A guide to Philips hearing aids
Philips offers high-quality hearing aids at budget-friendly price points.
We’re reader-supported. When you click on our chosen products, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
3 key takeaways
- Philips is one of the most well-known brands in the tech industry — They’ve been in business for over 130 years, and after a brief hiatus away from hearing aid production, they’re back with cutting-edge offerings made in partnership with parent company Demant.
- All Philips hearing aids are part of the new HearLink series — The company’s new hearing aids bear the Philips name but use Demant hardware, which makes them very similar to hearing aids from other Demant-owned brands like Oticon and Bernafon.
- They offer three types of hearing aids — Philips HearLink offers behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), and in-the-ear (ITE) styles to accommodate a wide range of aesthetic preferences and hearing loss needs.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that 30 million Americans (one in every eight people) suffer from some degree of hearing loss in both ears. While people suffering from more mild cases of hearing loss can get quick relief in the form of newly approved over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, prescription hearing aids remain the best treatment for moderate to severe cases.
Philips began manufacturing high-quality prescription hearing aids as early as 1940. By the 1990s, the company’s cutting-edge models were regarded as some of the most advanced in the world. They shuttered their doors after the technology was bought by Beltone in 1999, but as of 2018, Philips is once again one of the world’s leading hearing aid brands.
Their latest HearLink series offers several models to accommodate all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound.
Some quick facts about Philips hearing aids
Customer reviews often cite the technical capabilities, affordability, and discreet style of Philips hearing aids among their top features. Other notable facts on Philips hearing aids include:
- They’re sold at Costco. Philips hearing aids are one of the most popular hearing aid brands in Costco’s portfolio.
- They’re powered by AI. Every hearing aid in Philips’ new HearLink line is equipped with a cutting-edge sound processing system known as SoundMap 2. This includes an enhanced noise reduction system that uses AI to automatically adjust itself depending on the environment the wearer is in. This allows Philips hearing aids to learn and adjust over time for a more comfortable, natural-sounding audio experience.
- Philips sells accessories for their hearing aids. For an additional charge, users can get a TV adapter, remote control, audio clip, and portable charger known as the Charger Plus MNR T R for their Philips hearing aids. Many people find that accessories significantly enhance the quality of their experience. For example, the audio clip enables hands-free calling, while the TV adapter allows you to connect your hearing aid directly to your TV.
- Philips hearing aids work with your smart home. The HearLink Connect smartphone app offers an innovative feature called “If This Then That” that allows users to seamlessly connect their Philips hearing aids to all the other devices on the same internet network. This includes everything from phones and computers to home security systems, which can notify you when an alarm is set directly through your hearing aid.
Are Philips hearing aids for me?
Before deciding if a hearing aid is the right choice for you, it’s important to research all the options available and weigh the pros and cons of each. Since Philips offers such a diverse line-up of hearing aids, people with all degrees of hearing loss could stand to benefit from them.
Our audiologist review board highlights these points in particular when it comes to Philips HearLink models:
The pros of Philips hearing aids
- Quality. All Philips hearing aids are made from durable materials and boast advanced sound processing capabilities for optimal performance. The company offers different levels of technology ranging from basic to premium for each model, as classified by the numbers 5030, 7030, or 9030. 5030 hearing aids have the least amount of high-tech features, while 9030 models are considered the most technologically advanced.
- Smartphone compatible. While early Philips Hearlink devices were only compatible with iPhones, the company’s newest offerings can all connect to Android and iOS devices through the company’s HearLink 2 app, which allows you to adjust the volume of your hearing aids (as a pair or individually), adjust the EQ (bass, middle, and treble) of streaming sound, and locate lost hearing aids all in one place. The Hearlink 2 app even allows ear specialists to make remote adjustments to their patients’ devices for them.
- Affordability. For all their advanced tech specs, Philips hearing aids are considered an affordable option compared to similar AI-equipped offerings from brands like Oticon and Starkey.
The cons of Philips hearing aids
- Issues with Android phones. Before the HearLink line rolled out in 2021, Philips hearing aids were only compatible with iPhones. While newer models enable use with Android phones, some users still report connectivity issues. However, the company regularly releases software updates meant to fix issues like this.
- No tinnitus masking (yet). Many cases of hearing loss are accompanied by a ringing in the ears known as tinnitus. Some hearing aids raise the volume of external noises to cover up or mask tinnitus, but current Philips HearLink models aren’t equipped with this feature. However, the company’s upcoming 9040 line of hearing aids, expected to release late this year, is reported to include tinnitus-masking features.
