Music makes life more enjoyable. Whether it’s a live concert, in the car, or as background noise, music is a way to lift your mood, relax, meditate, and practice self-care.
As an audiologist, I have met many patients who are either musicians or enjoy music and experience hearing loss. Patients commonly express their love for music and its essential role—they want to continue enjoying music, but hearing loss poses a challenge.
This is where hearing aids come in. After all, these devices can significantly affect the quality of life of people with hearing loss. Keep scrolling and I’ll provide tips to optimize your music experience and review the best hearing aids for musicians.
In this article, get the intel on the music listening experience, plus a close look at hearing aids and their ability to process sound and music.
What We Considered in Selecting the Best Hearing Aids for Music
- Wide Dynamic Range: Allows for more realistic sound output.
- Processing Speed: Ensures a lifelike recreation of live music.
- Fitting and Style: Impacts overall music experience.
- Built-In Programming Capabilities: Enables customization with music programs.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
Featured in this article
1. Widex Smart RIC
Widex is a top hearing aid choice among musicians. The Widex Moment Sheer achieves its natural sound quality through its Zero Delay and Pure Sound technology. In addition, it is pared down, which speeds up the processing of the hearing aid to deliver a less distorted and smoother, more authentic sound quality.
Read More About Widex Smart RIC
Widex Allure
- Known for one of the most natural sound profiles in the industry
- Advanced sound personalization with AI-driven adjustments
- Available in discreet RIC and custom in-ear styles
Widex Allure is widely recognized for delivering one of the most natural, lifelike sound experiences in the prescription category. In both lab testing and real-world use, it consistently ranks among the top-performing devices for sound clarity and listening comfort.
Widex has long focused on preserving natural sound, and the Allure platform continues that legacy with modern AI-driven personalization.
In-Clinic Fitting
Widex Allure devices are professionally fit and fine-tuned by a hearing care provider, ensuring sound is customized to your exact hearing profile and preferences.
Rechargeable with Bluetooth
Allure supports Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free streaming, with rechargeable options and a range of form factors including RIC, BTE, and custom in-ear styles.
App Programming
Widex’s SoundSense Learn technology uses real-time feedback and AI to adjust sound preferences, allowing users to personalize their listening experience beyond standard presets.
Sound Quality
This is where Widex stands out most. Sound is extremely natural and balanced, with less “processed” feel compared to some competitors. It performs especially well in music and conversational environments.
Notes & Watchouts
- Less aggressive noise reduction than some competitors (more natural vs. filtered sound)
- Performance in very noisy environments may not be as strong as AI-heavy competitors
- Includes an in-person hearing test at a local clinic
Bottom line: Widex Allure is ideal for users who prioritize natural, lifelike sound quality and personalization over heavy noise filtering or automation.
- Focused on sound quality, delivering clear sound with the lowest delay in the industry.
- Includes industry leading tinnitus features.
- Widex Allure hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming capabilities.
- Only sold through local clinics. Remote adjustments require an additional accessory.
- Widex offers a premium product at a premium price that may be out of budget for some.
- Less advanced smartphone app
- Widex Allure is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss.
- Custom earmolds are often recommended for severe hearing loss to provide superior comfort, improved sound quality, and reduced feedback.
- Widex Allure is a prescription device that is fitted and programmed by a Hearing Care Professional (HCP).
- Widex Allure allows for remote follow-up programming
- Widex has the fastest processing time among all major hearing aid manufacturers.
- Widex is a popular choice for musicians and audiophiles.
- Allure includes new sound-processing features to improve background noise performance.
- Widex Allure comes in three styles: Receiver-in-canal (RIC), Behind-the-ear (BTE), and Custom.
- Widex Allure is one of the smallest RIC devices on the market.
- The hearing instrument sits behind the ear, and a receiver (speaker) extends from the hearing aid into the ear canal.
- Choose between ten color options, including neutral colors (black, grey, silver, various skin-tone shades)
- Widex Allure comes with rechargeable batteries only.
- BTE style provides 32 hours full charge with 5 hours of streaming. Custom style provides 19 hours with 5 hours of streaming.
- Allure RIC style provides 27 hours on a 4-hour full charge (without streaming).
