Hearing loss is a common problem among senior citizens. The NIH estimates that approximately one out of three people over the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss.
Fortunately, there are many modern hearing aids available to help seniors restore their hearing and improve their quality of life. Hearing aids have come a long way and now come with simple, discreet, and easy-to-use designs.
This article will examine seven of the best hearing aids for senior citizens. We'll also discuss some factors to consider when selecting a hearing aid and provide information about financial support options for seniors on a fixed income.
Background
Hearing loss becomes more prevalent with age. Both genetics and environment can contribute to the development of sensorineural hearing loss.
Age-related hearing loss, called presbycusis, most commonly affects high frequencies. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, can increase the likelihood of developing hearing loss.
After age fifty, it is wise to have a baseline hearing test for comparison later in life.
High-frequency hearing loss can make it hard to understand speech, pick up on environmental sounds, or even hear certain alarms.
The result is that conversation is much harder to understand, as speech lacks clarity. It becomes hard to hear when the doctor is saying or understanding the conversation clearly. Personal safety may also be more at risk, as sounds such as doorbells and phone rings are not as easily audible.
5 Best Hearing Aids For Seniors
Soundly conducts in-depth research to guide prospective hearing aid wearers. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
To get to this list we underwent the following research:
- 50+ Hours Research Conducted Each Month
- 3 Licensed Audiologists Consulted
- 50 Total Brands Reviewed
- 1,000+ Customer Reviews Considered
Factors seniors should consider when choosing hearing aids.
Selecting the right style and type of hearing aid should take into consideration the following factors:
- Service
- Durability / Warranty
- Dexterity
- Lifestyle
- Mobility
Service
When it comes to hearing aid care, there are a variety of options available. For an all-inclusive approach, you can purchase a hearing aid with bundled services from a local hearing aid clinic, which usually includes routine follow-up visits, regular cleaning, and occasional adjustments. Use our "shop" tool to find a product and be paired with a local clinic.
For additional flexibility, unbundled models allow users to pay for each appointment separately.
Alternatively, direct-to-consumer options like Jabra Enhance Select provide care through Telehealth care rather than in-person visits.
Finally, OTC hearing aids offer the least service and require do-it-yourself adjustments using a smartphone.
Typically more service comes at a higher cost but requires less tech-savvy and DIY adjustment. More about affordable options below.
Durability and Warranty
Broken hearing aids can be expensive and disruptive for seniors (and anyone else). That's why durability is another essential factor to consider when choosing a hearing aid. If you spend more time in humid or dusty environments, consider a hearing aid that stands up against these elements. More on hearing aid longevity here.
Many hearing aids today incorporate protective capabilities, including water resistance and charger options with built-in dehumidifiers.
As you consider a hearing aid, double-check the warranty and have issues addressed before that warranty lapses.
More premium devices generally come with the highest water resistance (look for IP68) and the most extended warranties (typically 3 years). Affordable devices may have lower IP ratings (sometimes IP57) and shorter warranty durations (1-2 years).
Dexterity
Those with difficulty with dexterity can often find themselves struggling to insert or wear hearing aids.
Thankfully, several hearing aid styles are specifically designed to address this issue. For example, an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid is one style that can be easier to manage and provide the necessary support for those with problems related to dexterity. ITE hearing aids offer easy insertion and fewer pieces.
If you (or a loved one) have limited dexterity, consider rechargeable batteries, as they reduce the need for tiny battery changes every 5-7 days.
Lifestyle
Do you live an active lifestyle that involves time spent in various challenging acoustic environments? Or do you spend more time in quiet?
Hearing aids come in different technology levels and offer features according to your lifestyle. Premium technology is more appropriate for those with active lifestyles, while standard technology can be enough to benefit those with more quiet lifestyles.
If you're more of a stay-at-home type and spend most of your time in more tranquil settings, less sophisticated hearing aids with standard technology might be suitable for boosting your ability to hear conversations and other sounds.
Choosing the lowest level of technology with less sophisticated background noise handling can save you around $1,500 or more for a pair.
Read more about hearing aid technology levels here.
Mobility
For those in a wheelchair or care facility, in-person visits to the hearing aid clinic can pose a challenge.
Reach out to your local clinic to request a more spaced-out visit to ensure that your doctor has adequate time to fit and explain your hearing aids.
A local hearing aid clinic can also clean and check the hearing aids at regular intervals between those in-person visits, requiring only that the devices be dropped off rather than visiting the clinic in person.
You may also want to explore options for remote care services. Companies like Yes Hearing bring a mobile clinic to your home, and brands like Jabra Enhance Select program hearing aids through Telehealth.
