Approximately one in three people aged 65 to 74 has hearing loss, and for those aged 75 or older, that figure rises to one in every two people. Hearing aids can have a big impact on the lives of older adults who have difficulty hearing. They increase safety, helping people hear alarms, warnings and doctor’s instructions. They also allow users to watch television, listen to music and enjoy a conversation with family and friends. 

In the past, hearing aids have been powered by button batteries that need to be replaced regularly. New battery technology is allowing manufacturers to create long-lasting rechargeable hearing aids. These are plugged into a charging station each night and are often easier to use, especially for people who don’t have the manual dexterity to change small batteries. 

As rechargeable hearing aids are still relatively new to the market, there aren’t as many options to choose from. This article discusses some of the best rechargeable hearing aids available at the moment, and also looks at why to go rechargeable and how to choose the right hearing aid option. 

The 3 Best Hearing Aids With Rechargeable Batteries 

Eargo

Eargo is currently one of the only companies to offer all rechargeable hearing aid models. With three models to choose from, there’s an option with the features to suit most people with hearing loss. When fully powered, the batteries keep the hearing aids working for a full day, and the charging case is portable for when the user’s away from home. Once the case is fully charged, it can power the hearing aid for a week, and in some models, as little as 30 minutes in the case will give a few extra hours of sound. 

On top of the battery features, Eargo provides supreme comfort to users. The hearing aids are invisible, fit deep inside the ear canal and provide a natural sound. Eargo also comes with a personalized app that allows users to change the settings to account for different environments, so users can optimize their hearing whether they’re in a busy restaurant or at home watching television. Eargo hearing aids come with a 24-month warranty and lifetime support from licensed hearing professionals. 

Signia

Signia has a number of products that offer rechargeable options, as well as two models that are purely rechargeable. All have long-lasting charges, with the Motion X offering 61 hours of use on a single charge. The sleek charging case can provide power on the go, and the fast-charging option offers a burst of power when it’s needed. Signia users can also upgrade to a Dry&Clean charger that dries and cleans the earpieces using UV light while they charge.

Signia hearing aids are known for offering a directionally-sophisticated sound that can help users hear clearly in different situations. The technology includes enhanced speech understanding and automatic situation detection, so users don’t need to change settings when entering a new environment. Signia also boasts a sleek design, Bluetooth streaming and accessories such as microphone and TV connections that can help enhance hearing in different situations. 

MDHearingAid

MDHearingAid offers affordable hearing aid options and has one model, the Volt+, that features a rechargeable battery. The Volt+ has everything most people need in a hearing aid at a reasonable price. The long-lasting battery has more than 24 hours of charge, and a portable charging case provides three charges without needing to be plugged in. 

In addition, the Volt+ has dual microphones, background noise reduction and four program settings to help people hear in any situation. The aids are also water-resistant and nearly invisible when worn. MDHearingAid offers customers a 45-day, risk-free trial and free lifetime support. 

Why Choose Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Rechargeable hearing aids work much like other rechargeable devices, such as smartphones. Most rechargeable hearing aids use lithium-ion or silver-zinc battery technology, which offers a full day of enhanced hearing. 

There are many benefits to rechargeable hearing aids. First, they’re generally easier to use, as there’s no need to fiddle with small battery compartments. They have a long shelf life, with many holding a charge for up to 30 hours and lasting five years before a replacement is needed. Rechargeable hearing aids mean users don’t need to buy expensive batteries regularly, and they’re also safer if children are frequent visitors, as there’s no temptation to swallow them. To top it all off, rechargeable aids are more environmentally friendly. 

There are some disadvantages of rechargeable hearing aids, mostly in relation to the charging station. If the charger breaks, there’s a power outage or the cord is accidentally unplugged, the aid has no power. In traditional hearing aids, batteries can be easily replaced in most instances, helping users retain their hearing no matter the situation. There are also fewer rechargeable models to choose from as the technology is still relatively new. 

How To Choose a Rechargeable Hearing Aid

Hearing aid purchasing decisions are best made after a discussion with a hearing care provider. The first consideration should always be whether the aid will improve hearing before looking at any other features, including batteries. This means considering audio quality, microphones and the ability to adjust settings to ensure the hearing aid will suit the user’s lifestyle. 

The next consideration is battery life. The primary concern is how long the battery lasts before it needs to be recharged. Most rechargeable options last for more than 24 hours, with some holding a charge for 60 hours or more. People who travel a lot may also wish to look for models for a portable charging case for extra power on the go. Consider the overall life span of the batteries and whether they can be replaced at the end of the battery’s life, or if an entirely new set of hearing aids will be required. 

Comfort is also an important consideration, as uncomfortable hearing aids are unlikely to be worn regularly. Some companies offer trials so people can try before they buy, and user reviews can also give an indication of how comfortable a particular brand is. Consider any desired accessories, such as microphones, remote controls or television connections. Some new models offer Bluetooth connection and apps that replace the need for certain accessories. 

Price is often a deciding factor when choosing a hearing aid. The average cost for hearing aids is hard to determine, because it depends on accessories, warranties, added fees, and other incidentals. Rechargeable hearing aids can range in price from $600 for a single hearing aid to over $5,000 for a custom-made pair. When deciding on a model, consider money-back guarantees, what’s covered by the warranty, how much replacements and accessories cost and whether fittings and adjustments are included in the price. Many manufacturers offer payment plans of 12 months or more, so there isn’t a daunting up-front cost. 

Hearing Aid Brand Reviews