- Widex Allure supports Bluetooth LE Audio for next-gen streaming and improved battery performance.
- AppleiOS® and Android™ users can enjoy hands-free calling.
- Streaming is more stable thanks to a dedicated compressor that separates media and environmental sounds.
- Allureis Auracast-ready in all styles, pending a future firmware update.
- Widex Allure is designed for ease of use, though like all behind-the-ear styles, it requires placing the device behind the ear and inserting the receiver or the custom earmold into the ear canal.
- Allure features a redesigned push button for convenient volume and program adjustments on the go.
- Widex Allure is water resistant with a rating of IP68.
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Remote care: Allure hearing aid fittings and adjustments must be performed in-person by a hearing care professional. Fittings and adjustments must be done in-person or using a special neck loop necessary.
- Customization: Adjust volume, programs, directionality, and sound profile using the Allure app; includes AI Quick and Sound Assistants
- Tinnitus masking: Available through your hearing care professional
- Find my hearing aid: Yes – built-in app feature shows last known location and Bluetooth proximity
- Health tracking: Not available
2. GN ReSound NEXIA
With the natural placement of the M&RIE receiver in the ear canal, GN ReSound offers an excellent option for those who appreciate music. In addition, their technology provides a wide dynamic range and many customization options for your hearing healthcare professional to adjust and tweak your settings. The GN ReSound app is also user-friendly and allows you to change settings.
Read More about ReSound NEXIA
ReSound Vivia
- One of the most advanced AI-powered hearing aids available
- Compact receiver-in-canal design
- Auracast-ready with next-generation Bluetooth support
ReSound Vivia is built for users who prioritize advanced sound processing and future-ready connectivity. It’s one of the most innovative devices in the prescription category today.
In-Clinic Fitting
These hearing aids are fit and tuned by a professional, allowing for precise customization based on your hearing profile.
Rechargeable with Bluetooth
Vivia supports next-gen Bluetooth, including Auracast, and offers reliable all-day battery life.
App Programming
ReSound’s app provides a strong mix of user controls and professional adjustments, making it easy to fine-tune settings as needed.
Sound Quality
Vivia performs especially well in dynamic environments, using AI to adapt to changing sound conditions and improve speech clarity.
Notes & Watchouts
- Availability of Auracast features may vary
- Includes an in-person hearing test at a local clinic
Bottom line: ReSound Vivia is a great option for users who want advanced AI sound processing and future-ready connectivity.
- Great for background noise management
- Auracast compatible
- Small form factor and an optional 3rd microphone in the ear
- 30-hours of battery life
- More expensive compared to direct to consumer and OTC options
- Vivia's in-ear M&RIE microphone is a bit larger and can be uncomfortable for some
- ReSound Vivia is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for individuals with hearing loss in the mild to severe range. Custom earmolds may be recommended for severe hearing loss to provide superior comfort, improved sound quality, and reduced feedback.
- ReSound Vivia combines discreet design with exceptional comfort, making it a good choice for many patients. For those with smaller ear canals, your hearing care professional can easily switch from a M&RIE (Microphone in Receiver) to a standard receiver, ensuring a more comfortable fit without compromising performance.
- ReSound Vivia is a prescription device that is fitted and programmed by a Hearing Care Professional (HCP).
- After initial fitting, you can choose to connect with your HCP remotely through the ReSound app.
- ReSound Vivia is an excellent choice for background noise management. The new onboard AI chip is focused on increasing clarity and the ability to focus on what matters most in challenging listening environments.
- Vivia uses a combination of beam forming microphone technology and noise reduction algorithms to single out speech in complex noise environments.
- ReSound Vivia is a discreet and comfortable hearing aid for most patients. While some patients with smaller ear canals may find the M&RIE uncomfortable in their ears, the M&RIE can easily be changed to the standard receiver by your hearing healthcare provider.
- ReSound Vivia hearing aids fit behind the ear.
- Vivia is among the smallest behind-the-ear devices on the market. Its compact design is especially impressive given the advanced dual-chip architecture and robust battery life, engineered for all-day wear.
- Vivia is offered in a wide range of colors, including new Navy Blue and Red options.
- Vivia is available in three styles, the micro RIE rechargeable, and two disposable battery styles sizes 13 and 312.