Many local clinics can also log into your hearing aids remotely for fine-tuning after an initial fitting. Double-check that the hearing aid you choose supports remote follow-up care.
Are behind-the-ear or in-the-ear hearing aids best for seniors?
When selecting a hearing aid, there are two main types to choose from: RIC (receiver-in-canal) and custom (in-the-ear). Both types offer excellent sound quality and ease of use, but they have some differences that should be considered when making your decision. Read our full comparison here.
RICs sit behind the ear with a piece that fits in the ear canal. People often enjoy the natural sound quality of RIC hearing aids due to their range of fitting options.
Custom in-the-ear hearing aids can be more discreet, or the larger sizes are sometimes easier to handle since they slide into the ear canal with very few pieces.
Around 80% of hearing aid wearers choose a hearing aid style that sits behind the ear.
The Best Behind-The-Ear Style Hearing Aid For Seniors
The Resound OMNIA hearing aid offers excellent sound quality and a user-friendly experience. With outstanding sound quality and Bluetooth connectivity for iPhone and Android, this hearing aid makes it easy for people to hear well. It offers options for those who desire options with technology. This hearing aid will automatically optimize your listening experience based on the sound in your environment.
This discreetly designed and lightweight device comes in various colors to match any skin tone or hair color.
ReSound OMNIA includes a special smartphone capability called "check my fit" that allows users to check the placement of their hearing aids to ensure they are properly sitting in the ear. The ReSound OMNIA, rechargeable hearing aid, has a charger that is easy to grasp and use, and the inductive charging unit provides a durable charging option.
The Best Custom Hearing Aid For Seniors
Custom hearing aids come in various styles and are typically preferred by those with petite ears who also wear glasses or for those with dexterity concerns.
The Signia Insio Nx ITE hearing aid is an excellent option for seniors. Signia's new split processing system performs well in background noise, and Signia Insio is very user-friendly, particularly for anyone with dexterity concerns.
The hearing aids do not need to be in any particular orientation while charging, making it very easy to place them in the charger each night. Bluetooth connectivity is also available with this hearing aid, with a user-friendly Smartphone app for both iPhone and Android.
Find a Local Signia Care Provider Here
Additional Hearing Aid Options For Seniors 👇
1) Oticon More
2) Phonak Lumity
3) Signia Pure AX
4) Jabra Enhance Select (the most popular telehealth option)
5) Lexie B2 Powered By Bose (the most popular OTC option)
Oticon Real was released in February 2023 and is positioned to become one of the most popular hearing aids in the world.
This hearing aid is rechargeable offers hands-free calling via iPhone and audio streaming via Android.
What makes the Oticon special is the way the hearing aids handle sound. While most hearing aids suppress background noises and prioritize only voice, Oticon Real gives the brain a more natural, full sound landscape.
Oticon used a 360 spherical microphone to capture sounds from 12 million real-life situations to achieve this new approach. Their new Oticon Real model also has some built-in features to increase listening comfort in the presence of intrusive sounds like dog barking or doorbells ringing.
- Overall notes: Oticon Real is an undisputed leader among top-tier hearing aids. If you are attracted to the idea of hearing more of the sounds around you vs. solely focusing on voices, this product is a great choice.
- Price: The national average price for Oticon Real is $6,330 per pair. In my price research I found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth (not hands-free), Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Oticon is among the best. If you are looking for all-around, top-of-the-line technology, this is an excellent choice.” - Ramsay Poindexter, AuD
Open sound quality that many users prefer
Bluetooth streaming from Android and Apple devices
Offered with both rechargeable and disposable batteries
Oticon Real hearing aids start at $3,198 and can cost as much as $7,000 with walk in care
Oticon Real hearing aids require a visit to an in person audiologist and are not sold online
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Phonak Lumity hearing aids are new in August 2022 and replace the world's most popular hearing aid (Audéo Paradise).
Lumity get’s top marks from audiologists for stable Bluetooth connection, precise customization and impressive accessories like the Phonak Roger Pen.
Think of this hearing aid as the Mercedes level. High-end, built by the world's largest hearing company and packed with all the tech you could want.
- Overall Notes: Audéo Lumity is the #1 hearing aid on the market by sales volume. It offers best-in-class Bluetooth streaming, powerful sound algorithms, remote care, and an innovative ear vent. If you can swing the cost for this premium device, chances are that you'll be very happy.
