Hearing aids can be an important part of everyday life for people experiencing moderate to severe hearing loss. That’s why it’s important to know when it may be time for an upgrade.
Subtle changes, whether to you or your tiny in-ear audio device, can be easy to miss at first: Maybe background noise is becoming more of a nuisance, or maneuvering your hearing aids is getting more difficult due to arthritis in the hands.
And sometimes there aren’t any big noticeable changes, but you’ve had your hearing aids for so long that there’s newer, better models out there. To help you know when it’s the right time to shop around for a new pair of hearing aids, we here at CBS Essentials have put together the following list of signs you may need to switch hearing aids.
When to switch hearing aids? Three ways to know
From changes to your personal health to the effects of years of wear and tear on your hearing aids, here are three indications that you may need something new. Schedule a chat with your audiologist or healthcare provider to discuss a possible upgrade.
Your hearing aids have gotten noticeably worse
Just like any other piece of tech, hearing aids can deteriorate over time. This is due to things like ordinary wear and tear or even damage from ear wax. The average lifespan of a pair of hearing aids is typically around five years, but a good quality pair can last twice that long with proper care — and visits to a certified hearing care professional every three months or so for professional cleaning.
But hearing aids are tiny, delicate devices. Dirt, sweat, and oil can build up over time, especially if the hearing aids aren’t getting cleaned with a soft, dry cloth occasionally. If you believe your hearing aids aren’t functioning as well as they used to, that’s a sign you may need a new pair.
Other things that could damage your hearing aids or otherwise bring down their lifespan include:
Extreme temperatures: Avoid leaving your hearing aids in places where direct sunlight can damage them, such as in your car.
Earwax buildup: Moisture and earwax can damage the electronics in your hearing aids, including the microphones and receivers within. It’s best to store them in cool, dry containers when not in use.
Physical damage: This might be an obvious point, but dropping your hearing aids on hard surfaces can be bad for the delicate devices.
You’ve gone through health or lifestyle changes
Our bodies are always changing, and it’s possible yours has outgrown your current hearing aids, in one way or another.
The first and most obvious example of this is a change to your hearing. Hearing loss that is due to old age can get worse over time, with or without hearing aids. If you notice you’re turning the volume up more than you used to, or perhaps you can’t hear people talking to you as clearly as you once did, talk with your audiologist about whether or not it’s time for a new pair of hearing aids.
Bodily changes like worsening arthritis in your hands can be another factor that makes using your hearing aids more difficult to use over time. Smaller devices like completely-in-the-canal style can be very difficult to use if you have arthritis — in this case, consider making the switch to a larger hearing aid type like a low profile in-ear device or any behind-the-ear styles.
Another potential health change to stay vigilant about is the inner ear disorder Ménière disease. This can cause dizziness, ringing in the ears, and even hearing loss, so if you notice these symptoms in one or both ears, talk to your doctor or audiologist for possible treatment options. But people with this disease often need hearing aids that can be manually adjusted for hearing changes that occur daily — talk with your audiologist about getting preset programs for your new hearing aids to make these adjustments easy to handle.
Your hearing aids seem old or outdated
New hearing-aid technology is always evolving; what was cutting-edge five years ago can seem outdated compared to the newest models.
We’re not quite there yet with fully waterproof hearing aids, but many newer models offer some level of water resistance, making it harder to damage your devices with exposure to moisture. If you’ve had your current hearing aids for many years, consider upgrading to water-resistant devices like the Phonak Audéo Lumity 90R hearing aids. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about finding the right device for you. Prices start at around $2,354 per hearing aid ($4,708 for a full set).
Tom Horton
Tom Horton is a resident health expert for CBS Essentials, with deep experience in topics ranging from chronic conditions to health-care devices to diet options. He lives in upstate New York, and draws his power from local bookstores, long hikes on a sunny day, and his cat Sammy.
Hearing aids can be an important part of everyday life for people experiencing moderate to severe hearing loss. That’s why it’s important to know when it may be time for an upgrade.
Subtle changes, whether to you or your tiny in-ear audio device, can be easy to miss at first: Maybe background noise is becoming more of a nuisance, or maneuvering your hearing aids is getting more difficult due to arthritis in the hands.
