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These are the best Bluetooth hearing aids of 2024, according to testers and experts
Hearing aids with Bluetooth let you connect directly to other devices for sharp, clear sound while taking calls, streaming music and watching TV.
Just a couple of years ago, the only way to obtain hearing aids was with a prescription. Today, access to hearing aids has become exponentially easier — and more affordable — thanks to regulators' 2022 decision to allow over-the-counter hearing aid sales. Prescription hearing aids can cost up to $4,000, so OTC options are a welcome alternative. They also work incredibly well, often performing just as effectively as prescription hearing aids.
Both prescription and OTC hearing aids help amplify sound and improve a person's ability to hear, said Meaghan Reed, director of clinical audiology at Mass Eye and Ear, in Boston. They can also help lower the risk of cognitive decline in older adults by as much as 50%. In contrast, untreated hearing loss raises the risk of depression and is even linked with less physical activity. Sadly, "the average individual waits seven to 10 years after they first notice hearing loss to take steps toward addressing their changes in hearing," says Amanda Cooper, a licensed hearing aid specialist.
With increased competition between prescription and OTC hearing aids, companies are racing to create the best hearing aids with the most advanced technology, including built-in Bluetooth capabilities that allow sounds from a device like your phone, TV or a voice assistant like Amazon's Alexa to be delivered straight to your ear at a safe volume. In other words, with a Bluetooth hearing aid, you can easily stream music and make calls via a simple tap on your ear.
Bluetooth isn't a standard feature in hearing aids, but experts say it can make life easier for people with hearing loss. "Bluetooth is one of these new bells and whistles for hearing aids," says Dr. Michael Yong, an otolaryngologist and neurorhinologist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. "You can play music on it, take a telephone call ... it's much easier than putting your phone to your ear. It can be really helpful and augment your experience with using technology."
To better understand what to look for in the best Bluetooth hearing aids, our team spoke with a panel of hearing experts. From there, we researched the best OTC hearing aids and prescription hearing aids on the market today, rating each model on factors including setup, ease of use, features and value. Here are our top picks for the best Bluetooth hearing aids in 2024.
Cost: $1,595-$1,795 | OTC or prescription: OTC | Covered by insurance: Depends on provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Receiver-in-canal | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Jabra Enhance Select 300 offers a slew of customizable features while delivering Bluetooth sound quality that rivals prescription devices. The hearing aids use a dual-core chip to help differentiate between speech and background noise and automatically adjust for clarity, allowing you to hear more crisp, clear sounds. The enhanced spatial sense lets you easily recognize sounds around you.
The Select 300, designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, is referred to as a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid, meaning it fits behind your ear and features a small speaker attached to a thin wire that sits in your ear canal. It can be programmed to fit your hearing profile via app or remotely by an on-staff Jabra audiologist. The app also allows you to pair the hearing aid with smart devices, including your phone and TV. You can also make hands-free calls, provided you have an iPhone 11 or newer. (If not, you can purchase a Phone Clip+ accessory for this feature.)
The Jabra Enhance Select 300 has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, making it a good fit for active lifestyles. The premium package, $1,795, allows a remote audiology team to make adjustments and features a three-year warranty with three years of follow-up care. The $1,595 basic package is preprogrammed and gives you three hearing profiles to pick from.
- App-based customizations
- IP67 rating for water and dust resistance
- Available over the counter
- Hands-free calling only with iPhone 11 or newer models
Cost: $2,000 to $3,500 per device | OTC or prescription: Prescription | Covered by insurance: Depends on provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, in-the-canal, completely-in-canal, invisible | Remote/app customization: Yes
We chose the Starkey Evolv AI as the best prescription Bluetooth hearing aid for the wide range of styles it comes in, its Bluetooth capabilities for both Apple and Android devices, and the customizable options that are easily accessed through the app, including health data and activity tracking. There is also a fall-alert feature in case of emergency.
Starkey's Evolv AI technology reduces background noise 40% more than previous models, bringing more clarity to the world around you. Its Bluetooth connects to your TV, iPad and phone for hands-free conversations, music and TV streaming. Using the Starkey Thrive app, you can quickly adjust the volume, account for your environment — indoor, outdoor, restaurant, concert — and track your steps and health, thanks to built-in trackers.
This is a prescription hearing aid, so you will need to visit an audiologist to check for eligibility, but Starkey can connect you to an audiologist near you. Since this is a hearing aid that an audiologist must set up, it will be customized to your exact hearing profile, so there is zero setup on your part. That's part of the appeal of prescription hearing aids, but that does come at a higher cost. Depending on your insurance provider, some or all of that cost may be covered.
