OTC hearing aids are often more affordable than prescription options, making it possible for those with mild to moderate hearing loss to enjoy the benefits. (Getty Images)
Hearing aids. Clunky beige devices with astronomical price tags, right? Not any longer! Today's over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids combine sleek, virtually undetectable designs with accessible pricing, finally addressing the stigma and financial hurdles that have kept many living in unnecessary silence.
Nearly 50 million Americans struggle with tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, and of those, 9 in 10 have hearing loss. Yet a staggering 80% of those who need hearing assistance never receive it, leaving them increasingly isolated in a world of diminishing sound.
The consequences extend far beyond missed conversations. Research has consistently linked untreated hearing loss to dementia risk, cognitive decline, increased depression and even reduced physical activity. Studies show that those with hearing difficulties struggle significantly more with moderate and vigorous exercise than people with normal hearing — affecting not just communication but overall health and longevity.
For decades, this situation seemed intractable. Traditional hearing aids required expensive prescriptions and typically weren't covered by insurance, effectively placing better hearing out of reach for millions. The game-changing moment came in 2022 when the Food and Drug Administration revolutionized the market by approving OTC hearing aids.
The result? The best hearing aids deliver unprecedented affordability with remarkable discretion. Many models are so sleek and sophisticated that they remain virtually undetectable, finally making better hearing accessible and socially comfortable for the millions who have hesitated to take this critical step toward improved quality of life.
But with the explosion of new options on the market, how do you choose the right device? To simplify your search and identify truly exceptional options, we spoke with a panel of audiologists and an ENT (ear, nose and throat) physician to better understand the difference between prescription and OTC hearing aids, and what to look for in sound quality, comfort, technology and styles. We then researched 20 of the best OTC hearing aids on the market, putting a select few to the test. Here are our top picks for the best OTC hearing aids of 2025.
Update, May 2, 2025: We checked the prices and details of all hearing aids. We researched and added four hearing aids worth considering, and our No. 1 pick for the best OTC hearing aids was updated.
Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss | Covered by insurance: Reimbursement available | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Receiver-in-canal (RIC) | Battery type: Rechargeable | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 hearing aids are our favorite OTC hearing aid overall because of their impressive balance of performance and discretion. Their compact, lightweight, "micro" design makes them nearly invisible when worn, addressing the appearance concerns many people have.
These devices excel in noise management through SoundScape technology, which automatically filters background noise. This feature enables you to follow conversations more easily, even in noisy settings like restaurants or concerts. Speaking of live music, there's a Music Mode for enhancing the quality of your favorite bands. There's also a directional awareness capability to help you identify where sounds originate, which is particularly valuable during group interactions.
With Bluetooth streaming capabilities and an easy-to-use mobile app for personalized adjustments, the Select 500 offers convenience alongside exceptional hearing support. And there's a 100-day trial enabling you to test these premium hearing aids with zero risk. If unsatisfied, you can return them for a full refund, including shipping costs.
Its comprehensive support package truly sets the Jabra Enhance Select 500 apart. You can opt for the basic package for $1,795, but for an extra $200, your device will be custom-programmed to your unique hearing needs. Not only that, but it's covered by an impressive three-year warranty and loss and damage protection. You'll also receive three years of professional hearing care, ensuring ongoing support as your hearing needs change.
Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss | Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: In-the-ear (ITE) | Battery type: Rechargeable | Remote/app customization: Yes
The HP Hearing Pro combines earbud convenience with FDA-cleared hearing technology. Its groundbreaking "Self-Fitting Air-Conduction" designation means you can personally calibrate the device through the app without professional intervention, although an audiologist consultation remains recommended for proper diagnosis.
With multiple listening environments, streaming capabilities and a portable charging case, this device offers functionality similar to premium wireless earbuds. Battery performance delivers eight hours for everyday hearing and five hours of streaming. This is standard for earbud-style devices, though less than traditional hearing aids.
The HP Hearing Pro also has a generous two-year warranty, exceeding industry standards and providing extra peace of mind for anyone looking for an affordable solution for mild to moderate hearing issues.
Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss | Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Receiver-in-canal (RIC) | Battery type: Rechargeable | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Lexie B2 Plus powered by Bose excels in personalization, offering you an unmatched customization experience through its sophisticated companion app. There's also a built-in hearing test that creates a tailored sound profile, precisely calibrating the device to your unique hearing patterns and challenges. As you'd expect from a hearing aid powered by the well-known and trusted Bose, these aids deliver exceptional sound quality while supporting hands-free calling (for iPhone and some Android users) and music streaming.
The devices feature directional microphones that automatically adjust to prioritize speech in noisy settings, while the rechargeable batteries provide full-day usage before needing to return to their compact charging case.
You'll also benefit from a comprehensive support system. Unlike competitors who offer limited assistance windows, Lexie provides unlimited lifetime support through multiple channels — video, chat or phone — with hearing experts available through the app. Its customer service team is accessible seven days a week, ensuring help is available when you need it most.
Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss | Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: In-the-canal (ITC) | Battery type: Rechargeable | Remote/app customization: No
The Audien Atom Pro 2 provides hassle-free hearing assistance with its simple approach, eliminating complicated setup procedures. These compact in-the-canal devices improve upon previous Audien models with a smaller profile that nestles more comfortably in the ear canal while remaining virtually invisible.
Using the Atom Pro 2 is refreshingly easy. Unlike most modern hearing aids that require smartphone pairing and app configurations, these devices work immediately after charging — no tech expertise required. So, if you're a technophobe or don't have a smartphone, these aids offer a straightforward solution without technological complexity.
This simplicity does create certain limitations, however. The volume adjustments require removing the device, and you won't find customizable listening environments or frequency adjustments. That said, for many people, this trade-off is worthwhile considering the exceptional battery performance that delivers up to 24 hours of continuous use on a single charge.
The innovative UV charging case adds significant value by automatically sanitizing the devices while charging, eliminating bacterial buildup that can affect both device performance and ear health. With a generous 45-day risk-free trial and compatibility with HSA/FSA payment methods, the Audien Atom Pro 2 is an affordable option for first-time hearing aid users looking for a simple solution.
Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss | Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: In-the-ear (ITE) | Battery type: Rechargeable | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Sony CRE-E10 combines Sony's legendary audio expertise with discreet hearing assistance. These devices could be mistaken for premium wireless earbuds, delivering richer, more nuanced sound profiles than typical hearing aids. Through the intuitive Sony Hearing Control app (compatible with iOS and Android), you can precisely adjust volume, balance and directional sound to create a personalized listening experience. Unfortunately, you won't have the same connectivity options for streaming audio with an Android device.
Built for active lifestyles, these in-ear devices have an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, meaning you can be confident wearing them during workouts, rainy days and other challenging conditions that could damage conventional hearing aids. This durability doesn't compromise battery performance, as the CRE-E10 delivers 26 hours of use per charge.
The comprehensive package includes four sizes of silicone ear tips for optimal comfort and sound isolation, a compact charging case for protection and power on the go, and specialized cleaning tools to maintain performance. While the absence of physical controls means all adjustments require the companion app, this design choice makes them virtually indistinguishable from conventional earbuds.
And if you're concerned about affordability, you'll be happy to learn that you can use an HSA or FSA toward the purchase.
Best for: All levels of hearing loss | Covered by insurance: Yes | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Completely-in-canal (CIC) | Battery type: Rechargeable | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Eargo 7 is a completely-in-canal hearing aid that boasts an almost-invisible-to-the-naked-eye design. Its small size and low profile make it a discreet option when aesthetics are a priority. The hearing aid sits deep in the ear canal, so it's less prone to being knocked out of place or falling out. The soft, flexible silicone-petal tips flex to conform to your ear's shape — it includes additional sizes in the box if you need to change it. You can remove the petal tip and mic cap for easy cleaning.
The Eargo app works with the hearing aids for remote adjustments and control. There's no physical volume wheel or buttons, but you can adjust through three sound profiles by tapping your ear (after initial app programming). The app also allows you to change volume, filtering and programs with the touch of a button. If you need help with your Eargos, the app includes video chat support for professional guidance.
