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It used to be that hearing aids required a visit to the doctor. These days, you can buy them over-the-counter. That’s great news for the millions of Americans that need or will need a little assistance hearing in their later years. Prior to the FDA’s 2022 ruling allowing hearing aids to be sold over-the-counter (OTC), with no prescription necessary, the only way to get hearing aids was via a hearing test and prescription, today you can buy hearing aids at Amazon, CVS and even QVC! Considering prescription hearing aids can cost close to three- to four-thousand per hearing aid, OTC options are not only a welcomed affordable alternative, they work incredibly well, if not as good as prescription hearing aids.
Hearing aids don’t just help you better hear the world around you; they help to lower the risk of cognitive decline in older adults with hearing impairment by a whopping 50%. Untreated hearing loss, however, increases the risk of depression and is linked to declines in physical activity. Unfortunately, Amanda Cooper, a licensed hearing aid specialist, tells us «The average individual waits seven to 10 years after they first notice hearing loss to take steps toward addressing their changes in hearing.» Hopefully, the improved accessibility to hearing aids will help bring that wait down substantially, which is the reason for this article: You can get hearing aids that work well, in a prince range that is comfortable for your budget and all without a trip to the doctor!
The increased competition between prescription and OTC hearing aid makers has also turned the heat up on both sides of the fence to create the best hearing aids with the best, most advanced technology, including adding built-in Bluetooth capabilities that allow sounds from a device like your phone, Amazon Alexa, or TV to be delivered straight to your ear at a safe volume — in other words, you can easily stream music, answer calls and make calls via a simple tap on your ear.
While Bluetooth might be a relatively intuitive feature to use, choosing among the best Bluetooth hearing aids is no cake walk. So rather than search high and low, we’ve rounded up a list that can help you find the best Bluetooth hearing aid for your specific needs whether you have mild, moderate or severe hearing loss.
If you’re looking for simply the best over-the-counter hearing aids, or the best hearing aids for seniors specifically, or even the best invisible hearing aids, check out our other guides.
Our top picks for the best Bluetooth hearing aids in 2024
Jabra Enhance
Cost: $1,595-$1,795 | OTC or Prescription: OTC | Covered by Insurance: Depends on provider | Covered by Insurance: Depends on provider | FSA/HSA Eligible: Yes | Style: Receiver-in-canal | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Jabra Enhance Select 300 offers plenty of customization features to meet your hearing profile while also delivering clear Bluetooth sound quality that rivals prescription devices. The Select 300 hearing aids are receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, meaning they fit behind your ear and feature a small speaker attached to a thin wire that sits in your ear canal. The aids have a dual-core chip, meaning they differentiate between speech and background noise and automatically adjust for clarity, allowing you to hear more crisp, clear sounds. The enhanced spatial sense allows you to easily recognize sounds around you.
Jabra’s Select 300 hearing aids are great for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and can be easily programmed to fit your hearing profile via an app or remotely by an on-staff Jabra audiologist. The app also allows you to pair the hearing aids with smart devices, including your phone and TV. You can also make hands-free calls, provided you have an iPhone 11 or newer model. (If not, you can purchase a Phone Clip+ accessory for this feature.)
The Jabra Enhance Select 300 has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, making it a good fit for active lifestyles where moisture may be a factor. Choose from a premium package ($1,795) which allows a remote audiology team to make adjustments, and features a three-year warranty with three years of follow-up care, or the $1,595 basic package, which is pre-programmed and gives you three hearing profiles to pick from.
- App-based customizations
- IP67 rating for water and dust resistance
- OTC hearing aids
- Hands-free calling only with iPhone 11 or newer models
Lexie
Cost: $900 | Prescription or OTC: OTC | Covered by Insurance: No | FSA/HSA Eligible: Yes | Style: Receiver in canal (RIC) | Remote/App customization: Yes
The Lexie B2 hearing aid by Bose won our pick for best customization, thanks to the robust app that offers multiple customization features based on your individual hearing profile. The Lexie B2 Plus is a self-fitting hearing aid, which means that the settings are programmed for your specific hearing needs using the app’s built-in hearing test that helps you find the perfect settings for your hearing profile. The Bluetooth capabilities extend to hands-free phone calls (iPhone only) and music streaming; after all, this is a product created by Bose, a leader in sound quality.
Additionally, you can easily connect with a Lexie hearing expert via the app who can offer support via video, chat or phone. While some OTC hearing aid brands give you a set time for free support, Lexie offers ongoing, lifetime support. Customer service is also available seven days a week.