And sometimes there aren’t any big noticeable changes, but you’ve had your hearing aids for so long that there’s newer, better models out there. To help you know when it’s the right time to shop around for a new pair of hearing aids, we here at CBS Essentials have put together the following list of signs you may need to switch hearing aids.
When to switch hearing aids? Three ways to know
From changes to your personal health to the effects of years of wear and tear on your hearing aids, here are three indications that you may need something new. Schedule a chat with your audiologist or healthcare provider to discuss a possible upgrade.
Your hearing aids have gotten noticeably worse
Just like any other piece of tech, hearing aids can deteriorate over time. This is due to things like ordinary wear and tear or even damage from ear wax. The average lifespan of a pair of hearing aids is typically around five years, but a good quality pair can last twice that long with proper care — and visits to a certified hearing care professional every three months or so for professional cleaning.
But hearing aids are tiny, delicate devices. Dirt, sweat, and oil can build up over time, especially if the hearing aids aren’t getting cleaned with a soft, dry cloth occasionally. If you believe your hearing aids aren’t functioning as well as they used to, that’s a sign you may need a new pair.
Other things that could damage your hearing aids or otherwise bring down their lifespan include:
Extreme temperatures: Avoid leaving your hearing aids in places where direct sunlight can damage them, such as in your car.
Earwax buildup: Moisture and earwax can damage the electronics in your hearing aids, including the microphones and receivers within. It’s best to store them in cool, dry containers when not in use.
Physical damage: This might be an obvious point, but dropping your hearing aids on hard surfaces can be bad for the delicate devices.
You’ve gone through health or lifestyle changes
Our bodies are always changing, and it’s possible yours has outgrown your current hearing aids, in one way or another.
The first and most obvious example of this is a change to your hearing. Hearing loss that is due to old age can get worse over time, with or without hearing aids. If you notice you’re turning the volume up more than you used to, or perhaps you can’t hear people talking to you as clearly as you once did, talk with your audiologist about whether or not it’s time for a new pair of hearing aids.
Bodily changes like worsening arthritis in your hands can be another factor that makes using your hearing aids more difficult to use over time. Smaller devices like completely-in-the-canal style can be very difficult to use if you have arthritis — in this case, consider making the switch to a larger hearing aid type like a low profile in-ear device or any behind-the-ear styles.
Another potential health change to stay vigilant about is the inner ear disorder Ménière disease. This can cause dizziness, ringing in the ears, and even hearing loss, so if you notice these symptoms in one or both ears, talk to your doctor or audiologist for possible treatment options. But people with this disease often need hearing aids that can be manually adjusted for hearing changes that occur daily — talk with your audiologist about getting preset programs for your new hearing aids to make these adjustments easy to handle.
Your hearing aids seem old or outdated
New hearing-aid technology is always evolving; what was cutting-edge five years ago can seem outdated compared to the newest models.
We’re not quite there yet with fully waterproof hearing aids, but many newer models offer some level of water resistance, making it harder to damage your devices with exposure to moisture. If you’ve had your current hearing aids for many years, consider upgrading to water-resistant devices like the Phonak Audéo Lumity 90R hearing aids. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about finding the right device for you. Prices start at around $2,354 per hearing aid ($4,708 for a full set).
Tom Horton
Tom Horton is a resident health expert for CBS Essentials, with deep experience in topics ranging from chronic conditions to health-care devices to diet options. He lives in upstate New York, and draws his power from local bookstores, long hikes on a sunny day, and his cat Sammy.
Investing in a hearing aid is no small thing. People with some degree of hearing loss can benefit greatly from a quality pair of hearing aids, but of course there’s no one-size-fits all solution to mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss.
Instead, there are a variety of these tiny sound amplification devices to choose from. You’ll find a wide range of prices and technology features across different brands, styles and hearing-aid models, so you may be looking for some help in making this important decision for your health and wellbeing.
Whether you’re on the lookout for your first pair of hearing aids, or you know it’s time to switch hearing aids and upgrade to something newer, we’re here with all the info on how hearing aids work, what your options are, and which hearing aid may be the perfect fit for you.
What is the best hearing aid in 2024?
