Now that hearing aids are available over the counter, their affordability has improved. (Getty Images)
Still wincing at the thought of the four-figure price tags of some hearing aids? Take heart — the most affordable hearing aids are now within reach thanks to a market revolution. What was once an exclusive, prescription-only medical device with prices that could make your credit card weep has transformed into a more accessible, budget-friendly option. The game changer? A 2022 Food and Drug Administration ruling that cleared the way for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, eliminating the prescription requirement and significantly reducing costs.
According to initial estimates by the FDA, this ruling could save you almost $3,000 per pair. And the benefits of affordability extend beyond saving money. Increased accessibility means you can get treatment sooner, which may help prevent further hearing loss.
Ruth Reisman, AuD, founder and co-owner at Urban Hearing, explains that this landmark approval has sparked a hearing health awakening. It has raised critical awareness about hearing loss, and encouraged countless curious individuals to take that first important step toward better hearing — something that many people postpone.
However, while OTC options have opened doors, real-world adoption tells a more nuanced story. "The ruling has opened access for patients and created more affordable options," notes Hunter Gerhart, AuD, director of audiology at Livingston Hearing Aid Center. "However, while the ruling lowered barriers to receiving easier access to hearing aids, I haven’t seen our patients flock to these options. Many are still getting fitted for hearing aids through a prescription from a licensed audiologist," he explains.
Some OTC users discover that these devices provide exactly the boost they need at a price point that works for their budget. Others find that their initial experience with OTC aids is a valuable stepping stone, revealing the benefits of hearing assistance, while motivating them to explore prescription options that offer enhanced features and personalized professional support.
No matter the type of hearing aid you're considering, a comprehensive hearing assessment by an audiologist should always be the first step. "Before pursuing an over-the-counter hearing aid, it's important to get your ears evaluated and your hearing tested to make sure that the concerns you're having about your hearing are not due to something that needs medical or surgical attention," cautions Reisman.
With these expert insights in mind, we conducted extensive research to identify truly worthwhile options. To understand what makes the most affordable hearing aids worth your investment, we consulted a diverse panel of audiologists who shared crucial insights about which features and technologies deserve priority when you're shopping on a budget. Our comprehensive evaluation examined both OTC and prescription hearing aids, carefully assessing factors such as user-friendliness, wearing comfort and sound quality performance. The result? This carefully curated collection of the most affordable and effective hearing aids of 2025.
Update, April 30, 2025: We checked the prices and details of all hearing aids. We researched and added four hearing aids worth considering, but our No. 1 pick for the most affordable hearing aids remains unchanged.
Covered by insurance: Depends on provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visible/invisible/over the ear: Receiver-in-canal (RIC) | Remote/app customization: Yes
Jabra's Enhance Select 300 is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) device that combines discretion with powerful performance. It caters to a range of hearing loss levels and has an impressive battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge. Not only is it an excellent option for those looking to save on costs by choosing an OTC device, but it's durable, water- and dust-resistant and customizable through a smartphone or tablet.
The sleek device tucks discreetly behind your ear, with only a thin wire connecting to a tiny receiver in your ear canal — making it virtually invisible when worn. Enjoy premium sound quality and advanced noise reduction, allowing you to participate in conversations effortlessly without straining to hear. The sophisticated technology filters out unwanted background noise, helping you focus precisely on important sounds while environmental distractions fade into the background.
This tech-advanced hearing aid has Bluetooth for pairing to your iOS or Android smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices, which allows you to take hands-free calls, stream music and listen to your favorite TV shows. The companion app provides personalized sound adjustments and allows you to save your favorite settings for specific environments.
Jabra has top-notch customer service, a 100-day trial period and the option to upgrade to a premium package ($1,695) for access to a team of expert audiologists for remote adjustments and support.
