5 Best Hearing Aids for Quality and Affordability 2022: Compare Top Reviews

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Hearing loss can feel isolating and frightening: You’re straining to hear the conversation in large groups, and you’ve started avoiding all potentially noisy situations. Hearing aids can be life-changing, but they’re expensive, and the variety of styles and features is overwhelming.

This guide to the top five best hearing aids will narrow down the options for quality devices at reasonable price points. You can enjoy conversations and gatherings again without breaking the bank.

Top 5 Best Quality Affordable Hearing Aids

• MDHearingAid: Best Value Hearing Aids Overall
• Signia: Best Hearing Aids for Severe Hearing Loss.
• Widex: Best Hearing Aids Prescribed by Audiologists
• Otofonix: Cheapest Hearing Aids Available Online
• Eargo: Best Financing Options

1. MDHearingAid — Best Value Hearing Aids Overall

Pros of MDHearingAid Hearing Aids:

• Free online hearing test
• Four environment settings
• 45-day refund policy
• Two styles are rechargeable
• FDA certification

Cons of MDHearingAid Hearing Aids:

• Only behind-the-ear models
• Customer support only available on weekdays

MDhearingaid’s direct-to-consumer website offers three versions of digital hearing aids: the Air, the Volt and the Volt MAX. All three of the best hearing aids improve the clarity of conversation and your quality of life at a reasonable price point.

The two more expensive devices, the Volt and the Volt MAX, include access to digital tools to customize your hearing aids more precisely to your needs.

MDHearingAid Hearing Aid Noise Reduction 4.9/5

The three MDhearing aid devices share essential features such as feedback cancellation and four environment noise settings. The Volt and Volt MAX use intelligent algorithms to reduce noise and improve voice clarity more than the Air.

In addition, Volt and Volt MAX use two directional microphones to elevate conversation above background noise in loud situations. Volt MAX hearing aids incorporate adaptive technology to further isolate the sounds you want to focus on and diminish those you don’t want to hear.

MDHearingAid Hearing Aid Power Supply 4.8/5

MDhearingaid’s Air uses standard size 13 batteries, and the Volt and Volt MAX are both rechargeable. Size 13s are readily available in most grocery and drug stores or on the MDhearing aid website.

Bluetooth and Wireless Features on MDHearingAid Hearing Aids 4.5/5

You can pair your Air, Volt and Volt MAX to your table or cell phone using Bluetooth. However, you cannot access audio streaming through your hearing aids; the Bluetooth connection exists only to support the use of the app to make adjustments to your aids’ settings.

MDhearingaid’s VoltMax wearers can pair their cell phones with these best hearing aids to customize their hearing experience. Using the MDhearingaid app, you can adjust volume settings separately for each device.

Additional Features of MDHearingAid Hearing Aids 4.8/5

The Volt and Volt MAX are both water-resistant, which is an enormous benefit when it’s so easy to step into the shower while still wearing your hearing aids. All models include personalized hearing maps to support automatic and manual adjustments to different environments.

Price Range of MDHearingAid Hearing Aids 4.9/5

At $399 to $799 per ear, MDhearingaid’s value is nearly unbeatable. The company runs regular sales, such as buy-one-get-one-free, so you can purchase two hearing aids for the price of one.

All of the best hearing aids from MDhearingaid come with a 90-day warranty that covers workmanship, parts or materials failures, but not malfunctions due to mistreatment or wear and tear. Buyers can also purchase additional warranty coverage as a subscription to cover all accidental damage, defects and malfunctions.

Overall Score of MDHearingAid Best Hearing Aids: 4.8/5

Compare MDHearingAid to the competition.

2. Signia — Best Hearing Aids for Severe Hearing Loss

Pros of Signia Hearing Aids:

• Six models to choose from
• Co-lateral routing for one-sided loss
• Own voice-processing adjustments
• Mini pocket remote control
• Includes tinnitus therapy

Cons of Signia Hearing Aids:

• Unclear warranty details
• No touch controls on lower-end models
• Reports of slow repair times
• Apps for iOS only

Signia hearing aids offer state-of-the-art noise reduction and powerful features for improving your hearing and quality of life. With a host of advanced technologies and several style choices, Signia’s affords people with severe hearing loss excellent quality devices.