One downside is that the Eargo 7 doesn't have Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio. Still, its automatic sound technology adapts to each environment, transitioning between music, phone calls and conversation. Although it may not be the most affordable option, it includes ongoing customer support and an up to two-year warranty. Plus, some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost.
Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss | Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Behind-the-ear (BTE) | Battery type: Replaceable | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Lexie Lumen has many of the same features as the Lexie B2 Plus, including the exceptional lifetime hearing aid support via the app, included with purchase. While this model causes you to forgo hands-free calls and streaming, it has a telecoil that functions as an antenna to provide crisp, clean sound directly to your hearing aids.
Using the Lexie Remote app, you'll connect via Bluetooth to your hearing aids to change the sound settings and listening profiles according to your personalized hearing test. There are six listening profiles for different situations — everyday, noisy indoor, outdoor, music, telecoil and companion mic. When it comes to fit, this is a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid that connects to an earpiece via a clear tube. You can choose from five neutral colors: beige, gray, bronze, silver and metallic black.
Unlike with any other manufacturer on this list, hearing aid and general support are available seven days a week via the app with the choice of video, chat or live phone call response. Unfortunately, though, the batteries aren't rechargeable and need replacing every four to seven days, depending on use.
Lexie offers a 45-day trial period. If you decide they're not for you within that time frame, return the aids for a refund.
Choosing the right hearing aid style makes all the difference in how comfortable you'll feel wearing it daily and your overall hearing experience. The perfect choice depends on your specific hearing needs, lifestyle and preferences.
These are the most common types of hearing aid styles:
Behind-the-ear (BTE): These rest behind the ear while a plastic tube directs 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.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC): RICs are like BTEs but with the speaker or receiver placed inside the ear canal. The size reduction often makes them less visible and more comfortable, and they can provide natural sound quality.
In-the-ear (ITE): Most ITEs are custom-made and fit within the outer ear. They are easier to handle and are popular due to their discreet profile.
In-the-canal (ITC): Many of these devices are custom-molded and fit partly in the ear canal, making them less noticeable than ITE models.
Completely-in-canal (CIC): The most discreet option, CICs fit deep inside the ear canal and are typically custom-fitted to be nearly invisible. They are well suited for mild to moderate hearing loss. However, they may be challenging for users with dexterity issues due to their small size.
Before exploring any hearing aid options, consult with a professional. As Leigh Smith, an audiologist and owner of Florida Audiology Associates, emphasizes, a professional evaluation should be your first step to rule out underlying medical conditions and determine appropriate amplification needs.
Besides the type of hearing aid, there are several other key factors to consider:
Cost: Hearing aids can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Some insurance plans may cover hearing devices partially or entirely, and certain models are eligible as an FSA (flexible spending account)/HSA (health savings account)-approved expense. Consider your budget and insurance, and whether your purchase includes the cost of batteries and accessories.
Prescription or OTC: Prescription hearing aids require a medical evaluation and fitting by an audiologist, while OTC options do not. An OTC model may be suitable if you have mild to moderate hearing loss and are comfortable with technology. However, a prescription hearing aid is likely the best option if you have moderate to severe hearing loss or prefer professional fitting and support. Also, prescription hearing aids generally come as single devices, while OTC aids come as a pair. If you're experiencing hearing loss in both ears, OTC hearing aids typically cost much less than buying two separate prescription devices, making them an affordable starting point.
Self-fitting: Some hearing aids allow personalized sound calibration through an in-app hearing test, a process called "self-fitting." This technology creates a custom hearing profile tailored to your specific needs rather than using generic settings. While not available with all models, many self-fitting devices offer remote audiologist support to help fine-tune your settings without requiring office visits.
Setup: Prescription hearing aids require professional fitting and calibration, while OTC options generally require self-setup. However, some OTC options now offer remote programming and assistance from a hearing professional. Remote access allows you to send data and receive tailored adjustments from an audiologist without an in-person visit.
App pairing: Basic hearing aids use physical buttons to adjust volume and settings, whereas many newer hearing aids offer a companion app for customizing sound profiles and tailoring the amplification level based on your environment. Consider whether you prefer a model with app-pairing capabilities or if standard controls are sufficient.
