The Best Hearing Aids for Seniors of 2019

Hours of Research	Brands Considered	Brands Selected	Hearing Aids Considered	Hearing Aids Selected
70+	21	10	62	27

Because hearing loss is such a normal part of aging, many people don’t understand how risky it can be to allow deafness to go untreated. Not being able to enjoy one’s normal activities, like taking in a movie, talking with friends, or even being able to hear timers and appliances in the home, essentially cuts a person off from their own life. Studies have increasingly shown that the isolation that conditions like unaided hearing loss can cause often leads to further problems, including both physical and mental health challenges.

Many seniors who do not treat their hearing loss fail to do so simply because they believe they cannot afford a pair of hearing aids. The costs involved can be daunting, from audiologist appointments, to fittings, to hearing aid and accessory purchases. Other seniors may neglect their hearing care because they feel behind the curve where modern technologies are concerned.

With this guide, our goal is to demonstrate what a broad variety of price ranges and high-quality hearing aid styles are currently available, even for people on extremely limited budgets and those who are not technologically inclined. By handling hearing loss when it occurs, seniors become better equipped to age in place and can delay a lot of the negative aspects of getting older.

Below, you’ll find our top ten hearing aid brands for 2019, with a total of 27 hearing aids reviewed. Our selected devices run the gamut from extremely low-cost analog hearing aids to the latest, high-end technologies.

How We Chose the Best Hearing Aids

Finding the best hearing aid brands becomes a simpler process when you apply a few fundamental principles to your search. The devices that made our list of the best hearing aids of 2019 all have compelling features that demonstrate what modern hearing care can accomplish. Below, you’ll learn about some of the qualities that we looked for to compile our list.

Individualized Adjustment

Though about 80 percent of people with hearing loss have very similar loss profiles, we have largely excluded hearing aids that are not audiologist-tuned for the individual, or which do not at least offer versatile, user-programmable sound settings. We have also worked to exclude brands that are ‘locked’ so that buyers can only have their hearing aids adjusted through that specific brand’s audiologist locations.

We included a few economy brands that can offer exceptional value even though their hearing aids are not individually programmable. These brands all provide telehealth assistance and/or sophisticated fine-tuning tools that users can access through simple smartphone applications in order to make sound adjustments.

Sound Quality

Many different factors affect the sound quality of a hearing aid, but to guarantee a better sound experience, shoppers can look for a specific set of features. We have included devices that have directional microphones, noise reduction, wind reduction, and feedback reduction, and some that provide more high-tech features, like specialized processing of the wearer’s own voice and in-ear memory prompts.

Also among our top picks is a range of different sound processing and amplification styles. The hearing aids you will find in this guide include examples of the latest in light-based hearing technology, as well as analog hearing aids, digital devices, and aids that only process high-treble sounds so that bass-heavy sounds can be heard naturally.

Modern Features and Designs

Technological advancement has finally come to hearing care and the results can be astonishing, especially in high-end devices where you can find features like foreign language translation that is spoken right in the wearer’s ear. Furthermore, hearing aids no longer have to look like hearing aids or be visible at all, and inner-ear comfort has reached new levels of innovation.

Most of the brands and models recommended below offer features like Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone application controls, telehealth capabilities, and intuitive adjustment. We’ve also included a broad range of fit styles, including new ‘invisible-in-canal’ designs.

Value

Most hearing aids will cost consumers from about $1,600 to $4,000 per pair. However, due to new technologies hitting the market and low-price analog hearing aids remaining a favorite for some users, hearing aid prices can vary wildly. While economy shoppers will find an analog hearing aid in this guide that retails at less than $200 per ear, we have also included a light-based model that may cost up to $6,000 apiece.

Bearing that in mind, we have done our best to include a consistent range of prices and feature sets for people with any severity of hearing loss.

The 10 Best Hearing Aid Brands of 2019

	Styles Available	Price Range	Hearing Loss	Audiologist Programmed
Widex	Behind-The-Ear In-The-Ear In-The-Canal Receiver-In-Canal	$750 - $3,000*	Mild to Severe	Yes - by Local Audiologists and Remotely
Eargo	Invisible-In-Canal In-The-Canal	$1,650 - $2,750	Mild to Moderate	No
ReSound	Behind-The-Ear In-The-Ear In-The-Canal Receiver-In-Canal	$1,200 - $3,000*	Mild to Profound	Yes - by Local Audiologists and Remotely
Phonak	In-The-Ear Receiver-In-Canal Behind-The-Ear	$1,500 - $3,000*	Mild to Profound	Yes - by Local Audiologists
Embrace Hearing	In-Canal Receiver-In-Canal	$699 - $1,349	Mild to Profound	Yes - Remotely
Starkey	Behind-The-Ear In-The-Ear In-The-Canal Receiver-In-Canal	$1,500 - $3,100*	Mild to Severe	Yes - by Local Audiologists and Remotely
Audicus	Receiver-In-Canal Behind-The-Ear	$499 - $699	Mild to Severe	Yes - Remotely
LifeEar	Behind-The-Ear	$799	Mild to Moderately Severe	No
MDHearingAid	Behind-The-Ear	$199 - $650	Mild to Severe	No
Signia	Slim-Receiver-In-Canal Invisible-In-Canal Behind-The-Ear Receiver-In-Canal Completely-In-Canal In-The-Ear	$1,349 - $1,799*	Mild to Profound	Yes - by Local Audiologists and Remotely
* Exact prices for hearing aids are often closely guarded by companies that do not sell their devices directly to consumers. An asterisk indicates that the listed price ranges may not represent a brand’s average prices, as our information is taken from various online dealers who may set their own prices or offer discounts.