- 40% better noise reduction compared with previous models
- Seven color choices
- Wide range of styles
- Requires prescription
Cost: $799 | Prescription or OTC: OTC | Covered by insurance: Reimbursement available | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: In-the-canal | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Eargo Link, which looks more like traditional earbuds than your average hearing aid, features four preset listening programs so you can find the right hearing profile for your environment. Its Bluetooth capabilities allow you to stream music and take and make calls, all with background noise reduction and noise cancellation.
While you can make many adjustments, including taking and ending calls just by tapping your ear, there is also an Eargo app that allows you to make noise adjustments and change programs if you don't feel like tapping your ear. The app also features video chat support.
The Link is rated IP54 for splash and dust resistance, and it comes with small, medium and large ear tips for a snug fit. While the hearing aids work for nine hours on a single charge, the portable charging case can give you up to four recharges.
- Simple to use
- Looks like earbuds
- Take, end calls by tapping your ear
- Charges limited to nine hours
Cost: $499 and up per device | OTC or prescription: OTC | Covered by insurance: Reimbursement available | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Receiver-in-ear | Remote/app customization: Yes
It's difficult to have a Bluetooth hearing aid that's completely invisible, but the Hear.com Go IX comes close. This receiver-in-ear hearing aid has a slim frame that tucks behind your ear. It's attached to a nearly invisible wire with a speaker that hides in your ear canal for a barely there feel and look. (The brand also has a Mini IX that fits fully inside your ear, but it doesn't have Bluetooth connectivity.)
The Go IX is designed for mild to profound hearing loss. It features two sound processors to separate speech and background noise for a natural feel. This hearing aid connects to Bluetooth to allow you to stream your favorite shows, podcasts and audiobooks, as well as take calls. You can adjust the volume and settings through an app on your phone.
The Go IX has a rechargeable battery designed to last all day. Fast-adjusting sound settings include panorama mode for a 360-degree sound experience, speech focus to help you zero in on someone who is talking and relax mode to tune out your surroundings.
- Small size
- Quick adjustments via app
- Thousands less than prescription models
- Limited color choices
Cost: $1,587 to $3,928 per device | OTC or prescription: Prescription | Covered by insurance: Reimbursement available | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Receiver-in-canal | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Oticon Intent allows two-way communication from Android devices, as well as Mac, iPhone and iPad devices. Android users in the market for Bluetooth hearing aids will quickly learn that many top-rated hearing aids cater to Apple iOS, not Android. Oticon has a QR code that you can scan online to ensure your devices are compatible.
The hearing aid uses Oticon's BrainHearing technology to help your brain more naturally interpret sound. There are user-intent sensors that recognize when your listening needs to change, automatically tweaking the sound you receive as a result. You can use the Oticon Companion app to adjust the volume, switch profile and environment settings — indoors, outdoors or concerts — make adjustments to sounds you're streaming and even access customer service.
A portable charger allows you to fire up your hearing aids wherever you are. This hearing aid is IP68 water resistant and can be submerged under nearly 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. It's available in nine colors.
- IP68 water resistance (can be submerged under 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes)
- Easy-to-use-app
- Works with Apple and Android devices
- Requires prescription
Cost: $1,300 | Prescription or OTC: OTC | Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: In-the-ear | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Sony CRE-E10 is a modern earbud-style hearing aid with impressive sound quality. It automatically analyzes and adjusts sound levels depending on your environment, so the sounds you hear are crisp, without excess background noise. There is an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Through the Sony hearing app, you can adjust the volume, including treble and bass, and the setting — restaurant, indoors and outdoors. Apple iOS users can stream music, take calls and watch TV and movies on their devices.
The CRE-E10 comes with four sizes of silicone tips, a charging case, and cleaning accessories. Sony estimates the batteries last up to 26 hours on a single charge — more than most. You can also use your health savings account or flexible spending account toward this purchase.
One downfall: All manual adjustments must be made through the Sony Hearing control app, rather than a tap on the ear.
- 26-hour battery life
- Earbud style
- IP68 water resistance
- No manual controls
Cost: $900 | Prescription or OTC: OTC | Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Receiver-in-canal | Remote/app customization: Yes
We chose the Lexie B2 Plus by Bose as our pick for best customization, thanks to the robust app that offers multiple customization features based on your individual hearing profile. The Lexie B2 Plus is a self-fitting hearing aid, which means that the settings are programmed for your specific hearing needs using the app's built-in hearing test. The Bluetooth capabilities extend to hands-free phone calls (iPhone only) and music streaming; after all, this is a product created by Bose, a leader in sound quality.