Signia Hearing Aid Noise Reduction 4.8/5

Users can customize their Signia experiences using the app in several ways. The first, available on the Pure Charge&Go T AX, CROS Pure Charge&Go AX and Insio Charge&Go AX models, uses their Augmented Focus technology to target speech sounds for enhancement in noisy environments.

The Pure, Styeletto, Silk and Motion, the company’s best hearing aids, use the Signia XPerience processors to make it easier for users to engage in conversation. The technology incorporates motion data into its sound adjustments so that users have a more natural experience of sound.

Signia Hearing AidPower Supply 4.6/5

Every Signia hearing aid contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, although the time between complete charges varies dramatically. For instance, the Signia Pure Charge&Go AX claims 36 hours of use between charges, and the Signia Motion X Charge&Go X touts an incredible 61 hours.

Bluetooth and Wireless Features on Signia Hearing Aids 4.5/5

Users can connect their Signia hearing aids directly to their cell phones for hands-free calling, just like earbuds. You can also purchase Bluetooth accessories to have television and streaming audio play directly into the earpieces. The StreamLine TV allows multiple pairs of the best hearing aids to access the direct television feed and make adjustments in the Signia smartphone app.

StreamLine Mic connects with other electronic devices and services, such as laptops, Siri and Alexa. This accessory is also the access point for hands-free calling or a microphone for noisy environments. These features extend the use of the hearing aids, but it may be awkward to manage numerous physical phone accessories.

Other Features of Signia Hearing Aids 4.8/9

For people with single-ear loss, Signia offers three styles that can connect with CROS devices. You can control your CROS system with the Signia smartphone app.

Tinnitus therapy is built into all Signia hearing aids. Signia’s Tinnitus Notch Therapy may offer wearers relief from symptoms within weeks or months simply by wearing their hearing aids like normal.

Price Range of Signia Hearing Aids 4.5/5

Signia offers several bundles for hearing aids and accessories, with costs running from $1,000 to $3,685 per ear. Pricing for the devices is difficult to find on the website, and visitors must select each item individually to find the price.

Overall Score of Signia Hearing Aids: 4.7/5

See if Signia is right for you.

3. Widex — Best Hearing Aids Prescribed by Audiologists

Pros of Widex Hearing Aids:

• Global company with a long history
• Excellent high-fidelity sound
• 15 color choices available for BTE
• Smallest rechargeable RIC on the market

Cons of Widex Hearing Aids:

• Lack of upfront pricing
• Must purchase from audiologist or distributor
• Reports of problems with rechargeable batteries

A Danish company founded in 1956, Widex created the first hearing aid with a digital remote control. They also offer the smallest receiver-in-canal in the world. Widex readily makes the best hearing aids list with a long history of quality products and audiologist recommendations.

Widex has signed the United Nations Global Compact to protect laborers, respect human rights, and conduct business ethically while preserving the environment.

Widex Hearing Aid Noise Reduction 4.8/5

Widex hearing aids are renowned for improving users’ experience in noisy situations. The Speech Enhancer system reduces background below your hearing threshold while simultaneously adding gain to enhance speech sound regions.

Widex Hearing Aid Power Supply 4/5

Rechargeable batteries are essential for users who struggle to open tiny replaceable battery compartments. Most of Signia’s models use a recharging case for the hearing aids.

User reviews do report significant problems with the rechargeable battery systems. In most cases, the batteries ceased charging, and the company offered to replace the system with standard battery cases for free. Users were also encouraged to upgrade to another rechargeable hearing aid.

Bluetooth and Wireless Features on Widex Hearing Aids 4.5/5

Widex offers several accessories for wireless functionality. The TV Play and TV-DEX connect your television to your hearing aids to enhance sound quality. The former works specifically with Widex Moment models.

Users can adjust volume and program functions via the RC-DEX remote control, which also pairs with the TV Play device. Similarly, the COM-DEX connects the best hearing aids to any Bluetooth device for streaming. Conversations become a bit easier to engage in, too, with the remote microphone function.

Other Features of Widex Hearing Aids 4.8/5

In the top tier of hearing devices, Widex outshines competitors due to some of its feature options. You can use any of the six smartphone apps to access streaming and audiologist fine-tuning and individual adjustments for each model.