Audicus

Best for Low-Cost Digital Hearing Aids

Audicus is an online company offering some of the most affordable digital hearing aids available. What makes Audicus a top hearing aid provider is that its offerings rise above comparable low-cost products through the benefit of proprietary German engineering by Hansaton, which also produces Phonak brand hearing aids under ownership by parent company Sonova.

Audicus is able to offer such competitive base prices by offering a-la-carte upgrades for the volume and sound capacity of their premier device, the Clara hearing aid, and by selling direct to consumers via Audicus.com. However, Audicus aids are not ‘one size fits all’ like those offered by so many other direct-to-consumer brands. Audicus allows users to upload their audiogram results to the website when they purchase, then has a team of audiologists program each hearing aid to suit the buyer’s hearing loss profile.

Even at their lowest prices, both Audicus models are fully digital, directional, noise suppressing and Bluetooth compatible. All of these things make the overall value of Audicus hearing aids hard to beat.

Features	The Clara	The Dia II
Fit Type	RIC	BTE
Max Decibels	47dB (Standard Receiver) 57dB (Power Receiver)	56dB (Slim Tube)
Rechargeable	Yes (Optional Upgrade)	No
Battery Size/Life	312	312
Bluetooth (Wireless) Enabled	Yes (with Added Accessories)	Yes (with Added Accessories)
Directional Microphone	Yes	Yes
Noise Reduction	Yes	Yes
Feedback Reduction	Yes	Yes
Processing Channels	8 to 12	8
Telecoil	No	Yes
Auto Adjusts to Changing Environments	Yes	Yes
Physical Volume Button	Yes	Yes
Pricing (Single Ear / Both Ears)	$699 / $1,398	$499 / $998

The Clara

Clara is a small receiver-in-canal device and Audicus’ premier model, offering up to 57 decibels of gain. Unlike this brand’s other model, the Dia II, the Clara hearing aid can be upgraded for enhanced clarity ($50), which increases the available number of user-programmable channels. This model is also available with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery at an additional $300.

The Clara retails at a base price of $1,398 for a set of two and is available in the buyer’s choice of five colors. It is suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss.

The Dia II

The Dia II was temporarily discontinued, but Audicus recently brought it back ‘by popular demand’ as it has remained its most popular offering. Buyers seem to appreciate the unusually low price for a fully digital hearing aid that delivers all the modern features consumers have come to rely on, including custom pre-programming by audiologists. This is a behind-the-ear hearing device that is available in three colors. The Dia II features 56 decibels of gain, directional microphones, and eight user-programmed channels.

This device is suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss. It holds up to 140 hours of battery life and retails at $998 for a set of two.

Eargo

Best for Inner Ear Comfort

Eargo offers some of the least visible completely-in-canal hearing aids available, and unlike the majority of other hearing aid brands, all three Eargo models are rechargeable. But what makes this brand unique is its approach to inner-ear comfort and sound amplification.

Featuring soft silicone earpieces that are suspended within the ear canal rather than plugging it, Eargo hearing aids give users with mild to moderate hearing loss a far more breathable option than ever before. Eargo’s Flexi earpieces fit deep inside the ear, hiding the hearing aid from view, and they leave plenty of room for bass-heavy sounds to travel into the wearer’s eardrum unamplified while only high-treble sounds are picked up and aided by the device. The result is natural sound and unrivaled comfort.

Eargo hearing aids are sold directly to consumers via the company’s website, Eargo.com. Though these hearing aids are not pre-programmed using individuals’ audiogram results, Eargo offers a capable and user-friendly app through which users can program their devices and reach Eargo hearing specialists.

Features	Neo	Max	Plus
Cost Per Pair	$2,750	$2,150	$1,650
Fit Type	CIC	CIC	CIC
Max Decibels	111dB	110dB	110dB
Rechargeable	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth (Wireless) Enabled	No	No	No
Audio Personalization	Yes	No	No
Wind Reduction	Yes — up to 13dB	Yes — up to 14dB	No
Active Noise Cancellation	Yes	Yes	Yes
Noise Reduction	Yes — up to 17dB	Yes — up to 12dB	Yes — up to 12dB
Dynamic Feedback Reduction	Yes	Yes	Yes

Neo

Neo is Eargo’s new and fully redesigned hearing aid model, featuring improved build quality and an even more discreet form factor. This model delivers Eargo’s best noise suppression capabilities and its greatest stable gain, as well as sound wave personalization through the Eargo app. The most noticeably different feature of the Neo is its updated Flexi earpieces, which sit more lightly in the ear canal than Eargo’s other models thanks to their innovative, flower-like design.

A set of Eargo Neo hearing aids retails at $2,750 and comes with six medium-sized Flexi Palm earpiece replacements.

Max

Max features Eargo’s moderate performance package, though with very slightly better wind noise suppression than the brand’s feature model, the Neo. With its rechargeable batteries and advanced sound quality, the Max provides users who have mild to moderate hearing loss with industry-best comfort thanks to its Flexi Fiber earpieces. The Max provides four sound programs, and rather than beeping when program changes are made, users hear more specific prompts spoken in a friendly voice.

Eargo Max hearing aids retail at $2,150 for a set of two and come with two large Flexi Fiber earpieces.

Plus

Plus is Eargo’s most affordable hearing aid, though it is as discreet as the more expensive Max model and features the same Flexi Fiber earpieces. Like Eargo’s other models, the Plus features a rechargeable Li-Ion battery and strong sound quality and noise reduction. What makes the Plus more affordable is that it does not include wind noise reduction, audio profile personalization, or enhanced audio control.

Eargo Plus hearing aids retail at $1,650 for a set of two and come with a set of six Flexi Fiber earpiece replacements.

Embrace Hearing

Best for Customer Care

Embrace Hearing is one of the most affordable dealers of digital hearing aids on our list, and one of the few online, direct-to-consumer retailers that actually pre-programs its devices based on a buyer’s uploaded audiogram results. This brand provides 24/7 user support and also offers personalized recommendations for shoppers based on their hearing loss profile, making for a great customer experience.

