What are the 5 best hearing aids on the market?

A lot happened in the world of hearing aids last year, with all major manufacturers releasing new innovative products. The class of 2022 offers superior sound processing, excellent wireless connectivity, and pandemic-friendly telehealth capabilities. But each product has its strengths and weaknesses, and we’ve waded through the options to find the very best hearing aids on the market for 2022.

Best rechargeable hearing aids

To find the best rechargeable hearing aids on the market, I considered the following four criteria:

• Longest-lasting battery - When fully-charged, which hearing aid provides the highest number of hours of continuous use?
• Fastest charging - Which hearing aids charge the fastest?
• Battery replacement - How often do batteries need to be replaced? And, what is the process like?
• Charging case options - Are the chargers well designed? Are they portable? Do they provide additional charges on the go?

My Pick: ReSound One

Released in August 2020, the ReSound One offers the best rechargeability solution on the market. On a full charge One provides 30 hours of operating time (24 hours with heavy wireless streaming). That’s a full 6 hours more than their closest competition!

In terms of fast charging, ReSound really isn’t ahead of the pack. One takes about 3 hours to fully recharge from a flat battery, and this is more or less in line with every other rechargeable lithium-ion hearing aid on the market. But, considering you get an extra 6 hours of battery life with the same amount of charge time, it seems like ReSound wins on fast charging too.

In addition, I love ReSound’s Premium Charger. It’s a well-designed, and rugged, charging case that offers 3 on-the-go charges. It’s also easy to slot the hearing aids into the charger, which is a huge win for anyone with dexterity issues.

In terms of battery replacement, it’s hard to find a winner here. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are relatively new in the world of hearing aids, and manufacturers are saying to expect anywhere from 4-6 years from the rechargeable cells. We’ll be reporting back as soon as we get reports of batteries needing replacing!

Replacing a rechargeable battery will require your audiologist to send your hearing aids to the manufacturer for an off-site servicing. This will mean some hearing down time unless you can secure a hearing aid loaner. Oticon is currently the only brand that allows rechargeable battery replacement at the audiologists office, so if that’s an important consideration for you, check out the Opn S or More families from Oticon.

ReSound One

Listed prices are for a pair of hearing aids in US dollars unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and may vary by region.

Product Highlights

Great battery life and robust portable charging case

Wireless audio streaming for iOS and Android*

Unique design improves wind noise and spatial hearing

Hyperdirectional beamforming microphones

Drawbacks

Accessory required for hands-free calling on Android

Rechargeable model does not have a telecoil

Off site service needed to replace rechargeable battery

Accessory required for non-smartphone Bluetooth

*Via Made For iPhone and Android ASHA protocols on select smartphones.

Runner Up: Oticon More

More is the latest hearing aid from Danish company Oticon. More is in the second tier of rechargeable hearing aids when it comes to battery life, comparable to brands like Phonak and Starkey which offer 24 hours on a full charge. While Oticon does not offer a portable charger (Phonak and Starkey both do), Oticon does provide something unique — your hearing aids won’t need to be sent back to the manufacturer when it’s time to replace the built-in lithium-ion batteries. We want to encourage more manufacturers to follow suit!

Oticon More

Listed prices are for a pair of hearing aids in US dollars unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and may vary by region.

Product Highlights

No offsite service for battery replacement

Wireless audio streaming for iOS and Android*

Better hearing in background noise through onboard AI**

Interact with internet-of-things devices

Drawbacks

Accessory required for hands-free calling on Android

Accessory required for non-smartphone Bluetooth

*Via Made For iPhone and Android ASHA protocols on select smartphones.
**According to research from Oticon

Best Bluetooth connectivity

To find the best Bluetooth connectivity on the market, I considered the following five criteria:

• iPhone streaming - Can the hearing aids stream audio from iOS devices?
• Android streaming - Can the hearing aids stream audio from Android phones?
• Laptop streaming - Are the hearing aids able to stream audio from laptops and other Bluetooth-enabled devices?
• Accessory requirement - Is an accessory required to stream audio from certain devices, or to enable hands-free calling?
• General connectivity - Do the hearing aids offer stable multi-device connectivity? How easy is the pairing process?

My Pick: Phonak Paradise

While most hearing aid companies went down the path of providing “Made For iPhone” hearing aids (starting with the ReSound LiNX back in 2014), Phonak lagged behind, not launching their first Bluetooth-connected hearing aid until early 2018. For many, the wait was worth it. Because it was the first hearing aid to offer universal Bluetooth connectivity, Phonak Marvel was a raging success.

The early days for Marvel were rocky, with only one Bluetooth connection supported at a time, and lacking support for Phonak’s popular Roger wireless accessories. All of that was fixed with the Marvel 2.0 firmware upgrade, which added support for Roger and 2 simultaneous Bluetooth connections.