- Price: The national average price for Phonak Lumity is $6,213 per pair. In my price research I found two larger providers who offer lower prices starting at $2,995/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth and hands-free calling, behind the ear style, motion sensors
- What audiologists say: “Our patients say that the sound is clear and crisp, while maintaining natural sound quality. Patients also love the unique ability to pair with almost any cell phone and take calls hands-free.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Top of the line customization, Bluetooth connection and rechargeable batteries
Enhanced background noise reduction
Highly water-resistant option available for active lifestyles
Audeo Lumity is a premium product with an average price of $3,198 - $7,000 per pair
Phonak manages sound quality in a way that can lead to a "closed off" feeling compared to Oticon or ReSound's more open sound quality
Signia Pure Charge&Go AX hearing aids are the smallest behind-the-ear devices on the market in 2022 and amazingly hold the longest-lasting battery at nearly 40 hours per charge. Signia is known for limiting background noise by using motion detection to gather information about your surroundings as you move from one space to the next. The hearing aids automatically sense when you start walking or sit down and make intelligent decisions about where to focus.
- Overall notes: Signia Charge&Go AX is a hearing aid for someone on the go. It's the smallest, has the most extended battery life, and offers best-in-class motion-based adjustments.
- Price: Starting at $2,798 per pair through Zip Hearing (walk-in pricing is typically between $5K-$8K)
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth, Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “The AX offers hands-free streaming (for iOS) and connectivity with their app. It is a solid device with impressive specs and design." - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Smallest body size on the market
Longest lasting battery with 40 hours per charge
Fully customizable with premium sound processing
Only sold through local clinics at $3,198 - $7,000 a pair
Requires a separate accessory to allow remote programming
Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids are made by the world's 4th largest hearing aid manufacturer (ReSound). Jabra Enhance (originally called Lively) made a name for itself by recreating the full-service audiology service online.
Instead of requiring you to come into their office, Jabra reduces the cost by programming remotely and shipping to your home.
All Jabra products come with a 100-day return policy and 3 years of unlimited remote care. You can find the same product for sale at a local clinic for around $4,500.
- Overall notes: If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, are on a budget, and want a hearing professional to program your hearing aids to match your hearing loss, this is one of the most compelling products on the market.
- Price: $1,395 for a pair of battery-powered - $1,695 for a pair of rechargeable, $1,995 for enhanced sound quality
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth (not hands-free), Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Their audiologists can personalize and program Jabra hearing aids in real-time; highlighting the benefits of telehealth and competent professionals.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
Comes with a 100 day free-return period
Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
In July 2022 Bose formed a strategic partnership with Lexie (a well respected hearing healthcare company) to release Lexie B1 hearing aids. In October they released a second model with rechargeable batteries. Then in May 2023 they added Bluetooth streaming capabilities for iPhone users.
Both versions of the Bose hearing aids are self-fit using an innovative app that allows hearing aid wearers to fit, program, and control their hearing aids with clinically proven, audiologist-quality results. Purchase B1 hearing aids for $849 or rechargeable B2 hearing aids for $999 (compare models here).
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Bose online or at a local retailer
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you'll download the app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ If you need further adjustments, Lexie has a team of licensed professionals who can make remote updates or provide technical advice.
- Overall notes: If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, are comfortable with smartphone tech, and are on a budget, Bose is one of the most compelling products available.
- Price: $849 for a pair of B1 hearing aids or $999 for a pair of B2 hearing aids
- Features: Rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth Streaming for iPhone users, Programming app, Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “One of the simplest to use OTC hearing aids, at a very competitive price. A solid option for those who want to self-manage their mild to moderate hearing loss.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Strong underlying technology
Self-fitting using the Lexie app
Affordable and rechargeable
Bluetooth for iPhone only
Only comes in one color
Costs $150 more than disposable battery version
Financial Support For Seniors With Hearing Loss
For those on a tight budget, there are some additional options to consider for support in the financial aspect of the hearing aid process:
- Financing. Many companies and clinics offer affordable plans to fit within your budget. Jabra Enhance Select offers prices as low as $39 a month per pair.
- Have you served in the military? Reach out to the VA to see if you qualify for hearing aid coverage through service connection. Read more here.
- Do you have a Medicare Advantage plan? You may be eligible for discount pricing through a third party like TruHearing. Read more here.
- Lions Club. The Lions Club is an international organization that provides hearing aids at low or no cost through donations to their hearing aid bank. Read more about your local Lions Club here.
- Medicaid is a state and federal insurance program. Each state has different eligibility requirements, with hearing aid coverage in some states. Find out more about your state here.
Final Thoughts
80% of hearing aid wearers report that the devices significantly improve their lives and communication. Whether you are 45 or 85, it's worth investing in your hearing.
When selecting a hearing aid, there are many important factors to consider, such as lifestyle needs, dexterity concerns, budget restrictions, service availability, and dependability.
Additionally, numerous financial assistance programs can help seniors on fixed incomes cover some or all of their hearing aid costs.
We hope this blog post has given you some food for thought when it comes time to make your hearing aid selection.
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