Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are a game-changer for anyone with mild to moderate hearing loss. These non-prescription devices make it easier and more affordable to improve your hearing without needing a doctor’s visit.
EARGO 7 Hearing Aid
What to Look For in an OTC Hearing Aid
First things first, ensure you actually need a hearing aid. Every product we feature includes a way to test your hearing, either online or through a companion app, so you may determine if a hearing aid is right for you. If you don’t need a hearing aid, then you don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars on one.
Once you know you need it, double-check that an over-the-counter hearing aid is the right choice. Unlike prescription models, these are designed to be self-fitting, making them more accessible and affordable. TheFDA approved OTC hearing aidsfor adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, so you don’t need a medical exam or prescription to purchase one. However, they’re not recommended for severe hearing loss.
Of course, sound quality will be key. The hearing aids we recommend have been tested for performance, with all of them receiving an A (Expert’s Choice) or B ranking on the HearAdvisorhearing aid sound performance test.
Comfort is another big factor, especially since you’ll likely be wearing them daily. Some brands, like EARGO, even send out non-working samples so you can test the fit before committing. All of our featured picks are self-fitting, so you won’t need help putting them on. But although you may not need an expert to help you fit OTC hearing aids, you may need help on how to insert, fit, and remove them. Check for manufacturers that offer help via phone, video calls, or video guides.
Placement and visibility (or, rather, invisibility) are also important. You can choose from different options, like behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), in-the-canal (ITC), or completely-in-canal (CIC).
Other important features to consider include battery life, Bluetooth connectivity (for calls and streaming), noise cancellation, app support, and warranty coverage. Finally, OTC hearing aids can get pricey quickly, so also look into finance options as needed.
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On-site hearing test with assisted setup
Additional wait days for Zoom call
Nice and comfortable fit with Bluetooth support
Superb sound quality with noise cancelation
100-day free trial
If you’re looking for an OTC hearing aid that does it all, theJabra Enhance Select 300is a fantastic choice. The onboarding process is hassle-free. Just visit their website, answer a few quick questions, and take ahearing testonline. No doctor’s visit is needed.
It’s simple to set up and sits comfortably on your ears, making all-day wear a breeze. The powerful soundscape technology delivers clear, natural sound in any setting, whether you want to hear everything around you or block out background noise for better focus during calls and conversations.
With the premium plan, you may request remote adjustments from the audiology team, fine-tune noise cancelation, and even set up automatic volume adjustments. If you prefer, you can always manage your settings manually using the Jabra Enhance app oniOSorAndroid.
It lasts a long time on a single charge, and the included charging case provides three extra full charges, so you’re covered whether you’re taking calls orstreaming musicand videos over Bluetooth. To top it off, they come in multiple colors, so you’re able to pick the style that suits you best.
The standard Enhance Select 300 is a solid option, but if you’re willing to spend just $200 more, thepremium packagetakes things to the next level. It includes a Zoom consultation with professional audiologists who fine-tune your hearing aids to match your specific needs. With the premium version, you’re also getting three years of professional hearing care, a warranty, and protection against loss and damage. Plus, there’s a 100-day risk-free trial, so you have plenty of time to try it out and decide if it’s right for you.
Jabra Enhance Select 300
The Jabra Enhance Select 300 is a robust OTC hearing aid that offers a comfortable fit, discreet design, and superb performance that is hard to beat.
Relatively affordable OTC hearing aid by Apple
Android not supported
Compatible with other Apple products
Excellent audio with noise cancellation
Superb battery life
Apple products aren’t usually considered budget-friendly, but when it comes to hearing aids, especially OTC options, theApple AirPods Pro 2is a surprisingly affordable and high-quality choice. It’s built to last, comes with multiple silicone eartips for a snug fit, and even offersfree engravingfor a personal touch.
What really makes theAirPods Pro 2stand out is its built-in hearing aid functionality, a game-changer for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you’re using the latest iOS and AirPods Pro 2 firmware, you may take a quickhearing testand customize the settings to match your needs.
When it comes to sound, it delivers crystal-clear audio, making conversations effortless whether you’re on a call or chatting in person. The noise cancellation is top-notch, blocking out distractions so you’re able to focus completely. But when you do need to stay aware of your surroundings, Adaptive Transparency mode keeps you grounded.
With Bluetooth connectivity andpersonalized spatial audio, you may take your listening experience to the next level. Whether you’re playing music or watching a movie, the AirPods Pro 2 makes it feel like you’re right in the middle of the action, delivering an immersive experience even for those with hearing loss.
Battery life is another strong point, lasting up to seven hours on a single charge. The case provides additional charges, keeping you powered for up to 30 hours when fully charged. Given the price, performance, and features, the AirPods Pro 2 is an unbeatable deal compared to more expensive hearing aid models.
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen
The Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen feature enhanced noise cancelation, personalized spatial audio, and wireless charging capabilities.
Promoted Pick:HearX Go Prime OTC Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can get expensive quickly—even our choice for the best budget hearing aids is not cheap (though they can do more than be a hearing aid). ApriaHome knows this, and theGo Prime OTC Hearing Aidsoffers a great balance of price and quality. While these are the least expensive hearing aids available, they still provide a wireless and comfortable audio-amplifying experience. These in-ear hearing aids are also very discreet and are not all that visible unless you’re looking for them. Add in payment plan options and a 30 day return period, and the Go Prime hearing aids are a great option.
HearX Go Prime OTC Hearing Aids
This budget-friendly pair of hearing aids offers great sound while still being discreet, and you can pay in installments to make the price even easier to swallow.