Additionally, you can connect with a Lexie hearing expert through the app who can offer support over video, chat or phone. While some OTC hearing aid brands give you a set time for free support, Lexie offers ongoing lifetime support. Customer service is available seven days a week.
- Robust customization features
- Customer service available 7 days a week
- Lifetime support
- Streaming not compatible with Android
- Only available in gray
Cost: $4,600-$6,900 | Prescription or OTC: Prescription | Covered by Insurance: Reimbursement available | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Style: Behind-the-ear | Remote/app customization: Yes
Many hearing aids are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss, but Phonak's Naída Lumity can help those with severe to profound hearing loss. This behind-the-ear hearing aid uses technology that prioritizes speech to improve voice recognition and understanding, including a special speech enhancer that helps you hear soft speech in quiet situations.
This hearing aid connects with a range of Bluetooth-enabled devices, including smartphones, TVs, tablets and laptops, both iOS and Android. It also has specialized features that allow you to focus on a speaker from the front, side and back, as needed.
Settings are adjusted with the help of an app, and the company offers add-ons Roger microphones that can be placed on a table, held or clipped onto your clothes for better sound enhancement. Choose from eight different colors.
- Can accommodate severe hearing loss
- Several color options
- Compatible with both iOS and Android
- Requires prescription
What to consider when buying a Bluetooth hearing aid
Bluetooth hearing aids are available by prescription and over the counter in a variety of styles. Before investing in a hearing aid, it's important to have a professional assess your needs, as well as make sure you don't have any underlying conditions, Yong says. Once you have a better understanding of your hearing loss and treatment plan, consider these factors:
Style of hearing aid
Hearing aids come in five main styles, and each has its own benefits.
Behind the ear (BTE): These hearing aids sit behind the ear and house both the speaker and microphone. BTEs usually work for most types of hearing loss and tend to be the most visible of all hearing aid styles.
Receiver in canal (RIC): These have a similar style to BTEs, but there is a thin wire attached to the receiver or speaker that sits inside the ear canal. They're often less visible than BTEs.
In the ear (ITE): ITEs are usually custom-made to fit within the ear, but they're just outside of the ear canal, so they are visible. Many report that these hearing aids are easier to handle.
In the canal (ITC): ITC hearing aids are usually custom-molded to your ear and fit partly in the ear canal. They tend to be more hidden than ITEs.
Completely in canal (CIC): This hearing aid style is the most discreet because it fits inside the ear canal and can be nearly invisible. CICs are usually best suited for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Cost
The price of hearing aids ranges from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Some come in a set, while others need to be purchased separately. Health insurance coverage can vary, making it important to consult your provider before investing in a hearing aid. Some providers may cover some or all of the cost. Some models might also be eligible as an FSA/HSA-approved expense. Just be mindful that batteries and accessories may increase your cost.
Prescription or OTC
Until 2022, all hearing aids in the U.S. required a prescription. Now several over-the-counter hearing aids rival the quality of prescription options. If you're interested in a prescription model, you'll need to have a medical evaluation and fitting with an audiologist. If you prefer an OTC model, you can purchase the aids directly through the maker or affiliated retailer. In most cases, OTC hearing aids come in a set, while prescription aids are typically sold individually. OTC models are more suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, while a prescription option is likely best if you have moderate to severe hearing loss.
Setup
Setup for your hearing aids will depend on whether you invest in a prescription or OTC hearing aid, as well as the model you choose. Prescription hearing aids need a professional fitting and calibration, but you're often on your own for setup with OTC models. This means you'll handle calibration and settings, though there are OTC options that offer additional help for setup, including remote programming and help from a hearing professional. If you're unsure about your ability to set up hearing aids on your own, this is an element worth considering.
App pairing
Not every hearing aid pairs with an app, but most Bluetooth hearing aids do. These companion apps often offer help with setup, as well as allow you to customize settings, adjust the volume and tailor amplification from your phone.
Bluetooth capabilities
"We like to work with comfortable, rechargeable, Bluetooth-compatible devices to give our patients the best experience," says Dr. Anish Thakkar, director of audiology at Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy and Los Angeles Center for Hearing & Balance. There is a range of Bluetooth capabilities, though. Some devices only sync up with certain phones, or just your phone. Others can stream music and work with tablets, TVs and laptops. If you know how you plan to use your Bluetooth hearing aids, make sure to look for compatible products.