Covered by insurance: Depends on provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visible/invisible/over the ear: Receiver-in-canal (RIC) | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Signia Pure Charge&Go BCT 7IX is at the cutting edge of hearing technology for active adults. It's the smallest Bluetooth Classic receiver-in-canal hearing aid available, but it's powerful and packed with features.
Special technology creates a natural sound experience by intelligently processing your speaking voice, eliminating the "talking in a barrel" feeling that can make many hearing aid users self-conscious. The Dynamic Soundscape Processing also automatically adjusts to your surroundings within seconds, whether you're in a quiet library, noisy restaurant or outdoor park, delivering clear speech without manual switching.
Furthermore, the AI assistant delivers instant, custom adjustments through the smartphone app when hearing challenges arise — like a professional audiologist in your pocket, available whenever you need fine-tuning.
The battery performance is also remarkable, with up to 36 hours of use from a single charge. Plus, this sleek and modern option is available in 10 skin- and hair-neutral colors, including black, graphite, beige, pearl white and rose gold.
Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visible/invisible/over the ear: In-the-canal (ITC) | Remote/app customization: No
At first glance, the Audien Hearing Atom Pro 2 may seem too good to be true. At less than $300 per pair, it's one of the most affordable OTC hearing aids we recommend for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
While it's a simple option with more limited features, it caters to those who prefer not to rely on a smartphone or app for adjustments. Its small body is barely noticeable when sitting in the ear canal. There are four hearing modes, including settings for conversation and watching your favorite shows.
The battery lasts up to 24 hours, and it can be quickly charged by inserting it into the included charging case. The case has UV light technology to keep the device clean and free from bacteria. The only downside is that there's only one color option available.
Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visible/invisible/over the ear: Behind-the-ear (BTE) | Remote/app customization: Yes
This behind-the-ear option from Zepp Clarity offers versatility at an affordable price. With six programmable sound settings, you can easily adjust the device to different environments and preferences using the companion app. The aids are also Bluetooth-enabled for streaming music on up to two devices at a time.
This hearing aid rests comfortably behind the ear and is connected to a small receiver in the ear canal via a thin tube and tulip ear tip. While it's slightly more visible than other options on this list, it's still relatively discreet. It also has an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, with an additional 65 hours of portable charging through the included case.
The Omni isn't waterproof and should be removed before bathing and swimming. It currently comes in one color option (gray/silver), which may be a downside for some, as it won't blend in as well with different hair colors. However, the hearing aid's multiple programmable settings and ability to connect to multiple devices make it a versatile and reliable choice for less than $900, or less than $400 when on sale.
Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visible/invisible/over the ear: Receiver-in-canal (RIC) | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Lexie B2 Plus delivers exceptional audio clarity powered by Bose technology — a legendary name in sound engineering. Getting started is easy: Simply take the in-app hearing assessment to automatically customize your devices to your specific hearing profile. Fine-tune your experience at any time by adjusting volume, frequency response or environmental modes with just a few taps.
This discreet receiver-in-canal design tucks behind your ear with only a thin wire visible. IPhone users enjoy the added convenience of direct call streaming, though Android users should note that hands-free calling isn't available for all devices. It's wise to check with Lexie to confirm support.
The clever portable charging case extends your listening time by an additional 18 hours beyond the device's built-in battery life. So, it's perfect for weekend trips without having to hunt for outlets. Backing its quality promise, Lexie offers a generous 45-day risk-free trial and a comprehensive one-year warranty. Should any questions arise, its seven-day-a-week customer support team is ready to help you maximize your hearing experience.
Covered by insurance: Reimbursement available | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visible/invisible/over the ear: In-the-canal (ITC) | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Eargo Link's earbudlike design mimics the look and feel of wireless earbuds. The hearing aids sit inside the ears just as earbuds do and can connect to your phone to stream calls and music. You can answer and end calls by tapping your ear, so you don't have to use your phone or the app when someone is calling you.
For hearing enhancement, the Eargo Link amplifies high-frequency sounds to improve speech understanding. It has four preset environmental programs, and you can adjust the volume from within the app. There are also noise-cancelling and background noise reduction features.
