In my long journey from occasional frustration at a few missed words to reluctant purchase of my first hearing aids to wearing my current ones 16 hours a day, I have observed the behavior of those (mostly younger) people whose speech I have been trying ever harder to understand. 

What I Wish People With Normal Hearing Understood About Hearing Loss

Staff

Steve Klinger

Frankly, waterproof hearing aids don't exist. The best nearly waterproof hearing aids have an IPX8 rating, making them resistant to sweat and brief water immersion.

The Best Waterproof Hearing Aids of 2025

Premium Bluetooth prescription hearing aids can be expensive cost anywhere from $1,600 to $6,000+, while Bluetooth OTC hearing aids range from $500 to $1,500. Here's a look at your best options for Bluetooth streaming hearing aids. 

Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids of 2025 for Android and iOS

As a musicians or concertgoer, you need earplugs to protect your hearing. We tested high fidelity earplugs to help you find the best fit for your next show.

Best Earplugs for Concerts: Sound Quality, Comfort, and Protection

Dr Steve Taddei got his hands on a pair of Eargasm earplugs and measured their performance in the HearingTracker Lab. Experience these new Eargasm plugs for yourself! 

Eargasm Earplugs Review with Audio Samples

Evaluation of earplugs is hard and no methodology is perfect.  We’ve carefully considered many audiological and acoustical decisions. Our process and rationales are described below and, given our methods, our data better represent a “best fit” model as a manikin was used for measurements and earplugs were fit by an audiologist.  

How We Test Earplugs

I recently acquired Loop Experience Pro Earplugs and measured their performance in the HearingTracker Lab. In my review, I provide my overall impressions and share some audio samples to show you just how effective the Loop Earplugs really are. 

Loop Earplugs Review: Expert Lab Testing and Live Audio Samples

Dr Steve Taddei puts the Minuendo Lossless Earplugs to the test in the HearingTracker Audio Lab to test the fit, sound attenuation, and frequency response offered by the plugs.

Minuendo Lossless Earplugs - Do They Work as Advertised?

Dr Steve Taddei got his hands on a pair of the NPR x EarPeace earplugs and measured their performance in the HearingTracker Lab. Experience these new EarPeace plugs for yourself! 

NPR x EarPeace Earplugs Review with Audio Samples

Impacted earwax—the term for too much earwax building up in the ear canal—is a common problem. In fact, it’s the leading cause of conductive hearing loss. 

Earwax: Why Its There and How To Remove It

There are many possible treatments for clogged ears. If impacted wax is to blame, a professional cleaning can resolve the problem; if a cold, allergies, or infection is the cause, over-the-counter or prescription drugs should help resolve the situation. 

Why Do My Ears Feel Clogged?

If you are considering removing your own earwax at home, please review these important tips and words of caution from medical experts.

Ear Cleaning at Home: What to Know 

To properly diagnose and treat ear issues, a medical professional must be able to look inside the ear canal. Only then can it be determined whether earwax, an infection, or another issue is the culprit.

Earwax Removal: Why You Need a Professional Cleaning

It’s tempting to clean your ears at home. Many of us were raised to believe a cotton swab in our ears was a daily personal-hygiene ritual, like brushing our teeth. But the truth is, removing your earwax at home can be difficult—and dangerous. 

Is It Safe to Remove Earwax Myself?

Itchy ears can have many causes, from dry skin to a fungal infection, or even a reaction to a soap or shampoo. Here's what to do if your ears start ithcing.

Why Do My Ears Itch? Causes and Treatments

Based on our 2018 survey, the average payout from insurance was $1,257 with around 25% receiving help from their insurance companies. Top insurance companies included UnitedHealth, Cigna, and ...

Paying for Hearing Aids with Health Insurance

When you purchase a hearing aid, you typically pay for the hardware itself, the research and development that went into it, as well as professional services, such as assessing your hearing...