Fits well and comfortable to wear
Streaming not supported
Hi-Fi sound output
Adaptive sounds based on surroundings
App-controlled and weatherproof
A hearing aid can have all the best features, but if it’s uncomfortable, it’s practically useless. If you’re looking for an OTC hearing aid that feels great even after hours of wear, theSONY CRE-C20is a solid choice.
Designed for a snug, secure fit, it comes with multiple ear tips and sits comfortably inside your ear canal, giving you a sleek and discreet look. The enhanced ear sleeves and anti-slip ear grips keep it firmly in place, so you don’t have to worry about it falling out. But before getting started, you’ll want tocheck your hearingandwatch the videoguide on how to properly fit and remove them for the best experience.
Sony’s hearing aid delivers high-fidelity audio that makes conversations much clearer. It can automatically adapt to your surroundings, so you always get the best sound, no matter where you are. you may easily manage your settings with the companion app onAndroidoriOS. The Battery life is also impressive, lasting over 28 hours on a single charge, with the charging case providing an extra 60 hours. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t support audio streaming.
The CRE-C20 features a durable, water-resistant design with anIP68 rating, making it resistant to sweat, dust, and even rain. Whether you’re out for a jog or caught in bad weather, you can count on it to keep going without missing a beat.
SONY CRE-C20 Hearing Aid
The SONY CRE-C20 offers a super-comfortable fit, which allows you to wear it all day without pain or discomfort.
Less confusing tech for seniors
Can get pretty loud
Easy to install and comfortable to use
Bluetooth connectivity and streaming
Long battery life with auto on/off
Not everyone may want a high-tech gadget like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid. If you’re looking for something less tech-oriented and friendlier towards seniors, theELEHEAR Beyondis a fantastic option.
It comes with multiple ear domes that make it easy to fit and comfortable to wear all day. Thehearing testis simple, and setup is just as effortless. ELEHEAR devices come with standard-size receivers, but if you need a custom length, you may request one for a small additional fee.
Designed to sit discreetly behind the ear, the ELEHEAR Beyond blends in naturally with your hair color, making it barely noticeable. It’s also eyeglass-friendly, so you won’t have to choose between clear hearing and clear vision. And with a 45-day risk-free trial, you have plenty of time to decide if it’s the right fit.
The ELEHEAR Beyond features Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, letting you stream your favorite music, shows, or podcasts with a solid connection, even across larger rooms. Each ear has independent volume and tone controls, so you can adjust your hearing exactly how you like it. If you want even more control, theAndroidandiOSapps provide access to additional features.
Battery life is another big plus, as it runs for hours on a single charge. With a fully charged case, you get up to four charge cycles, adding up to nearly 100 hours of use. Plus, it comes with an automatic on/off feature, a great convenience for seniors who might forget to turn it off.
ELEHEAR Beyond Hearing Aid
The ELEHEAR Beyond OTC Hearing Aid is ideal for seniors who suffer from mild to severe tinnitus. It is simple to set up and use with manual buttons that allow for easy operation.
Practically invisible OTC hearing aid
More expensive than other featured products
Free non-working samples to test fit
45-day risk-free returns
Lifetime access to licensed audiologists
Most OTC hearing aids are designed to be compact and discreet, but if you’re looking for one that’s truly invisible, theEARGO 7is the clear winner. You just have to take ahearing testto ensure it’s right for you.
This tiny device sits inside your ear canal, completely out of sight, perfect for anyone who wants to amplify their hearing without anyone noticing. It’s also incredibly comfortable. If you’re unsure about the fit, you can even request a free non-working sample before making a purchase to see how it feels.
It delivers crisp, clear audio for calls, conversations, and everyday sounds. Whether you’re chatting with family, catching up with friends, or in a meeting, you’ll hear everything with clarity. The built-in noise reduction helps filter out background distractions, making it easier to focus. If you want to tweak your settings, you can do it effortlessly using the EARGO app oniOSorAndroid.
With an IPX7 rating, the EARGO 7 can handle water exposure for up to 30 minutes at a depth of one meter, making it safe for workouts, jogging, or even light water activities. Plus, it comes with lifetime access to professional support from licensed audiologists, so help is always just a call away. You also get up to a two-year warranty for extra peace of mind.
Battery life won’t be a concern, either. A full charge powers the device for up to 16 hours, and if you ever run into issues, EARGO has a library of video guides to walk you through troubleshooting. And if you need more personalized help, their customer support team is easy to reach via phone, chat, or email.
The EARGO 7 OTC Hearing Aid is designed to be heard and not be seen. It disappears inside the ears, making it the perfect choice for people who want an invisible hearing aid.
FAQ
Are OTC hearing aids legal in the US?
Yes, OTC hearing aids are completely legal in the U.S. In August 2022, theFDA approved themfor adults 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss—no medical exam or prescription needed.
How do I know if I need an OTC hearing aid?
The simplest way to determine if you need an OTC hearing aid is by taking a hearing test. Every product we feature lets you check your hearing before making a purchase. The only exception is the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which requires you to have the device on hand to complete the in-app test.
Will an OTC hearing aid help with tinnitus?
OTC hearing aids are made for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. While some models can help reduce the impact of tinnitus, they aren’t designed to treat or cure it. For that, you’d need to see an audiologist.
How do I care for and maintain my OTC hearing aid?
Each manufacturer has its own guidelines for cleaning and maintaining OTC hearing aids, so it’s best to check their website for specific instructions. If you’re using the Sony CRE-C20, here’swhat Sony recommends:
