The 10 Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids of 2024

Many people are hesitant to use hearing aids, some due to affordability, others due to the long-lasting stigma. But Bluetooth hearing aids are rapidly changing the public perception.

While traditional models improved a person’s quality of life by reducing cognitive overload and improving the ability to participate in conversations and activities, Bluetooth technology has opened a world of possibilities and introduced new features and capabilities.

Today, hearing aid users can enjoy all the clarity offered by standard hearing aids in addition to high-tech features like audio streaming, hands-free phone calls, and remote smart home control with the help of virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa.

Using our product methodology and our audiologists’ years of experience, here are our top 10 Bluetooth hearing aids, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options.

The best Bluetooth hearing aids, reviewed

• Best overall OTC: Jabra Enhance Select 300
• Most user-friendly: Lexie B2
• Most affordable: Lucid Engage
• Best natural sound: Phonak Audéo Lumity
• Most comfortable: Sony CRE-E10
• Most high-tech: Starkey Evolv AI
• Best for tinnitus: Widex Moment
• Most sleek design: Signia Styletto AX
• Best for first-time users: Sontro 
• Best on-the-go: Rexton BiCore SR

Jabra Enhance Select 300: Best overall OTC

Why we picked Jabra Enhance Select 300

The Enhance Select 300 is Jabra Enhance’s most advanced over-the-counter hearing aid to date, featuring the brand’s proprietary SoundScape technology. Our audiologists like that this OTC device comes with a three-year warranty and remote adjustments, which benefit the average user.

The Enhance Select 300 features Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling, though Android users need additional accessories to support direct streaming.

• Over-the-counter or prescription: OTC
• Style: BTE
• Price per pair: $1,795 to $1,995
• Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

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What we like

• Binaural directionality. This function allows a pair of Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids to wirelessly coordinate microphone settings with one another for a clearer, more natural-sounding hearing experience.
• Professional support. Every Jabra Enhance hearing aid comes with three years of personalized care from a licensed hearing specialist, available online through the Jabra Enhance smartphone app or in-person with a nearby audiologist.
• Color options. The Jabra Enhance Select 300 is available in five discreet colors (sparkling silver, champagne, gold, bronze, and warm gray) that blend in with a wide variety of skin tones and hair colors.
• Medical-grade technology. All Jabra Enhance hearing aids are rebranded devices from ReSound, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of prescription-grade hearing aids.

What we don’t like

• No telecoil option. None of Jabra Enhance’s OTC hearing aids feature a telecoil, which means they’re unable to wirelessly couple with non-Bluetooth sound systems like those found in theaters and auditoriums.
• Not compatible with some Android phones. While most Android smartphones are now able to support direct streaming to the Jabra Enhance Select 300, other models (including early iterations of the Samsung Galaxy) require the company’s Phone Clip+ accessory to enable audio streaming.
• Background noise can still be an issue. While Jabra Enhance advertises that the Enhance 300 delivers natural sound in noisy environments, our audiologists say performance can be an issue in anything other than quiet settings.
• Not good for severe hearing loss. As is the case with most OTC hearing aids, the Jabra Enhance Select 300 is only recommended for patients experiencing a mild to moderate degree of hearing loss.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Jessica Hinson says she prefers Jabra Enhance hearing aids above all OTC devices because Jabra’s tried-and-true research and development departments have been working on hearing aid development for nearly 100 years.

Dr. Ruth Reisman says Jabra Enhance offers a highly advanced hearing aid with a lot of features, flexibility, and good professional support. She would recommend this device to patients who need minimal support and want a quality hearing aid at an affordable price point.

Lexie B2: Most user-friendly

Why we picked Lexie B2

Best used to treat mild to moderate cases of sensorineural hearing loss, the B2 OTC hearing aid from Lexie incorporates advanced technology including directional microphones, background noise reduction, and feedback management to deliver unmatched sound quality for the price.

The B2 also allows you to program preset “Environment Settings,” enabling you to instantly adjust your hearing aid to several different environments and eliminating the need for constant fine-tuning.