Bluetooth capabilities: Bluetooth hearing aids transform into wireless audio hubs, streaming music, phone calls and TV sound directly to your ears without additional devices. This technology eliminates the awkward juggling between hearing aids and headphones, while providing superior sound clarity for entertainment and conversations. Before purchasing, verify Bluetooth compatibility and specific smartphone pairing capabilities, as functionality can vary between iOS and Android devices.
Extra features: Many hearing aids offer additional features such as rechargeable batteries, directional microphones, wind noise reduction, extended battery life and advanced noise cancellation. Trial periods, warranty length and professional support are also essential to consider.
Our selection process for the best OTC hearing aids began with expert consultation. We assembled a panel of hearing specialists, including audiologists and an ENT doctor, to develop a comprehensive understanding of how OTC devices compare to prescription alternatives. These experts provided invaluable insights on critical factors like sound quality, comfort, technological capabilities and style variations, helping us establish robust evaluation criteria.
Armed with this expert framework, we conducted extensive research across the market, identifying top-rated devices based on consumer feedback and professional recommendations.
This rigorous approach allowed us to confidently narrow our recommendations to devices that delivered exceptional performance while remaining accessible. Our top picks represent standout options across different categories, ensuring you can find the best OTC hearing aids for your hearing needs, technical comfort level and budget constraints.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds: At $249 — a fraction of traditional hearing aid costs — the AirPods Pro 2 are a remarkably affordable entry point into hearing enhancement tech. For iPhone users, the AirPods Pro 2 integrate with the Health app's hearing test feature, creating a personalized hearing profile that automatically optimizes sound output for your specific needs. And if you're concerned about the stigma of hearing aids, the AirPods' ubiquitous design means you can transition between hearing assistance, music enjoyment and call management without anyone recognizing you're using assistive technology. No, they don't have all the bells and whistles of top-end devices, but they offer an approachable first step into hearing assistance without the learning curve of specialized medical devices.
Jabra Enhance Select 300: Looking for sound quality comparable to that of prescription devices for under $2,000? The Select 300 is a great option. It's the older sibling of the Enhance Select 500, our top pick, and is slightly heavier. However, it still boasts high-tech features that enable you to differentiate between speech and background noise, automatically adjusting for clarity. If the price tag of $1,695 appeals more than the $1,995 you'll pay for the Enhance Select 500, this nifty hearing aid is a worthy pick.
Ceretone Beacon OTC Hearing Aids: With sophisticated self-fitting technology that personalizes sound to your unique hearing profile through an in-app hearing test, these receiver-in-canal hearing aids offer impressive tech. Advanced background noise reduction, feedback cancellation and wide-frequency dynamic compression work together to deliver clear conversations even in challenging environments. Battery performance is fair, with a quick charge delivering up to 15 hours of use — plenty for all-day wear — in an impressive device for $600.
Flaygo Rechargeable hearing aids: Breaking the $100 barrier, these hearing aids challenge the notion that effective hearing assistance requires a significant outlay. These compact devices employ AI-driven noise filtering algorithms targeting human speech frequencies while reducing environmental distractions — a feature typically found in much more expensive models. Battery performance is excellent, and the included charging case provides both protection and power on the go. If you're experiencing mild hearing loss and remain hesitant about investing hundreds or even thousands in alternatives, the Flaygo is a solid contender.
OTC hearing aids aren't suitable for everyone experiencing hearing difficulties. If you have severe or profound hearing loss, experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears), suffer from ear infections or drainage, have undergone ear surgery or have structural abnormalities in your ears, bypass the self-service route entirely. These complex conditions require professional intervention and specialized solutions only an audiologist can provide. Working directly with an audiologist ensures you receive a proper diagnosis, appropriate treatment and hearing technology specifically calibrated to address these more complex conditions.
Even if you believe you're a good candidate for OTC hearing aids based on mild to moderate hearing loss, Smith recommends taking these essential precautionary steps before and after purchase:
Have your hearing tested by a professional to confirm your mild to moderate hearing loss.
Verify the return period of the device in case it doesn't work correctly or isn't a good fit.