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Phonak was slow to jump into the world of Bluetooth connectivity, but ended up stealing the crown this year with Paradise, which provides significant upgrades to Marvel’s connectivity by adding support for up to 8 Bluetooth devices and 2 active Bluetooth connections. This means going back and forth between a phone and laptop, etc, is now as seamless as any other modern true wireless earbud. Connection stability and ease of pairing is as you’d expect too.

Other than good universal Bluetooth connectivity, Phonak is also the only brand to offer true hands-free calling for iOS and Android—and in stereo. There have been some reports of sound quality issues related to the hearing aid user’s own voice on the other end of the call, but for the most part, it seems that the convenience outweighs this limitation for most. I’ve personally made hands-free calls with Paradise, and it worked well enough for my needs.

Phonak Audéo Paradise

Listed prices are for a pair of hearing aids in US dollars unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and may vary by region.

Product Highlights

Universal Bluetooth connectivity with stereo streaming

Tap controls and motion sensing

Hands-free calling in stereo

Rechargeable models available

Best wireless accessories on the market

Sound audiology from market leader

Drawbacks

Own voice may sound degraded to conversation partners on hands-free calls

Will not support Bluetooth LE Audio if and when others receive support

*Via Made For iPhone and Android ASHA protocols on select smartphones.
**According to research from Oticon

Runner Up: ReSound One

ReSound was the first hearing aid company to offer support for both Made For iPhone and Android ASHA Bluetooth protocols, and Resound promises One will support the upcoming Bluetooth LE Audio protocol through a future firmware upgrade. While the Oticon More provides the same support (and promise of future LE Audio support), the product is still new, and has an unproven track record on ASHA support.

You can get high-quality hands-free calling for the ReSound One with iOS devices. For Android, you’ll need to purchase the ReSound Phone Clip+ and pair it to your phone. The microphone on the Phone Clip+ — which can be worn on a lapel — is used to pick up your voice and send it to the caller. For those looking at Oticon More, you’ll need the ConnectClip to accomplish hands-free calling with Android (a 2022 update added hands-free support for iOS).

Best discreet hearing aids

To find the best discreet hearing on the market, I considered the following two criteria:

• Visibility - Is the hearing aid visible to those around you?
• Reliability - Does wax and moisture cause performance issues?
• Comfort - Is the hearing aid comfortable in your ear?

My Pick: Phonak Virto M Titanium IIC

Phonak started manufacturing 3D-printed titanium hearing aids back in 2017 with Virto B. My mind was blown at the time, because I didn’t even know it was possible to “print” metal. Apparently printed metal is a thing, and Phonak saw an opportunity to bring the technology into the hearing aid manufacturing process.

In a press release, Phonak stated that their titanium shells were “15x stronger and 50% thinner” than traditional acrylic hearing aid shells. This meant “deeper placement in the ear canal” and a “more discreet fit.” In 2022, Phonak is still ahead of the pack when it comes to hearing aid visibility — no other manufacturer is producing printed-titanium shells that compete on size or “invisibility.”

In terms of comfort, the new Virto M is about as comfortable as any other “invisible in canal” (IIC) hearing aid on the market — which is to say, pretty comfortable for most people. Most people prefer open-fitting hearing aids over custom-fitted in-canal style hearing aids.

In terms of reliability, the Virto M Titanium is as reliable as any IIC can be. It’s the only one that I’m aware of that has an IP68 for moisture and dust protection. Having said that, ear canals are a hostile (warm, damp, waxy) environment for even the most robust of hearing aids, so if you are someone who perspires a lot or produces a lot of wax, you might want to consider going with a thin-tube style hearing aid that doesn’t put any electronic components deep in your ear.

Phonak Virto M

Listed prices are for a pair of hearing aids in US dollars unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and may vary by region.

Product Highlights

Volume and program control available

Phonak's AutoSense OS™ 3.0

Drawbacks

No directional microphones

No Bluetooth or wireless functionality

No AutoSense OS features that rely on ear-to-ear communication

Runner Up: Phonak Lyric

The absolute most invisible hearing aid in the world is the Phonak Lyric 4. It’s so small, and goes so deep into the ear canal, that it has to be surgically inserted by an ENT specialist or specially-trained audiologist. And while it would probably win on both visibility and comfort, there have been reports about poor reliability for some people. While many people have absolutely no problems, those with heavy wax production (or who sweat a lot) can experience issues. And this can be a real nuisance if a dead hearing aid means a trip back to the specialist for extraction and re-insertion!

Phonak Lyric 4

Listed prices are for a pair of hearing aids in US dollars unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and may vary by region.