The downsides of this device include a relatively short battery life of just nine hours and that it comes in only one color (black). However, the rechargeable case holds four charges' worth of power. The company offers a 45-day return window, a one-year warranty and lifetime support.
Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visible/invisible/over the ear: Behind-the-ear (BTE) | Remote/app customization: Yes
Like the Lexie B2 Plus, the Lexie Lumen hearing aid offers impressive customization features through an app. After taking the in-app hearing test, you can fine-tune your hearing aids based on your hearing profile. You can also adjust the volume and reduce background noise.
There are six listening profiles: everyday, noisy indoor, outdoor, music, telecoil and companion mic. You don't have to be technically inclined to use them. While you do have to access the app to make adjustments, it doesn't require as much tinkering and trial and error as other devices. The hearing test eliminates some of the guesswork from the process, and there's no phone call streaming option to worry about.
If you have issues, a team is available seven days a week for support by phone, video or chat messaging. There's also a 45-day trial period if you decide the device isn't right for you. Color options include beige, gray, bronze, silver and metallic black. The main drawback of the device is that it isn't rechargeable and batteries need replacing every four to seven days.
Finding the right hearing aid style can significantly enhance your hearing experience and overall quality of life. The perfect choice depends on your specific hearing needs, lifestyle and preferences.
"Each style has pros and cons, and it's best to speak with a licensed provider to review your hearing test results, lifestyle and communication needs, along with other factors to determine the right style for you," says Amy Bishop, a corporate audiologist at Lucid Hearing.
These are the common types of hearing aid styles:
Behind-the-ear (BTE): These devices rest behind the ear, with a plastic tube directing amplified sound into the ear canal through an ear mold. BTE hearing aids are suitable for most types of hearing loss and are the most visible type.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC): The popular middle-ground choice places the speaker in the ear canal while the processing unit sits discreetly behind the ear. These lightweight devices deliver good sound quality with minimal occlusion, or that plugged-up feeling.
In-the-ear (ITE): Custom-crafted to fit the unique contours of your outer ear, these self-contained units offer intuitive handling with no external components. Their slightly larger size accommodates more features and larger batteries while maintaining a discreet profile.
In-the-canal (ITC): These partially recessed devices strike a balance between invisibility and functionality. Custom-molded to nestle partly in your ear canal, ITCs remain accessible while being significantly less noticeable than larger models.
Completely in-canal (CIC): This is a virtually invisible solution that sits deep within your ear canal. These tiny, custom-fitted aids disappear from view while delivering clear sound for mild to moderate hearing loss. Their discreet advantage comes with a trade-off: smaller batteries and potentially challenging handling for those with dexterity concerns.
When shopping for budget-friendly hearing aids, focusing on the right features is crucial. Our experts shared key insights to help you explore the options without compromising on quality.
Here are the factors to consider when choosing an affordable hearing aid:
Level of hearing loss: The severity of your hearing loss directly influences which devices will work best for you. While some hearing aids are designed specifically for mild hearing difficulties, others pack the necessary power for moderate to profound loss. That's why hearing professionals universally recommend having a comprehensive in-person evaluation before making a purchase. During this assessment, your provider can check for potential ear damage, precisely measure your hearing thresholds and recommend technology that's perfectly calibrated to your unique hearing profile — preventing you from wasting money on devices that won't adequately address your needs.
Style preferences: If discretion is your priority, nearly invisible in-the-canal models or the sleek receiver-in-canal designs offer subtle solutions that others might not even notice. However, if you value easy handling, larger button controls and simplified battery changes, the slightly more visible behind-the-ear styles provide practical advantages that many find worth the trade-off.
Connectivity features: You may want more than just hearing assistance. If streaming phone calls directly to your ears or enjoying music without removing your hearing aids sounds appealing, look for devices with Bluetooth connectivity. While these wireless features add convenience, they typically come with more advanced, and sometimes pricier, models.
