Top 5 Best OTC Hearing Aids, According To Experts

It’s been over a year since the Food and Drug Administration approved the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss. The agency made the change so more Americans over 18 would have access to less expensive hearing aids without a prescription. There are three types of OTC hearing aids on the market:  Behind-the-ear (BTE) models, in-the-ear models, and rechargeable earbuds. To narrow down the top models, we at StudyFinds have researched across 10 expert reviews to find the best OTC hearing aids available. As always, if you wear one you love but don’t see on the list, please let us know in the comments below.

Best Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids, According to Hearing Experts

1. Eargo 7

Forget clunky hearing aids of the past, the Eargo 7 is practically invisible according to the National Council on Aging. Imagine being able to hear clearly again without anyone even noticing! They even come with a variety of tips to ensure a snug, comfortable fit, just like the testers at the Council experienced.

But the invisibility is just the beginning. USA Today says the sound quality is “a cut above.” They mentioned how similar it is to pricier prescription aids, with the added bonus of easy adjustments through the Eargo app. Fiddling with dials is a thing of the past! The app lets you control the volume, noise reduction, and even has presets for specific situations like noisy restaurants or catching the latest show.

CNET also loves the discreet design, perfect for those who want their hearing aid to be a secret weapon. They also mention its durability, which is a big deal if you tend to bump into things or wear glasses (no more tangled wires!). Reviewers were also impressed with the charging case and the user-friendly app that lets you control everything with a tap. Plus, if you ever have questions, Eargo has a team of licensed professionals ready to help for life. With all this going for it, the Eargo 7 might just be the perfect solution for anyone looking to rediscover the joy of clear sound.

2. Jabra Enhance Select 100

Struggling to hear the morning coffee chatter? Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids, from sound tech giant Jabra and a hearing aid manufacturer, might be your secret weapon for rediscovering clear sound. Everyday Health raves about the rechargeable batteries that last for ages, with convenient quick-charge options. No more scrambling for batteries ever again!

The National Council on Aging put all the Jabra Enhance Select models to the test, and guess what? They all loved the incredible 30-hour battery life, the longest they’ve seen on the market. Plus, the charging itself is a breeze – no more fumbling to connect the devices. They were also impressed with the warranty – a whopping three years, covering everything from defects to loss or damage. That kind of peace of mind is priceless! But there’s a catch – you need the premium package to snag that extended warranty, so be sure to check the options before you buy.

3. Lexie B2

In the market for crystal-clear hearing without the hefty price tag? Look no further than the Lexie B2 hearing aids! USA Today declares them the best value option that delivers sound quality on par with pricier prescription aids. Their testers even said the Lexie B2’s hearing test results were practically identical to those from an audiologist – that’s impressive! While the included carrying case doesn’t offer extra charging power, the battery itself lasts a solid 18 hours and refills quickly in just three hours. Plus, unlike some models, the Lexie B2 boasts a comfortable behind-the-ear design that lets you adjust the volume directly on the device, without needing your phone.

But user-friendly features are where the Lexie B2 truly shines. The National Council on Aging awards it the title of “Most User-Friendly” OTC hearing aid. Their reviewers love the simple app that allows for adjustments on the go, the clear user manual, and even the friendly customer service team. No more tech headaches here!

Finally, Everyday Health mentions the “integration of Bose sound technology” which, along with the various adjustment options, makes the Lexie B2 their champion for “best sound processing” among OTC hearing aids. Imagine enjoying rich, clear conversations again – that’s the Lexie B2 difference!

4. Sony CRE-E10

Considering dipping your toes into the world of hearing aids? Sony’s CRE-E10 might be your perfect match! USA Today loves its well-rounded functionality, praising the comfortable fit, crystal-clear sound, and even Bluetooth connectivity for iOS devices. They even called it the best overall option because it “does everything reasonably well” – coming from a brand like Sony, that’s no small feat.

Looking for something a little more discreet? Look no further than the Sony CRE-C10, as Hearing Tracker enthusiastically reports. Their experts were impressed by its in-ear design, so tiny it practically disappears, and a self-fitting app that tailors the experience to your specific needs. Plus, it boasts a whopping 70-hour battery life – the longest they’ve seen in a true OTC hearing aid!

Soundly points out another exciting feature – prescription-grade sound quality, right at your fingertips (or should we say, earlobes?) with smartphone control. Imagine ditching the doctor visits and adjusting your hearing aid from the comfort of your couch – that’s the future Sony is bringing with the CRE-E10. With its comfortable design, clear sound, and innovative features, the Sony CRE-E10 could be the answer to rediscovering the joy of clear hearing.

5. MDHearingAid Volt

In the hunt for a feature-packed hearing aid that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the MDHearingAid Volt! The Senior List raved about its impressive specs, including smartphone compatibility, long-lasting rechargeable batteries, and the ability to customize your listening experience. Plus, it boasts noise management technology to help you cut through the clutter and focus on what matters most. While the trial period isn’t quite as long as some competitors, the affordable price tag makes it a tempting option – especially with a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.

But affordability isn’t all MDHearingAid has to offer. The National Council on Aging loves their commitment to customer service, raving about their team of remote audiologists who are always happy to help. Whether you have questions about fit, features, or anything in between, their friendly experts are just a call (or email) away. That kind of personalized care is priceless!

Finally, Everyday Health recognizes MDHearingAid as a budget-conscious champion. By selling directly to consumers, they cut out the middleman, which means significant savings for you. So, if you’re looking for a feature-rich hearing aid at a price that won’t make you wince, MDHearingAid might be your perfect match.

Sources:

• CNET
• National Council on Aging
• USA Today
• Everyday Health
• The Senior List
• Forbes
• Top Consumer Reviews
• Hearing Tracker
• Top-HearingAids
• Soundly

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.