If you suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss, you may already be aware of the wide world of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which has been growing steadily since the FDA opened this category in 2022. This change allowed those with hearing loss to purchase hearing aids at brick-and-mortar and online retailers, rather than going through the process of first meeting with a specialist.
These new OTC hearing aids are less expensive than traditional hearing aids, come in a wider variety of design options, and are certified to assist with mild to moderate (and sometimes beyond) hearing loss. However, as more players enter the market, deciding which hearing aid to buy is becoming increasingly difficult.
Let’s take a look at some of the best OTC hearing aids you can purchase right now and why they are worth considering. We will also include our favorite selections for hybrid models (which let you listen to music, too), high-end versions, and more.
Best OTC hearing aids for most people
Jabra Enhance Plus
- Very small size
- Comfortable
- Rechargeable
- Good battery life
- Clear audio quality
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Only work with select iPhones
- Can cause the occlusion effect
- Won't last all day
- Only available through audiologists
| Specification: | |
| Color | Available in dark gray or gold beige |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
One of the biggest benefits of OTC hearing aids – aside from the lower cost – is that you can find a variety of extra features and new design options that can give hearing aids more uses and a better appearance. That is especially true of Jabra’s Enhance Plus hearing aids. These sleek earbuds can easily be mistaken for a pair of Jabra’s traditional Bluetooth buds, and for good reason. They have not only hearing enhancement capabilities, but the ability to play music via Bluetooth and take calls – something not all OTC hearing aids embrace.
In addition to the minimal, multipurpose design, Jabra uses four dedicated microphones designed for medical-grade hearing enhancement to cut down on background noise and boost speech to make it easier to hear what people are saying in noisy environments. They’re also water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about taking them outside or on workouts. Settings can all be easily controlled via the Jabra Enhance app to personalize and program the buds, then adjusted as needed. Plus, while they’re expensive compared to a normal set of earbuds, they’re on the more affordable side for OTC hearing aids. In the end, putting them at the top of the list wasn’t a hard decision.
Battery life for days, literally
Sony CRE-C10
- Excellent battery life at 70 hours
- Comfortable earbud design
- Environmental optimization
- No music capabilities
| Specification: | |
| Color | Black |
| Battery life | Uses disposable batteries that last about 10 hours |
Sony also has its own FDA-registered hearing aids, and their sleek design also invokes more classic earbuds while still providing excellent sound enhancement. That’s partly thanks to the partnership with WS Audiology, which helped supply the technology used in setup, personalization, and automatic optimization based on your surroundings. Their small size isn’t quite as invisible as some picks like the Eargo Neo, but they still do a good job of staying out of sight – and have ear tips in four different sizes for a comfortable fit.
The battery is a particular highlight here, lasting for up to 70 hours on a full charge, a pretty incredible feat for hearing aids this small. It’s a bit disappointing that Sony, which makes some of the best earbuds we’ve ever listened to, didn’t include music compatibility with these hearing aids — for that, you'll have to wait for the CRE-C10's slightly more expensive sibling, the CRE-E10, to arrive — but they’re still a very impressive option.
Another great hybrid, with Sony's cache
Sony CRE-E10
- Excellent sound
- Very configurable with app
- Solid battery life
- Streaming is only for iOS devices
| Specification: | |
| Color | Black |
| Battery life | Up to 26 hours |
Sony's earbuds are legendary, so it's a bit of a no-brainer that they'd partner with a reputable hearing aid maker like WS Audiology to bring the best of both worlds to the OTC hearing aid space. This sibling to the more hearing aid-style CRE-C10 above, the E10s offer a more familiar earbud design that might be more palatable to those just starting with hearing aids. The other attractive factor to consider is that the E10s have Bluetooth connectivity so you can pair it with your device. Sadly for Android users, they're only compatible with iOS devices though.
Sony also brings its experience with easy setup and in-app hearing customization to the E10, not to mention its excellent sound quality, which is FDA-cleared and prescription grade. Additionally, when wearing the E10 OTC hearing aids, the buds are constantly listening and analyzing the sound around you so they can automatically optimize the hearing aids for the best possible sound, much like many of the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market.