Hearing Aids That Are Actually Affordable (and Good)

Audicus hearing aids are made by leading hearing aid manufacturers and is one of the first hearing health companies to market hearing aids online. Learn more about the company and its hearing aids, services, customer reviews, and if they might have the right hearing solution for you.

Audicus Hearing Aids: Everything You Need to Know 

AudioNova/Connect is also redesigning its hearing clinics to support the immersive experience. The new design will encourage consumers to touch and listen to the available technology and ask questions about how to best treat their hearing loss. 

AudioNova / Connect Hearing: Review of Hearing Aids 2024

Beltone is a leading global hearing aid brand, with a strong retail presence in North America through 1,500 hearing care centers.

Beltone Hearing Aids: Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews

Best Buy offers a selection of nearly 30 brand-name over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids suitable for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss at prices ranging from $199 to $2,550 per pair. Here's our review of their top features, benefits, and rankings from lab tests.

Best Buy Hearing Aids: A Review of OTC Models, Features, Prices, and Lab Test Performance

Hearing speech in noise is challenging, but after extensive testing, we found the best hearing aids in background noise. See which ones we recommend.

The Best Hearing Aids in Background Noise in 2025

Here is a quick list of online hearing aid brands listed below offer legitimate medical-grade hearing aids registered with the FDA, along with fair trial periods and competitive prices. 

Top-5 Best Online Hearing Aids

Costco uses its volume buying and distribution clout to offer lower prices for hearing aids than many private hearing aid practices.

Costco Hearing Aids in 2025 - Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews

The Eargo 7 is a nearly invisible, rechargeable over-the-counter hearing aid designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. It offers customizable sound settings via the Eargo app and provides clear speech in quieter settings, though it lacks Bluetooth streaming capabilities.

Eargo 7

Hear.com works with all major hearing aid manufacturers and insurance plans to help you find a hearing aid model and licensed care provider that works best for you.

Hear.com Review: Prices, Services, and Hearing Aid Models

HearUSA, owned by global hearing aid manufacturer WS Audiology,  is one of the largest hearing aid networks in the United States, with over 360 retail stores. Hearing Tracker audiologists provide a review of what you can expect from its products and services.

HearUSA Hearing Aids: Review of Products, Services, and Pricing

Jabra offers hearing aids for many types of hearing loss, from self-fit OTC to professionally fit devices. Find out which model fits you and your budget.

Jabra Enhance Hearing Aids: Expert Reviews

JabraEnhance.com offers world-class hearing aids with telehealth services included for between $799 to $1,995, depending on the product and service level you choose.

Jabra Enhance Select Review: Quality Telehealth-Fitted Hearing Aids at JabraEnhance.com (2024)

Consider Lexie's OTC hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss. Available online, Lexie offers remote support and an affordable subscription option.

Lexie Hearing Aids in 2025: Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews

With over 1,500 offices, Miracle-Ear is one of the largest hearing aid dispensing offices in the U.S., offering products costing between $1,500-$7,000. In this article, we tell you about Miracle-Ear product technology, services, and what users think of them.

Miracle-Ear Hearing Aids: Review of Products, Services, and Pricing

Oticon continues to build on a history of innovation delivering cutting-edge hearing aid solutions.

Oticon Hearing Aids: Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews

Phonak's latest hearing aids, Audéo Infinio, cost between $2,498 to $4,398 per pair. Come find a full list of Phonak hearing aid models, prices, and reviews.

Phonak Hearing Aids: Costs, Reviews, and Sound Samples

ReSound is the world's fourth largest hearing-aid brand and was the first to deliver Made-for-iPhone hearing aids.

ReSound Hearing Aids: Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews

Rexton offers a full line of products at Costco, HearUSA, and independent practices and offices. If you're looking to purchase technology similar to Signia, for less, take a look at Rexton hearing aids.

