eliminate the wait time typically required for custom-made hearing aids. They come with silicone click sleeves that click onto the hearing aids, providing a secure, custom-like fit.

They’re Bluetooth compatible and can be used to make phone calls and stream media.

Telecare remote support with a hearing care professional is available through the Signia app. You can also use the app to control your settings and volume. Settings can also be adjusted through a mini device you attach to your key ring.

If you have one-sided hearing loss, you can use these hearing aids with a CROS Silk X accessory.

Signia hearing aids come with tinnitus-relieving tools, including Notch Therapy. Notch Therapy can identify and reduce your tinnitus frequency. Sound masking is also used.

Hearing requires the transmission of auditory information from your ears to your brain, through the auditory pathway. Hearing loss may result from damage, injury, or issues affecting the auditory pathway or any part of the ear.

Hearing loss can be unilateral (affects one ear) or bilateral (affects both ears).

There are four types of hearing loss:

In addition to type, hearing loss is categorized by degree. It’s common for people to not know the extent of their hearing loss, especially if it has come on gradually. That’s one of the reasons why testing by an audiologist or other type of hearing professional is valuable prior to purchasing hearing aids.

Hearing loss levels can vary between each ear:

There are several factors to consider when you’re choosing between hearing aid types. These include the severity of your hearing loss and your inner ear shape. Your personal preferences about hearing aid visibility and features like Bluetooth connectivity will also play a role.

The main hearing aid types are:

Many hearing aids are available in either rechargeable or disposable battery options. Your ability to handle small batteries and other hearing aid components is another important factor to consider.

The main difference between prescription and OTC hearing aids is cost.

Prescription hearing aids aren’t usually covered by health insurance and can be prohibitively expensive for many people. This can lead to uncorrected hearing loss and reduced quality of life.

The cost of hearing aids, as well as the financial burden caused by needing to see and travel to a specialist, is the main driver of uncorrected hearing loss.

To increase access to affordable hearing aids, the FDA issued a ruling that makes hearing aids available over the counter without a prescription. They range from around $200–$1,000 per pair.

OTC hearing aids are approved for use in adults, ages 18 and over, with mild to moderate hearing loss. They may work best for people with sensorineural hearing loss rather than conductive or mixed hearing loss.

You won’t need an audiogram, fitting, or prescription to get them. In addition to reducing the cost of the hearing aids, this ruling helps eliminate financial hurdles for people without health insurance and for those with high deductible plans.

The FDA estimates that the new OTC hearing aid ruling will reduce the overall cost of hearing aids by around $3,000 per pair. However, they’re not right for everyone.

If you’re considering OTC hearing aids but don’t know the level or type of hearing loss you have, consider seeing a specialist first.

OTC hearing aids are available through many online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores like:

Establishing the cost for a pair of hearing aids can be difficult to predict unless you’re ordering a pair over the counter. OTC hearing aids do not require a prescription or consultation with a professional, which can immediately save you money up front.

Prices can vary for OTC hearing aids, but they’re generally under $2,000 and can go as low as $250–$300 for a budget pair. The downside of OTC hearing aids is that they won’t be customized to your specific hearing needs and your options are limited in terms of professional advice if they do not meet your needs.

Going the prescription route will cost more, but you’re also more likely to find the right pair for your needs, and you can follow up and with your prescriber to discuss any trouble you’re having with your new pair.

These consultations may vary in price. In some cases, they may be covered under your insurance plan or Medicare, so it is worth verifying with your insurance to see if the visit is fully or even partially covered.

In general, prescription hearing aids are not covered by insurance plans, but some can be eligible for reimbursement through a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).

In fact, several of the hearing aids on their list state are FSA and HSA eligible. For a pair of prescription pair of hearing aids, you can expect to see prices from about $2,000–$3,000 on average.

Hearing loss usually occurs gradually. You may suddenly realize you’ve been turning up the volume on your devices or TV for a while so that you can hear them better.

If you’re having difficulty hearing and following conversations, especially in noisy environments, that may be a sign to have your hearing checked. Difficulty hearing while on the phone is another possible sign.

The only way to know for sure that you need hearing aids is to have a professional audiological evaluation. You can also take an online hearing test, but these are not as conclusive or detailed as an test from a hearing care professional.

It’s important to know your level of hearing loss before you buy. If you’re considering OTC hearing aids this is especially important, since OTC hearing aids only address mild to moderate hearing loss.

Once you have identified your level of hearing loss, you can work with an audiologist or hearing care professional on the fit and features that will be beneficial for you. Things to consider include:

Buying hearing aids online can be a convenient and budget-friendly option. However, it’s important to buy wisely.

If you work with a healthcare professional such as an audiologist, they’ll supply you a full audiogram, or hearing test, which provides concrete information about your level of hearing loss.

They can also explain the differences between hearing aid styles and make a recommendation about which style might be best for you.

Audiologists may not offer the same variety of brands and styles that you might get from an online retailer.

If you purchase hearing aids through an online retailer, you may have the option of taking an online hearing test. These tests may be accurate, but they may not be as comprehensive or personalized as some people would like.

Research from 2013 studied why a group of individuals chose not to wear hearing aids, and, along with other reasons, some people chose to opt out of wearing their aids due to an uncomfortable fit.

To avoid this, make sure the ones you choose fit correctly and feel comfortable in your ears, even after all-day wear.