- Free ongoing professional support
- Customer service available 7-days a week
- Lifetime support
- Streaming not compatible with Android
- Only available in gray
Eargo
Cost: $799 | Prescription or OTC: OTC | Covered by Insurance: Reimbursement available | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: In-the-canal | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Eargo Link hearing aids feature four preset listening programs that are easy to toggle between so you can find the right hearing profile for your environment — outdoors, indoors, and in restaurants. The Bluetooth capabilities allow you to easily take and end calls just by tapping your ear — there is also an Eargo app that allows you to make noise adjustments and change programs if you don’t feel like tapping your ear. You can also stream music and watch TV all while the music is seamlessly delivered to your ear. And don’t worry about getting caught in the rain, the Link is rated IP54 for resistance to splashes and dust.
When it comes to set-up and use, the app features video chat support so you can talk to a live person and get clear instructions. The hearing aids come with small, medium and large ear tips for a snug fit, along with a cleaning brush and charging case. While the hearing aids work for nine hours on a single charge, the case can give you up to four recharges. Just sync your hearing aid to your devices and enjoy.
- Simple to use
- Looks like earbuds
- Take and end calls by taping your ear
- Charges are limited to nine hours
Hear.com
Cost: $499 and up per device | OTC or Prescription: OTC | Covered by Insurance: Reimbursement available | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Receiver-in-ear | Remote/app customization: Yes
If you want a hearing aid that is virtually invisible, the Hear.com Go IX comes close. This receiver-in-ear (RIE) hearing aid has a slim frame that tucks behind your ear and is connected to a nearly invisible wire with a speaker and receiver that sinks into your ear canal for a barely-there look and feel. The brand also has a Mini IX that fits fully inside your ear for a truly invisible look but it doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity.
The Go IX, which is designed for mild to profound hearing loss, features two sound processors to separate speech and background noise for a natural feel. This hearing aid connects to Bluetooth to allow you to stream your favorite shows, podcasts and audiobooks, as well as take calls. You can adjust the volume and settings via an app on your phone.
The Go IX has a rechargeable battery designed to last all day, as well as fast-adjusting sound settings like panorama mode for a 360-degree sound experience, speech focus to help you zero in on someone who is talking and relax mode to tune out your surroundings.
- Small size
- Quick adjustments via app
- Cost thousands less that prescription models
Oticon
Cost: $1,587 to $3,928 per device | OTC or Prescription: Prescription | Covered by Insurance: Reimbursement available | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Receiver-in-canal | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Oticon Intent is an over-the-ear hearing aid packed with Bluetooth features that cater to Android users — Oticon has a QR code you can scan online to see if your device is compatible. The hearing aid uses the Oticon’s BrainHearing technology to help your brain interpret sound, along with user-intent sensors that recognize when your listening needs change and tweak the sound you receive as a result.
The hearing aid connects to the Oticon Companion app, which allows you to adjust the volume, switch settings, and adjust sounds you’re streaming. A portable charger allows you to keep your hearing aids charged on the go. This hearing aid meets IP68 specifications and can be submerged under nearly five feet of water for up to 30 minutes. It’s available in nine colors.
- Can be submerged under nearly five feet of water for up to 30 minutes
- Easy-to-use app
- Works with Apple and Android devices
Starkey
Cost: $2000 to $3500 per device | OTC or Prescription: Prescription | Covered by Insurance: Depends on provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, in-the-canal, completely-in-canal, invisible | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Starkey Evolv AI tops our list as the best prescription Bluetooth hearing aid for the wide range of hearing aid styles it comes in, its Bluetooth capabilities for both Apple and Android devices and the customizable options that are easily accessed through the app, including health data and activity tracking. Most of all, there is a fall alert feature in case of emergency.
Starkey’s Evolv AI technology reduces background noise 40% more than previous models, bringing even more clarity to the world around you. Its Bluetooth seamlessly connects to your TV, iPad, and phone for hands-free conversations, music, and TV streaming. Using the Starkey Thrive app, you can quickly adjust the volume, adjust the hearing aids to your environment — indoors, outdoors, restaurant, or concert—and, thanks to built-in trackers, track your steps and health.
Being a prescription hearing aid, you will need to visit an audiologist to check for eligibility and obtain a prescription — Starkey has a feature on the website that connects you to an audiologist near you. Since this is an aid that must be set up by an audiologist, the hearing aids will be customized to your exact hearing profile, so there is zero setup on your part, which is certainly an appeal of the prescription aids, but that does come with a cost, but depending on your provider, some or all of that cost can be absorbed by insurance.
- 40% better noise reduction compared to previous models
- Seven color choices
- Wide range of styles
Sony
Cost: $1,300 | Covered by Insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: In-the-ear | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Sony CRE-E10 hearing aid offers a modern style with impressive sound quality. The in-the-ear hearing aids automatically analyze and adjust sound levels as you go about your day. They have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Via the Sony hearing app, you can adjust the volume, including treble and bass, and the setting—restaurant, indoors, or outdoors. Apple iOS users can stream music, take calls, and watch TV and movies on their devices.