Learn all about how hearing aids work — and which types and brands you should look out for — when picking out a hearing aid for you.
How do hearing aids work?
All hearing aids, regardless of brand or style, counter hearing loss. These tiny sound-amplification devices sit on or within the ear to capture, boost and transfer sound. This is all thanks to tech like microphones and speakers that relay important sounds to the wearer.
There are a few ways to get your hands on a good hearing aid. The first is through your doctor. Simply schedule a checkup to learn more about the cause and severity of your hearing loss, then get a referral for a trusted audiologist for a more thorough hearing exam. This can set you up with a quality pair of prescription hearing aids.
But it’s worth noting that these tend to be more expensive than your alternative option — over-the-counter hearing aids. Prescription devices can cost upwards of $1,500, while some OTC hearing aids, like the popular Jabra Enhance Plus hearing aids (starting at $799 a pair), can be much less expensive.
What are the different types of hearing aids?
Choosing the right fit can be an important, if easily overlooked, part of hearing-aid shopping. Do you go with a smaller device that discreetly fits in the ear canal? Or would you prefer something a bit bulkier that sits securely and comfortably behind and around the ear?
These are the most common styles of hearing aids you’re likely to come across:
Behind-the-ear (BTE): BTE hearing aids loop over the top of the ear, with most of the electronics in a plastic case behind it. With the largest design, these provide optimal sound amplification over other models.
Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC): RIC hearing aids (as well as the smaller receiver-in-the-ear, or RITE, devices) are similar to a BTE in design, but with a connecting wire in place of the BTE’s earmold. This gives the ear canal more room and results in a more comfortable fit.
In-the-ear (ITE): ITE hearing aids are made to sit entirely in the outer ear. These devices have a longer battery life and usually come with more features, such as volume control, than smaller models.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC): CIC hearing aids have the smallest design, with a custom-built shell that fits in the ear canal. These are the least noticeable, but don’t offer many features or the most powerful sound amplification.
Open fit: A variation of a BTE, an open-fit hearing aid has an over-the-ear design with an open dome in the canal instead of a tube or mold. This keeps the ear canal open for natural sound to enter the ear as well -– ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Should you get a prescription hearing aid or OTC hearing aid?
In October 2022, the FDA approved the use and sale of over-the-counter, or OTC, hearing aids. OTC hearing aids don’t require a hearing evaluation or prescription, but you must be 18 or older to make a purchase.
OTC hearing aids are ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss and can already be found from brands such as Eargo, Lively, and Audicious. If you suffer from severe or profound hearing loss, however, you should talk with your doctor or audiologist about prescription hearing amplifiers. While more expensive, they are regulated by the FDA for optimal amplification and typically come with services like ongoing maintenance and professional fitting by a specialist.
Tips for picking the best hearing aid for you
Shopping for OTC hearing aids online can be confusing. It can help to know which brands offer quality hearing aids.
Costco stands out as a wholesale retailer, with the Costco Hearing Aid Center offering hearing aids from trusted brands like Philips and Jabra. You can also schedule a hearing test with an audiologist at your local Costco Hearing Aid Center and get some guidance on finding the right sound amplification device for your needs.
One thing that can make shopping for hearing aids easier is to know which features matter most to you. Consider this list of additional features that come with some hearing aids and see what jumps out at you:
Noise reduction: All hearing aids offer some level of noise reduction, but quality may vary between brands and models.
Rechargeable batteries: Easily rechargeable hearing aids are growing more common. It can be a big convenience to invest in a rechargeable hearing aid over one that requires you to swap out batteries every so often. Most OTC hearing aids last around 10 hours on a single charge, but for the absolute best battery life we recommend the Sony CRE-E10 hearing aid, which can last more than 25 hours on a single charge according to Sony.
Directional microphones: All hearing aids include an omnidirectional microphone for picking up and isolating certain sounds, but some also include microphones that can focus on a single direction. Forward-facing directional microphones could be useful for things like one-on-one conversations.
Bluetooth / wireless connectivity: In this digital age, it’s hard to imagine any sound amplification device that does not include some kind of wireless connectivity. Bluetooth compatibility is an increasingly common feature in newer hearing aids. Look out for this feature if the idea of effortlessly connecting your hearing aid to your phone, computer, or TV is appealing to you.