Embrace offers three series of hearing aids — the essential H series, the CIC-style C-series and the top-tier S series, which comes with Embrace Hearing’s most advanced feature set. We have selected one model from each series, each of which we believe represents Embrace’s best value for consumers with various budgets and levels of hearing loss.

Features	H-300	C-660	S-710
Type	RIC	CIC	RIC
Wind Reduction	Yes	Yes	Yes
Noise Reduction	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sound Processing Channels	8	16 or 32 (with the upgrade to SpeechBeam Package)	16
Telecoil	Yes	No	Yes
Volume & Program Control	Yes--with Button on Hearing Aid or Remote Control.	Yes (with the Free App.)	Yes (with the Free App.)
Bluetooth (Wireless) Enabled	Yes (with purchase of Premium Remote)	Yes (with purchase of Premium Remote)	Yes (direct streaming)
Warranty Period	2 Years	3 Years	3 Years
Pricing (Single Ear / Both Ears)	$699 / $1,398	$949 / $1,898	$1,049 / $2,098

The H-300

The H-300 is Embrace Hearing’s most affordable model, best suited for mild to severe hearing loss. It sits over the user’s ear with the receiver lodged within the ear canal and features eight programmable channels with seven to ten days of battery life.

As is often the case with low-cost models, the H-300 is great for quieter environments, but may not live up to the challenge of noisier settings. Speech recognition and directional hearing are supported by this model’s binaural synchronization, as well as its automatic feedback function.

The H-300 retails at $1,398 per pair. It comes in five neutral colors and, with the purchase of additional accessories, becomes Bluetooth compatible with a broad range of devices.

The C-660

The C-660 is one of Embrace Hearing’s more discreet models as it sits completely in the ear canal (CIC). Though this device is only intended for mild to moderate hearing loss, it provides an advanced level of clarity in most sound environments.

This model features Embrace’s live speech focus software and provides up to 32 user-programmable channels, and for an additional $300, buyers can upgrade to receive Embrace Hearing’s SpeechBeam technology for enhanced clarity in conversations.

The C-660 retails at $1,898 per pair and can be programmed using Embrace Hearing’s free smart remote app and other compatible accessories.

The S-710

The S-710 is a more capable hearing aid than the H series models, though it features the same receiver-in-canal design. It delivers advanced clarity of sound and noisy environment performance, but what makes S series hearing aids from Embrace a potentially better value than their other models is that S series models can connect via Bluetooth to a broad range of other devices without the purchase of separately sold accessories. However, the S-710 does not ship with Embrace Hearing’s live speech focus software.

The S-710 retails at $2,098 per pair and comes with a three-year warranty.

LifeEar

Best for At-Home Sound Programming

LifeEar offers a single device, the LifeEar Core, which it sells directly to consumers via its website, LifeEar.com. The Core is one of the most affordable digital hearing aids available, though LifeEar hasn’t skimped on modern features and ample tools for home customization. The Core is Bluetooth enabled and comes with all of the capabilities you’d expect from a well-rounded, digital hearing aid, but at hundreds less than you’d pay for comparable devices from local retailers. Users can employ LifeEar’s free app to adjust sound on a more granular level than many low-cost hearing aid apps allow.

Buyers of this brand have the benefit of the LifeEar app, which offers users the ability to make adjustments at home without ever visiting an audiologist. The app allows users to adjust the volume for each of their hearing aids separately and to select from a range of pre-programmed settings for specific types of sound environments, such as in one-on-one conversation, in restaurants, and in the quiet of home. The app’s most versatile sound adjustment feature gives users the power to individually adjust the amplification of low, middle, and high-frequency sounds.

Features	The LifeEar Core
Fit Type	BTE
Battery Size/Life	312
Bluetooth (Wireless) Enabled	Yes
Directional Microphone	Yes
Noise Reduction	Yes
Feedback Reduction	Yes
Digital Sound Processing	Yes
Processing Channels	4
Telecoil	No
Auto Adjusts to Changing Environments	Yes
Physical Volume Button	Yes
Pricing (Single Ear / Both Ears)	$799 / $1,599

LifeEar Core

The LifeEar Core is suited for those with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. This model offers advanced background noise reduction and helps the wearer hear loud as well as soft sounds in changing environments by just switching the device’s programming with the LifeEar app. The Core’s ComfortTIP earpiece fits inside the ear without crowding the canal, allowing for more airflow and unamplified background noise to reach the eardrum than many other hearing aid models.

Consumers who purchase a pair of hearing aids will receive a year’s worth of batteries and free warranty protection, as well as a 45-day, risk-free trial. This model retails at $1,599 per pair.

MDHearingAid

Best for Low-Cost Analog Hearing Aids

MDHearingAid is the most affordable brand on our list, offering one of the few analog hearing aids still available from a major retailer. This is great news for analog-lovers who appreciate the highly natural sound of analog amplification, but MDHearingAid also provides two digital models at economy prices.

This brand offers shoppers individualized recommendations from a licensed audiologist who can interpret audiogram test results. Though MDHearingAid devices are not pre-programmed for the individual, the company notes that about 80 percent of hearing loss cases result in the same basic type of loss pattern. To ensure that its customers can find their best hearing results, this direct-to-consumer retailer offers a no-obligation, money-back guarantee within the user’s first 45 days from the date of purchasing their hearing aid.