Product Highlights

Long-term wear device with no batteries to change

No taking out at bed or for showers

Improved reliability and comfort vs Lyric 3

Drawbacks

Reliability can suffer if you have much earwax

Many people do not fit candidacy criteria

No underwater swimming or diving

Annual subscription pricing may be higher than other products

Best hearing aids for general health

To find the best hearing aids for general health, I looked at the following factors:

• Usage reinforcement - Do the hearing aids encourage consistent usage?
• Activity reinforcement - Do the hearing aids encourage you to stay physically active?
• Fall monitoring - Do the hearing aids detect falls and alert your loved ones?

My Pick: Starkey AI

The winner in this category should be obvious to anyone familiar with the hearing aid industry. Starkey is the front-runner on taking a holistic approach to general wellbeing—the Thrive Hearing Control app tracks physical activity (steps, exercise time, and stand time) and hearing aid “engagement” to provide a single “Wellness Score” that gives the wearer continuous feedback on how well they’re doing.

The Thrive Hearing Control app works seamlessly with sensor-enabled hearing aids to provide a Wellness Score.

Starkey’s new Evolv AI hearing aids work seamlessly with the Thrive app—motion sensors onboard the hearing aids provide a constant stream of data to the app about physical activity. The onboard motion sensors are also able to detect falls (mild hearing loss can triple the risk of a fall in older adults). If and when a fall is detected, the Thrive app will send notifications to specified contacts from your phone book to alert them of the incident.

Starkey Evolv AI

Listed prices are for a pair of hearing aids in US dollars unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and may vary by region.

Product Highlights

Hearing aid usage and physical activity monitoring

Eleven different models to choose from

Rechargeable and traditional battery options

"Edge Mode" uses AI to optimize hearing in challenging situations

Wireless audio streaming for iOS and Android*

Hands-free calling without an accessory

"Find My Hearing Aids" feature on Thrive app

IP58 rated models available

Remote microphones and TV streamer available

Drawbacks

Voice AI feature only available on most expensive model

*Via Made For iPhone and Android ASHA protocols on select smartphones.

Runner Up: Lexie Lumen

Lexie Lumen is a direct-to-consumer hearing aid that is purchased for $799 (or on a $49/m subscription plan) on the internet, and shipped right to your front door. While Lexie Lumen doesn’t come with any onboard sensors, they do have a novel app that monitors hearing ability and provides subscription discounts for those who wear their hearing aids regularly. While there are plenty of other hearing aids that provide usage monitoring, Lexie is the only company willing to pay you to wear your hearing aids. And since Starkey is the only company with activity monitoring and fall detection, Lexie is receiving my runner-up win for this category.

Lexie Lumen

Listed prices are for a pair of hearing aids in US dollars unless otherwise specified. Prices may change over time, and may vary by region.

Product Highlights

Usage monitoring and reinforcement

Affordable online-purchase pricing

Talk directly to an expert through voice or video calls

Built on NAL-NL2 technology

Volume control via Bluetooth link

Drawbacks

No in-person clinical care available

No Bluetooth audio streaming

Thin tubes are more visible than RIC wires

Best hearing aids for frequent travelers

To find the best hearing aids for frequent travelers (North America), I looked at the following factors:

• Number of clinics - How many clinics support the product?
• Ease of access - How quickly can you get an appointment while traveling?
• Reliability of hearing aids - Can you rely on the hearing aids while traveling?

My Pick: Beltone Imagine

If you’ve read this far, you already know that ReSound One is my top pick for rechargeability, and my runner up for Bluetooth connectivity. But did you know ReSound One is also available to purchase at over 1,500 Beltone retail outlets, rebranded as the Beltone Imagine? Aside from the name, everything else is the same. Same technology. Same reliability. Same great rechargeability and connectivity. But, with the added benefit of lifetime support from any of the 1,500 North American Beltone locations.

I reached out directly to Beltone to find out what it would be like to travel as a Beltone hearing aid owner. The first reassurance owners have: Every new Beltone hearing aid comes with Remote Care Live telecare services. This means your home-clinic hearing care provider can help you via video chat on the HearMax app anywhere you’re able to connect to the internet. And should you need help in person, in-clinic service (in most cases same-day) is provided through the Belcare Guarantee.

Product Highlights

BelCare Guarantee for in-clinic support

Great battery life and robust portable charging case

Wireless audio streaming for iOS and Android*

Unique design improves wind noise and spatial hearing

Drawbacks

Accessory required for hands-free calling with Android

Rechargeable model does not have a telecoil

Accessory required for non-smartphone Bluetooth

*Via Made For iPhone and Android ASHA protocols on select smartphones.

Runner Up: Costco’s KS10

Coming up in second place is Costco with their latest Kirkland Signature hearing aid, the KS10, which is manufactured by Phonak’s parent company, Sonova. The KS10 is considered by many to be functionally the same as the Phonak Paradise, offering many of the same features and compatibility with Phonak’s Roger wireless accessories.