• Over-the-counter or prescription: OTC
• Style: Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC)
• Price per pair: $999
• Best for: Mild-to-moderate hearing loss

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What we like

• Backed by Bose. Developed and backed by a team of audiologists, engineers, and Bose scientists, poor sound quality is rarely an issue with the Lexie B2.
• Affordable. The Lexie B2 is one of the more affordable Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids on the market, starting at just $999 for a pair. The company also offers a subscription plan that allows you to pay in monthly installments for up to 24 months.
• Flexible tuning options. Lexie’s user-friendly smartphone app allows users to even out the sound between both hearing aids with Balance controls, or switch between “Front” and “Everywhere” modes to help you focus on where sounds are coming from. Front mode is best for conversations in noisy environments or watching TV, while Everywhere mode can be used outdoors or in group settings.
• Good online support. The Lexie app and website offer a wealth of information regarding the correct maintenance and use of all their hearing aids, including the B2. If you can’t find what you’re looking for online, the company also offers 24-hour remote support seven days a week.

What we don’t like

• Lexie B2 Hearing Aids do not stream music or take calls. While you can connect your Lexie B2 to your smartphone to self-tune the device, it doesn’t support direct audio streaming or hands-free phone calls.
• Relatively short battery life. We like that the Lexie B2 comes with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, but a single three-hour charge only gives you 18 hours of continuous use — substantially less than the battery life of other models on this list.
• No guarantee of professional support. While Lexie does a good job of offering ample online customer support through their sales team, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to speak to an actual audiologist about your particular hearing loss needs.
• Limited color options. The Lexie B2 is only available in light gray, which makes it far less discreet than OTC offerings from other brands.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Hinson praises Lexie as an affordable option for patients with mild hearing loss who struggle in quiet environments or in low noise. She also likes that they are backed by Bose, a reputable audio equipment manufacturer.

Dr. Reisman says they’re a great option for those looking for an over-the-counter rechargeable option that doesn’t have too many technological bells and whistles. That makes them more accessible for those who don’t want to deal with complicated technology.

Dr. Morgan likes that Lexie hearing aids were originally researched and designed by audiologists, and that they offer remote support seven days a week. She still recommends a diagnostic hearing evaluation before purchasing, just to make sure you don’t need something a bit more powerful.

Lucid Engage: Most affordable

Why we picked Lucid Engage

The Lucid Engage is Lucid’s premium OTC offering, delivering comfort, durability, and high-quality sound crafted from decades of research and innovation. Assorted tips ensure a comfortable fit of the speaker itself, while the user-friendly Lucid app allows users to make regular adjustments to the sound quality with ease.

Lucid Engage is available in three different colors: beige, black, and gray.

• Over-the-counter or prescription: OTC
• Style: Behind-the-ear (BTE)
• Price per pair: $799.99
• Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

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What we like

• Super affordable. The Lucid Engage is the most affordable Bluetooth hearing aid on this list. Patients also have the option of putting down a $299 deposit and making 12 subsequent monthly payments of just $20.91.
• Speaker in the ear. While the body of the Lucid Engage resembles a traditional BTE hearing aid, the speaker itself sits in the ear for added clarity.
• Easy access to in-person support. With over 500 Lucid hearing centers located across the US, patients will have no problem getting in-person adjustments if they find the self-adjustments on the mobile app are not enough.
• Bluetooth streaming for Android and iPhone. While some OTC hearing aids are only compatible with iOS devices, Lucid hearing aids offer direct streaming to both Apple and Android products.

What we don’t like

• Batteries aren’t rechargeable. While the company offers an Engage Rechargeable model for an additional $200, the standard Lucid Engage hearing aid does not come with rechargeable batteries.
• Mixed customer reviews. Many customers find the sound quality and self-tuning features of the Lucid Engage to be satisfactory, though there are some complaints of preset malfunctions and unwanted feedback.
• No customization options. Neither of Lucid’s OTC offerings can be custom-fitted to match a diagnostic hearing test. Consider looking into the company’s prescription models if you’re looking for a hearing aid tailored specifically to your hearing loss needs.
• Best suited for mild hearing loss. The Lucid Engage is marketed towards patients suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss, but our audiologists explain that it’s better-suited for people with mild hearing impairment who struggle in low noise situations.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Hinson says Lucid hearing provides options for both prescription and OTC hearing aids, with devices capable of treating mild to moderate hearing loss. She says that those with small ear canals may not have success with the fio, but that those with low-pitch hearing loss may find success with this hearing aid.

Dr. Reisman says that Lucid offers a variety of hearing aids at an affordable price point, and she really praises the opportunity to go to a partnered audiologist to get in-person support and a complete hearing test.