- You’ll have to pay out of pocket. Costco doesn’t typically accept insurance as a form of payment for any of their hearing aids, including Philips Hearlink models. Additionally, Costco hearing aids are only available to Costco members.
Customer service
The Philips website features a handy “Help and Guidance” page that addresses some of the most common issues people encounter with their hearing aids. You can also contact their customer service team directly via online message or over the phone at (800) 327-4779, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern standard time (EST), and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST.
In person, Philips hearing aid users can get support at a Costco Hearing Aid Center, an in-store service staffed by hearing aid professionals who can test your hearing, help you pick the best hearing aid for your lifestyle and degree of hearing loss, and fit them appropriately to your ears.
Costco also offers a three-year warranty on their hearing aids, as well as a loss and damage policy that guarantees you a free one-time replacement for the first two years.
Models available
All Philips hearing aids are part of the company’s new HearLink 30 series, with different styles available within that series. These include behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), and in-the-ear (ITE).
For additional discretion, the company also offers incognito mini RITE and invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) models.
HearLink Behind-the-ear (BTE)
Philips HearLink Behind-the-ear (BTE)
-
From $1599.99 per pair
-
Rechargeable or disposable
-
Severe to profound hearing loss
Philips offers three types of BTE hearing aids: the standard BTE PP, the BTE SP (super power), and the BTE UP (ultra power). All of these models are equipped with the company’s core features, including SoundMap 2, extended dynamic range, and low frequency enhancement, though the SP and UP are equipped with more power to accommodate more severe cases of hearing loss.
Additionally, the SP features both single and double push buttons for easier volume and program adjustments.
Philips also offers two smaller BTE hearing aids, the miniBTE T and the rechargeable miniBTE T R. These models have less power than the company’s standard BTE offerings, but offer more discretion given their size.
| Criteria | The Philips HearLink BTE |
|---|---|
| Cost | Starts at $1599.99 per pair (prices vary by state) |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, plus 3-year Costco warranty. |
| Rechargeable batteries? | Rechargeable and disposable options available |
| Bluetooth capabilities? | Yes |
| Customization options | Yes |
Who are HearLink BTE hearing aids ideal for?
Philips’ standard BTE devices are best for patients with severe to profound hearing loss, while the miniBTE is better suited to patients with a mild to moderate degree of hearing loss. All Philips BTE hearing aids are equipped with the same high-tech features, but anyone with dexterity issues should consider opting for a rechargeable model, as frequently having to remove and replace batteries from the device’s small body can be challenging.
HearLink Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)
Philips HearLink miniRITE
-
From $1599.99 per pair
-
Rechargeable or disposable
-
Mild to severe hearing loss
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids are similar to BTE models in that the main body of the device sits behind the ear. However, with RITE models, the receiver or speaker fits inside the ear canal instead of in the hearing aid shell for a smaller, less visible look.
Philips’ main receiver-in-the-ear offering is the sleek HearLink miniRITE, though they also offer a slightly larger miniRITE T and rechargeable miniRITE T R model.
While the miniRITE doesn’t include a formal tinnitus masking feature, the clear sound and amplification offered by these models is sometimes enough to drown out tinnitus. Additionally, the miniRITE T R offers ultra-low feedback thanks to its built-in Feedback Manager.
| Criteria | The Philips HearLink miniRITE |
|---|---|
| Cost | Starts at $1599.99 per pair (prices vary by state) |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, plus 3-year Costco warranty. |
| Rechargeable batteries? | Rechargeable and disposable options available |
| Bluetooth capabilities? | Yes |
| Customization options | Yes |
Who are HearLink miniRITE hearing aids ideal for?
All versions of the HearLink miniRITE can accommodate patients with mild to severe hearing loss, though anyone suffering from profound hearing loss is better off with a BTE model.
The miniRITE is also a great option for anyone looking for smartphone compatibility in their hearing aids. Connect to your Android or iPhone via Bluetooth to adjust the hearing aid to your desired settings, or use Bluetooth streaming to listen to music, videos, and audiobooks. HearLink hearing aids boast a unique HiFi Music feature to amplify rhythms in music and make your listening experience that much more enjoyable.
