The best OTC hearing aids (2025), tested and reviewed
If you’re spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on OTC hearing aids, make sure you’re getting a product that provides a stable, long-term solution to your hearing loss needs. Aside from the obvious things like sound quality, take a few minutes to check out these specs.
What size and style is best for you? Most hearing aids on the market are classified into two categories: behind the ear (BTE) or in the ear (ITE). BTE hearing aids are probably what you think of when you picture a hearing aid, consisting of a plastic box containing the electronics, a thin cable that goes over the ear and into the canal, and a small speaker known as a “receiver” that sends amplified sound from the person’s environment to the person’s ear. In contrast, ITE models are self-contained units that look like a standard pair of wireless headphones. In-the-ear hearing aids are popular for their inconspicuous beauty and are much easier to get in and out of than behind-the-ear hearing aids. However, contemporary BTE hearing aids are significantly smaller than the hearing aids of the past. It just depends on what is most comfortable for you.
Replaceable or rechargeable battery? Most OTC hearing aids, such as wireless headphones, are equipped with rechargeable batteries and (usually) a portable charging case for easy portability. If you consider the battery life of the case, you’ll find that most OTC models last about a week before being plugged into a power source. Without the case, the rechargeable hearing aids offer between 10 and 24 hours of battery life per charge (but if you use them for Bluetooth streaming, that will drop by a few hours). Replaceable batteries, such as those found in the Sony CRE-C10, can last up to 70 hours or more before the battery dies. It sounds great, but it means carrying spares and wrestling with small cells, which can be difficult for people with dexterity issues.
Are you comfortable making adjustments? While prescription hearing aids are fitted in the office by a licensed hearing care professional, OTC devices are self-fitted. In most cases, OTC hearing aid users are expected to be able to adjust the devices to their ears, usually with the help of a smartphone app. Sure, it’s nice to make your adjustments on the fly, but it might cost you some personal care.
How is the customer support of this company? If only you could count on quality support from every hearing aid manufacturer! Unfortunately, OTC hearing aid companies are just that. There is no industry standard for customer service. Companies like Jabra offer comprehensive patient support, but other brands may leave you alone.
Is there a trial run? If you’re not happy with your hearing aids, you probably want the option to return them without paying all that money as a sunk cost. Most states require manufacturers to provide a minimum trial period for patients, but I recommend that you look up this information before you buy.
What about warranties? Equally important to a reasonable trial period is the inclusion of a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty. Most brands cover manufacturing defects for up to one year, but it goes without saying that the longer the coverage period, the better the deal. No matter which OTC hearing aid you end up with, make sure the warranty covers loss, damage, and wear and tear.