Dr. Morgan says that Engage devices specifically could be a decent option for patients with mild hearing loss who are just getting started on their hearing journey. She particularly likes that they offer Bluetooth streaming for iPhone and Android users, and that they have a generous return window. However, she doesn’t recommend these devices for people who struggle with technology.

Phonak Audéo Lumity: Best natural sound

Why we picked Phonak Audéo Lumity

Not only is the Audéo Lumity from Phonak one of the most versatile models on the market when it comes to Bluetooth connectivity, it’s also one of the most comfortable.

Pair that with an unrivaled waterproof design that outperforms standard IP68 coatings and adaptive features that automatically change in response to the wearer’s activity, and you’ve got a strong contender for the sportiest Bluetooth hearing aid on this list.

• Over-the-counter or prescription: Rx
• Style: Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC)
• Price per pair: $3,200 – $4,800
• Best for: Enhanced background noise reduction

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What we like

• Universal Bluetooth connectivity. While many Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids are only compatible with a select number of devices, the Phonak Audéo Lumity is compatible with pretty much any Bluetooth-enabled device, from Androids to iPhones, tablets to TVs, exercise machines, and even decades-old flip phones. Users can pair the Audéo Lumity with up to eight devices in the home, including two paired simultaneously.
• Waterproof. The Audéo Lumity’s complete waterproof coating makes it an excellent choice for swimmers, or anyone who likes to listen to their favorite music and podcasts in the pool or shower.
• Robust mobile app. The company’s easy-to-use myPhonak app gives users the ability to customize the settings on their hearing aids in real time, or remotely connect with a licensed hearing specialist. The myPhonak app also features additional features like health and fitness tracking, which active hearing aid users are sure to love.
• Add-on ActiveVent receiver. It doesn’t come standard on the Audéo Lumity, but this optional add-on is well worth looking into. It uses a small mechanical disc to give users the benefits of both open and closed fittings within the same earpiece. In the open position, the user’s own voice sounds more natural. When they enter a noisy environment or stream music, the disc automatically switches to the closed position to facilitate improved directionality, noise reduction, and amplification of lower frequencies.

What we don’t like

• Pricey. Phonak doesn’t explicitly list the cost of their hearing aids, but estimates for the Audéo Lumity average between $1,000 and $4,000 per hearing aid, making it one of the pricier models on this list.
• Technical difficulties. While the Audéo Lumity’s accompanying myPhonak app offers plenty of desirable features, it has low ratings on both the Apple app store and  the Google Play app store (1.7 and 2.2, respectively). Many customers complain that the app is overly difficult to use, and that they have trouble maintaining a solid Bluetooth connection between their hearing aid and smartphone.
• Limited international warranty. While Phonak offers warranties in the U.S. ranging from 1 to 4 years depending on the technology level, it’s worth noting that Phonak’s one-year international warranty doesn’t cover accessories like ear molds or batteries, only manufacturing and material defects in the actual hearing aid. By comparison, prescription models from other premium brands often come with three to five-year warranties.
• No disposable battery option. While many Bluetooth hearing aid users prefer rechargeable models, some users require or prefer old-fashioned hearing aids powered by disposable batteries. If this is something that’s important to you, chances are the Phonak Audéo Lumity isn’t for you.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Hinson actually uses the Phonak Audeo Lumity, and she says it’s the most comfortable hearing aid she’s worn to date. She chases her 4-year-old around, hikes, and works in the yard without worrying about it falling off or getting affected by sweat. She also raves about their impressive background noise reduction and speech clarity.

Dr. Reisman likes how many options Phonak offers users, and Dr. Morgan says Phonak has excellent customer service, and that they truly have an option for every patient.

Sony CRE-E10: Most comfortable

Why we picked Sony CRE-E10

A slightly larger version of Sony’s other OTC hearing, the CRE-C10, the Sony CRE-E10 retains a high level of discretion with the added perk of rechargeable batteries. The CRE-E10 also features directional microphones to further enhance conversations and cut down unwanted background noise.

