Times are changin'
Hearing aids are finally going online. After decades of high prices and long drives to local audiology offices, it's a welcome change for those who live in rural areas or don't like spending time in a clinic waiting room.
Here at Soundly, our team reviews the top hearing technology on the market, from locally prescribed devices sold for $5,000 - $7,000 per pair to low options that cost just a few hundred dollars.
In this article, we're focused on one big question. Can you reasonably purchase hearing aids online in 2024? And if so, how?
We'll cover the quickly changing world of over-the-counter hearing aids, the growing hearing aid telecare market, and some pitfalls to watch out for.
Let's dig in!
Hearing aid shopping starts with a test.
Before you compare care methods or products, it's a good idea to get a sense for your hearing loss. The good news is that you can do this in just a few minutes online. There are a number of quality online hearing tests, including ours here. We also like Jabra's test here: "click am I a candidate" at the top of the page to get started.
Regardless of your test, you will need 10-15 minutes, a decent pair of headphones, and a quiet room. Your results will chart the "shape" of your hearing loss for each ear and tell you whether you have mild, moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss.
Note: We recommend seeing a clinician in person if you have severe or profound hearing loss. Products purchased online may not have the right features or power to give you the benefits you need.
Next up, let's talk about care models.
The care model you choose has a big impact on the way you buy, the price you pay, and the overall experience you can expect. There are generally three models of care within the hearing health space: Local Clinic, Telehealth, and Over-The-Counter. Let's dig into each path.
Local clinic care
The alternative to buying hearing aids online is to find a local audiologist, schedule a hearing test, and purchase devices through that clinic. This model is best for people with severe or profound hearing loss or someone who appreciates hands-on care.
Local Care Pros:
- Hands-on care
- Top-end devices customized to your loss
- Rule out ear disease and earwax
Local Care Cons:
- Prices range from $3,500 / pair - $7,500 / pair
- Requires visits to a local clinic
- Sometimes, includes longer wait times for appointments
Telehealth
Over the last five years, a few credible brands have emerged with direct-to-consumer strategies that pair online sales with remote programming and follow service. These brands offer a hybrid between visiting a local clinic and buying an OTC device. In general, there's a lot of value in this care model.
Most telehealth offerings sell their own white-labeled versions of in-clinic products, but some sellers like Earlux and DirectHearing sell clinic brands like Signia, ReSound, and Phonak via telecare. Read our review of the Earlux process here.
Telehealth Pros:
- Prices range from $1,195 - $2,995 per pair
- Less driving and waiting room time
- Easier access to follow-up appointments
Telehealth Cons:
- Requires some tech-savvy
- Not a good fit for those with severe or profound hearing loss
- Sometimes, limited brand options
Over-the-counter
The third model of care is self-service. Instead of purchasing hearing aids through a clinic or telecare provider, consumers can buy their hearing aids directly online via Amazon or a brand's website. Users then program their hearing aids using an onboard app. Brands like Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser have entered the market with their versions of this technology. Most brands include customer service (similar to other consumer technology) but no professional care.
Over-The-Counter Pros:
- Prices range from $300 - $2,500 per pair
- Typically easy to purchase and set up
- No waiting for professional involvement (app controls are on-demand)
Over-The-Counter Cons:
- Less precise programming
- Very little hands-on support
- Not a good fit for those with severe or profound hearing loss
- Some products are less advanced
Which care model is best?
There are merits for each available model of care. The key is understanding the differences and knowing what you prefer. A local clinic will be your best fit if cost is less of a factor and hands-on support is essential. If convenience and price are more important, consider telehealth or OTC.
If you were to walk up to us on the street and ask for our best recommendation, we'd probably suggest starting with Telehealth options. The moderate price and professional care are a nice modern blend.
Prefer to watch?
The video below explains the key differences between care models and how it impacts price.
Best online hearing aids in 2024
Now that you know how to purchase hearing aids online, let's talk about our favorite products. We've divided our picks into two groups: telehealth-accessible and over-the-counter.
We'll start with the products that come with Telehealth care.
How it works:
- You will take an online hearing test or submit one to purchase a hearing aid from one of the brands below.
- The company will program your hearing aids and ship them to your door.