Features	The Pro	The Air	The Lux
Fit Type	BTE	BTE	BTE
Battery Size/Life	13	13	312
Rechargeable	No	No	No
Bluetooth (Wireless) Enabled	No	Unlisted	Unlisted
Directional Microphone	No	No	Yes
Noise Reduction	Yes	Yes	Yes
Feedback Reduction	No	Yes	Yes
Digital Sound Processing	No	Yes	Yes
Processing Channels	2	3	4
Telecoil	No	Yes	No
Auto Adjusts to Changing Environments	No	No	Yes
Physical Volume Button	Yes	Yes	Yes
Physical Program Switch	Switch	Push-Button	Push-Button
Pricing (Single Ear / Both Ears)	$199 / $399	$399 / $799	$649.99 / $1,299.99

The Pro

The Pro is MDHearingAid’s analog offering, which means that it cannot automatically self-adjust in changing noise environments and does not have directional microphones. However, it does provide two programming channels as well as noise reduction. This behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid retails at only $200 per ear, making it the most affordable option that we have reviewed

The Pro is suited for use in quieter environments, such as in one-on-one conversation or while watching TV at home. Its noise reduction feature can block out minor noises, such as the hum of home appliances or outside traffic. For more sound-rich environments, like church gatherings or restaurants, MDHearingAid suggests a more advanced, digital model be used.

This hearing aid can provide battery life lasting up to 40 days. It’s easy to adjust using physical switches on the device itself and comes with a set of bonus batteries and a free protection plan for shoppers who purchase a set of two Pro hearing aids.

The Air

The Air is MDHearingAid’s second most affordable product and also its bestseller. This digital device is a virtually invisible BTE model and is MDHearingAid’s only aid that comes with a telecoil. The Air provides noise and feedback reduction, though it does not feature directional mics or automatic adjustment.

The Air’s high-quality sound production is suitable for even noisy environments, and its batteries can keep going for up to 26 days. This model retails at $799 per pair, and buyers of two hearing aids receive a free protection plan and bonus replacement batteries.

The Lux

The Lux offers MDHearingAid’s most advanced features and sound processing. With directional microphones, noise/feedback reduction and automatic adjustment in changing environments, the Lux is a solid economy option at $1,299.99 per pair. This model also offers four sound programs that allow the user to adapt their hearing aids to the noise level around them. The Lux is suitable for even noisy environments.

The Lux has a battery life of up to 15 days and, as with the Air and the Pro, comes with bonus battery replacements and a free protection plan for shoppers who purchase a set of two.

Phonak

Best for Group and Classroom Conversations

Phonak was originally a Swedish brand which started in 1947, and today continues to aspire to a mix of Swedish craftsmanship and Silicon Valley technologies. Under ownership by hearing care giant Sonova, the Phonak brand is manufactured by Sonova’s German hearing aid engineering firm, Hansaton, which also manufactures Phonak’s sister brand, Audicus.

Phonak is a prolific brand offering seven different hearing aid models in a broad range of fit styles, including multiple custom-fit options. What sets Phonak apart is its wide selection of hearing aid accessories that make sound more accessible in challenging environments, such as at a distance and/or in conversation with multiple parties. This brand is ideal for classroom environments and also provides a completely invisible device — the Lyric — which doesn’t need to be removed until the batteries require changing after months of use.

Features	Audéo Marvel	Lyric	Virto B
Fit Type	312: RIC 312T: RIC 13T: RIC R: RIC RT: RIC	CIC — 100% Invisible	10 NWO: Custom 312 NWO: Custom 10 O: Custom 10: Custom 312: Custom 13: Custom
Max Decibels	312: 50 dB 312T: 50 dB 13T: 50 dB R: 50 dB RT: 50 dB	Unlisted	10 NWO: 70 dB 312 NWO: 70 dB 10 O: 70 dB 10: 70 dB 312: 70 dB 13: 70 dB
Battery Size/Life	312: 312 312T: 312 13T: 13 R: Built-In RT: Built-In	Unlisted	10 NWO: 10 312 NWO: 312 10 O: 10 10:10 312: 312 13:13
Rechargeable	312: No 312T: No 13T: No R: Yes RT: Yes	No — Device Must Be Replaced Once Battery Is Drained (after several months)	10 NWO: No 312 NWO: No 10 O: No 10: No 312: No 13: No
Telecoil	312: No 312T: Yes 13T: Yes R: No RT: Yes	No	10 NWO: Yes 312 NWO: Yes 10 O: Yes 10: Yes 312: Yes 13: Yes
Physical Button	312: Yes 312T: Yes 13T: Yes R: Yes RT: Yes	No	10 NWO: Yes 312 NWO: Yes 10 O: Yes 10: Yes 312: Yes 13: Yes

Audéo Marvel

The Audéo Marvel line of devices offers an RIC (receiver-in-canal) fit style and support Phonak’s AutoSense OS 3.0, which is the brand’s enhanced operating system. Audéo Marvel is Phonak’s premier lineup of devices and includes two rechargeable options as well as direct Bluetooth streaming which can auto-adjust to changing sound input. Unlike many hearing aid brands, Phonak’s Audéo Marvel devices connect directly with any enabled device without the need for added accessories.

With Audéo Marvel’s exceptional sound quality and Phonak’s Binaural VoiceStream technology, Audéo Marvel hearing aids are suitable for users with mild to profound hearing loss and in any level of surrounding noise. These models come in the buyer’s choice of nine neutral colors.

Lyric

Phonak’s Lyric is one of the very few completely invisible hearing aids currently on the market. It features an unusual design, made of a very soft material that fits so snugly in the ear canal that it must be inserted by a hearing care specialist. The Lyric can stay in a user’s ear until the batteries need changing after months of continuous use. Lyric wearers can shower as normal while wearing the device, though total submersion, such as while swimming, is discouraged.

Lyric does not need to be removed by the user, but a special removal tool is included in the cost of purchase. However, the Lyric is not made to be reinserted after removal. This device is best suited for users who have mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

Virto B

The Virto B hearing aid series from Phonak consists of six custom-fitted models, each offering 70 decibels of gain. These devices are nearly invisible in the wearer’s ear and provide maximum comfort for long-term wear. Like the Marvel hearing aids reviewed above, Virto B devices come with Phonak’s AutoSense 3.0 operating system as well as a two-decibel directionality improvement thanks to Virto B’s biometric calibration capability.

