Hearing loss is a common among seniors. The NIH estimates that approximately one out of three people over the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss.
The good news? 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. Good riddance to the big and beige designs of the past.
This article will examine five of the best hearing aids for senior citizens. We'll also discuss some factors to consider when selecting a hearing aid (including price, functionality and dexterity)and provide information about financial support options for seniors on a fixed income.
Let's start with some 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 what grandkids, friends or a doctor is saying. Personal safety may also be more at risk, as sounds such as doorbells and phone rings are not as easily audible.
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.
Alternatively, direct-to-consumer options like Jabra Enhance Select provide care through Telehealth care rather than in-person visits. Telehealth can be great for folks who live in rural areas or prefer to stay close to home.
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.
Most modern 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. Read our full guide to hearing aid styles here.
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.
Let's take a look at the 5 best hearing aids for seniors.
We'll start with the best prescription hearing aids available at a local clinic. These products are more expensive and feature-rich. The products in this first section also come with hands-on care in a local clinic. Keep scrolling for some simpler budget options below.
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 $3,195/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
ReSound unveiled NEXIA in October 2023. If you’ve read our past reviews, you might know that ReSound is a regular innovator in the hearing category.
The brand was the first to partner with Apple for Bluetooth streaming back in 2013. In 2022, ReSound released an impressive algorithm update with improved beam-forming tech that boasted a 150% improvement in background noise.
ReSound is also the only manufacturer that places a microphone inside the ear to use the natural shape of the pinna to sort out background noise. Those popular features will remain with ReSound NEXIA with some exciting additions.
The first is a visible reduction in size. Impressively, NEXIA maintains a 30-hour battery life while cutting 25% off the overall size—big thumbs up from us.
The second big announcement is that NEXIA has an updated Bluetooth capability that allows Auracast streaming in public places. If you aren’t familiar with Auracast, check out our guide to the topic here.
ReSound is among the best in the industry at separating speech and noise in a background situation. Our lead audiologist recently put NEXIA in a test box and found the hearing aids could consistently provide up to 8-10 dB of background noise reduction.
ReSound NEXIA is on most of our shortlists for the best premium, receiver-in-canal hearing aids on the market.
- Overall notes: ReSound NEXIA is an all around excellent product with an innovative approach to microphones and one of the smallest form factors in the industry. ReSound NEXIA has strong Bluetooth connection that now boasts Auracast compatibility.
- Price: The national average price for ReSound NEXIA is $7,410 per pair. In our price research we've found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth with hands-free calling for iPhone and iPad, Small behind the ear style
- What audiologists say: “ReSound offers elegant design and good (if not elite) sound quality. These hearing aids are high quality and reliable.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Great for background noise management
Auracast compatible
Small form factor and an optional 3rd microphone in the ear
More expensive compared to direct to consumer and OTC options
NEXIA's in-ear M&RIE microphone is a bit larger and can be uncomfortable for some
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Starkey Genesis AI Custom
Starkey Genesis AI Custom
Starkey is a U.S.-based manufacturer with a full line of hearing aids that includes behind the ear and in-the-ear styles. They make the list for their elite status in custom molded (nearly invisible products). If you can afford to pay medical-grade prices and want an invisible style, you won’t be disappointed by Starkey.
Starkey is known for intelligent features like fitness tracking, a virtual assistant, and the smallest Bluetooth hearing aid on the market.
- Overall Notes: Starkey Genesis AI is broadly considered the best for custom mold hearing aids. If you want a custom mold, and lead an active lifestyle, this product is a great choice.
- Price: The national average price for Starkey Evolv Custom hearing aids is $6,443 per pair. Our research indicates that you can get Starkey Custom devices for as low as $3,198 for a pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Full range of styles and features including Bluetooth, rechargeability, and fitness tracking for larger devices.
- What audiologists say: “Starkey has been making the smallest and best custom hearing aids for decades. Genesis AI is currently the smallest custom device on the market with Bluetooth streaming capabilities.” - Ramsay Poindexter, AuD
Smallest models are almost entirely invisible
Starkey is a leader in comfortable custom molded products
Larger sizes come with Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries
This is a premium device which costs $3,000-$7,000 per pair
Custom molds require additional lead time and replacement time
The smallest version of Starkey Genesis AI customs are not Bluetooth enabled or rechargeable
Options for seniors on a budget.
If you're on a budget or just looking for a simpler product, the next group of options could be what you are looking for. Each product below is availabe over-the-counter or through Telehealth.
