The Best Hearing Aids for Seniors

Age-related hearing loss drives about 60% of hearing aid sales. Consequently, most hearing aids are tailored to seniors. But many older adults still struggle with their devices: Batteries die quickly or are difficult to change, tiny volume rockers are hard to use, cleaning and maintenance can be tedious, and wireless connectivity or app-based settings often come with a steep learning curve.

If these issues sound familiar, you're not alone, and we're here to help. We base our picks on lab results and hands-on testing. While our top priority is how effectively a hearing aid improves hearing—particularly in boosting speech clarity and reducing background noise—we take into account features that directly address common challenges faced by seniors, from ease of use to long-term comfort.

The table below is a checklist of the features in our picks for the various categories we've considered for this article. We'll note here that prescription hearing aids from trained hearing care providers are the "gold standard" in hearing healthcare. The OTC hearing aids on this list are intended only for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss; for more severe losses, OTC aids will be of limited use. It's always best to get your hearing checked by a professional, but there are also some good online hearing tests available.

The Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio is one of the best hearing aids on the market with exceptional hearing in noise capabilities. It's a prescription hearing aid, meaning you'll receive in-person care, which is a must for everyone who needs additional help with setup, cleaning, and maintenance. Like all the hearing aids on this list (except the most powerful ones for severe-to-profound hearing loss), it's rechargeable, so you won't have to replace batteries. With an ingress protection (IP) rating of 68+, the Sphere Infinio is highly dust and water resistant, making it more durable than models with a lower rating and a great fit for an active lifestyle.

Since it uses Bluetooth 5.3, you can pair the Sphere Infinio with up to eight devices and stay connected to two of them at the same time. In case your entertainment system doesn't support Bluetooth, or if you'd like to simplify controlling your hearing aids, Phonak offers a wide range of accessories. With the TV connector you can stream audio wirelessly from your TV or stereo system straight to your hearing aids. And the remote control makes it easy to adjust settings, in case you struggle with the volume rockers or the mobile app.

Keep in mind that the Phonak Sphere Infinio is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid, which is slightly more difficult to handle than a behind-the-ear (BTE) style aid. Within Phonak's lineup, the Naída Lumity BTEs are a good alternative to the company's RIC models. They're suitable for people with severe to profound hearing loss. We discuss the different hearing aid types seniors should consider in more detail below.

The Starkey Edge AI microRIC hearing aid is a small, rechargeable, AI-powered hearing aid packed with features that provide exceptional hearing performance—with the added benefit of allowing you to feel safer in your home. Employing motion sensors and AI, it is the only hearing aid that offers fall detection: if you choose to enable this function, you can select up to three contacts who are notified when the device detects a fall. Edge AI also features a unique system, developed in collaboration with Stanford University, that lets you assess your balance and fall risk.

Additionally, this hearing aid can help you quickly notify a caregiver. The hearing professional can assign a manual alert option that allows you to press and hold the hearing aid button to send the message (again, to pre-selected contacts) for a fall or non-fall related event. Finally, the hearing aid features customizable audio reminders (e.g., for medications, appointments, etc.), a step counter, and a gauge for tracking social engagement, which can be shared with whomever you wish. Although you may find some of these features intrusive, remember that they're optional and can be turned on or off.

HearingTracker gives Edge AI an overall score of 4.2 (out of 5), and HearAdvisor testing was impressive enough that it earned an Expert Choice Award from the lab. While Edge AI provides good connectivity, you can only pair the hearing aid with one device at a time, meaning if you frequently switch audio streaming between your phone and a tablet or computer, you'll need to go into the Bluetooth menu and disconnect one in order to reconnect another (i.e., you can't maintain two active connections like the above Phonak Sphere). However, like Phonak, Starkey offers a wide range of accessories and provides hands-free calling for iPhone and many of the newer Android phones.

The Elehear Beyond is a budget-friendly over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid, designed primarily for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Although it's priced at only $399, it offers speech-in-quiet performance that approaches prescription hearing aids like the Sphere Infinio, as well as great speech-in-noise benefits, making it an incredibly good deal. Like any OTC hearing aid, however, the Beyond won't be quite as well customized to your hearing loss as a prescription hearing aid with in-person care.