• Over-the-counter or prescription: OTC
• Style: In-the-canal (ITC)
• Price per pair: $1,299
• Best for: Mild-to-moderate hearing loss

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What we like

• Affordable. While the average pair of Bluetooth hearing aids can easily run upwards of $1,500 for a pair, a pair of Sony CRE-E10s starts at just $1,299. That’s a pretty good deal for the sound quality you’re getting.
• Backed by WS Audiology. All of Sony’s OTC hearing aids are developed in partnership with WS Audiology, who also manufactures prescription hearing aids for premium brands like Signia, Widex, and Rexton.
• Easy-to-use app. The CRE-E10’s accompanying Sony Hearing Control app is consistently ranked among the hearing aid industry’s most user-friendly smartphone apps. Once they’ve created an account on the app, users can adjust their hearing aids’ volume, EQ, and noise reduction levels to meet their needs.
• Long-lasting battery charge. Taking just four hours to fully charge from 0%, the Sony CRE-E10 delivers 26 hours of continuous usage per charge — or 23 hours including two full hours of streaming.

What we don’t like

• Limited Bluetooth compatibility. The Sony CRE-E10 is currently only compatible with iOS devices. Look into OTC offerings from other brands if you’re an Android user.
• Poor default settings. Without making adjustments in the accompanying smartphone app, the Sony CRE-E10 is not very effective at treating even mild cases of hearing loss.
• They’re self-fitting. While self-fitting models may seem more convenient upfront, users are often unable to fine-tune their devices as well as a professional hearing specialist can. The Sony Hearing Control app allows users to make continual adjustments to their CRE-E10s, but it doesn’t offer professional support.
• Not good for patients with dexterity issues. While the CRE-E10’s ultra-small size makes it great for discretion, the device can be difficult to insert and remove if you struggle with dexterity problems.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Reisman says Sony is a trusted brand that has partnered with WS Audiology — specifically, the beloved brand Signia — to provide discrete, over-the-counter devices to patients with mild to moderate hearing loss. As long as you don’t need a lot of support, these should work well for your needs.

Dr. Hinson wouldn’t recommend these devices for those with moderate to severe hearing loss, but she says they’re a simple option for those who have difficulty hearing in quiet listening situations. She wouldn’t recommend them for patients with poor dexterity.

Starkey Evolv AI: Most high-tech

Why we picked Starkey Evolv AI

The Evolv AI hearing aids from Starkey are some of the most advanced prescription models on the market today, available in five different technology levels including Economy 1000, Basic 1200, Select 1600, Advanced 2000, and Premium 2400.

Artificial intelligence automatically tailors speech amplification and noise reduction to practically any noise setting, while the accompanying Thrive Hearing Control app is full of extra features including personal reminders and social engagement tracking.

• Over-the-counter or prescription: Rx
• Style: Available in BTE, ITE, RIC, and ITC styles
• Price per pair: $2,000 – $6,000
• Best for: A wide array of hearing loss needs

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What we like

• Unmatched AI technology. Starkey was the first company to integrate artificial intelligence into their hearing aids back in 2018, and they’ve only improved upon its functionality in the years since. The models that make up the company’s Evolv AI line boast new AI-powered features like Edge Mode, which allows the hearing aid to analyze the wearer’s listening environment and automatically adjust its settings for optimal sound quality all the time.
• Fall detection. Another new feature in the Evolv AI lineup, fall detection will automatically notify a pre-selected emergency contact whenever the wearer falls to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Great customization options. Starkey’s early history as an earmold lab shines through in their custom hearing aids, which can be tailored to comfortably fit any patient, including those with small or narrow ear canals.
• Wide array of styles. With a total of 14 available styles to choose from, including behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible in-the-canal (IIC), Evolv AI hearing aids are suitable for several different budgets and degrees of hearing loss.

What we don’t like

• May not support direct streaming on some Android phones. Starkey Evolv AI hearing aids can stream to over 35 different Android devices — but that still leaves a lot of devices that won’t support direct streaming with them.
• Learning curve. While Starkey’s high-tech hearing aids are undeniably changing the industry as a whole, some older users may have a harder time making sense of all the new features, even at the most basic Economy 1000 level. However, the Starkey Thrive app gives you the option to switch into “Basic” mode to disable all the advanced features  and facilitate a simpler user experience.
• Potential for overcorrection. While Evolv AI’s automatic adjustments can make for a seamless listening experience as the user moves between different noise environments, some users have reported occasional adjustment errors that result in a less comfortable listening experience, rather than a more comfortable one.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Morgan says Starkey is a tried and true hearing aid manufacturer and that they make a variety of hearing aids that suit most hearing aid users. They are especially well-known for producing excellent custom hearing aids, even for ears with more difficult anatomy.