HearLink In-the-ear (ITE)
Philips HearLink In-the-ear (ITE)
-
From $1599.99 per pair
-
Disposable
-
Mild to severe hearing loss
Philips offers three types of in-the-ear hearing aids: the customisable in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid; the smaller, more discreet completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid; and the smallest invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aid. These models offer the same SoundMap amplification and noise control features as other Philips HearLink styles, though the company doesn’t currently offer any ITE hearing aids to patients in North America.
| Criteria | The Philips HearLink ITE |
|---|---|
| Cost | Starts at $1599.99 per pair (prices vary by state) |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, plus 3-year Costco warranty. |
| Rechargeable batteries? | No (disposable only) |
| Bluetooth capabilities? | Yes |
| Customization options | Yes |
Who are HearLink ITE hearing aids ideal for?
Philips ITE hearing aids are mainly intended for anyone concerned with discretion. These models are the smallest Philips HearLink hearing aids, and they’re worn deep inside the ear for an almost unnoticeable appearance. They work best for patients experiencing mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
Another draw to Philips ITE hearing aids is their potential for customization. Each Philips ITE hearing aid is tailor-made to a mold of your ear (taken by your hearing specialist) for maximum comfort and sound amplification. Except for the IIC model, Philips ITE hearing aids are also available in several colors to blend with practically any skin tone.
What our audiologists say about Philips hearing aids
Dr. Jessica Hinson
“Philips hearing aid devices are available in a range of styles and technology levels, with a style to fit most ears. Bluetooth connectivity is compatible with iPhone and some Android devices, and most models are offered in a rechargeable option! However, Philips hearing devices are only offered in Costco stores, which presents a few problems.
Costco uses a proprietary locked hearing aid software, so you cannot have your hearing aids adjusted by anyone other than specialists in Costco stores. If you move cities or are not happy with your service, there aren’t many options other than traveling to another Costco store.
Also, Costco hearing centers are manned by hearing instrument specialists rather than audiologists — a vast difference in training. Lastly, Costco pricing is not substantially cheaper than unlocked hearing aids offered in other offices.”
Dr. Ruth Reisman
“Phillips offers a variety of reliable electronic devices and the hearing aids may be a good solution for those who trust the brand. There is no transparent pricing on the device, so it’s difficult to know whether this is a more affordable solution than other devices that offer more tools for the patients.”
Dr. Danielle Morgan
“I’ve never personally worked with these hearing aids, so I cannot provide a review, but I can provide a bit of insight into the providers and potential downsides of the brand. Philips devices are only sold at Costco and cannot be fit or programmed by providers outside of their stores.
This is a downside that patients need to seriously consider; if they move away or are unhappy with their provider, they cannot go somewhere else to get service. Since these devices are part of the Demant group, they use similar technology as some of their other brands such as Oticon and Bernafon, which means they are likely well-made.
They do have a wide range of styles, colors, and both rechargeable and non rechargeable options.”
What customers say about Philips hearing aids
Customers say their favorite feature is…
Many customers love how easy it is to adjust the hearing aids on their Android and iPhone devices. Across all HearLink models, customers also claim that the hearing aids are comfortable and easy to wear all day.
Customers say their least favorite feature is…
Some customers claim that the sound quality of Philips hearing aids is unreliable. They complain the sound can be tinny, making conversations difficult to understand. Across the board, Android customers occasionally have difficulty with connectivity, and those who don’t use smart devices will struggle to adjust the hearing aids to their specific needs.
Frequently asked questions
Are Philips and Oticon the same?
While Philips and Oticon are technically two different brands, they are both produced by the Demant Group. Subsequently, their hearing aids tend to share a lot of similar features.
What country are Philips hearing aids from?
Philips hearing aids are produced by the Denmark-based Demant Group, who also produces hearing aids for Oticon and Bernafon. The Philips headquarters is located in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
Are Philips hearing aids FDA-approved?
No, Philips hearing aids are not FDA-approved. While they’re known to be pretty reliable, there’s no guarantee these hearing aids will actually work as advertised.
How long do Costco hearing aids last?
Most Costco hearing aids last between 5 and 8 years.
What is the most intelligent hearing aid?
Several hearing aid manufacturers have started imbuing their products with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to fine tune themselves in real-time, as opposed to relying on one of a few built-in presets. Models like the Oticon More, Starkey Genesis AI, and Widex Moment Sheer are commonly cited as the most advanced hearing aids available today.