- Vivia also offers a CROS (single-sided deafness) compatible rechargeable device.
- Vivia is one of the first hearing aids on the market to release Auracast-compatible hearing aids. Auracast™ allows users to stream public announcements, movies, and other shared audio experiences directly to their hearing aids.
- Vivia also allows standardBluetooth streaming from Apple iOS® and Android™ devices. iPhone users can take calls hands-free. Hands-free mode means that during a call, bi-directional streaming allows the hearing aid user to both hear the call through their hearing aids and use the hearing aid microphones to transmit their voice to the caller.
- Media streaming, however, is one-way only. As long as the phone is compatible, users can stream audio. For FaceTime or Teams calls, streaming is bi-directional.
- Vivia uses Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth.
- Vivia offers a straightforward experience and, like all behind-the-ear styles, simply requires placing the hearing aid comfortably behind the ear and inserting the receiver or custom earmold into the ear.
- Vivia's recharging cases use magnetic charging, which is easier to insert or remove the device from the charger and creates a more consistent charging experience.
- The ReSound Smart 3D app has a feature that uses your phone camera to check that the hearing aids are in the ear properly.
- ReSound Vivia is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Remote care: After an in-office activation and patient accepts the remote care option then remote adjusts could be available between provider and patientvia the app
- Customization: Volume control, treble/bass, streaming treble/bass, programs
- Tinnitus masking: Customizable programs with a hearing care professional or use the Resound Relief app to experiment with masking noise
- Find my hearing aid: This feature is included in the app
- Check my fit: An app feature from Resound to check the hearing aids are in the ear properly
Read our full review of the ReSound App here.
3. Oticon Intent
Oticon’s mild, mellow sound quality is another favorite among musicians. A higher technology level also allows finer frequency band adjustments so that settings can be adjusted and fine-tuned to meet your music needs and preferences.
Read More About Oticon Intent
Oticon Intent
- Best prescription hearing aids for adaptive sound
- Uses motion sensors to optimize listening
- Advanced environmental awareness
Oticon Intent introduces a new level of smart listening. With built-in motion sensors, these hearing aids adjust based on your movement and environment.
In testing, this results in more natural sound transitions and improved focus in conversations.
In-Clinic Fitting
Oticon Intent devices are professionally fit and fine-tuned by a hearing care provider, ensuring sound is customized to your exact hearing profile and preferences.
Rechargeable with Bluetooth
The Oticon Intent uses a newly designed lithium-ion battery built for greater efficiency. If you’re short on time, a 30-minute charge delivers up to eight hours of wear. With a full charge, Intent provides up to 20 hours of battery life. That’s slightly less than some industry leaders, but more than enough for most everyday users. Oticon Intent now offers Bluetooth LE Audio which future-proofs the devices for new audio experiences like Auracast that will roll out in phones, TVs, and public spaces in the next two years.
App Programming
The Oticon app allows for easy adjustments while supporting professional fine-tuning when needed.
Sound Quality
Excellent clarity with dynamic adjustments in real time. Oticon is an excellent choice for people who want leading-edge technology and prefer a more open, natural sound.
Notes & Watchouts
- Advanced features may require adjustment period
- Slightly less app customization
- Includes an in-person hearing test at a local clinic
Bottom line: A top-tier option for users who want the latest adaptive hearing technology.
- Well balanced and intuitive sound processing
- Bluetooth streaming from Android and Apple devices
- Offered with both rechargeable and disposable batteries
- Oticon Intent hearing aids start at $2,898 and can cost as much as $7,000 with walk in care
- Oticon Intent hearing aids require a visit to an in person audiologist and are not sold online
- Oticon Intent is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss.
- Custom earmolds are often recommended for severe hearing loss to provide superior comfort, improved sound quality, and reduced feedback.
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for Oticon Xceed.
- Oticon Intent is a prescription device that is fit and programmed by a Hearing Care Professional (HCP).
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with your HCP remotely through the Oticon app.
- Oticon Intent comes with a new, intuitive operating system. Intent uses Oticon's Deep Neural Network to sort background noise from speech. Many users describe Oticon's sound quality as"relaxed", "natural" and "comfortable."
- The new 4D sensors give a customized listening experience for the user, and potentially enhanced clarity and balance.