Dr. Hinson says that Starkey hearing aids focus on clarity of speech and maintain good background noise reduction. Fun fact: Starkey is the only American-made hearing aid device.

Dr. Reisman notes that for tech-savvy users, the Thrive app allows for many amazing features such as Fall Alert, Reminders, Activity and Engagement tracking, and even a Translator. She says that when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, Starkey is the way to go.

Widex Moment: Best for tinnitus

Why we picked Widex Moment

The Moment hearing aids from Widex deliver pure, natural sounds that make them fan favorites among audiophiles. Boasting the widest frequency response range on the market, a higher maximum input level than other prescription models, and an unparalleled processing time of just .5 milliseconds, Widex users are guaranteed to hear each sound in rich high definition the moment it occurs.

• Over-the-counter or prescription: Rx
• Style: BTE, ITE, and CIC models
• Price per pair: $3,000 – $5,000
• Best for: Music enthusiasts or those who struggle with tinnitus

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What we like

• They’re a top choice for people with tinnitus. Widex hearing aid users can stream soothing sounds to their hearing aids through the Widex Zen tinnitus management app to help distract them from unwanted ringing and whistling.
• Easy-to-use mobile app. Highly rated on both the Apple and Google Play app stores, the Widex Moment apps gives users a high degree of control over their listening experience, enabling them to manually emphasize or diminish sounds like background noise.
• AI-enabled. Don’t feel like going through the trouble of manually adjusting your Widex Moment? No problem. These hearing aids are equipped with an artificial intelligence program called SoundSense Learn that recommends optimal listening levels based on the user’s current surroundings.
• Ambient pass-through. Widex Moment users can program their hearing aids to allow a customizable amount of external noise to pass through from their surrounding environment while they’re streaming music — an especially helpful feature when performing tasks that require spatial awareness like running or cycling.

What we don’t like

• Issues with Bluetooth connectivity. Some users have trouble getting their Widex Moment hearing aids to successfully pair with their smartphones, particularly when they change locations. Additionally, the company’s custom ITE models require an additional accessory to support any kind of Bluetooth connectivity.
• Battery significantly impacted by streaming. Just a few hours of streaming can drastically reduce the Widex Moment’s battery life, with some users reporting a drop to just 8 hours from the maximum 40 hours of standard use. 
• Many models aren’t rechargeable. Of the eight models that make up the Widex Moment line, only two are available with rechargeable batteries.
• Unresponsive customer service. While Widex has a live chat up on their site that patients can use to ask questions during standard business hours (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST), some users have complained that the company’s customer service department is less responsive than those of other prescription hearing aid brands.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Hinson recommends Widex Moment devices for music listeners or those who struggle with tinnitus. She says they have expanded their portfolio to offer listeners even more options, such as custom ITE models.

Dr. Reisman says that Widex devices are a great option for patients who need a hearing device that both amplifies sounds in a sophisticated manner and treats tinnitus with a peaceful zen feature. She says Widex also has the shortest processing times on the market, making them ideal for patients that wear a bone conduction or cochlear implant in the opposite ear.

Dr. Morgan praises their ability to produce clear, natural sounds and have many different styles to fit a variety of patient needs.

Signia Styletto AX: Most sleek design

Why we picked Signia Styletto AX

The most aesthetically-pleasing offering from Signia’s Augmented Xperience (AX) line, the innovative Styletto AX is available to patients in five different performance levels.

As a prescription model, it’s capable of treating mild to severe hearing loss, utilizing two separate sound processors to separate speech and background noise to improve listening clarity and fully immerse the wearer in the present moment.