Virto B hearing aids are 3-D printed to fit the user’s ear canal and are available for any level of hearing loss. Shoppers can select their choice of four faceplate colors and six shell colors.

ReSound GN

Best for Telehealth Integration

ReSound has been in business since 1943 and continues to deliver industry-leading consumer technologies to consumers living with hearing loss. This brand carries a wide array of fit styles, all with top sound isolation and noise reduction capabilities. ReSound also leverages smartphone technology to provide ReSound Smart Fit — a sophisticated app that gives users access to competent customer support, audiologist-assisted fine tuning, and a more exact fit.

Though this brand’s offerings are all pre-adjusted by a hearing care specialist, ReSound states that more than a quarter of follow-up audiologist appointments are made for the purpose of fine-tuning a hearing aid’s sound and features. But the ReSound Smart Fit app removes the need to make tuning appointments with its telehealth capabilities. It provides the functionality to perform any adjustments that can be made in person, fully remotely.

ReSound’s most current models offer two rechargeable options, and all models are Bluetooth enabled. Exact prices for ReSound hearing aids can be found by contacting a ReSound authorized dealer, though because this brand is so advanced, shoppers can expect to pay about $1,000 or more for a single ReSound hearing aid.

Features	LiNX Quatro	LiNX 3D	Enzo 3D
Fit Type	61: RIE 62: RIE Custom Options: CIC, ITE & MIH	61: RIE 62: BTE 67: BTE 77: BTE 88: BTE Custom Options: CIC & ITE	88: BTE 98: BTE
Battery Size/Life	61 RIE: Built-In 62 RIE: 13	61 RIE: Built-In 62 BTE: 13 67 BTE: 312 77 BTE: 13 88 BTE: 13	88 BTE: 13 98 BTE: 675
Rechargeable	61 RIE: Yes 62 RIE: No	61 RIE: Yes 62 BTE: No 67 BTE: No 77 BTE: No 88 BTE: No	88 BTE: No 98 BTE: No
Bluetooth (Wireless) Enabled	61 RIE: Yes 62 RIE: Yes	61 RIE: Yes 62 BTE: Yes 67 BTE: Yes 77 BTE: Yes 88 BTE: Yes	88 BTE: Yes 98 BTE: Yes
Wind Reduction	61 RIE: Yes 62 RIE: Yes	61 RIE: Yes 62 BTE: Yes 67 BTE: Yes 77 BTE: Yes 88 BTE: Yes	88 BTE: Yes 98 BTE: Yes
Noise Reduction	61 RIE: Yes 62 RIE: Yes	61 RIE: Yes 62 BTE: Yes 67 BTE: Yes 77 BTE: Yes 88 BTE: Yes	88 BTE: Yes 98 BTE: Yes
Feedback Reduction	61 RIE: Yes 62 RIE: Yes	61 RIE: Yes 62 BTE: Yes 67 BTE: Yes 77 BTE: Yes 88 BTE: Yes	88 BTE: Yes 98 BTE: Yes
Telecoil	61 RIE: No 62 RIE: No	61 RIE: No 62 BTE: Yes 67 BTE: Optional 77 BTE: Optional 88 BTE: Optional	88 BTE: Yes 98 BTE: Single
Auto Adjusts to Changing Environments	61 RIE: Yes 62 RIE: Yes	61 RIE: Yes 62 BTE: Yes 67 BTE: Yes 77 BTE: Yes 88 BTE: Yes	88 BTE: Yes 98 BTE: Yes
Physical Volume Button	61 RIE: Yes 62 RIE: Yes--Multi	61 RIE: Yes 62 BTE: Yes--Multi 67 BTE: Yes 77 BTE: Yes 88 BTE: Yes	88 BTE: Yes 98 BTE: Yes
Tinnitus Therapy	61 RIE: Yes 62 RIE: Yes	61 RIE: Yes 62 BTE: Yes 67 BTE: Yes 77 BTE: Yes 88 BTE: Yes	88 BTE: Yes 98 BTE: Yes

LiNX Quattro

The LiNX Quattro is currently ReSound’s top offering. LiNX Quattro models come in various fit styles, including two rechargeable receiver-in-ear (RIC) styles and CIC, ITE and MIH (mic-in-helix) models that all feature custom-designed earpieces made specifically for the user. The LiNX Quattro has greater dynamic range and a larger bandwidth frequency than previous models, as well as updated computing and sound isolation abilities. With the LiNX Quattro, buyers get ReSound’s clearest, most high-quality sound profile in any sound environment.

This model provides direct streaming from virtually any device and is a Made for iPhone hearing aid, so it needs no additional accessories to enable a Bluetooth connection with an Apple device. Rechargeable styles of the LiNX Quattro come with an included portable charging case.

LiNX 3D

The LiNX 3D provides advanced 360-degree speech recognition and noise management in nearly any sound environment thanks to ReSound’s Spatial Sense and Binaural Directionality III technologies. The LiNX 3D comes in a broad variety of fit styles, including an RIE (receiver-in-ear), rechargeable version, multiple behind-the-ear models and also a custom-made option in either in-the-ear or completely-in-canal.

This device is also a Made for iPhone hearing aid, though it can also stream from Android and other devices with the purchase of additional accessories. The LiNX 3D is compatible with ReSound’s Smart 3D app.

Enzo 3D

Enzo 3D comes in two discreet behind-the-ear models, both featuring ReSound’s Binaural Directionality III functionality that enables users to identify where sounds are coming from in nearly any sound environment. Users of this model will enjoy advanced feedback reduction and industry-best amplification, as well as a telecoil, tinnitus therapy, and Made for iPhone Bluetooth connectivity.