The CRE-E10 hearing aids come with four sizes of silicone tips, a charging case, and cleaning accessories. Sony estimates the batteries last up to 26 hours on a single charge — more than most. You can also use your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) toward this purchase.
The only downside is the lack of Android connectivity, and all adjustments must be made via the Sony Hearing control app rather than a tap on the ear.
- 26-hour battery life
- Earbud style
- No manual control buttons
Phonak
Cost: $4,600 – $6,900 | Presctiption or OTC: Prescription | Covered by Insurance: Reimbursement available | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Behind-the-ear | Remote/app customization: Yes
Many hearing aids are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss, but Phonak’s Naída Lumity can help those with severe to profound hearing loss. This behind-the-ear hearing aid employs technology that prioritizes speech to improve voice recognition and understanding, including a special speech enhancer that helps you hear soft speech in quiet situations.
This hearing aid connects with a range of Bluetooth-enabled devices, including smartphones, TVs, tablets, and laptops—both iOS and Android. It also has specialized features that allow you to focus on a speaker from the front, side, or back as needed.
Settings are adjusted with an app, and the company also offers Roger microphone add-ons that can be placed on a table, held, or clipped onto your clothes for better sound enhancement. You can choose from eight different colors.
- Wide range of hearing loss coverage
- Several color options
Factors to consider when buying a Bluetooth hearing aid
Bluetooth streaming hearing aids come in prescription and over-the-counter options, and each offers choices of style and extra features. Before investing in a hearing aid, it’s important to have an evaluation by a professional to assess your needs, as well as making sure you don’t have any underlying conditions, says Dr. Michael Yong, an otolaryngologist and neurorhinologist.
Once you have a better understanding of your hearing loss and treatment plan, consider these factors:
Behind-the-ear (BTE): These hearing aids sit behind the ear and house both the speaker and microphone. They usually work for most types of hearing loss, and tend to be the most visible of all hearing aid styles.
Cost: The price of hearing aids ranges from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Some also come in a set, while others need to be purchased separately. Health insurance coverage can vary, making it important to consult your health insurance provider before investing in a hearing aid. Some insurance providers may cover some or all of a hearing aid cost. Some models may also be eligible as an FSA/HSA-approved expense. Just be mindful that things like batteries and accessories may increase the cost.
Prescription or OTC: Until 2022, all hearing aids in the U.S. required a prescription. Now, there are several OTC hearing aids available that rival in quality to prescription options. If you’re interested in a prescription model, you’ll need to have a medical evaluation and fitting with an audiologist. If you prefer an OTC model, you can purchase the aids directly through the maker or affiliated retailer. In most cases, OTC aids come in a set, while prescription aids are typically sold individually. OTC models are more suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, while a prescription option is likely best if you have moderate to severe hearing loss.
Set-up: Set-up for your hearing aids will depend on whether you invest in a prescription or OTC hearing aid, as well as the model you choose. Prescription hearing aids need a professional fitting and calibration, although you’re often on your own for set-up with OTC models. This means features like calibration and settings will all be handled by you, though, as seen above, there are over-the-counter options that offer additional help for set-up, including remote programming and help from a hearing professional. If you’re unsure about your ability to set up hearing aids on your own, this is an element worth considering.
App pairing: Not every hearing aid pairs with an app, but most Bluetooth apps do. These companion apps often help with set-up, as well as allow you to customize settings, adjust the volume and tailor amplification from your phone.
Bluetooth capabilities: Bluetooth capabilities are a handy feature in a hearing aid. «We like to work with comfortable, rechargeable and bluetooth-compatible devices to give our patients the best experience,» Dr. Anish Thakkar, Director of Audiology at Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy and Los Angeles Center for Hearing & Balance, tells Yahoo Life. There is a range with Bluetooth capabilities, though. Some will only sync up with certain phones, or just your phone. Others can stream music, and work with tablets, TVs and laptops. If you know how you plan to use your Bluetooth hearing aids in advance, make sure to look for products that are compatible.
Extra features: Additional features vary by model but can include things like directional microphones, nose cancellation, rechargeable batteries and extended battery life. Some even have relaxing modes that will pipe in soothing sounds, like the ocean. You also may want to look for things like trial periods and professional support.
How we chose
To find the best Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, we consulted with a series of audiologists, otolaryngologists, physicians and hearing-aid specialists to learn more about the nuances and factors to consider when shopping for one of these devices. We also researched the field and narrowed our list based on expert recommendations around set-up, sound quality, features and value.
FAQs
What is a Bluetooth hearing aid?
«Bluetooth is one of these new bells and whistles for hearing aids,» says Dr. Michael Yong, an otolaryngologist and neurorhinologist. «You can play music on it, take a telephone call…it’s much easier than putting your phone to your ear. It can be really helpful and augment your experience with using technology.» that all said, Bluetooth isn’t a standard feature in hearing aids, so it’s important to ensure that is a feature included in the hearing aids you choose.