The Beyond includes premium features like AI-powered noise reduction, Bluetooth 5.3 streaming, and customizable sound profiles via a smartphone app. While those features appeal to tech-savvy users, they may pose a learning curve for seniors who aren’t comfortable using mobile apps or navigating device settings on their own. Unfortunately, Elehear doesn't offer a physical remote control for the Beyond, meaning volume and program adjustments must be made either through small onboard buttons or via the smartphone app. This can be a barrier for seniors with limited dexterity.

While Elehear doesn’t provide in-person fittings, it does offer free remote support from licensed audiologists (Monday through Friday, by appointment via the app), along with customer service via phone and email. This is a valuable resource, but may not fully replace the hands-on help some seniors need for setup, troubleshooting, or fine-tuning. The devices are also somewhat bulky at 4.75 grams, which could be uncomfortable for users with smaller ears or those wearing glasses.

Overall, the Elehear Beyond offers excellent value for tech-comfortable users who can manage its features independently. But for seniors who prefer hands-on support, minimal setup, and a truly plug-and-play experience, this model might feel overwhelming without additional help from a caregiver or family member.

The Lexie B2 Plus, powered by Bose, is a rechargeable OTC hearing aid. Its excellent speech-in-quiet and strong speech-in-noise performance, paired with remote support, make the Lexie B2 Plus a solid choice for tech savvy seniors with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

The self-fitting design of the B2 Plus allows you to personalize your hearing experience through an in-app hearing test and customizable sound settings via the Lexie app. You can select from four preset listening environments and up to ten additional customizable modes, enhancing adaptability in various situations. While Lexie Hearing offers remote support by licensed hearing professionals, the B2 Plus does not support remote adjustments.

With Bluetooth streaming capabilities for iOS and Android devices, you can directly stream phone calls to the hearing aids. The rechargeable design provides up to 18 hours of use per charge, and the portable charging case offers an additional full charge, ensuring extended usability.

The Lexie B2 Plus is one of the best high-end hearing aid you can get on Amazon and it's also available at Walmart and Best Buy.

The Linner Saturn is a budget OTC hearing aid suitable for people with mild hearing loss. Its discreet in-the-canal design makes it more convenient for those who wear glasses or otherwise dislike behind-the-ear units. If you struggle with dexterity, however, the Saturn might be too small to handle comfortably. On the upside, brightly colored left/right indicators stand out on the unit's black or beige body and double as buttons to control the volume or switch between programs (Linner Saturn 2 only).

In terms of performance, the Saturn is one of the weaker choices on this list. However, it does provide good benefits in boosting speech-in-quiet and noise. It also won't overwhelm you with features, as it doesn't support Bluetooth streaming, nor does it come with an app to control the hearing aids.

The Saturn is rechargeable, offering up to 20 hours of battery life per charge, and the portable charging case adds three full charges. Note that getting the Saturn to snap into its magnetic charging slots can be challenging, even for those with good eyesight and nimble fingers.

Seniors with severe to profound hearing loss have fewer options and most of them run on technology that's a couple of generations behind. All of them are prescription only, as this level of hearing loss requires custom care.

The Phonak Naída Lumity is the most up-to-date line of hearing aids suitable for severe to profound hearing loss. The behind-the-ear (BTE) models in this line offer Bluetooth streaming from iOS and Android and they fit almost any losses. The Naída L-SP suits mild to severe hearing loss, the L-PR is ideal for a moderately severe loss, and the L-UP is best for severe to profound hearing loss. Only the L-PR is rechargeable, while the other two contain a Telecoil.

The Signia Motion X Charge&Go SP X is a good rechargeable alternative if you're dealing with severe to profound hearing loss. It's an older model, but you might be able to get it at a discount.

Disclaimer: We haven't lab-tested the hearing aids mentioned in this section, but we do have hands-on experience and relied on recommendations from licensed audiologists.

iPhone users with mild-to-moderate hearing loss might find that the AirPods Pro 2 are good enough for occasional speech amplification. As a first-time hearing aid user, you'll appreciate the low barrier to entry: The AirPods Pro 2 are easy to set up and offer respectable hearing benefits for a consumer earbud. What's more, they're more affordable than any other option on this list.