The Enzo 3D’s BTE 98 version provides up to 12 days of battery life, even after streaming for up to four hours per day. This model is available in the buyer’s choice of 10 colors.

Signia

Best for High-End Design

Signia is one of the most tech-forward and fashion-conscious hearing aid manufacturers of 2019. Under ownership by Sivantos alongside other top brands, like Widex, Signia has become one of the top three hearwear brands in the world.

Signia’s new Nx line of hearing aids offers people with mild to profound hearing loss a broad range of options to customize the look of their devices, both during and after purchase. Signia provides uncommonly sleek and small hearing aid housings which include brushed metal finishes and wider color selections than other brands offer. Signia’s patented programming also delivers multiple special features that bring an enviable quality of sound and noise management to this brand’s users.

To complement its high-quality and attractive range of devices, Signia has developed a system to help clients find the best hearing aid and the best fit for them. Through a network of authorized dealers, Signia can individualize the shopping, fitting and adjustment process for consumers, and also provides a streamlined telehealth app, TeleCare 3.0, to provide live remote tuning for most troubleshooting and adjustment needs.

Though Signia devices can cost about $1,349 to $1,800 per ear, consumers with more modest budgets may find that Signia’s previous line, the Primax Star series, could be more affordable.

Features	Styletto	Pure Nx	Insio Nx
Fit Type	SLIM-RIC	10: RIC 312: RIC 13: RIC Charge & Go: RIC	ITE, ITC, CIC or IIC
Battery Size/Life	Built-In Li-ION Power Cell	10:10 312: 312 13:13 Charge & Go: Built-In Li-ION Power Cell	ITE: 312 ITC: 312 CIC: 10 IIC: 10
Rechargeable Battery	Yes	Charge & Go Model: Yes	ITE: No ITC: No CIC: No IIC: No
Bluetooth (Wireless) Enabled	Styletto Connect Model: Yes	10: Unlisted 312: Yes 13: Yes Charge & Go: Yes	ITE: Yes ITC: Yes CIC: No IIC: No
Directional Microphone	Yes	10: Yes 312: Yes 13: Yes Charge & Go: Yes	ITE: Yes ITC: Yes CIC: Yes IIC: No
Wind Reduction	Yes	10: Yes 312: Yes 13: Yes Charge & Go: Yes	ITE: Yes ITC: Yes CIC: Yes IIC: Yes
Noise Reduction	Yes	10: Yes 312: Yes 13: Yes Charge & Go: Yes	ITE: Yes ITC: Yes CIC: Yes IIC: Yes
BiCROS Fitting	No	10: Unlisted 312: Yes 13: No Charge & Go: Yes	ITE: Yes ITC: Yes CIC: Yes IIC: Yes
Push-Button Volume Control	No	10: No 312: Yes 13: Yes Charge & Go: Yes	ITE: Yes ITC: Yes CIC: Optional IIC: No
Telecoil	No	10: No 312: No 13: Optional Charge & Go: No	ITE: Unlisted ITC: Unlisted CIC: Unlisted IIC: Unlisted
Auto Adjusts to Changing Environments	Yes	10: Yes 312: Yes 13: Yes Charge & Go: Yes	ITE: Yes ITC: Yes CIC: Yes IIC: Yes

Styletto Nx

Styletto Nx is Signia’s top-of-the-line option that looks just like a sleek Bluetooth earpiece. Suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, this SLIM receiver-in-canal hearing aid sits more discreetly behind the ear than the vast majority of BTE and RIC hearing aids currently available.

The Styletto Nx is rechargeable and ships with a small charging case that fits easily inside a pocket or purse. This device also comes in an alternate version, the Styletto Connect, which does not require the purchase of additional accessories to connect wirelessly with Bluetooth enabled devices.

Styletto hearing aids come in two-tone, brushed metal finishes, and if you get tired of the colors you initially choose, new housings are available from Signia and can be changed out at home. This hearing aid comes in three technology levels- 7x, 5x and 3x- which determine how advanced the feature set will be.

Pure Nx

The Pure Nx line of devices from Signia includes four receiver-in-canal options, including one Charge&Go rechargeable model. For hearing loss sufferers with mild to profound impairment, the Pure line offers BiCROS fittings, Bluetooth compatibility and industry-leading noise reduction and directionality.

The Pure Nx line’s two most feature rich options, the Pure 312 Nx and the Pure Charge&Go Nx, are equipped with Signia Xperience, a new technology that uses motion sensors to streamline the hearing aid’s ability to adapt directionally and in changing sound environments. The most discreet offering in the Pure Nx lineup, the Pure 10 Nx is one of the smallest RIC devices available, and the Pure 13 Nx is a great option for users who desire longer battery life and advanced features. Both provide better own voice processing so that the user’s voice sounds more natural to them.

Insio Nx

Insio Nx is a line of four fit styles, and options for people with any level of hearing loss. Insio models are available in ITE, CIC, IIC and ITC styles, though only the ITE and ITC styles are Bluetooth compatible. Insio Nx users enjoy OneMic directionality, CROS or BiCROS fittings, and advanced noise management while in motion.

Starkey Hearing Technologies

Best for Assistive Features

Starkey is an American-owned-and-operated brand that, since 1964, has developed some of the most technologically advanced hearing aids available. While other high-tech hearing aid manufacturers have focused on using AI and machine learning to advance the clarity of sound that their models offer, Starkey has taken this trend a few steps further, providing assistive features that particularly benefit the elderly.

Starkey’s current models come with a live telehealth feature that connects users to a licensed audiologist who can tune hearing aids remotely. The models covered below also include features like fall detection, light-based hearing technology and Amazon Alexa connectivity. Pricing for Starkey hearing aids is available through a network of authorized dealers, and interested consumers can schedule an appointment with the dealer nearest them right through Starkey.com.