If tinnitus is affecting your quality of life, some audiologists offer the Widex Zen Therapy program to reduce the effects of this aggravating problem. The program uses amplification, fractal tones, relaxation and counseling to help participants manage stress and sleep challenges concomitant with tinnitus.

Widex’s Moment models include PureSound technology that processes incoming sound eight to 20 times faster than most digital hearing aids, which improves speech understanding and sounds more natural and realistic. SoundSense also automatically enhances wearers’ listening experience by automatically learning from various situations and adjusting amplification.

Price Range of Widex Hearing Aids 4.5/5

Plans and packages start at $2,000 per ear and run to over $5,000 per ear. Although these prices can include impressive features and accessory options, Widex’s prices are higher than most competitors on this list.

Overall Score of Widex Hearing Aids: 4.6/5

Improve your hearing with Widex.

4. Otofonix — Cheapest Hearing Aids Available Online

Pros of Otofonix Hearing Aids:

• Very low prices
• Adaptive background noise technology
• Smartphone connectivity

Cons of Otofonix Hearing Aids:

• Amplifier, not a hearing aid
• Not suitable for severe hearing loss
• Few rechargeable options
• Online-only customer support

While not technically a hearing aid in the traditional sense, Otofonix is a sound amplifier that works well to mitigate people’s struggles with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Otofonix Hearing Aid Noise Reduction 4/5

The Otofonix models use adaptive technology to manage background noise and enhance conversations. Since Otofonix is not a standard hearing aid, noise reduction qualities are limited.

Otofonix Hearing Aid Power Supply 4/5

Only a few of the Otofonix styles use rechargeable battery systems. If you have dexterity or vision issues, replacing the required #13 batteries every three to 10 days will present significant frustrations.

Bluetooth and Wireless Features of Otofonix Hearing Aids 4/5

Bluetooth connectivity for the best hearing aids from the company is limited to using the Otofonix smartphone app to adjust your volume and other settings. That said, users report that the app is easy to use on any device.

Other Features of Otofonix Hearing Aids 3.5/5

Otofonix is a streamlined product with just a few additional features beyond amplification. However, the Otofonix Elite includes additional amplification for high-frequency sounds for those users who struggle to hear the voices of women and children.

To customize your hearing aids for your level of hearing loss, Otofonix offers three versions of their in-ear domes. The open air domes work for mild to moderate loss. The magic domes are a hybrid design for moderate loss. The tiny vents provide larger gain but reduced feedback.

The closed air domes help moderate to severe loss. These models also amplify low-frequency sounds, a less common and hard-to-treat form of hearing loss.

Price Range of Otofonix Hearing Aids 4.9/5

While some users may desire additional options, such as tinnitus relief, Otofonix’s extremely low prices make it an obvious choice for budget-conscious consumers. Prices per ear run from $199 to $1,000.

Overall Score of Otofonix Hearing Aids: 4.5/5

Compare Otofonix here.

5. Eargo — Best Financing Options

Pros of Eargo Hearing Aids:

• Free sample available
• Extensive customization options
• Unlimited telecare support
• Discreet, nearly invisible profile

Cons of Eargo Hearing Aids:

• Not suitable for severe hearing loss
• Reports of poor customer service
• No in-person hearing evaluation
• High costs compared to same-tier competitors

Eargo’s nearly invisible design options make this product a strong contender if keeping your hearing loss private is necessary for professional or personal reasons. Other customizable features increase your comfort and reduce ear fatigue while wearing these CIC hearing aids.

Eargo Hearing Aid Noise Reduction 4.5/5

Users can use the smartphone app to adjust the device settings to account for specific environments like large auditoriums or background noise. Along with these adjustable background noise reduction options, Eargo’s wind reduction technology reduces the effects of wind noise in the devices, a common issue for even the best hearing aids.

Eargo Hearing Aid Power Supply 4.9/5

All of Eargo’s models have rechargeable battery systems. The lithium-ion chargers can be plugged into AC wall outlets or USB ports. The company claims that a full charge will last for 16 hours, as long as devices are charged every night.

Eargo is clear about the long-term viability of their rechargeable battery systems. The batteries should last for 1,000 16-hour cycles, which is about three years. After that point, the batteries will operate less efficiently, so it’s probably time to acquire new hearing aids.