- You will be assigned a hearing professional who can make further updates remotely via video conferencing, texting, or phone calls
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
Orka Two is one of the most exciting products to join the category in a long time. The product’s design is second to none (although only available in white), and the underlying technology is impressive. Unlike hearing aid incumbents, Orka has figured out how to use a much more powerful General Chip inside their devices (the same chip as AirPods and other consumer tech).
The chip gives them up to 1,000 times the processing power and unlocks features like AI Denoise and universal Bluetooth connection. The tradeoff is battery life - Orka Two lasts 12 hours on a single charge compared to 20-30 hours among traditional options.
Importantly, Orka’s hearing aids are built-from scratch vs. white labeled from an existing manufacturer. That means Orka can freely deliver updates to their devices over the air (similar to a software update on your phone).
- Overall notes: A hearing professional on the Orka team programs your hearing aids to match your hearing loss. The product quality and design is top-tier.
- Price: $1,899 for a pair (Orka just has one product at this time)
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth streaming to Android, iPhone, TV or Laptop, Behind The Ear Style
A compelling new entrant into the category from ex. Apple and Facebook designers
Comes with a 45 day free-return period and three year warranty
Strongest and most flexible Bluetooth connection on the market
Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
Orka only offers styles that sit behind the ear
Orka Two only comes in white at this time
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Audicus was one of the first brands to program hearing aids remotely and ship them to your door. When the brand launched nearly 10 years ago, Audicus was dubbed the Warby Parker of hearing aids. They make their service simple to use and offer a range of simple but effective products.
Unlike other over-the-counter style devices like Eargo and Lexie, you do not need to program your own hearing aids. The Audicus team of hearing specialists walks you through an online test or accepts an existing audiogram.
With the results in hand, they program your hearing aids before shipping. This streamlined process saves you time and cuts the cost by about 50%-70% compared to traditional options.
- Overall notes: Audicus has more than 7,000 reviews with an impressive average of 4.7 stars. Their customer service and lifetime specialist support are unique to the industry. If you are on a budget and want fully customized hearing aids, Audicus is among the best options available.
- Price: Models available, ranging from $699-$1,299 per ear.
- Features: Full range of styles (invisible and behind the ear) and features (Bluetooth and rechargeable)
- What audiologists say: “Audicus is a fair option for anyone looking for remote care. The Telehealth model helps reduce the final price.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Audicus hearing aids are programmed remotely which leads to lower prices and more convenience
Audicus offers a diverse range of styles and pricing including an affordable in-the-canal product
Audicus offers their products with a monthly subscription starting at $99
Audicus hearing aids are more expensive than some other Telehealth alternatives.
Audicus hearing aids do not come with hands-on support at a local clinic.
Let's move on to our favorite over-the-counter products.
How it works:
- Each brand can be purchased online or at retail without a hearing test or any hearing health-specific steps
- The product will arrive at your home with instructions on adjusting the volume and frequencies to match your hearing loss.
- Some products include an onboard hearing test, and others simply volume and frequency dials.
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. In January 2024 Lexie released a new and improved charger. Constant improvement on an already great product - we love to see it.
Lexie B1 and Lexie B2+ 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
In August 2023, Sennheiser unveiled a new OTC hearing aid expected to compete with industry leaders like Bose, Sony, and Jabra. Sennheiser All-Day Clear is a full-featured hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming, hands-free calls (both Android and iPhone, an onboard hearing test, and easy to use app.
Our team tested All-Day Clear and compared it with Sonova's flagship brands - Phonak and Unitron. Our verdict? All-Day Clear has a few missing bells and whistles (more on that below), but the differences are not dealbreakers. The perfect candidate for All-Day Clear has mild-to-moderate hearing loss, is comfortable using a smartphone, and wants Sonova-made technology for a budget price.
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Sennheiser 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, Sennheiser's technical team and give you some technical advice, but is not highly trained in hearing health matters.
- Overall notes: Based on our reviews, this hearing aid is the most complete offering in the over-the-counter market so far.