Cost: Budget considerations vary dramatically across the hearing aid spectrum. Over-the-counter options range from basic $100 amplifiers to sophisticated $5,000 systems, while prescription devices typically run $1,000 to $3,000 per ear. Before settling on a price point, investigate whether your insurance covers any portion, if FSA/HSA (flexible spending account/health savings account) funds can be applied or if manufacturer financing is available.
Setup: The initial configuration process varies depending on the device type. Prescription hearing aids require professional programming by an audiologist who fine-tunes them to your specific hearing profile, potentially involving additional appointment costs. Meanwhile, over-the-counter options are designed for DIY setup, with self-guided hearing tests and user-adjustable settings through device controls or smartphone apps.
App pairing: Smartphone apps have revolutionized hearing aid control, enabling discreet adjustments without the need to touch your ears. These companion apps often allow you to create custom settings for various environments (such as restaurants, concerts or quiet rooms), adjust the volume independently in each ear and even track battery life. Without app capability, you're limited to manual adjustments or returning to your provider for setting changes.
Extra features: When balancing performance and price, certain features deliver the most value for your investment, explains Reisman. Digital processing and noise reduction technology top the list of must-haves, as they directly address the noisy environments that challenge hearing aid users the most. According to Reisman, volume control flexibility, whether through physical buttons or smartphone apps, consistently ranks as more important to users than having multiple listening programs. If a device also has Bluetooth streaming and connectivity options, that's a bonus. Other popular features available on some hearing aids include rechargeable batteries, sound therapy, noise cancellation and feedback cancellation.
Bishop firmly believes that the best hearing aid is one you'll actually wear. She suggests finding a quality provider, choosing a device that meets your lifestyle and functional needs and considering ease of use and comfort as crucial factors while shopping.
Gerhart also notes that when selecting a hearing solution, the expertise behind your device matters just as much as the technology itself. "The most important factor is choosing the right provider. Hearing aids are only as good as the person programming them. I believe an entry-level hearing aid that is programmed well will function better than a good hearing aid that's not programmed well. An audiologist should do extensive testing beyond the audiogram, and fine-tune the settings to fit each patient's unique needs."
Selecting the most affordable hearing aids necessitated a comprehensive and systematic approach. Here's our process:
Expert input: We spoke with expert audiologists and hearing aid specialists to understand the features and technologies that matter most.
Comprehensive research: We researched dozens of brands, scoured customer reviews and ratings, and compared features to narrow down our top picks for the best affordable hearing aids.
Feature evaluation: We evaluated essential features, including visibility and aesthetics, customization options, connectivity capabilities, user-friendliness, customer service and support, and trial periods and warranties.
Cost analysis: We examined the total cost of ownership, including the initial purchase price, any required accessories and ongoing maintenance expenses. We also considered coverage by insurance, HSAs or FSAs.
Customer feedback: We analyzed testimonials from hearing aid wearers to understand how each device performs in everyday situations and which models deliver on their promises, as well as those that fall short.
Manufacturer reputation: We checked each manufacturer's history of product reliability and service quality. Only brands that consistently demonstrate technical excellence, responsive customer support and ethical business practices made our list.
Ultimately, we chose our seven top picks based on their combination of important features, user satisfaction and overall value for money.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds: Surely Apple doesn't make hearing aids? Think again. Apple's popular AirPods Pro 2 are premium earbuds that are also FDA-cleared hearing aids. Costing just $249, this option offers a low-cost solution for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. For iPhone users, especially, the integration is seamless: Perform a hearing test through the Health app and create a personalized hearing profile, and the AirPods automatically adjust to your specific needs. While they lack some advanced features of premium hearing aids, their accessibility, familiar interface and price point make them a great choice.