Bluetooth and Wireless Features on Eargo Hearing Aids 3/5

Eargo offers only connectivity to the smartphone app for basic adjustments to settings. Some users may miss access to streaming or telephone connectivity.

Other Features of Eargo Hearing Aids 4/5

Eargo’s nearly invisible profile stands out as the most notable feature of the brand. The in-ear black cap of the Eargo5 blends into the darkness of the ear canal to further heighten invisibility.

Coupled with their discreet design, the best hearing aids from Eargo arrive with two sizes of replaceable silicone tips. The soft tips allow natural sounds and air to enter while the tips float comfortably in your ear canal.

Price Range of Eargo Hearing Aids4/5

Eargo’s hearing aids, at $1,950 to $2,450 per ear, lie in the middle range for pricing. However, this tier also includes professionally fit, entry-level prescription aids that audiologists offer, which means you pay prescription prices for basic OTC devices.

Overall Score of Eargo Hearing Aids: 4/5

Find out more about Eargo.

Our Ranking Methodology of the Best Hearing Aids

We examined several metrics for hearing aid useability and value to find the best devices at the most reasonable price points:

• Types of hearing aids available
• Quality of sound
• Audiologists’ reviews
• Wireless and Bluetooth compatibility
• Additional features
• Device costs

You want to be able to communicate with loved ones and in professional environments, but you don’t want to break the bank. Finding a device to improve your hearing can represent a significant investment of both time and money, and you want to make the right purchase the first time.

FAQs and Buying Guide for Finding the Best Hearing Aids

This FAQ and buying guide reviews some of the most common questions shoppers have about hearing aids and their functionality.

Who Should Consider Buying the Best Hearing Aids?

Many people are the last to notice or admit that they have trouble hearing. Sometimes friends or loved ones will comment on their difficulties communicating with you, or you realize you’re struggling in social situations or at work.

If any of these behavioral changes or challenges apply to you or to someone that you care about, it’s time to visit an audiologist and consider the options for hearing support:

• Request that people repeat themselves often, particularly in noisy environments like restaurants
• Keep the radio and television at louder-than-average volumes
• Struggle to understand people when their faces are hidden or turned away
• Have a hard time understanding callers on the phone
• Make complaints about people having low voices or mumbling
• Miss significant amounts of dialogue at the theater or in movies
• Difficulty following conversations in a group setting
• Strain to understand speakers at public gatherings or houses of worship
• Behave with greater irritation, frustration or impatience than before
• Show signs of new social withdrawal or isolation

What Types of Hearing Aids Are Available?

You and your audiologist can discuss the best hearing aids that suit your specific hearing loss type and severity. Within those constraints, you should also think about your preferences in terms of appearance.

While you may be restricted to more visible hearing aid varieties, in many cases you can choose more subtle skin tones or colorful designs that express your personality.

Behind-the-Ear

You’re probably familiar with this traditional variety of hearing aid. The behind-the-ear version, suitable for any type of hearing loss, arches over your ear and sits behind the ear. An earpiece, custom-fitted to your ear, rests in your ear canal and is connected to the hearing aid via a thin tube.

While older versions of these hearing aids were highly visible, new models have been streamlined for subtlety. The system contains two directional microphones and can amplify sounds more than most other types. Some BTEs have a rechargeable battery.

Receiver-in-the-Ear or Receiver-in-Canal

The receiver-in-the-ear and receiver-in-canal designs recall the BTE hear aids as the speaker rests in the ear canal. However, the RITE and RIC versions of the best hearing aids connect to the receiver in the ear canal with a wire rather than a tube.

Like the BTEs, the RITE and the RIC styles have directional microphones and are available with rechargeable batteries. A common feature is manual control of the amplification in the ear.

Open-Fit

Open-fit combines a behind-the-ear hearing aid with a receiver-in-the-ear or receiver-in-the-canal style. A thin, usually transparent tube connects the BTE portion with the RIC or RITE and leaves an open dome in the ear. This configuration amplifies high-frequency sounds and naturally lets low-frequency sounds enter the ear.

Open-fit hearing aids take time to get used to since the dome isn’t customized to your ear, but your voice may sound better to your own ear due to the dome’s shape. People with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss but better hearing in the lower frequencies should consider an open-fit design.