A quick look through the state-by-state warehouse listings reveals that most of Costco’s 558 US warehouses offer “Hearing Aid Center” services. In terms of access to in-clinic support, that’s about 1000 fewer clinics than what Beltone has on the map, and word on the street is that wait times to get into any Costco Hearing Aid Center can be lengthy due to the popularity of their cheaper-than-average hearing aid offerings. As an example, a pair of Paradise hearing aids might cost you 3x what you’d pay for a pair of KS10’s.

Product Highlights

Support from hundreds of Costco locations

Universal Bluetooth audio streaming

Drawbacks

Getting an appointment while traveling may be difficult due to frequently busy clinics

Does not have the same robust Bluetooth connectivity as the newer Phonak Paradise

What are the top hearing aids of 2022?

I’ve listed some of my top picks, but my opinion isn’t the only one that matters! Our in-house audiologist Matthew Allsop has a list of his own, so if you can spare a few minutes, grab a coffee, and hear all about Matthew’s favorite as we start out the new year.

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The best hearing aids for tinnitus

And if you’re specifically in the market for hearing aids that have special tinnitus-masking features, be sure to check out our comprehensive review of the best hearing aids for tinnitus relief.

Top hearing aid brands, rated by 500 audiologists

We surveyed five hundred audiologists in Q4 2020 to find out which hearing aid brands are the best on the following metrics:

Disclaimer

Survey results reflect the attitudes of audiologists, who may or may not be familiar with all hearing aid brands. For better or worse, each audiologist has their brand preferences, and our survey results reflect those preferences. Take the results with a grain of salt. Infrequently selected brands not included in the charts below.

How do I choose the best hearing aid?

Before trying to pick your own hearing aid, watch this video from our partner Doctor Cliff, AuD. You might be surprised by how complicated the process is.

Here are Cliff’s notes 😉 on what to consider when purchasing a hearing aid. Keep in mind that your hearing professional should be helping you understand the options:

1. Your hearing loss severity - You need a hearing aid that is capable of providing adequate amplification. If you have a severe or profound hearing loss, you’ll need a device that can produce higher sound levels.
2. Your ability to hear speech in noise - Speech in noise testing should be performed at every hearing evaluation. If you perform well on the test with amplification, hearing aids are likely to help you in noisy environments.
3. Brand accessibility - Certain brands may not be accessible in your area. This may limit your options.
4. Important features - Your hearing professional should get to know your listening needs and goals and suggest hearing aid features that can give you the most satisfaction and benefit.
5. Your lifestyle - More advanced hearing aids are geared towards meeting the needs of those with the most active lifestyles. If you find yourself in more complex listening environments you should consider purchasing higher technology.
6. Best practices - Does your hearing care provider follow best practices? If you aren’t receiving real ear measurement testing, you probably won’t get the most out of your hearing aids, even if they are top-of-the-line!

Looking to understand the available hearing aid features? Check out Hearing Tracker’s hearing aid matching engine.

How much do hearing aids cost?

We recently conducted a survey – with the help of the Hearing Loss Association of America – to learn more about the cost of hearing aids in the United States. Our survey showed that the overall average price paid for a single hearing aid was $2372. For a breakdown of hearing aid prices by brand, please read more on our page about the cost of hearing aids.

Looking to pay for hearing aids with healthcare insurance? Medical insurance coverage is available for some consumers.

Where to purchase hearing aids

Hearing aids are typically purchased from a local hearing healthcare practice. When shopping for hearing aids, we recommend working with a local practice that offers critical services like Real-Ear Measurements (REMs). You can search our database of local practices and filter by services using our Hearing Aids Near Me map.

Most hearing clinics offer an array of different hearing aid models (and should work with multiple brands). Depending on your specific needs, and budget, you may pay anywhere from $1,500 - $8,000 (or more) for a pair of hearing aids. If you want to know the cost ahead of time, check out HearingTracker’s local discount program, where you’ll be able to search over 5,000 discount offers.

There are also a few trusted online retailers, like ZipHearing, that work with local clinics to offer fixed price hearing aid + service bundles. We know that ZipHearing works directly with reputable hearing aid manufacturers, which is important because some online retailers sell “grey market” products that have dubious product warranties. The company also has a good reputation within the audiology community.

If you’re considering purchasing from an online retailer, be sure to do a comprehensive investigation of the business before sending them your credit card details. There have been many fly-by-night operations, like BuyHear.com, which left customers in the lurch after shutting down operations. We typically do not recommend direct-to-consumer hearing aids, but there are a couple of companies, like Lexie and Lively, that offer legitimate products and services.

HearingTracker independently reviews products and services. When you buy through our links or using our discount codes, we may earn a commission.

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