Rexton Hearing Aids: Models and Pricing at Costco, HearUSA, and Other Retailers

Find out everything about Sam's Club hearing aids, including current models, how much they cost, who should consider them, and how Lucid Hearing Centers work.

Sam's Club Hearing Aids: Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews

The new Signia IX platform offers multi-stream architecture capable of accurately pinpointing multiple moving talkers in real-time.

Signia Hearing Aids: Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews

The partnership between Sony and WS Audiology has resulted in the Sony CRE-E10 and CRE-C10, which we think are two of the best OTC hearing aids on the market. Here's a look at Sony hearing aid technology, features, pricing, and who might benefit from these devices.

Sony Hearing Aids: Features, Pricing, Reviews and Sound Samples

Starkey hearing aids are the flagship brand of Starkey, one of the world's top five manufacturers of hearing aids and the only one of these global brands headquartered in the USA. 

Starkey Hearing Aids: Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews

Hearing aid subscription models for payment mean that, rather than buying your hearing aids outright, you pay a monthly fee that covers your aids and additional benefits, ranging from maintenance and technical support to hardware upgrades. Are they good deals? 

The Pros and Cons of Subscription Hearing Aid and Financing Plans

Unitron is a leading brand from Sonova Group, the world's largest manufacturer of hearing aids.

Unitron Hearing Aids: Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews

Widex, a leading brand of the third-largest hearing aid manufacturer in the world, has a broad line of hearing aids serving the entire range of hearing-loss profiles.

Widex Hearing Aids: Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews

Yes Hearing calls itself “America’s concierge hearing care solution,” connecting its customers with over 400 licensed hearing specialists nationwide. The company carries all the leading hearing aid brands and comes to your house to deliver and fit them.

Yes Hearing: Do You Really Save Money?

Here's a review of ZipHearing, an online hearing aid retailer that collaborates with trusted manufacturers and local clinics to offer you quality hearing aids complete with in-person care—and substantial savings. We’ll help you understand what exactly ZipHearing offers, so you can decide if they're right for you.

ZipHearing Review: A Good Deal for Buying a Hearing Aid?

If­ you have trouble understanding conversations, you may be one of the approximately 48 million Americans who have some degree of hearing loss.

Hearing Loss - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Hundreds of scientists are involved in a search for gene therapy and pharmaceutical treatments for hearing loss. Here is an update on some of their efforts. 

The Quest for a Hearing Loss Cure: A Progress Report on Drug and Gene Therapy Treatments

Increasingly, researchers are finding that hearing loss affects much more than just our communication and environmental awareness; it negatively impacts our self-esteem, relationships, participation with family and friends, workplace performance—all of which can lead to social isolation and depression.

The Impact of Hearing Loss on Social Engagement, Loneliness, and Depression

When I first experienced hearing loss, I gave little thought to how my partner was faring. After all, I was the one going through the loss. 

How Hearing Loss Impacts Your Spouse or Partner

Hearing healthcare writer Carly Sygrove tells about her early experience of hearing loss, resources that have helped her in her hearing journey, and information about helpful blogs, Facebook groups, organizations, and counseling and coaching options.

You Don’t Have to Go Through Hearing Loss Alone: Resources to Support You on Your Hearing Loss Journey

Our database contains over 3,000 retail price points on current-generation hearing aid models. 

How much do hearing aids cost in 2024?

The high price of hearing aids is one of the biggest reasons people with hearing loss don’t get them. But there’s one often-overlooked means of making a new pair of hearing aids more affordable: hearing aid financing.

Financing Hearing Aids: The Best Options in 2024

A groundbreaking study in 'Nature Communications' deciphers genetic roots of tinnitus, uncovering 29 new gene locations. Insights into synaptic areas and GABA receptors suggest potential treatments, while distinctions from hearing loss and links to broader health issues redefine our understanding of tinnitus and offer new avenues for precise therapies.