Some people need certain technological functions added to their hearing aids, such as the ability to pair them with their phones. Others simply want to put their hearing aids in and forget about them. Choose hearing aids that accommodate your unique situation.

If you have tinnitus, look for a hearing aid that specifically addresses this condition. Many hearing aids come with apps that provide built-in tinnitus therapy sounds or reduce overstimulation.

Hearing aids can be expensive, and while not usually covered by insurance or by Medicare, it’s possible to find ones that work for you and ways to cover the costs.

Shop around for the best price. Many online retailers and big-box stores sell hearing aids at deep discounts.

Ask if the price you’re paying is bundled or unbundled. Unbundling the costs of your hearing aids may eliminate line items you have no use for.

Hearing aids are an investment, so make sure to only purchase those that come with a risk-free trial of at least 30 days, as well as a manufacturer’s warranty.

About 37.5 million U.S. adults have hearing loss and would benefit from wearing hearing aids.

Getting fitted for hearing aids to make sure they fit properly, are comfortable, and match your preferred style is important. But the price and cost of meeting with a professional may be outside of your budget at the moment.

In that case, OTC alternatives, while not specifically tailored to your needs, may be a more budget-friendly alternative

Genetic Testing Before Pregnancy: What You Need To Know

“We can now screen for over 500 different types of [disorders] depending on the company or test you are using,” says Dr. Keegan. “This gives us the opportunity to prevent the transmission of inherited genetic disorders through the technology available and a simple blood test.”

The ACOG recommends considering family history and ethnicity, in addition to the most common genetic conditions, when deciding which mutations to include. Parents may also benefit from genetic counseling, which is a service that helps people understand the results of their tests and make informed decisions throughout the process.

Here are some of the most common conditions identified through genetic carrier screening:

There are currently almost 40,000 children and adults living with cystic fibrosis in the U.S . Cystic fibrosis is a disease that affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs. People who have cystic fibrosis have difficulties breathing. The mutation involved with cystic fibrosis causes a protein to not function correctly, which then causes mucus buildup in multiple organs throughout the body.

About 1 in 7,000 males and about 1 in 11,000 females have fragile X syndrome, the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability . Fragile X is associated with lower than average IQ, developmental delays and other co-occurring health conditions including seizures, autism, hyperactivity, attention difficulties and more.

One in every 6,000 babies is born with spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, which is a group of genetic disorders that cause a weakening of the muscles . Symptoms may vary, but people with SMA may require physical and occupational therapy, support devices such as wheelchairs or assistance with breathing. Symptoms generally worsen over time and there is no cure.

Although anyone can be a carrier, Tay-Sachs disease is more common for people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, as one in every 27 members of the population is a carrier for the disease . Symptoms may include deafness, blindness, seizures, decreased muscle tone, dementia and others.

It is estimated that approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. have sickle cell disease . This inherited condition is most common in Black or African American people but can affect any race. Sickle cell disease includes a group of red blood cell disorders that can cause acute chest syndrome, anemia, blood clots or infections.

America’s Test Kitchen: Take the comforting combo of bacon and eggs to an extravagant level

French cooks prepare scrambled eggs slowly over low heat with butter, stirring constantly until they form small, velvety curds. This version has no added fat. (Save it for the bacon!) Stirring constantly and adding a touch of water at the end controls the egg proteins so that some form delicate curds while the rest thicken to a saucy consistency. Be sure to cook the eggs slowly; it should take 12 to 14 minutes total. For the luscious bacon, simply sprinkle sugar, rosemary, and black pepper over the pieces and bake.

French-Style Scrambled Eggs with Rosemary Candied Bacon

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Serves 4

For the bacon:

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12 ounces center-cut bacon

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon pepper

For the eggs:

8 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon table salt

3 tablespoons water, divided

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1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley or chives

For the bacon:

1. Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil. Cut bacon in half crosswise. Arrange bacon on prepared sheets.

2. Combine sugar, rosemary, and pepper in a bowl. Sprinkle sugar mixture evenly over bacon. (Do not flip and sprinkle on the second side.) Use your fingers to spread sugar mixture evenly over each piece.

3. Bake until bacon is dark brown and sugar is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes, switching and rotating sheets halfway through baking. (If bacon on 1 sheet finishes cooking sooner, it’s OK to remove this sheet from the oven first.) Transfer bacon to a wire rack set over paper towels and let cool for 5 minutes.

For the eggs:

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1. While bacon cooks, use a fork to beat eggs and salt until blended. Heat 2 tablespoons water in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over low heat until steaming. Add egg mixture and immediately stir with rubber spatula. Cook, stirring slowly and constantly, scraping edges and bottom of skillet, for 4 minutes. (If the egg mixture is not steaming after 4 minutes, increase heat slightly.)

2. Continue to stir slowly until eggs begin to thicken and small curds begin to form, about 4 minutes longer. (If curds have not begun to form, increase heat slightly.) If any large curds form, mash with spatula. As curds start to form, stir vigorously, scraping edges and bottom of skillet, until eggs are thick enough to hold their shape when pushed to 1 side of skillet, 4 to 6 minutes.

3. Remove skillet from heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon water and parsley and stir vigorously until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Serve with bacon.

(For 25 years, home cooks have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. The family of brands — which includes Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country — offers reliable recipes for cooks of all skill levels. See more online at www.americastestkitchen.com/TCA.)

©2023 America’s Test Kitchen. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.