Preprogrammed settings: Some hearing aids can store more than one setting at once, usually configured by your audiologist, to meet different listening needs or sound environments. This can be helpful for people with the inner ear disorder Ménière disease who might need to make multiple hearing-aid adjustments daily.
Tom Horton
Tom Horton is a resident health expert for CBS Essentials, with deep experience in topics ranging from chronic conditions to health-care devices to diet options. He lives in upstate New York, and draws his power from local bookstores, long hikes on a sunny day, and his cat Sammy.
WASHINGTON — An environmental lawyer whom Donald Trump wanted to take over the Justice Department in the days before the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol repeatedly asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a disbarment hearing on Wednesday.
Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department civil lawyer with no criminal law experience, had wanted to investigate a conspiracy theory that the 2020 election was stolen, including via smart thermostats. Just hours before the Jan. 6 attack, Trump nearly made Clark the acting attorney general of the United States but backed off when Justice Department leadership threatened to resign en mass.
Federal authorities searched Clark’s home in June 2022, and he now faces criminal charges in Georgia in the state racketeering case against Trump and others. Clark surrendered to authorities in August in that case and entered a not-guilty plea. He is also unindicted co-conspirator no. 4 in the federal election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith against Trump.
Clark briefly testified during a disciplinary hearing unfolding this week before the Ad Hoc Hearing Committee for the D.C. Board on Professional Responsibility, which is deciding whether Clark should lose his bar license for his involvement in attempts to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss. The case was initiated in 2022 by the D.C. Bar’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel and has been held up in litigation for nearly two years.
Before Clark’s testimony, his lawyer talked about wanting to prevent Clark from having to repeatedly assert his Fifth Amendment right and “avoid us being on MSNBC for no good reason.”
Once his testimony got underway, Clark repeatedly asserted his Fifth Amendment right, as well as law enforcement privilege, deliberative process and attorney-client privilege.
Patricia Matthews, a member of the three-person panel hearing the case, asked Clark who his client was in connection with his invocation of attorney-client privilege: “For whom were you the attorney?” she asked.
“For President Trump, the head of the executive branch, the sole head, the unitary head of article two, the executive branch of the United States government,” Clark said. (Typically, Justice Department employees say that their client is the United States of America, not one particular president.)
Clark’s lawyer intervened when Matthews asked a follow-up question.
Earlier in the morning, the panel heard testimony from former acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen whom Trump had proposed replacing with Clark. Rosen testified that he remembered telling Donald Trump he could have the DOJ leadership he wanted, “but it’s not going to change the facts” about the election.
Rosen testified that Clark was seeking to investigate issues that were “nowhere in his lane” and that, looking back, “Mr. Clark wasn’t very forthcoming” during the period leading up to the Jan. 6 attack. Clark, Rosen testified, “had read things on the internet.” Rosen said he thought for a time that giving Clark some info about DOJ’s efforts to investigate some of the conspiracy theories Clark believed in might help Clark with “coming off the ledge, if you will.”
Clark and then No. 2 DOJ official Richard Donoghue that Clark was “way out of bounds, way out of his lane.” Donoghue testified to the Jan. 6 Committee that he highlighted Clark’s lack of criminal or election experience during an hours-long standoff in the Oval Office on Jan. 3, 2021, telling Clark: “You’re an environmental lawyer. How about you go back to your office, and we’ll call you when there’s an oil spill.”
Rosen testified about the same Jan. 3 meeting during Wednesday’s hearing, saying that he and other lawyers in the room, “everybody, had indicated they would, in some manner, feel obliged to resign” if Trump named Clark as acting attorney general.
The threat of mass resignations at the Justice Department ultimately helped convince Trump to step back from his plan to appoint Clark, several lawyers in the room have testified.
Clark’s defense team on Wednesday called Suzi Voyles, a Republican politician and Trump delegate whose claims of voter fraud in Georgia in 2020 were investigated and dismissed by state authorities. Voyles testified that she still suspected voter fraud in Georgia and spoke about how she believed that voting machines work, adding, “I’m not very technical.”