MDHearing is a Chicago-based brand that has sold over 500,000 pairs of affordable hearing aids since 2009. The brand's most advanced product (Volt Max) has directional microphones and respectable noise reduction. MDHearing's latest in-the-ear product is impressively small and nearly invisible in many ears. Importantly, MDHearing devices are significantly less expensive than traditional products. Prices range from $297 - $699, depending on the model and promotion period.
MDHearing offers four models of hearing aids ranging from their in-canal, NEO XS to their budget-friendly, Air model. MDHearing offers four pre-set listening configurations based on expected hearing losses. This approach makes MDHearing less advanced than traditional competitors, but many customers feel the price is worth the tradeoff. MDHearing sells exclusively online and does not require a trip to a local audiologist. The brand has recently invested in a remote care team that includes audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. Customers who need further tune-ups or care can set up a telecare appointment with a professional for free.
All four MDHearing products are rechargeable with 12-20 hours of battery life (depending on the model).
MDHearing comes with a one-year warranty and a 45-day trial period for each purchase of the MDHearing Volt. These hearing aids have manual controls, allowing for volume adjustment and program changes.
- How it works:
- ✔️ Start by purchasing from MDHearing online.
- ✔️ Unbox your product and choose an environment setting
- ✔️ MDHearing has a team of hearing professionals who can coach you through the self-fit process.
- Price: Starting at $297 for a pair
- Features: Rechargeable batteries are available for all models, four pre-set listening modes are available for most models, and no Bluetooth streaming is available
- Our take: MDHearing devices offer less customization, background noise management, and features than prescription devices, but at 10% of the price, they are a compelling option for some folks with more straightforward listening needs.
Less than $500 for a pair
Rechargeable
Multiple styles available
No Bluetooth streaming
Slightly larger size
Only one color available
Less advanced than prescription devices
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.
Get started by filling out Jabra's online survey via the right-hand corner of their website.
- 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
Sony teamed up with WS Audiology (the second-largest hearing company in the world) to co-create its products. Sony's CRE-E10 is slightly larger than CRE-C10 but comes with a slick headphone-like design, rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming (currently only available for iOS).
This hearing aid offers prescription-grade sound quality controlled through your smartphone at home (no doctor involved). Sony's hearing aids were released in mid-October and reviews have been glowing. We expect CRE-E10 to be a leading consideration among people looking for a headphone/hearing aid hybrid.
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Sony hearing aids online (likely coming to brick-and-mortar stores soon)
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you'll download the Sony Hearing Control app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ Use the app to make real-time volume and sound quality adjustments.
✔️ If you need customer support, you can contact Sony's customer service team. - Price: $1,399 on Amazon
- Features: Self-fit using an app, Bluetooth streaming enabled for iPhone, stylish earbud design.
Rechargeable
Modern design
Self-fit at home
Not compatible with Android
More visible than smaller options
Likely less comfortable for all-day wear
One more thing...
If you are looking for a way to get a hearing boost without springing for a traditional hearing aid, you might try AirPods Pro 2. With the right feature configuration AirPods pro can turn into a pretty good entry-level hearing aid. Read our full review on that topic here.
Airpods Pro 2 makes this list for their truly personalized audio experience.
Of course, AirPods come from the darling of consumer technology - Apple. The devices work seamlessly with iPhone and Mac products. These headphones have powerful active noise canceling capabilities and customizable Transparency Mode. Many users even turn Airpods Pro 2 into bootleg hearing aids (our how-to-guide here). Importantly, the Airpods integration with Apple Health makes it easy to upload an audiogram or take a hearing test. Your results are then applied to all Airpod audio.
One other thing we love about Airpods is their built-in volume controls. Volume management is critical if you have hearing loss and want to protect your remaining hearing. Read more about Apple's safety features here.
Important Features
- Personalized Sound: Apple lets you upload a hearing test to your Apple Health app or take one through a partner app like Mimi.
- Comfort: Airpods Pro 2 comes with various ear tip sizes. This is one of the most comfortable earbuds on the market.
- Battery life: 4.5 hours of listening time or up to 3.5 hours of talk time on a single charge.
- Phone call quality: Apple is the best in the game regarding phone call quality. Their new voice isolation feature (compatible with AirPods) just increases Apple's lead.
- Apple integrates beautifully with iPhone and Mac.
- Intuitive pinch-controls to pause music and activate Transparency Mode.
- Airpods Pro 2 offers fine-tuned customization to both streamed and Transparency sound.
- Apple offers a long-lasting battery and great overall sound quality.
- Harder to use without an iPhone
- More expensive than other options
Free or Discounted Hearing Aids For Seniors
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.