Visit a hearing care professional for Real Ear Measurement (REM) testing to confirm whether the hearing aids apply appropriate volume based on your hearing test.
If you've already had a hearing evaluation and are confident in the level of amplification, an OTC model can be a cost-effective and convenient option.
"Hearing aids are designed to not just amplify sound, but to do so in a way that improves speech clarity and understanding," said Amy Sarow, a clinical audiologist with hearing aid comparison service Soundly. The devices consist of several components, including a microphone, amplifier, speaker and battery. The microphone picks up sound from around you and converts it into electrical signals. The amplifier then increases the strength of these signals before sending them to the speaker, which converts them back to sound waves and delivers them into the ear canal. The battery provides power to all of these components.
Modern hearing aids also include advanced technology, such as digital signal processing, noise reduction algorithms and Bluetooth connectivity. These features can help reduce background noise, improve speech clarity and allow for direct streaming of audio from devices such as smartphones or televisions.
The key differences between OTC and prescription hearing aids are cost, level of customization and ongoing professional support. An audiologist needs to conduct a medical evaluation and fitting for prescription hearing aids, while OTC options allow for purchase and customization without a prescription or an audiologist.
"Prescription devices are fit precisely by a hearing professional to an individual's audiogram to provide specific amplification tailored to their hearing loss," Sarow said. "For instance, if a person's lower-frequency hearing is normal or has mild loss, the hearing aid is programmed to offer minimal amplification in those ranges while providing more volume at higher frequencies where hearing loss is more pronounced."
However, OTC hearing aids allow users to self-tune their devices via a test or other app-based feature, explains Sarow.
"For some individuals who are comfortable with technology, [OTC hearing aids] may provide an alternative to the traditional prescriptive approach to fitting hearing aids," said Dave Fabry, chief hearing health officer with hearing aid manufacturer Starkey. "While this may serve as an entry into hearing aids for those with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, it removes the hearing professional, who is an essential resource for diagnosing and treating hearing loss and for selecting the best technology to meet the individual's needs," he says.
Prescription hearing aids offer more ongoing support from a hearing professional to ensure the best fit and performance. Smith cautions that many people using OTC hearing aids are either over- or underamplified, which can lead to discomfort and even further damage hearing.
"We believe that the best patient outcomes are achieved when our technology is fitted by a qualified professional," notes Fabry.
"OTC hearing aids are a good choice for early-stage hearing loss," said Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, a board-certified ear, nose and throat physician and founder of ClearCast. "Over-the-counter hearing aids may be ideal for those who want to avoid the often high costs of prescription hearing aids." However, he also notes that OTC models are difficult for users to adjust, leading to potential issues in finding the right amplification level. Cherukuri recommends seeing an audiologist first.
Medicare does not cover hearing aids. While some Medicare Advantage (Part C) and employer-based insurance plans have hearing aid coverage, for OTC aids, coverage is harder to get without a prescription. Still, coverage varies based on your carrier and plan, so it's best to check with your insurance provider.
If you're experiencing difficulty hearing, especially in social situations or conversations with background noise, get a professional hearing test by an audiologist. According to research, the average individual waits seven to 10 years after they first notice hearing loss to take steps toward addressing their changes in hearing. Hearing loss is correlated with a multitude of health conditions as well as social isolation, which can impact an individual's quality of life, so report any changes in your hearing to a medical professional who can help determine whether a hearing aid is appropriate. The earlier hearing loss is detected and treated, the better.
Most OTC hearing aids have a user manual, online tutorials and customer service representatives to help you with setup. After setup, you'll still need to fine-tune your OTC hearing aids if you have a particularly loud environment or during other circumstances unsupported by your preset customizations. But once you get the hang of wearing and adjusting your hearing aids, you may wonder why you waited so long to improve your hearing health.
Sreek Cherukuri, MD, board-certified ear, nose and throat physician and founder of ClearCast
Dave Fabry, PhD, chief hearing health officer at Starkey
Amy Sarow, AuD, clinical audiologist and audiology lead at Soundly
Leigh Smith, AuD, audiologist and owner of Florida Audiology Associates
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.