A disciplinary board for the D.C. Bar Association previously recommended that Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani lose his law license, writing that Giuliani’s “effort to undermine the integrity of the 2020 presidential election has helped destabilize our democracy” and that his “malicious and meritless claims have done lasting damage.”
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia’s top court began hearing appeals Wednesday against the presidential election results lodged by two losing candidates who allege widespread irregularities and fraud at the polls, demanding a revote.
The Feb. 14 presidential election results were announced March 20. The winner, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, received more than 96 million votes, or 58.6%, according to the General Election Commission, known as KPU.
Former Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan, who received nearly 41 million votes, or 24.9%, filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court on March 21, a day after the official results announcement. Another candidate, former Central Java Gov. Ganjar Pranowo, who was backed by the governing Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, received the smallest share of votes at 27 million, or 16.5%. His legal team filed a complaint to the court on March 23.
Baswedan’s lawsuit claimed that irregularities occurred before, during and after the election that resulted in Subianto’s victory, and his legal team will reveal its evidence and arguments in the court hearings.
Subianto chose as his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of the popular outgoing president Joko Widodo. The Constitutional Court had made an exception to the minimum age requirement of 40 for candidates. Baswedan and Pranowo both criticized 37-year-old Raka’s participation in the election.
Anwar Usman, who was the court’s chief justice when the exception was made, is Widodo’s brother-in-law. An ethics panel later forced Usman to resign for failing to recuse himself and for making last-minute changes to the candidacy requirements, but allowed him to remain on the court as long as he does not participate in election-related cases.
The election complaints were heard separately Wednesday by the court, where Baswedan had the first turn in the morning and Pranowo was slated in the afternoon.
“We witness with deep concern a series of irregularities that have tarnished the integrity of our democracy,” Baswedan told the court. He specifically pointed to the court’s decision allowing Raka to run despite the previously established criteria.
He said there are also disturbing practices where regional officials are pressured or given rewards to influence the direction of political choices, as well as misuse of the state’s social assistance, which is actually intended for people’s welfare, “is instead used as a transactional tool to win one of the candidates.”
“If we do not make corrections, the practices that occurred yesterday will be considered normal and become habits, then become culture and ultimately become national character,” Baswedan said before the eight-judge panel. “The Indonesian people are waiting with full attention, and we entrust all this to the Constitutional Court who is brave and independent to uphold justice.”
The verdict, expected on April 22, cannot be appealed. It will be decided by eight justices instead of the full nine-member court because Usman is required to recuse himself.
In the past two elections, the Constitutional Court has rejected Subianto’s bids to overturn Widodo’s victories and dismissed his claims of widespread fraud as groundless. Subianto refused to accept the results of the 2019 presidential election, which pitted him against Widodo, leading to violence that left seven dead in Jakarta.
Widodo has reached his term limit and could not run again this year. He has faced criticism for throwing his support behind Subianto, who has links to alleged human rights abuses. Indonesian presidents are expected to remain neutral in elections to replace them.
Hefty social aid from the government was disbursed in the middle of the campaign — far more than the amounts spent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Widodo distributed funds in person in a number of provinces, in a move that drew particular scrutiny.
Hearing aids can be vital for your wellbeing if you suffer from hearing loss of any severity.
You should always consult with your audiologist before making a purchase, whether you’re picking out your first pair of hearing aids or investing in something newer and better than your current pair. But if you want some help sorting through hearing-aid brands to find the best of the best in 2024, we have you covered.
If you’re suffering from mild to profound hearing loss, you deserve a hearing aid that works for you, not against you. That means no medical devices with subpar sound amplification or poor usability. We put in the work to weed out the hearing aids that aren’t worth it and shine a spotlight on the ones that are.
Learn more about the best hearing aids of 2024, plus the types available and what makes each of them different.
What are the best hearing aids in 2024?
Looking at both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, we considered factors like fit and design, sound technology, and affordability to find the absolute best hearing aids for you.
Best overall OTC hearing aids: Jabra
Best for moderate to severe hearing loss: Phonak
Best Fit: Eargo
Best sound quality: Sony
Most budget-friendly: MDHearing
Browse the best hearing aids from trusted brands like Phonak, Eargo, and Sony.