Apple's Hearing Aid Feature, which is built into iOS and compatible with the AirPods Pro 2, was the first FDA-approved OTC hearing aid software feature.

How to pick the best hearing aids for seniors

Picking the right hearing aid requires balancing hearing needs, ease of use, and lifestyle preferences. Your budget might further limit your options. But before you settle on a device category, find out what type of hearing loss you're dealing with.

1. Take a hearing test

The results of a hearing test can guide you to the right type of hearing aid and service level for you.

If you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, an over-the-counter hearing aid might be a good fit. In that case, the hearing test may even help you with self-fitting the device.

If the test reveals that you have asymmetric hearing or a severe to profound hearing loss, you'll want to work with an audiologist as you may need a custom-fit prescription hearing aid.

2. Consider fit, comfort, and ease of use

Each type of hearing aid comes with its own challenges.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids can be difficult to insert and, similar to behind-the-ear (BTE) models, the position of the main body behind the ear can interfere with glasses or create discomfort for those with smaller ears. Hearing aids that sit in the ear canal, including earbud-style hearing aids and invisible models, can also be difficult to insert or remove. Many of the smallest and most discrete models use disposable batteries, which are particularly challenging for people with poor vision or hand coordination.

Models with large buttons, clearly-marked left/right units, simple controls, and easy charging solutions can create a smoother experience.

3. Take maintenance into account

All hearing aids require regular cleaning and maintenance to function properly, but some take more effort than others. Models placed deeper in the ear canal, for example, are more exposed to earwax and moisture, increasing the need for frequent cleaning and repairs (e.g., receiver replacement). People with limited vision or dexterity may need help from a caregiver or more frequent visits to an audiologist to clean or replace parts.

If you're considering a rechargeable device and plan to use it throughout the day, be sure to check its battery life. Also, most internal lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid batteries should give about a 5-year life inside the device, although, like your cell phone, you'll note a gradual decline in efficiency. Some experienced prescription hearing aid users request a battery replacement just before the expiration of the manufacturer's warranty (there is usually a fee for this refurbishment) to further extend the hearing aid's service life beyond 5 years.

If upkeep is going to be a challenge, we strongly recommend opting for a prescription hearing aid with in-person care. Also, keep in mind that your hearing changes over time, and regular adjustments help you keep your hearing at its best.

4. Narrow down desired features

Many modern hearing aids come packed with cutting-edge technology.

As a tech-savvy senior, you should make sure the hearing aid you choose is compatible with your smartphone and home entertainment system or offers accessories, like a TV streamer, that make pairing easy.

Those who are less comfortable with technology should prioritize manual controls, the availability of remote controls, and possibly models that don't require a smartphone at all.

Other features you should consider:

• Rechargeability, so you don't have to deal with impossible to open battery packages
• High IP rating, ideally IP68, so your aids are better protected from dust and moisture
• Telecoil, to access hearing loops in public spaces
• A "Find My Hearing Aid" option
• Fall detection, so a caregiver is alerted

5. Select your care and support level

In-person care will always get you better results than remote care.

If your hearing loss is more complex, or if you need someone to help you select and show you how to use your device, or if you'll need help with cleaning and maintenance, an audiologist can ensure you get the best value out of your aids and keep them well-adjusted to your hearing for many years. In particular, hearing aids fitted by audiologists and hearing aid specialists who adhere to best practices (e.g., in a sound booth with specialized testing and services) offer significant advantages compared to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.

Only opt for an OTC hearing aid if your hearing loss permits it and if you're comfortable with doing your own maintenance.

6. Check for ways to stay within your budget

Prescription hearing aids can be prohibitively expensive. However, rather than picking an under-fit OTC hearing aid, consider ways to make a premium model more affordable:

• Does your insurance cover hearing aids?
• Did you ask your audiologist whether they can offer you an older prescription model at a discount?
• If you're a retiree from the military, do you qualify for VA benefits or the Retiree-At-Cost Hearing Aid program?
• If you're a Costco or Sam's Club member, did you take their free hearing test, and could one of their hearing aids be a good fit for you?
• Did you consider subscription hearing aids like Yes Hearing or Audicus?