- Using BrainHearing™ technology, it automatically adjusts for the best sound experience. With enhanced speech clarity, reduced listening effort, and seamless connectivity.
- Oticon Intent is a very comfortable product with a wide variety of possible custom earmolds, domes, and hearing aid styles.
- Oticon Intent hearing aids come in two styles: behind the ear and receiver in the canal.
- Intent is Oticon's smallest RIC hearing aid to date.
- Intent comes in 9 colors including chroma beige, silver grey, silver, terracotta, chestnut brown, steel grey, diamond black, olive green, and sky blue.
- Intent is available in rechargeable models.
- The rechargeable version of Oticon Intent gets 20 hours of power on a single 2-hour charge, including streaming.
- Oticon Intent allows Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls across all models. Users can enjoy hands-free calls with Apple iOS® or Android™ phones.
- Oticon Intent uses Bluetooth LE and is Auracast™-capable.
- Oticon Intent is designed for ease of use and, like all behind-the-ear styles, simply involves placing the hearing aid comfortably behind the ear and inserting the receiver into the ear.
- Oticon Intent is water resistant with an IP rating of IP68.
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Remote care: Included in the new Oticon Companion app
- Customization: Volume, program change, streaming sound quality(treble/bass), SpeechBooster
- Tinnitus masking: Your hearing provider can create a tinnitus masking program
- Find my hearing aid: Available in the app
How Hearing Aids Work
Regarding sound processing, hearing aids amplify speech sounds and other environmental sounds.
How hearing aids work:
- The sounds are picked up by the hearing aid microphones, which send electronic signals to the processor.
- The processor appropriately enhances the signals for hearing loss and sends them to the speakers, where they are delivered to the ear canal.
- The key to hearing aids’ effectiveness is the sound processing algorithms that are built into the device.
How Hearing Aids Process Speech
The primary purpose of a hearing aid is to improve speech audibility.
What the hearing aid does with the sounds it picks up depends on two factors:
- The type of sound
- The volume of the sound
More specifically, the hearing aid distinguishes noise and speech, reducing noise while enhancing speech.
The goal of the hearing aid is to amplify soft and normal conversational speech adequately while providing minimal amplification to loud speech. Based on your audiogram, the hearing aid applies frequency-specific volume to provide the volume that you need.
How Hearing Aids Process Music
Essentially, music is approached the same as other sounds by hearing aid processing.
The hearing aid’s primary goal is to amplify speech; however, sound processing to optimize speech may conflict with optimal settings for music listening.
For example, the hearing aid behaves differently with soft than loud speech sounds (e.g., soft sounds are amplified more than loud sounds).
Music contains a wide range of volumes, a wider range of frequencies, variety of sounds and may or may not include speech or lyrics. Sounds that are typically “noise” in another setting might be a desired part of the music.
For example, the hearing aid often reduces a sudden, loud impulse noise (i.e., door slam), but that sudden volume change may be a desired part of the music you’re listening to.
Therefore, enjoying live music requires appropriate settings to preserve the fidelity of the sound. So what is an audiophile to do? Fortunately, there are plenty of options for music lovers and high fidelity sound enthusiasts.
Music Programs and Fine-Tuning
Music programs and fine-tuning can significantly improve the quality of music through hearing aids.
Are you a musician? Fine-tuning for your instrument can help improve sound quality.
Many hearing aids have music programs specifically designed to adjust the device to allow sound to come through with less distortion to the music’s sound quality.
For example, a music program disengages noise reduction programs, directional microphones, and frequency-lowering features. As music incorporates sounds that hearing aids may classify as “noise,” disengaging features, such as noise reduction, will help preserve the fidelity of the music.
To note, hearing aids are often programmed to enhance higher-frequency speech sounds. So that means depending on your instrument, the target frequency region may differ from the hearing aid’s default settings.
Final Thoughts
Hearing aids can significantly affect the quality of music and sound for people with hearing loss. The key is to choose a hearing aid that meets your needs and fine-tune the music program to your preferences.
It is also essential to communicate with your hearing healthcare professional about your music needs and preferences. If you’re looking for more resources, try our Live Listen feature to hear sound quality from different hearing aid options.