- Price: $1,399 for All-Day Clear or $1,499 for All-Day Clear Slim
- Features: Rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth Streaming for iPhone and Android users, Excellent Programming app, Behind-The-Ear Style
Underlying technology and sound-processing from Sonova (top global manufacturer)
Self-fitting using the Sennheiser app
Bluetooth streaming for iPhone and Android
Customer support is limited to tech troubleshooting Vs. health advice
Only comes in one color scheme
More expensive than some other OTC competitors
Sony teamed up with WS Audiology (the second-largest hearing company in the world) to co-create its products. Sony's CRE-C10 devices are nearly invisible and offer prescription-grade sound quality controlled through your smartphone. CRE-C10 does not offer Bluetooth streaming or rechargeable batteries.
CRE-C10 uses a size 10 disposable battery that offers over 70 hours of continuous wear. Size 10 batteries are widely available and commonly used in small devices. Sony's hearing aids were released in mid-October, so there are few reviews of the product, but it's safe to say this will be a leading consideration for those who want an in-the-ear style device.
- 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: $999 on Amazon
- Features: Self-fit using an app, nearly invisible in most ear canals
Nearly invisible
High quality sound for a lower price
Self-fit at home
Not as small as OTC competitors like Eargo
Not rechargeable
Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
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Eargo is the disruptor in hearing health. Their product is rechargeable, invisible, and designed with a patented tip that allows your ears to breathe.
Eargo 7 was released in 2023 with new features that adapt to your environment as you move through your day. Eargo has raised hundreds of millions to design their product from scratch and what they've pulled off is impressive.
Think of this product as the Tesla of hearing health. Eargo is best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you want to try something new, this is a great option.
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Eargo online or over the phone (or get a free sample product here).
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you’ll receive instructions to download the app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ If you need further adjustments, Eargo has a team of licensed professionals who can make remote updates or provide advice.
- Overall notes: Eargo stands out for its design, innovation, size, and telecare team. The price is a bit higher than other OTC options but still lower than the national average.
- Price: $2,950 for Eargo’s newest product (currently on sale)
- Features: Invisible, self-programmed, rechargeable
- What audiologists say: “If you are looking for invisible devices Eargo is one of the best options on the market.” - Ramsay Poindexter
Eargo is a tiny device that sits entirely inside the ear
Eargo is more affordable then custom mold hearing aids
Eargo is self fit using an app
Only appropriate for those with mild to moderate hearing loss
Requires some tinkering to fine tune the product
Eargo is not Bluetooth enabled due to the tiny size
Common mistakes when purchasing hearing aids online.
Here are three mistakes that many people make when they purchase hearing aids online.
Mistake #1 - Amplifiers vs. hearing aids
The biggest thing to know is that all online hearing aids are not created equal. Most low-cost devices in places like Amazon are amplifiers instead of hearing aids. Let’s break down the difference.
The image below shows a fairly common audiogram. This person’s hearing loss is progressively worse for higher pitched sounds.
If the person with the sloping hearing loss (above) purchases “one-size-fits-all” amplifiers the highest points in their audiogram will become too loud and uncomfortable.
The image below shows what properly treated hearing loss should look like with a custom-programmed product.
In short, avoid products that aren’t customized to your hearing loss if you can. I’ve read hundreds of customer reviews and rarely found someone satisfied with an amplifier in the long run.
Mistake #2 - Single hearing aid price vs. a pair price
This one’s pretty simple. Make sure you get prices for two hearing aids vs. one. Some online hearing sites advertise the price of one hearing aid instead of a pair. Double check that the price you see is what you’ll actually pay.
Mistake #3 - Return policies
Every hearing aid brand should offer at least a 45-day money-back guarantee. It’s a good idea to thoroughly read the return policy before you purchase. Some policies specify certain conditions that can be difficult to meet.
Take, for example, this return policy for a widely advertised amplifier. Not impossible to get your money back, but not a walk in the park either. Compare that with Eargo’s easy-to-understand return policy, and you’ll quickly see the differences.
Final Thoughts
The world of online and over-the-counter hearing aids is changing quickly. I hope this guide has helped make your search a bit clearer. Purchasing hearing aids online is very doable if you have the proper knowledge and know a few common pitfalls.
If you are looking for somewhere to start your hearing treatment journey you might like this 5 minute online hearing test.
