If you've recently undergone a hearing test and noticed some frequencies dipping into the moderate hearing loss range, it's likely you're missing out on a significant array of sounds in your daily life. The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) defines moderate hearing loss as the inability to hear sounds between 41 to 55 dB. This level of hearing loss may make it challenging to hear the TV at normal volumes, comprehend phone conversations, or detect softer sounds like coffee brewing or rain falling. Moderate hearing loss will almost certainly make communicating with family members in another room incredibly challenging.
The World Health Organization offers a basic framework to understand where moderate loss sits on the spectrum.
Not all moderate hearing loss is the same.
Understanding that not all moderate hearing losses are alike is crucial. Audiograms plot hearing ability from low to high frequencies, and a dip on the right side of the chart often means missing consonants, which are critical for clear speech. High-frequency hearing loss is especially common in age-related sensorineural hearing impairment. The chart below shows a common hearing loss shape with some frequencies in the mild range and others in the moderate range.
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For those diagnosed with moderate hearing loss, hearing aids are not just a luxury but a necessity for navigating daily conversations, appointments, and noisy environments. Beyond immediate auditory benefits, hearing aids support brain health, potentially averting risks like falls or cognitive decline. Studies like this one from Johns Hopkins University highlight these long-term advantages.
What hearing aid style is best for moderate hearing loss?
Selecting the appropriate hearing aid style is pivotal for those with moderate hearing loss. Initially, I sought an in-ear device, aiming for a less conspicuous option despite my mild to moderate hearing loss. However, the "occlusion" effect—a sensation of ear blockage—complicated my adjustment to hearing aids.
This effect is pronounced if you have better low-frequency hearing, so if your hearing loss is primarily in the higher frequencies, an open-fit hearing aid might be more suitable. These devices allow a more natural flow of sound into and out of the ear, offering a comfortable and realistic listening experience.
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To my surprise, RIC hearing aids are also more invisible in my ear than most in-ear devices because of the small receiver wire.
So, does that mean an in-ear device is wrong for someone with moderate loss? No. Many mild-loss wearers are happy with their in-ear styles after they adjust.
Do you need to see a doctor?
For individuals with moderate hearing loss, visiting a doctor is not a prerequisite for acquiring hearing aids. Following the FDA's 2022 guidelines, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids have become available from major brands like Bose and Sony.
These devices often feature adjustable controls for frequency and volume, providing a level of customization without professional assistance. However, consulting with a local clinic can offer benefits like a comprehensive hearing test and tailored device programming. Both OTC and prescription pathways are viable, catering to those with mild or moderate hearing loss. Those with severe or profound hearing loss, however, should seek professional consultation to find adequately powerful devices.
Just because you don't need to go to a clinic doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it. Working with a local clinician will give you a high-end hearing test, consultation, and advice. Typically, clinics will recommend a prescription product they will program for your hearing loss instead of you handling that piece alone.
Both are legitimate paths, and we've included both groups of products below.
With all that out of the way, let’s jump into the best hearing aids for those with moderate hearing loss in 2024. 👇
Our Top Choice: Jabra Enhance Select 300
Our top recommendation for individuals with moderate hearing loss is the Jabra Enhance Select 300. Its balance of advanced technology and affordability sets the Jabra Enhance Select 300 apart. While it offers the same level of performance as prescription-grade hearing aids, its price point is more manageable than the industry average for prescription devices.
This makes it an accessible option for those seeking high-quality sound enhancement without breaking the bank. Jabra is unique among direct-to-consumer hearing aids in that one of their staffed hearing professionals will program your hearing aids for you instead of you self-fitting your 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-Clinic Leaders
If you prefer a local clinician's support, two products are especially well suited to those with moderate hearing loss. Widex makes this list for its natural sound (often preferred by those with some good hearing). ReSound makes the list for its intelligent features and easy-to-use app.
Widex Moment Sheer was introduced in September 2022. The new line of hearing aids is focused less on extra features like fitness tracking or transcription and more on sound quality. Customers who try Widex often stay with the brand for decades. Widex Moment Sheer has the fastest sound processing among all hearing aids in the industry. The reduction in delay gives the brand a leg up when it comes to sound quality and music fidelity.
Widex Moment Sheer is also often considered the leader among receiver-in-canal hearing aids for tinnitus. The brand's SoundRelax program streams fractal sounds into your hearing aids to reduce buzzing and ringing.
- Overall notes: Widex Moment Sheer goes toe-to-toe with prescription leaders in the category. The perfect candidate for Widex wants care through a local hearing professional, natural external music quality and natural sound.
- Price: The national average price for Widex Moment Sheer hearing aids is around $7,200 per pair. We've found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth, Behind The Ear Style
Focused on sound quality, delivering clear sound with the lowest delay in the industry.
Includes industry leading tinnitus features.
Widex Moment Sheer hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming capabilities.
One of The Smallest RIC products on the market.
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.
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
Other Over-The-Counter Contenders
Those with moderate hearing loss in some frequencies can benefit from the newest group of hearing aids on the market - sold over-the-counter. Over-the-counter devices are typically less expensive than prescription counterparts and have plenty of sound output for most cases of of moderate hearing loss. These are a few products to consider.
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
Final Thoughts
Moderate hearing loss should not be underestimated, as it significantly impacts one's quality of life. With the advancements in hearing aid technology and the availability of OTC options, there's never been a better time to address your hearing needs.
Whether you opt for a discreet in-ear device or a more sophisticated behind-the-ear model, the goal is to enhance your hearing in a way that feels natural and supports your lifestyle. Remember, taking action now can not only improve your daily interactions but also protect your cognitive health in the long run.
