The Best Hearing Aids of 2024, Reviewed by Experts

For those who have For a long time, there was only one option for dealing with hearing challenges: an expensive, bulky hearing aid prescribed by a doctor. That changed in 2022 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter hearing aid devices, giving consumers access to a vast and growing range of options. Today, there are even more choices hearing aids There are more than ever before, and they all come in different shapes, sizes, and most importantly, prices. How does a $100 hearing aid compare to a $5,000 prescription device for treating mild to moderate hearing loss? We’ve been testing products for the past two years to answer this question.

To help us with this analysis, we called in an expert. Licensed audiologist Ruth Reisman All of these hearing aids have been analyzed in a scientific lab, and only models that amplify noise to a safe level are approved. Also, I tested these hearing aids hands-on (on my ears?) around my home, outside, and in noisy environments.

We found a lot of things we loved at the market today — and a lot of accessories we didn’t want, too. Jabra Enhance Select 300 Crown is currently considered the best hearing aid, Ergo Link And Sony CRE-C10 Up close from the back. Here’s a full breakdown of the best prescription and over-the-counter hearing aids we’ve tested and approved.

Exclusive offer for Gear readers: to get Wired ONLY $5 ($25 OFF)This includes unlimited access Wired.comFull gear coverage, and a subscriber-only newsletter. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

What to consider before buying

Each person is different, and so are their hearing loss needs. Consider these factors to find the device that best suits your needs and lifestyle. For more recommendations, check out our guide How to buy hearing aids,

Hearing aids don’t have to bankrupt you. With such a high price and a minimum insurance coverageIt’s no wonder why so many people put off hearing loss treatment. Between visiting the audiologist, ordering hearing aids, custom fitting, and maintenance, it’s tempting to postpone treatment rather than blowing your credit card. It’s important to know your budget before you start browsing for hearing aids. Many brands offer trial periods where you can test the devices for a certain number of days and, if they’re a poor fit, return them for free.

It doesn’t have to be obvious. that you are wearing a hearing aid. Despite the media’s cartoonish portrayals of hunched elderly people yelling at anyone who tries to talk to them, hearing loss does not discriminate by age. About 10 million Americans People under the age of 60 should make the most of the attractively designed hearing aids available in the market. Just like the stigma that causes people to have trouble hearing Mental Health TreatmentThe hearing loss community has to suffer from self-consciousness when it comes to wearing these devices. Modern in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids have come a long way in subtlety.

Opt for a professional hearing test compared to online. While online and app-based tests are a good way to dip your toes in and see if you have hearing loss, a detailed audiogram that only an in-office visit can provide is a far better option. An audiologist can use this audiogram to calibrate hearing aids for your specific needs.