Features	Livio AI	SoundLens Synergy iQ	Muse iQ
Fit Type	RIC, micro RIC or BTE	IIC	RIC, micro RIC, mini BTE, BTE, CIC, ITC or ITE
Battery Size/Life	RIC R: Built-in RIC: 312 micro RIC: 312 BTE: 13	10	RIC R: Built-in RIC: 312 micro RIC: 312 mini BTE: 312 BTE: 13 Power Plus BTE: 13 CIC: 312 or 10 ITC: 312 ITE: 13
Rechargeable	RIC R: Yes RIC: No micro RIC: No BTE: No	No	RIC R: Yes RIC: No micro RIC: Yes mini BTE: No BTE: No Power Plus BTE: No CIC: No ITC: No ITE: No
Telecoil	RIC R: Yes RIC: No micro RIC: No BTE: Yes	No	RIC R: Yes RIC: Yes micro RIC: Yes mini BTE: Yes BTE: Yes Power Plus BTE: Yes CIC: No ITC: No ITE: Optional
Physical Buttons or Dials	RIC R: Yes RIC: Yes micro RIC: Yes BTE: Yes	No	RIC R: Yes RIC: Yes micro RIC: Yes mini BTE: Yes BTE: Yes Power Plus BTE: Yes CIC: Optional ITC: Optional ITE: Optional

The Livio AI

Starkey’s Livio AI hearing aid is one of the most advanced hearing care devices available. As the Livio AI is Starkey’s feature model, it comes packed with its best proprietary features for sound and noise management. This model now features three times more digital processing power than previous models, and gain adjustments can be made automatically on any processing channel that is not already maxed out. Users also have the benefit of a variety of tailor-made programs, such as Livio’s Adaptive Car Mode that automatically reduces road noise.

Once a user sets up their sound and assistive feature preferences in Starkey’s Thrive Hearing Control app, Livio AI devices become incredibly adaptive to the user’s needs. This device can provide audible memory cues and fall detection alerts that are sent to the user’s choice of emergency contact, as well as live transcription of conversations onto the user’s smartphone. Transcribed text can even be saved and sent to contacts as a text or email.

Livio AI is available in three fit styles: Receiver-in-canal (RIC), micro-RIC, and behind-the-ear (BTE), and is suitable for those with mild to profound hearing loss. The RIC version is available with a rechargeable battery.

SoundLens Synergy iQ

SoundLens Synergy iQ is Starkey’s light-based hearing solution for people with mild to severe hearing loss. It is an invisible-in-canal device that must be implanted in the inner ear by an audiologist, so SoundLens requires that buyers have their SoundLens custom fitted for them. The result is a high degree of comfort and a clarity of sound that is as yet unmatched by other hearing care technologies. With the SoundLens Synergy iQ, users will enjoy ear-to-ear phone streaming, smooth sound environment transitions, feedback cancellation and better noise reduction than down-market hearing aid brands can offer.

This model is available in a variety of neutral flesh tones. To find out more about prices and to determine whether you may be a good fit for a lens-style hearing aid like the SoundLens Synergy iQ, contact an authorized Starkey retailer near you.

Muse iQ

Starkey’s Muse iQ line includes an exceptionally broad array of fit styles, including RIC, micro-RIC, mini-BTE, BTE, Power Plus BTE, CIC, ITC, and ITE. This line, intended for people with mild to severe hearing loss, includes a rechargeable RIC option. Other Muse iQ models provide strong battery life and advanced performance even in this line’s tiniest models. Users experience greater clarity in noise thanks to the Muse iQ’s active noise filtering capabilities, and all components of Muse iQ devices are individually waterproofed with a protective nanotech coating.

Muse iQ hearing aids are available in up to six technology levels. The technology level selected by the buyer determines price and the presence of certain features like advanced feedback reduction or the available number of programmable channels. This line of models is compatible with Starkey’s SurfLink apps and accessories.

Widex

Best for Artificial Intelligence Features

Widex is one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced hearing aid brands, and since merging with hearing care provider Sivantos, has become part of one of the largest businesses in the world. This brand specializes in technologically-advanced hearing aids, but Widex also provides industry-leading sound adjustment and personalization tools, providing audiologist assistance in person and advanced app features at home.

Widex’s new line of hearing aids, the EVOKE series, comes in a broad variety of fit styles, colors and feature sets, but we have selected three of these devices which we believe best represent the variety of the EVOKE line. Each of these devices is equipped with machine learning capabilities that other brands have not yet incorporated into their user technologies — a feature which Widex has named SoundSense. EVOKE hearing aids leverage artificial intelligence to gradually learn about the user’s most frequented kinds of sound environments and preferences.

Beyond the AI integration of EVOKE hearing aids, this series also provides a comprehensive range of technology packages. Each EVOKE hearing aid is available in a variety of feature levels (110, 220, 330, or the most advanced feature set, 440). Each level provides a specific set of Widex’s proprietary technologies, though all EVOKE hearing aids are fully directional and come with sophisticated noise reduction capabilities.

Features	CIC	Fusion	Fashion mini
Fit Type	CIC	RIC/RITE	BTE
Battery Size/Life	100 hours	170 hours (varies by receiver model)	165 hours
Max Decibels	62 dB	63 dB (varies by receiver model)	64 dB
Noise Reduction	Yes	Yes	Yes
Telecoil	Yes	Yes	Yes
Programmable Push-Button	Yes	Yes	Yes
Microphone Openings	Yes	No	Yes

The EVOKE CIC

The EVOKE CIC is a completely-in-canal device that sits discreetly within the ear canal, best for users with minimal to severe hearing loss. Though small, the CIC is just as advanced as the other EVOKE models listed here. It contains a patented Fluid Sound Controller that processes sound faster and more clearly than previous Widex series, as well as the Widex SoundSense machine learning program.