In-the-Ear

The in-the-ear system consists of two directional microphones and has volume control, which may not fit on smaller hearing aid styles. The ITE hearing aid, like the BTE, includes a custom-molded earpiece in two styles.

One version fills only the lower half of your ear, while the other fills the outer ear bowl. This hearing aid may be appropriate for people with moderate to severe hearing loss, particularly in noisy environments.

In-the-Canal

Another custom hearing aid, the in-the-canal sits partway into the ear canal. Less noticeable than BTE or ITE styles, the ITC has some features that won’t fit on the smallest designs, although they may be challenging to adjust.

Completely-in-the-Canal or Mini CIC

The smallest and least visible styles, the completely-in-the-canal and the mini CIC are custom-modeled to fit precisely in your ear canal. Best for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, the CIC and mini CIC use tiny batteries and don’t usually have additional control options like directional microphones or volume adjustment.

Will I Need Two Hearing Aids?

Most audiologists will recommend that you use two of the best hearing aids if you have a loss in both ears. A device in each ear vastly increases your ability to participate in conversations in environments with background noise. Two aids also improve wearers’ ability to locate sound sources and reduce the need for overamplification in one ear, which may cause feedback noise.

Can I Use a Hearing Aid With my Cell Phone?

Many new hearing aids are equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to connect your device directly to your cell phone. As a result, your hearing devices become earbuds, enabling you to converse easily and comfortably on your phone.

Do the Best Hearing Aids Help in Noisy Situations?

Except for some CIC and mini CIC devices, most hearing aid styles help you hear in noisy environments by incorporating dual-directional microphones. Digital versions are even better at amplifying only the sounds you want, such as voices in a crowded restaurant or gatherings while reducing background noise.

Which of the Best Hearing Aids Is Right for Me?

Your audiologist is your first and best stop for advice about the style of hearing aid that meets your needs. While no device restores hearing entirely, you can discuss the severity and type of your loss and balance that information with your lifestyle.

Audiologists recommend two of the best hearing aids for binaural hearing for loss in both ears, which sends more natural-sounding signals to your brain. The improved binaural hearing also assists in speech recognition and clarity, as well as sound location.

Since aids can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, decide which features you want or need based on the style best suited to your hearing loss and lifestyle. Other factors to consider when making your choice include:

• Hearing aid manufacturer’s reputation for customer service and device quality
• Device warranties and the services and parts they cover
• Repair and maintenance schedules
• Opportunities to upgrade your device

Comparison Guide to the Top 5 Best Hearing Aids

MDHearingAid

• Styles Available: BTE
• Types of Hearing Loss Treated: Mild to severe
• Price Range: $399 to $799
• Bluetooth and Wireless Options: Smartphone app for adjustments

Signia

• Styles Available: BTE, RITE and CIC
• Types of Hearing Loss Treated: Mild to severe; tinnitus relief
• Price Range: $1,000 to $3,685
• Bluetooth and Wireless Options: Accessories for streaming, digital assistants and smartphone app

Widex

• Styles Available: BTE, RITE, ITC and CIC
• Types of Hearing Loss Treated: Mild to severe; tinnitus therapy
• Price Range: $2,000 to $5,000
• Bluetooth and Wireless Options: Accessories for streaming and television sound

Otofonix

• Styles Available: BTE
• Types of Hearing Loss Treated: Mild to moderate
• Price Range: $199 to $1,000
• Bluetooth and Wireless Options: Smartphone app for adjustments

Eargo

• Styles Available: CIC
• Types of Hearing Loss Treated: Mild to moderate high-frequency
• Price Range: $1,950 to $2,450
• Bluetooth and Wireless Options: Smartphone app for adjustments

The Best Hearing Aids Can Change Your Life for the Better

The decision to invest in hearing aids is a step towards better conversations and a more satisfying social and professional life. Ultimately, your choice depends upon the type of hearing loss you’re dealing with, and your lifestyle: More severe hearing loss requires more advanced features, while moderate struggles may need slight amplification in noisy situations.

Use this guide as a starting point in searching for the highest-quality hearing aids at the best price for your budget. We recommend the MDhearingaids overall for value and quality, but the other choices on this list offer excellent benefits, too. Explore your options and then take the leap into better hearing so that you can join the conversation and enjoy life more fully.

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