Sennheiser All-Day Clear Bluetooth hearing aids: According to an Amazon reviewer, the sound quality of these hearing aids is exceptional, and these sleek, FDA-cleared OTC devices do not disappoint in other departments. Their self-fitting technology guides you through a comprehensive hearing assessment via the companion app, creating a personalized sound profile without requiring professional intervention. Additionally, Bluetooth enables seamless audio streaming with minimal latency, and the rechargeable batteries offer up to 18 hours of use. However, these hearing aids lack some of the more advanced sound settings of higher-end devices.
Elehear Beyond hearing aids: These hearing aids strike a balance between techy features and affordability. They feature AI-powered noise cancellation technology that dynamically adjusts to your environment, quieting background chatter while preserving speech clarity. They're comfy enough for all-day use, and the battery lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge. One five-star Amazon reviewer even called them "Better than any I have tried."
Flaygo Rechargeable hearing aids: Decent hearing aids for under $100? It is possible! These nifty aids feature AI-adaptive noise-cancelling technology to filter out background noise and enhance human speech frequencies, thereby supporting clear conversations. They also charge in just two hours, which delivers enough power for over two days of continuous use. While they lack the advanced sound processing of pricier alternatives, they're popular and have great reviews. One says, "This is the BEST hearing aid after TRYING 9 OTHERS BEFORE I FOUND THIS ONE!" So, if you're looking for one of the most affordable hearing aids out there, the Flaygo is worth checking out.
Figuring out insurance coverage for hearing aids can be complex, but understanding your options may save you thousands of dollars.
"For prescription hearing aids, some insurances might cover the cost of the devices," says Reisman. Coverage varies significantly between providers and plans, with some offering comprehensive benefits and others contributing only partially toward your purchase.
Traditional Medicare presents a particular challenge, as it does not cover hearing aids, explains Amy Sarow, AuD, audiology lead at Soundly. The good news? Medicare Advantage plans often include hearing aid benefits, though coverage levels differ between plans.
If you have private insurance, it's worth making a quick call to your benefits provider to understand your specific coverage options and requirements. Don't overlook HSAs or FSAs as potential resources. These tax-advantaged funds can typically be applied toward the purchase of hearing aids, effectively reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
"OTC devices are meant for self-fitting and do not generally involve a hearing care professional," says Sarow. "These devices are for adults with mild to moderate, symmetrical hearing loss who are free from middle ear disease or sudden changes in hearing and who are comfortable using a smartphone to set up their own devices."
On the other hand, prescription hearing aids are programmed by a hearing care professional to accommodate a broader range of hearing loss, including cases of profound hearing loss.
The effectiveness of budget hearing aids depends primarily on both your specific hearing needs and the quality of the device you choose.
"Many of these inexpensive devices are not actually hearing aids, but rather amplifiers," explains Sarow. While basic amplifiers may help those with mild hearing loss, they often fall short for individuals with moderate to severe hearing difficulties. This distinction is crucial when shopping for affordable options.
The personalized calibration available with prescription hearing aids remains a significant advantage. Bishop emphasizes this point, recommending manufacturers that offer comprehensive support services: "There may be an additional cost for this programming, but it is well worth the investment."
Reisman addresses issues that may lead consumers astray, saying, "The most common misconception is that all hearing aids are created equal. They assume if the device looks the same, that it will function the same or have the same features or elements." She also highlights an important safety concern: "The common misconception is that if it's labeled as an over-the-counter hearing device, it's safe to treat hearing loss, but lab testing has revealed that some over-the-counter hearing devices over-amplify hearing loss and can be damaging to the ear."
For the best results with any hearing device — regardless of price — consulting with a hearing specialist before purchasing is the safest approach to protecting your hearing health.
Amy Bishop, AuD, corporate audiologist at Lucid Hearing
Hunter Gerhart, AuD, director of audiology at Livingston Hearing Aid Center
Ruth Reisman, AuD, MBA, CCC-A, founder and co-owner at Urban Hearing
Amy Sarow, AuD, audiology lead at Soundly
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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