The EVOKE CIC offers up to five user-programmable channels and is compatible with DEX assistive listening devices. This model is available in three neutral tones and can be purchased in four feature levels.

EVOKE Fusion

The EVOKE Fusion is a small RIC (receiver-in-canal) hearing aid that is suitable for people with mild to profound hearing loss. Like other EVOKE series devices, it comes equipped with Widex’s machine learning software, SoundSense. The Fusion is available in the consumer’s choice of four feature sets, from the 110 level, which lacks features like Smartwind Manager and Speech Enhancer RT, to the 440 level, which comes with the complete range of EVOKE series enhancements.

The Fusion comes in a range of ten colors and provides up to five user-programmable channels.

EVOKE Fashion Mini

The EVOKE Fashion Mini is a mini-BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aid for people with minimal to profound hearing loss. While the Fashion Mini delivers fewer decibels of gain than the Fashion and the Fashion Power, it still provides an impressive 64 decibels of gain and up to 165 hours of battery life. Like the other EVOKE models listed above, the Fashion Mini provides up to five programmable channels and its feature set is dependent upon which of four technology levels the buyer selects.

The Fashion Mini comes on the buyer’s choice of ten colors and operates on a size 312 battery.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Hearing Aid

Step 1: Visit an Audiologist

Your first step on the path to a hearing aid purchase should always be to see a licensed hearing specialist. After testing your hearing using an audiogram, audiologists can provide highly detailed reports of what types of sounds, pitches, ranges etc. that you most struggle with. This information will make finding the best hearing aid for you a far more exact process and can give you a more specific price range.

Audiologists can also make recommendations for hearing aid brands, models, and fit styles. Keep in mind that audiology practices may have a few brands that they sell or endorse in particular, but once you have the opportunity, don’t be afraid to ask about the brands or devices that interest you personally.

Step 2: Think Beyond Cost

After your audiologist provides a deeper look into your hearing loss profile, it may be tempting to keep things simple by shopping based only on cost and your audiogram results. However, you will also need to consider the kinds of activities wherein you’ll be relying on your hearing aids. Think about what types of sound environments you frequent most often.

The cost of hearing aids varies based in part on how well they can filter out peripheral noise. If you don’t often find yourself in noisy restaurants or music venues, you may wish to purchase a low-cost model that is best suited to calm, quiet environments, such as peaceful one-on-one conversations or TV watching at home. While you’re at it, also consider whether you would benefit from Bluetooth connectivity that could stream sound directly from a television or radio to your hearing aids.

Step 3: Determine What Accessories You May Need

Most companies sell accessories like remotes and streamers that can make programming and using your aids more convenient. However, buying accessories for various purposes can easily make your hearing aid far more expensive. For that reason, it’s best to start the shopping process by considering your specific accessory needs. The following are some of the most common accessories offered by hearing aid brands.

Streaming Accessories

Many of the devices covered here feature Made for iPhone functionality, so Apple device users often spend less on accessories as these devices stream directly to Apple devices. However, if your phone runs on OS (Android) and you’d like the freedom to connect to other devices, such as your TV or car stereo, most brands will most likely require you to purchase a separately sold accessory. Bluetooth streamers can connect a hearing aid either wirelessly or with the use of a wired adapter to a broad range of external devices, and users will no longer need to excessively crank the volume of their TV or radio. Bluetooth streamers and adapters can cost hundreds, but they can make the balance of sound in your listening environment more level and clear.

Remote Controls

It’s common for brands to offer physical remotes in a variety of styles, so if you’re not confident using a cell phone app for sound programming and other functions, or if you just want a backup remote, a physical remote control is a smart purchase. Not all hearing aids come with physical buttons to change the volume or the sound program which adapts your aids to different sound environments, so with some models, physical remotes are even more important.

Microphones

For conversations in noisy areas or where the speaker and listener are at a distance from one another, an external microphone can be extremely handy. These come in multiple configurations, including as a mic that clips onto the speaker’s shirt, a table-top model or a small device that can be easily held and passed around during multi-party conversations. Mics are ideal in classroom environments too as some can accommodate group conversations at distances of up to about 60 feet.

Step 4: Try a Variety of Styles

Your audiologist can help you find the most comfortable and appropriate fit style for you, whether you’re more comfortable with a device that sits mostly behind your ear or a more discreet option that sits fully within your ear canal. The look of a hearing aid is important to most people, but the feel of the device is also highly important as hearing aids are meant to be worn long-term.

The most commonly found hearing aid fit styles are BTE (behind-the-ear), RIC (receiver-in-canal), and CIC (completely-in-canal). Some of the brands listed above also offer a custom-molded earpiece for which audiologists must fit the individual customer. If you find that most of the fit styles you try seem uncomfortable, consider a custom fitting.

Hearing aid buyers can also determine the manner of sound amplification they prefer. Many people swear by analog hearing aids, insisting that, because these devices do not ‘process’ sound but instead simply amplify it, the sound that reaches the wearer’s eardrum has a more natural feel. However, the audiology community overwhelmingly advocates for the use of digital hearing technologies, including the new light-based hearing aids which use a lens implanted over the eardrum to convert sound to light waves for a new level of clarity.

Step 5: Anticipate Additional Costs

Anticipating the total cost involved in purchasing hearing aids can be tricky. Costs are dependent on needed accessories, warranty coverage, added fees, and brand-specific incidentals. When you’ve narrowed your search down to a few select brands, research the provider’s website or ask an audiologist about the following cost-related concerns.

• Is there a money-back guarantee during a risk-free trial period?
• Does the warranty cover lost, stolen or damaged devices?
• How much do replacement batteries or earpieces cost?
• Are fittings and/or servicing for adjustments included in the purchase price?
• How much do accessories for Bluetooth streaming cost?

Frequently Asked Questions