• Over-the-counter or prescription: Rx
• Style: Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC)
• Price per pair: $3,000 – $6,000
• Best for: Mild-to-severe hearing loss

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What we like

• Unique design. The Styletto AX’s slender, lightweight body offers more style, comfort, and discretion than your average, behind-the-ear hearing aid.
• Own Voice Processing. The cutting-edge technology inside the Styletto AX also enables separate signal processing between your own voice and the noises around you, resulting in a more natural, more comfortable listening experience. However, it’s important to note that this feature is only available for users with two hearing aids (also known as binaural fittings).
• Notch Therapy. All of Signia’s prescription hearing aids feature a proprietary sound therapy technology that amplifies surrounding sounds to match the frequency of a patient’s tinnitus. Notch Therapy is clinically proven to reduce unwanted symptoms of tonal tinnitus, a common form of tinnitus characterized by sounds with a distinct pitch, including whistling, ringing, or buzzing.
• CROS/BiCROS option for single-sided-deafness. The Signia Styletto AX’s CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) functionality is especially beneficial to patients with untreatable hearing loss in one ear. This feature requires two hearing aids to work properly, picking up sounds from the side with poorer hearing ability and transferring it to the hearing aid on the better side.

What we don’t like

• No ear-level buttons. Part of the reason the Signia Styletto AX looks so sleek is its elimination of any physical buttons. This means all adjustments have to be made through the Signia smartphone app, which can pose a bit of a challenge to less tech-savvy users.
• No hands-free calling with Androids. While the Styletto AX supports hands-free calls on iOS devices right out of the box, Android users will have to purchase the company’s StreamLine mic accessory if they want to enjoy the same level of functionality. This device doubles as a remote microphone that can be used for hearing at a distance up to 32 yards in large venues like churches and lecture halls.
• Limited battery life. Running between 16 and 20 hours per charge, the Signia Styletto AX has a relatively short battery life compared to many of the other rechargeable models in this list. However, this hearing aid does come with a portable charging case that makes powering up on the go pretty easy.
• Might be too small for some users. While ultra-small hearing aids like the Signia Styletto AX are renowned for their discreet look, they can also pose a challenge for patients with dexterity issues.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Morgan says that Signia is one of her favorite brands. As a leading hearing aid manufacturer, Signia offers the latest technology in a wide variety of styles. They make products that improve quality of life and help users better access the world around them through sound.

Many Signia hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible and have different compatible accessories. Their app is simple and user-friendly but also allows users to play around with different ways to customize their experience. Signia’s customer service is also, according to Dr. Morgan, Dr. Reisman, and Dr. Hinson, top-notch.

Sontro: Best for first-time users

Why we picked Sontro

Sontro only sells one over-the-counter hearing aid, but it’s a solid offering that’s earned its place on this list. This model boasts a simple design that’s ultra-compact with a receiver wire that’s nearly invisible, and setup is as easy as connecting the device to the accompanying mobile app.

Sontro is a straightforward hearing aid that’s best suited for patients looking for basic Bluetooth functionality without the extra bells and whistles.

• Over-the-counter or prescription: OTC
• Style: Behind-the-ear (BTE)
• Price per pair: $749.00
• Best for: Mild-to-moderate high-frequency hearing loss

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What we like

• Discreet BTE design. Sontro’s BTE hearing aid is smaller and less noticeable than most other behind-the-ear models, which tend to be a little bulkier than other hearing aid styles.
• Sweat-resistant. The Sontro’s durable build and receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) placement make it a good choice for active wearers. Consider this model if you play a sport or hit the gym regularly.
• Easily adjustable through the otoTUNE app. Patients can use the Sontro’s accompanying smartphone app to take an online hearing test and customize their hearing aid settings to match their degree of hearing loss.
• Affordable. Sontro OTC hearing aids are competitively priced at $999 per pair, and significantly cheaper than most prescription Bluetooth hearing aids.

What we don’t like

• No streaming available. Unlike offerings from other OTC brands like Jabra Enhance and Lexie, the Sontro hearing aid doesn’t support direct streaming or hands-free phone calls.
• No rechargeable option. The Sontro hearing aid is only available with disposable batteries, which you’ll need to replace every 5 to 7 days. Consider a different hearing aid if you struggle with dexterity issues, or if you don’t want to be constantly swapping out batteries.
• Feedback issues. While the Sontro delivers solid sound quality in quiet and low background noise environments, users have complained of unwanted feedback and excessive background noise at higher volumes.
• Limited color options. Sontro hearing aids are only available in gray or beige, and may not blend well with certain skin tones and hair colors.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Hinson wouldn’t say that Sontro is her first choice, but she thinks it could work as a decent short-term solution while users search for a hearing aid that works best for them. She does appreciate that the brand has partnered with an aural rehabilitation program, offering one month of free therapy to Sontro users.

Dr. Reisman says that they make for a simple, easy selection process.