And while they don't boast the same 70-hour battery life as the C10s, the E10s are no slouch either, with up to 26 hours of use on a single charge when using them as hearing aids, or 23 hours when you include two hours of streaming, which means that for every two hours of streaming you do, you'll lose one hour of battery life, which still isn't too bad.
Traditional design, with premium Bose sound
Lexie B2 Plus
- Up to 18 hours of use
- Multiple sizes of open and closed domes
- Free, lifetime support
- Does not optimally stream music or other media
- Some users complain of non-comfort
| Specification: | |
| Color | Gray |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours |
The Lexie B2 Plus, powered by Bose, is an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. These receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are self-fitting and self-tuning, allowing users to personalize them through the free Lexie app, which includes an in-app hearing test to recommend initial settings. A significant advantage is the clear and natural sound quality provided by Bose technology. The app offers audiologist-quality customization, including adjustments for treble, bass, world volume, and balance, as well as preset environmental modes and directional hearing options to enhance listening in various situations, such as noisy environments. The Lexie B2 Plus also features Bluetooth connectivity for streaming phone calls from both iOS and Android devices.
A key benefit is the rechargeable battery system, offering up to 18 hours of use on a single charge, with a portable charging case that provides an additional full charge for on-the-go convenience. The package includes multiple sizes of open and closed domes to ensure a comfortable and secure fit, along with a wire sizing tool. Additionally, users have access to free, lifetime support from Lexie Experts via video, chat, or phone. The Lexie B2 Plus comes with a 45-day risk-free trial and a 1-year warranty, with options to purchase extended protection and care kits.
However, there are some potential drawbacks. While it supports call streaming, it does not optimally stream music or other media. Some reviews indicate that the default settings from the in-app hearing test may not perfectly match an individual's hearing prescription and might require further manual adjustments. Comfort could be an issue for some users due to the receiver wire design, which might create pressure on the ear canal, although different wire lengths are available. The device is only available in gray. Compared to prescription hearing aids, the customization options might be more limited, particularly regarding fine-tuning compression settings. Alternatives to the Lexie B2 Plus include other OTC hearing aids like the Sony CRE-C20 and Jabra Enhance Plus, as well as prescription hearing aids which may offer more tailored solutions for individual hearing loss needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you suspect that you have mild to moderate hearing loss, and are 18 years old or older, then over-the-counter hearing aids might be for you. You don't need to see a doctor or audiologist to determine whether you need them or not, which is part of the benefit of the FDA opening this segment up to consumers. However, for children and those with more severe hearing loss or hearing issues, you should seek a medical professional.
Prescription hearing aids are those that are labelled this way by the FDA. They require a prescription and are usually purchased through an audiologist. They also have a higher volume output than OTC hearing aids and often include features that OTC hearing aids do not. OTC hearing aids, on the other hand, do not require a prescription or a hearing exam, are generally cheaper, and a more readily available from retailers and online.
You can get a pair of OTC hearing aids from places like Walmart, Walgreens, Amazon, Best Buy, and CVS, and they range in price from as low as $200 to upwards of around $1,500.
To buy OTC hearing aids, you do not need hearing test or a prescription, but it's recommended to see a licensed certified audiologist if you're having trouble determining if your hearing loss is in fact mild to moderate -- many people have difficulty determining that for themselves. Who knows, you might need prescription hearing aids instead.
While we have a much broader explainer on how to buy OTC hearing aids, here are a few main tings to keep in mind. You don't need us to tell you to be cost conscious, but it's up to you to determine if you need bells and whistles like Bluetooth music streaming and ANC for your OTC hearing aids. You should also be sure that the model you choose is durable (is water resistance important to you?), easy to clean and repair if need be, and if you can return them after a trial period if they're not right for you.
Additionally, how easy are they to operate? Do you need an app to use them? What extra features and control does the app offer? You'll also want to make sure that the device and/or app is compatible with your smartphone (iOS or Android or both). Lastly, what is the company's support like? Jabra and Eargo, for example, offer excellent product support should you have any issues.