To help you better understand what to look for in the best Bluetooth hearing aids, our team spoke with a panel of experts who specialize in hearing to learn what necessary features to look for in a hearing aid. We also explored what makes for a great Bluetooth-capable hearing aid, as well as any extras that may be nice to have but not mandatory. Finally, we investigated what features can make hearing aid use more seamless. From there, we researched the best OTC hearing aids and best prescription hearing aids on the market today, rating each on factors like setup process, ease of use, features offered and value.
How do Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids work?
Hearing aids with Bluetooth allow the hearing aids to connect with other devices that are Bluetooth enabled, explains Meaghan Reed, director of clinical audiology at Mass Eye and Ear. «This allows sounds to stream directly through the hearing aids,» she says. Bluetooth hearing aids can be paired with cellphones, tablets and computers that can send the sound from the device directly to the hearing aid. «This can include audio from phone calls but also music, videos or podcasts,» Reed says.
The benefit of Bluetooth is it sends the sound directly to the hearing aids. «Communicating on the telephone can be challenging and sometimes people can experience feedback — a whistling sound —when putting a phone to their ear near the hearing aid,» Reed says. «Wirelessly streaming sound from the phone to the hearing aid can improve the signal that people hear and reduce some side effects such as feedback.» It can also be easier to listen to the TV when it’s piped directly into the hearing aid, Yong says.
What’s the difference between OTC and prescription hearing aids?
There is a lot of overlap between OTC and prescription hearing aids, although there are some key differences. Prescription hearing aids have a higher level of customization and ongoing support, but they may cost more. They also require a fitting and evaluation by an audiologist. Over-the-counter hearing aids, by comparison, can be purchased and set up without the help of a professional. OTC hearing aids are also best for mild to moderate hearing loss, while prescription hearing aids are preferred for children and adults with moderate to severe hearing loss, Reed says.
How much do Bluetooth hearing aids cost?
The cost of hearing aids can vary widely depending on a multitude of factors, such as OTC or prescription, Bluetooth, rechargeable batteries vs replaceable batteries and technology. «OTC hearing aids range in price from about $200 to $2000,» Reed says. «Prescription hearing aids are typically more expensive, but it is very important to know that this is often because the services and expertise of the hearing healthcare professional who is involved in fitting and optimizing the hearing aids are a component of the cost of hearing aids.» When you bundle the cost of prescription hearing aids with the services, you’ll usually end up paying $2000 to $3000 per hearing aid, Reed says.
Does Medicare cover Bluetooth hearing aids?
Yong says Medicare does not traditionally cover hearing aids. «But some of the Medicare Advantage plans, depending on what you have, may cover some portion of the hearing aids,» he adds. Standard plans should, however, help cover the cost of diagnostics and screening.
How do I know if I need a Bluetooth hearing aid?
«The earlier hearing loss is detected and treated, the better,» says Cooper. If you are having trouble hearing, it’s important to have a professional hearing test done by an audiologist, Yong says. «There’s such a great prevalence of people who have hearing loss as they get older,» he says. If you’re having difficulty hearing, especially in social situations or conversations with background noise, it’s best to have an evaluation. «The only way to know is to see a doctor,» Yong says.
Are Bluetooth hearing aids easy to set up?
It depends on you. «Factors that influence this can include tech savviness, dexterity, vision, cognition and degree of hearing loss, to name a few,» Reed says. OTC hearing aids rely on the consumer to set them up, she points out. «Some OTC hearing aids have preset programs that an individual can select between and others are called self-fitting and often have a type of hearing test that can help program the hearing aids but may need connection to a phone or other device to run through the set-up,» Reed says. «This may require someone being comfortable with technology and pairing devices to their phones to manipulate.» Some OTC hearing aid manufacturers offer remote support or videos that can help, though. «Prescription hearing aids are often set up by the dispensing hearing healthcare professional, and so may be a better option for someone who is less comfortable with technology,» Reed says. If you’re struggling to manage your hearing aid, whether it’s prescription or OTC, Reed recommends contacting an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist for support.
Meet our experts
Meaghan Reed, director of clinical audiology at Mass Eye and Ear
Dr. Michael Yong, an otolaryngologist and neurorhinologist
Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, MD, board-certified ear, nose and throat physician
Amanda Cooper, licensed hearing aid specialist
Dave Fabry, PhD, chief hearing health officer, Starkey
Amy Sarow, Au.D., clinical audiologist and audiology lead at Soundly
Leigh Smith, Au.D., audiologist and owner of Florida Audiology Associates
Anish Thakkar, Au.D., director of audiology at Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy
Dr. Carissa Wentland, DO, pediatric otolaryngologist