Rexton BiCore SR: Best on-the-go

Why we picked Rexton BiCore SR

While Rexton’s newest BiCore line is made up of six different hearing aids, our audiologists were most impressed by the Slim RIC, or SR, model. BiCore hearing aids use advanced audio processing to cut down unwanted noise and feedback faster than older Rexton models, and the BiCore SR has the added perk of a comfortable, sleek design for maximum discretion.

• Over-the-counter or prescription: Rx
• Style: RIC
• Price per pair: $1,780
• Best for: Patients who struggle in mild background noise or quiet environments

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What we like

• Energy efficient. BiCore models consume the least energy of any Rexton hearing aids, netting them an estimated 20% longer run time per charge.
• Optional telecoil. Where other premium hearing aid brands have done away with the telecoil option all together, Rexton still sees the value of this feature. Telecoil add-ons allow users to hear the sounds being transmitted by other wireless devices, like microphones, directly in their ear. This  means that even at a distance, you’ll always hear crystal-clear audio in large venues.
• Ample color options. The BiCore SR is available in 5 modern shades for an even sleeker appearance, including Black, Silver, Snow White, Snow White Rose Gold, and Cosmic Blue Rose Gold.
• Charge on the go. The BiCore SR can be powered up wherever you are using the company’s compact Travel Charger 2 accessory.

What we don’t like

• Not recommended for severe hearing loss. Rexton hearing aids are best-suited to people experiencing a mild to moderate degree of hearing loss.
• May require frequent adjustments in the app. While the Rexton mobile app is praised for being user-friendly, some users find themselves having to constantly adjust their hearing aids through the app to accommodate changes in their environment — a problem that could be fixed by equipping the BiCore line with  smarter technology like artificial intelligence (AI).
• Limited providers. While brands like Lucid boast hundreds of hearing centers across the country, Rexton is mostly (but not exclusively) sold at Costco. Some patients have a hard time finding a local provider who will adjust their Rexton hearing aids for them.
• No upfront pricing available. Rexton doesn’t list the prices of their hearing aids online, though BiCore models average between $1,000 and $5,000 each.

What our audiologists say

Dr. Hinson doesn’t necessarily recommend Rexton as the first prescription option to select, as it is harder to find a provider to adjust these aids. They are offered in some audiology offices, but they’re locked by Costco’s proprietary software, so if you move to a city without a Costco, you could be without care for your devices. She recommends Rexton devices for  those who are tech savvy and who struggle in mild background noise or quiet environments.

Dr. Reisman says that Rexton is quite reliable and offers a wide range of styles with customizable options for patients to accommodate a wide range of hearing losses. However, she notes they are not recommended for those with severe or profound hearing loss.

Important things to know about over-the-counter hearing aids

Approved by the FDA in 2022, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are still quite new to the hearing aid industry. This term refers to any hearing aid you can buy directly without consulting a hearing health specialist.

While OTC hearing aids can offer many of the same benefits as prescription models, they have some limitations users should be aware of. These include:

OTC hearing aids aren’t regulated by the FDA. While the FDA approved the overall sale of over-the-counter hearing aids, they aren’t actively inspecting the individual models. To date, no official studies have been conducted concerning the efficacy of OTC hearing aids. This means that OTC models may not meet the same safety and quality standards as prescription hearing aids.

Prescription models usually have more features. Over-the-counter hearing aids are often touted as being more affordable than prescription options, but they subsequently come with fewer add-ons. For example, some OTC hearing aids amplify all sounds around a user, instead of helping the user focus on one particular sound while filtering out the background noise. This is because most OTC models aren’t equipped with directional microphones, which are especially beneficial to patients who have trouble understanding speech in noisy environments.

You fit them yourself. Whereas prescription hearing aids are fitted to your ear by a professional hearing specialist, OTC hearing aids leave that task to the user. This often results in hearing aids not fitting properly, which in turn leads to issues with feedback and poor sound quality. Improperly fitted hearing aids are not only less effective at treating hearing loss, they can also cause users ear discomfort, pain, and even result in injury.

They’re only suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC hearing aids can’t amplify sounds at high enough levels to benefit anyone with severe or profound hearing loss. Consult an audiologist as soon as you notice your hearing loss getting worse.

Need help deciding which Bluetooth hearing aid is best for you? Find a licensed audiologist near you or read our expert guide to choosing a hearing aid.