Decoding the Genetics of Tinnitus: Unraveling Mysteries and Charting New Frontiers

The US Food and Drug Administration announced that it has granted marketing authorization for the first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid software, Apple's Hearing Aid Feature (HAF), for use with Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds and other compatible headphones.

Apple's New OTC Hearing Aid Mode for AirPods Pro Earbuds Gains Approval from FDA

Researchers at the 2023 Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) Conference presented insights from the ACHIEVE study, a game-changing 3-year trial that shows hearing aids can cut in half cognitive decline for at-risk individuals—opening new avenues for dementia prevention and reshaping healthcare strategies worldwide.

Hearing Aids Can Halve the Risk for Cognitive Decline and Dementia; ACHIEVE Study Highlighted at ADA Conference

Phonak has announced a revolutionary advance in AI-driven hearing aid technology with the launch of its new flagship Infinio platform. At the forefront of this innovation is the Audéo Sphere Infinio, the world's first hearing aid powered by a dedicated real-time AI chip for speech-from-noise separation. Here’s a first-look at Phonak’s newest hearing aid.

Phonak Unveils Groundbreaking Infinio Hearing Aids and AI-Powered Audéo Sphere Infinio

Sennheiser All-Day Clear and All-Day Clear Slim are full-featured over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids that also provide the option of support from a hearing care professional

Sonova Announces Its First OTC Hearing Aids: Sennheiser All-Day Clear and All-Day Clear Slim

Starkey launched its latest flagship hearing aid platform, Edge AI, with groundbreaking artificial intelligence that enhances sound processing and improves speech clarity in noise. With its advanced G2 chip and DNN capabilities, Edge AI is also featuring new connectivity and balance assessment features, pushing the boundaries of what most people think hearing aids can do.

Starkey Launches Edge AI; Seeks to Dominate AI and Sensor-Driven Hearing Aid Market

Brandon Sawalich, CEO of Starkey, reflects on balancing the stress of running a global hearing aid company with the thrill (and trepidation) of watching his son's NASCAR career take off—all fueled by a deep appreciation for history and his commitment to compassion learned from Starkey's founder Bill Austin.

Racing Toward the Victory Lane: Starkey President & CEO Brandon Sawalich Steers Company with Eye on a Legacy of Compassion

New technology like the Apple Airpods Pro hearing aid mode are widening options and solutions for people who are living with the challenges of hearing loss.

Breaking Barriers and Increasing Accessibility for People with Hearing Loss

Nic Klopper and his team at hearX want to bring high-quality, lower-cost hearing aids and assistance from Pretoria to a world that desperately needs them.

The Other X in Tech: South Africa’s Nic Klopper Envisons hearX and Lexie as the Engine for Affordable Hearing Solutions

Pioneering online hearing tests as well as a unique subscription hearing aid service that offers free upgrades every 18 months, Audicus estimates it has saved customers $50 million while prioritizing innovation and personalized support. 

Patrick Freuler and the Audacious Journey of Audicus Hearing Aids

As a regular wearer of Sony's CRE-E10 OTC hearing aids, I got a chance to try out the Jabra's Enhance Plus OTC hearing aid. Here's how they compare.

Sony vs Jabra: Comparing Two Popular OTC Hearing Aids

Hearing health significantly impacts physical and mental well-being, influencing communication, social integration, and overall quality of life. Advanced hearing solutions improve interactions and reduce cognitive strain, emphasizing the need for routine hearing checks and accessible, affordable hearing aids.

The Vital Connection Between Hearing Health and Well-Being

An overview of the different models, features, and pricing for the Sennheiser All-Day Clear products 

Sennheiser Hearing Aids: Costs, Reviews, and Sound Samples

Numerous options exist for paying for hearing aids, including financing, private insurance, the VA and government programs, charity assistance, and more. Here's an overview of all your options with helpful links.

