According to The World Health Organization (WHO), around 15% of people across age groups experience mild hearing loss, a figure that escalates to over 30% by age 60. If you're reading this article, chances are some of these situations sound all too familiar:
- You miss hearing a distant car alarm.
- Your partner complains about the TV volume being too high.
- Phone conversations require maxing out the volume to catch every word.
- Noisy restaurants pose significant challenges for holding conversations.
Defined by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) as falling within the 26-40 dB hearing loss range, mild hearing loss means that sounds must reach at least 26 dB to be audible. While individuals with mild hearing loss may navigate their day-to-day lives adequately, they often find themselves avoiding certain settings, exerting extra effort to keep up with conversations, or feeling fatigued by day's end.
In this guide, we'll delve into the essential background on mild hearing loss, and I'll highlight our top-reviewed product choices for addressing this issue as of early 2024.
Let's dive in!
Are hearing aids worth it for those with mild hearing loss?
Hearing aids can be expensive, and it takes time for your brain to adjust to additional sounds. So, it's not silly to ask whether hearing aids for mild hearing loss are worth it. After all, we all have more hearing loss than a young child; the question is, at what point does that loss begin to impact your life?
One way I think about this question is through the 321 rule.
- Do you turn up the volume or find it hard to hear something three times a day?
- Do you have at least 2 people in your life who have mentioned your loss?
- Can you remember 1 event, conversation, or setting you’ve opted out of due to your hearing?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then hearing aids will likely be worth the effort and cost.
What hearing aid style is best for mild hearing loss?
There are several legitimate hearing aid styles for folks with mild hearing loss. My two cents, when I started my own search for hearing aids I set out with the goal of finding a product that would sit inside my ear. My mild-moderate loss didn’t feel like it warranted a chunky devices.
After trying several in-ear devices, I realized that the "plugged up" sensation that audiologists call "occlusion" made my adjustment to hearing aids more difficult. Because my hearing loss in some frequencies is still quite good (a common theme for others with mild loss), it's worth finding a device that allows natural sound to come into the ear.
Ultimately I’ve found that open-fit, receiver in canal (RIC) devices are the most comfortable. As a bonus, RIC hearing aids are typically more advanced than in-ear devices.
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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 mild loss? No. Many mild-loss wearers are happy with their in-ear styles after they adjust.
Do folks with mild hearing loss need to see a doctor?
The short answer is no. If you have perceived mild-moderate hearing loss you are eligible to purchase hearing aids over-the-counter (OTC) without visiting a doctor. The FDA finalized it’s guidelines for OTC hearing aids in 2022 and major brands like Bose and Sony have launched direct-to-consumer products.
Over-the-counter hearing aids typically have built-in controls allowing users to manage their devices' frequency and volume independently. You can read our complete guide to OTC hearing aids here.
Just because you don't need to go to a clinic doesn't necessarily 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 mild hearing loss in 2024. 👇
Our Top Choice: Jabra Enhance Select 300
Our top recommendation for individuals with mild 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
Other Over-The-Counter Contenders
This next group of hearing aids is self-fit using a smartphone app or onboard test. Over-the-counter devices are typically less expensive than prescription counterparts and have plenty of sound output for those with mild hearing loss.
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
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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
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
Prescription Favorites For Mild Loss
If you prefer a local clinician's support, two products are especially well suited to those with mild 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
One More Thing…
Fun fact: if you have a pair of AirPods Pro, you can quickly turn them into a bootleg pair of hearing aids. Check out our step-by-step guide here.
Final Thoughts
Even mild hearing loss can significantly affect your overall well-being and connection to the world. If you identify with any part or all of the 321 framework outlined above, it's worth considering trying out a product. By doing so, you'll swiftly gain insight into the impact hearing aids can have on your life.
You may initially wear them situationally, gradually integrating them into your daily routine as you experience their benefits firsthand. Whether it's enhancing your ability to hear conversations, enjoying your favorite TV shows at a comfortable volume, or engaging more confidently in social settings, hearing aids can become a valuable tool you reach for more often.
Don't hesitate to explore the possibilities—they could transform your experience and reconnect you with the world around you.