Extra features
Additional features vary but can include things like directional microphones, noise cancellation, rechargeable batteries and extended battery life. Some hearing aids even have relaxation modes that will pipe in soothing sounds, like the ocean waves. You also may want to look for features like longer trial periods and more robust professional support.
How we chose our top Bluetooth hearing aids
To find the best Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, we consulted with audiologists, otolaryngologists, physicians and hearing-aid specialists to learn more about the nuances and factors to consider when shopping for one of these devices. We also researched the field and narrowed our list based on expert recommendations around setup, sound quality, features and value.
How do Bluetooth hearing aids work?
Hearing aids with Bluetooth connect with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, Reed explained. "This allows sounds to stream directly through the hearing aids," she said. Bluetooth hearing aids can be paired with phones, tablets and computers that can send the sound from the device directly to the hearing aid. "This can include audio from phone calls but also music, videos or podcasts," Reed said.
The benefit of Bluetooth is the potential for clearer sound. "Communicating on the telephone can be challenging and sometimes people can experience feedback — a whistling sound —when putting a phone to their ear near the hearing aid," Reed said. "Wirelessly streaming sound from the phone to the hearing aid can improve the signal that people hear and reduce some side effects such as feedback." It can also be easier to listen to the TV when it's piped directly into the hearing aid, Yong said.
What’s the difference between OTC and prescription hearing aids?
There is a lot of overlap between over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids, but there are some key differences. Prescription hearing aids have a higher level of customization and support, but they may cost more. They also require a professional fitting and evaluation. OTC hearing aids can be purchased and set up without the help of a professional. OTC hearing aids are typically better for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, while prescription hearing aids may be better suited for children and adults with moderate to severe hearing loss, Reed said.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Bluetooth hearing aids cost?
Cost varies widely depending on a multitude of factors, such as OTC or prescription, rechargeable batteries or replaceable batteries, and types of technology. "OTC hearing aids range in price from about $200 to $2,000," Reed said. "Prescription hearing aids are typically more expensive, but it is very important to know that this is often because the services and expertise of the hearing healthcare professional who is involved in fitting and optimizing the hearing aids are a component of the cost." When you bundle the cost of prescription hearing aids with the services, you'll usually end up paying $2,000 to $3,000 per hearing aid, Reed said.
Does Medicare cover Bluetooth hearing aids?
Traditionally, Medicare does not cover hearing aids, Yong said. "But some of the Medicare Advantage plans, depending on what you have, may cover some portion of the hearing aids," he added. Standard plans should help cover the cost of diagnostics and screening, however.
How do I know if I need a Bluetooth hearing aid?
"The earlier hearing loss is detected and treated, the better," Cooper said. If you are having trouble hearing, it's important to have a professional hearing test done by an audiologist, Yong added. "There's such a great prevalence of people who have hearing loss as they get older," he said. If you're having difficulty hearing, especially in social situations or conversations with background noise, it's best to have an evaluation. "The only way to know is to see a doctor," Yong said.
Are Bluetooth hearing aids easy to set up?
The answer here largely depends on you. "Factors that influence this can include tech savviness, dexterity, vision, cognition and degree of hearing loss, to name a few," Reed says. OTC hearing aids rely on the consumer for setup, she points out. "Some OTC hearing aids have preset programs that an individual can select between, and others are called 'self-fitting' and often have a type of hearing test that can help program the hearing aids but may need connection to a phone or other device," Reed says. "This may require someone being comfortable with technology and pairing devices to their phones." Some OTC hearing aid manufacturers offer remote support or videos that can help, though.
"Prescription hearing aids are often set up by the dispensing hearing healthcare professional, and so may be a better option for someone who is less comfortable with technology," Reed notes. If you're struggling to manage your hearing aid, whether it's prescription or OTC, Reed recommends contacting an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist for support.
Meet our expert panel
Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, MD, board-certified ear, nose and throat physician and founder of ClearCast
Amanda Cooper, licensed hearing aid specialist
Dave Fabry, PhD, chief hearing health officer, Starkey
Meaghan Reed, Au.D., director of clinical audiology, Mass Eye and Ear
Amy Sarow, Au.D., clinical audiologist and audiology lead at Soundly
Leigh Smith, Au.D., audiologist and owner of Florida Audiology Associates
Anish Thakkar, Au.D., director of audiology at Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy
Dr. Carissa Wentland, DO, pediatric otolaryngologist, Children's Hospital of Michigan
Dr. Michael Yong, otolaryngologist and neurorhinologist, Pacific Neuroscience Institute