A Guide to Paying for Hearing Aids

GN has outgrown its North American hearing headquarters and plans to move a few miles south of its current location in Bloomington, Minn, to Shakopee starting in 2025. The company is renovating and constructing a 218,437 sq-ft state-of-the-art hearing aid manufacturing, repair, shipping, and customer support facility. 

GN to Move North American Hearing Headquarters from Bloomington to Shakopee in 2025

The new Roger Unlimited portfolio will include built-in unlimited receivers for Roger On™, Roger Select™, Roger Table Mic, and Roger Touchscreen Mic.

Phonak Announces Roger Unlimited Next-Gen Mic and Updates for Roger On and Touchscreen Mics

“Signia Active Pro IX combines the ease of use and familiar design of earbuds with the industry’s best hearing-in-noise technology,” says WS Audiology VP of Brand Marketing Kerrie Coughlin.

Signia Active Pro IX Now Available in U.S.: Consumer Earbuds that Double as Prescription Hearing Aids

Starkey's Chief Technology Officer, Achin Bhowmik, PhD, has been appointed as an Industry Representative for the US FDA Digital Health Advisory Committee which provides guidance to the FDA on the development and regulation of digital health technologies.

Starkey CTO Achin Bhowmik Appointed to U.S. FDA Digital Health Advisory Committee

Starkey's Edge AI introduces the G2 Neuro Processor equipped with a groundbreaking Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with unmatched Deep Neural Network (DNN) processing capabilities and new LE Audio with Auracast broadcast capabilities.

Starkey Unveils Edge AI with G2 Neuro Processor

Unitron has launched its Unitron Ativo hearing aid line, which is geared for performance at an accessible price, and introduced two new Vivante™ styles, Stride™ V-M and Stride V-SP.

Unitron Launches Ativo Hearing Aid Portfolio; Expands Vivante with Two New Stride BTEs

To find the best rechargeable hearing aids we looked at battery life, charging speed, portability, battery replacement, and affordability.

Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids for 2025: Comparing the Options

GN made available a beta version of their app for iOS which is not yet publicly released. It has all the features of the production Nexia app plus Auracast tuning. 

Auracast Hearing Aids Previewed in New York City

It is possible to wear and enjoy music and noise-canceling headphones while you wear hearing aids and cochlear implants. Here's how.

Can You Use Hearing Aids with Headphones?

Buying a hearing aid doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. Don't get lost in the marketing noise.

How to Buy a Hearing Aid: A Quick Guide

Mild to moderate hearing loss is not an intuitively understandable or good description for hearing problems that can cause serious communication problems. Here is how you can find out your degree of hearing loss and why it's important to address even milder losses.

How to Know If You Have Mild-to-Moderate Hearing Loss (and Why It's Important!)

Hearing better in background noise is the #1 goal for most hearing aid users. Roger On can help even if your hearing aids fail to deliver.

Phonak Roger On V3: The Best Noise Cancelling Hearing Aid Accessory

Two hearing healthcare industry experts provide an overview of the primary issues in coverage and access for hearing aids in 2024-2025 and the future.

Trends in U.S. Hearing Aid Coverage and Access: From Medicare to OTC and AirPods

Accessories for hearing aids can be extremely helpful—whether you're listening to a lecture, trying to hear someone in a noisy bar or restaurant, watching TV at a low volume, or having a conversation on the phone. Here are some of the best ones to consider.

The 8 Best Hearing Aid Accessories

TruHearing provides discounted hearing aids and professional services through its hearing care network. Find out whether TruHearing is a good option for you.

TruHearing: What It Is, How It Works, and Is It Right for You?

Do you hear annoying ringing, buzzing, roaring, or hissing sounds that no one else can hear? You are not alone. Tinnitus affects over 50 million Americans.

Tinnitus: What’s that Noise in Your Ears?

A hearing aid can relief your tinnitus by amplifying everyday sounds. Masking the tinnitus can help retrain your auditory system for normal function over time.

The Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus in 2025

I recently took an in-depth look at the newly published TENT-A3 clinical trial by Neuromod, the creators of the Lenire tinnitus treatment device, so you don’t have to. 

Breaking Down Lenire’s TENT-A3 Study: A New Hope for Tinnitus Relief with Bimodal Neuromodulation

People suffering with tinnitus have issues in three key areas related to mental health: depressive symptoms, anxiety, and issues with sleep quality. They are also more likely to have hearing loss.

How Tinnitus Impacts Your Mental Health

Here are 8 things that can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms and tips for managing your condition effectively.

What Makes Tinnitus Worse? Avoid These 8 Things.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are wireless earbuds that offer hearing aid functionality. They are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and come with features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, and Conversation Boost, all aimed to improve hearing in various environments.

Loud Environments

Quiet Environments

Music

Apple AirPods Pro 2

The streaming music score measured for the Apple AirPods Pro 2 was 0.94 points above the average of 79 other devices tested. To see more granular sound performance scores, please visit HearAdvisor.com.

The speech in noise score measured for the Apple AirPods Pro 2 was 0.36 points above the average of 79 other devices tested. To see more granular sound performance scores, please visit HearAdvisor.com.

The speech in quiet score measured for the Apple AirPods Pro 2 was 0.02 points above the average of 79 other devices tested. To see more granular sound performance scores, please visit HearAdvisor.com.

Amazon

The Oticon Intent is a state-of-the-art hearing aid launched in February 2024, featuring advanced Deep Neural Network (DNN 2.0) technology for enhanced speech clarity in noisy environments and 4D sensor technology for adaptive sound settings. It offers improved connectivity with Bluetooth LE and Auracast-ready technology, faster rechargeability, and a compact design, making it suitable for a wide range of hearing loss levels.

Oticon Intent 1 miniRITE R

The streaming music score measured for the Oticon Intent 1 miniRITE was 0.54 points above the average of 79 other devices tested. To see more granular sound performance scores, please visit HearAdvisor.com.

The speech in noise score measured for the Oticon Intent 1 miniRITE was 2.11 points above the average of 79 other devices tested. To see more granular sound performance scores, please visit HearAdvisor.com.

The speech in quiet score measured for the Oticon Intent 1 miniRITE was 1.57 points above the average of 79 other devices tested. To see more granular sound performance scores, please visit HearAdvisor.com.

Oticon Intent 2 miniRITE R

Oticon Intent 3 miniRITE R

Oticon Intent 4 miniRITE R

Zip Hearing

Yes Hearing

Phonak’s Infinio Sphere, launched in August 2024, introduces the AI-driven DEEPSONIC chip, designed to enhance speech clarity in noisy environments. My hands-on testing left me impressed with the Sphere's performance, especially in background noise. 

Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere L90

The streaming music score measured for the Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio 90 was 0.69 points above the average of 79 other devices tested. To see more granular sound performance scores, please visit HearAdvisor.com.

The speech in noise score measured for the Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio 90 was 2.21 points above the average of 79 other devices tested. To see more granular sound performance scores, please visit HearAdvisor.com.

The speech in quiet score measured for the Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio 90 was 1.47 points above the average of 79 other devices tested. To see more granular sound performance scores, please visit HearAdvisor.com.

Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere I70

Hears Hearing & Hearables

The Phonak Lyric 4 is a unique, 100% invisible hearing aid that is deeply inserted into the ear canal by a specialist and can be worn continuously for months without removal. It offers natural sound quality, comfort improvements over previous models, and is particularly effective for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, but lacks modern connectivity features like Bluetooth streaming.

Phonak Lyric 4

The Phonak Virto Paradise is a custom in-the-ear hearing aid offering advanced features such as universal connectivity for hands-free calling and streaming on both iPhone and Android devices. Available in various models and technology levels, it includes options like the durable titanium shell and a range of power levels to accommodate different degrees of hearing loss.

Steve Klinger

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