The Best Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids of 2024
Hearing loss is one of the most common age-related health problems. It affects nearly half of adults 75 and older. Although there’s no way to fix it, wearable devices, like hearing aids, can make it easier to hear and communicate.
What Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are wearable medical devices used to treat hearing loss. There are hundreds of different hearing aids available, but they all have a similar design featuring three crucial components:
A microphone
An amplifier
A speaker
The microphone picks up sounds in the environment and converts them into digital signals. The amplifier boosts those signals, and the speaker releases them into your ear.
Until recently, getting hearing aids required an exam, fitting, and prescription from a licensed audiologist. After the Food and Drug Administration Reauthorization Act was signed into law in 2017, a provision called the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act allowed certain types of hearing aids to be sold without a prescription.
How We Chose the Products on This List
The products featured in this list of the best over-the-counter hearing aids are a mix of our “highest-rated” and “best-selling” hearing aids. Since OTC hearing aids are so new, we don’t have many user reviews. However, to provide some helpful tips and insights, each entry features pro tips from a specialist.
The Best OTC Hearing Aids
1) iHear matrix Premier Technology, OTC Hearing Aids
These OTC hearing aids from iHear Direct are perfect for people with difficulty hearing in loud or busy environments. The built-in receiver amplifies high-pitched sounds and pairs with Bluetooth.
You can customize your sound environment with four audio programs and 11 different volume settings for a superior listening experience.
Key Benefits & Features:
Features a Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) design for ultra-clear, natural sound
Lasts for up to 24 hours on a two-hour charge and 96 hours on a full charge
Devices come ready to use out of the box
Hear it from an Audiologist: “The FDA’s new hearing aid rule eliminates some barriers to care which may have otherwise prevented individuals from receiving treatment for hearing loss,” said Dr. Hadassah Kupfer, Au.D. “For example, since OTC hearing aids are at a lower price point, you can avoid the time and cost associated with visiting the doctor and obtaining them.”
Price: $1392.19
2) iHear aXis Advanced Technology OTC Hearing Aid
iHear aXis OTC hearing aids are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The built-in directional microphones and receiver-in-canal (RIC) design help cut through the noise of loud environments.
Users tell us these hearing aids are comfortable and easy to maintain. They pair with the MyiHEAR app, making it easy to adjust the program, volume, and other settings.
Key Benefits & Features:
Ideal for people with hearing loss who have active social lifestyles
Advanced Directional Dual Microphone Speech Processing
Magnetic snap charge dock
Comes with a portable carrying case
Hear it from an Audiologist: “Before buying OTC hearing aids for yourself or your loved one, see an audiologist first to rule out any wax/blockage issues and to get an accurate hearing test,” Dr. Kupfer said. “Your audiologist can inform you whether you’re a candidate for OTC hearing aids if that’s the route you’re considering.”
Price: $676.13
3) iHear linX Modern Earbud OTC Hearing Aids
These OTC hearing aids have a modern earbud-like design, providing users with a compact and stylish option. They don’t wrap around your ears like traditional hearing aids, so you’re less likely to experience skin irritation.
Prior to shipment, an InnerScope-certified hearing professional preprograms your earbuds so they’re ready to wear upon arrival.
Key Benefits & Features:
Battery lasts for up to 48 hours on a full charge
Offer the same comfort and quality as prescription hearing aids
Perfect for people who live active lifestyles but have trouble hearing in challenging listening environments (e.g., malls, restaurants, grocery stores)
Hear it from an Audiologist: “Like most areas in life, some things are more suited to over-the-counter solutions than others,” Dr. Kupfer said. “You need to determine whether you’re willing to educate yourself on hearing aid technology or if you’d like to rely on a qualified medical professional.”
Price: $592.97
How to Choose OTC Hearing Aids
Before buying over-the-counter hearing aids, consider the following factors:
Type of Hearing Loss: OTC hearing aids can treat mild to moderate hearing loss. For example, you might benefit if you have trouble hearing people in noisy settings, like when running errands. But if your hearing loss is severe or affects your quality of life, it’s crucial to meet with a hearing specialist.
Capabilities: Prescription hearing aids come with sophisticated functions like noise canceling and allow for precise adjustments. In comparison, OTC hearing aids are relatively basic. You can adjust the volume and recharge them, but that’s about it.
Use: What do you need the hearing aids for? Do you want them to listen to music or make phone calls? Answering these questions can help you narrow the list of options down.
Cost: OTC hearing aids are more affordable than their prescription counterparts. Some models cost as little as $100 but most range between $500-$1,000. Hearing aids are HSA and FSA-eligible, so you may be able to save even more.
Commonly Asked Questions
1) Can anyone wear over-the-counter hearing aids?
Over-the-counter hearing aids may improve hearing in certain situations, but they aren’t for everyone. That’s especially true if you’ve been diagnosed with any of the following medical conditions:
An abnormally shaped ear
Fluid drainage from the ear
Sudden, rapid, or progressive hearing loss in the last 90 days
Ear pain or discomfort
Ringing in one or both ears that started in the last 90 days
After an ear exam, your primary care doctor or an audiologist can make recommendations for your situation.
2) Are OTC hearing aids guaranteed to work?
No. There is no guarantee over-the-counter hearing aids will work, even if you qualify for treatment. Several factors determine the success of OTC hearing aids, including the cause of your hearing loss, its severity, and the size and shape of your ear canal.
3) Why does the risk of hearing loss increase with age?
Excellent question! “Age-related hearing loss occurs because your ears are working 24/7! The mechanisms inside your middle and inner ear experience general wear-and-tear on a daily basis,” Dr. Kupfer said. “Your symptoms can be made worse by certain medical conditions, genetics, or exposure to loud noises.”
Takeaways
Over-the-counter hearing aids provide an affordable alternative to expensive prescription devices. They’re comfortable, easy to care for, and can hold a charge for days, but they aren’t the optimal solution for everyone.
If you or your loved one have mild or moderate hearing loss, OTC hearing aids may be the key to improved communication. Even so, they won’t necessarily solve all of your problems.
“The best hearing aid in the world isn’t necessarily the best if it’s on the wrong person. Getting a professional opinion from a trusted resource is key,” Dr. Kupfer said. “Even if you know someone who’s tried a specific hearing aid, it doesn’t mean it will work for you –– everyone is different. Save yourself some time and speak with your local audiologist!”
Need Help?
Have questions about the OTC hearing aids we carry? Call (800) 696-CARE or email support@carewell.com, and our knowledgeable Caregiving Specialists will be happy to help guide you.
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Read More >Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.