Prices listed for prescription hearing aids are calculated based on data from trusted healthcare providers and customer accounts. What you see here and what your audiologist or primary care provider quotes may be different, thanks to charges like professional fitting and programming services.
Best OTC hearing aids overall: Jabra Enhance Plus
Jabra
Until recently, hearing aids required a prescription from an audiologist or hearing specialist. This meant working with your healthcare providers to schedule a hearing test and, in most states, buying from a licensed seller. Since OTC hearing aids were approved by the FDA in 2022, brands like Jabra have stepped up to the plate with direct-to-consumer devices like the Jabra Enhance Plus.
The first OTC hearing aid from Jabra, the Enhance Plus is a tiny device that could pass for a pair of wireless earbuds at first glance. This design offers a sleek, almost invisible look that won’t stand out. The best features for this hearing aid include a long battery life (10-plus hours per charge), great speech amplification, and a lower price point than most prescription hearing aids.
Prices start at $799 for the Jabra Enhance Plus hearing aids.
Pros:
Easy set-up and maintenance using the Jabra Enhance app
Great battery life
Nice balance of affordability and accessibility, making these our pick for best OTC hearing aids
Cons:
Jabra mobile app is currently only available for iOS
Sound quality and background noise cancellation features could be better
Best for moderate to severe hearing loss: Phonak Audéo Lumity
Phonak
If you’re interested in the latest hearing aid designs, we recommend the newest flagship hearing aid from Phonak, the Audéo Lumity. This hearing aid has several new and impressive features over the previous Phonak release (the Audéo Paradise) such as improved speech-focused tech — StereoZoom for front-facing conversations and SpeechSensor for improved hearing from the sides and back.
This hearing aid also offers Bluetooth connectivity for both iOS and Android devices and fitness-tracking features like step counts (via the MyPhonak mobile app). As a prescription hearing aid, the Phonak Lumity is available in four technology tiers, with more functionalities (and a higher price) tied to higher ones. These include L30 (essential), L50 (standard), L70 (advanced), and L90 (premium).
Prices start at around $1,800 for the lowest tier, the Lumity L30 hearing aid.
Pros:
High-quality sound amplification from a trusted hearing aid brand
Multiple tech tiers can make it easy to find the right device for your needs (and your budget)
Mobile app compatibility with iOS and Android devices
Cons:
MyPhonak app has conflicting reviews about user friendliness
Choosing the right tech tier can be overwhelming — consult with your audiologist to find the right fit for you
Best fit: Eargo 7
Eargo
The latest OTC hearing aid from Eargo, the Eargo 7 fits snugly in the ear canal. This model builds upon previous Eargo devices with a sleek, nondescript design and tech improvements regarding audio processing, filtering, and noise reduction features.
The sound design of the Eargo 7 is high quality and beats out previous designs by the hearing aid brand. But the standout feature here is the device’s comfortable fit: These hearing aids stay in place thanks to small, interlocking “petals” that keep everything in place.
With prices starting at $2,650, these are some of the most expensive hearing aids on our list, but the fit is more than worth it.
Pros:
Snug and discreet design makes for an easy in-ear fit
Exceptional battery life (15+ hours per charge)
Great sound quality for OTC hearing aids
Cons:
Expensive for OTC hearing aids
Unique design can make routine cleaning a hassle
Best sound quality: Sony CRE-E10
Sony
Another OTC hearing-aid favorite, the Sony CRE-E10 device excels at crisp sound quality, whether you’re listening to music, nearby conversations or nothing more than the ambient sounds of everyday life. This hearing aid offers speech enhancement and feedback reduction at a quality to rival many prescription hearing aids.
If you want a premium hearing aid that you can fit yourself, with perks like Bluetooth connectivity and an exceptional battery life, this is the hearing aid for you. One caveat: You will have to deal with a price tag closer to prescription hearing aids versus your average OTC device, as the CRE-E10 is normally available for $1,299.
The good news is that this hearing aid is currently on sale for around $1,100 — this applies whether you shop from Sony or Amazon below.
Pros:
Exceptional sound quality for OTC hearing aids
With a battery life clocking in at more than 25 hours per charge according to Sony, these hearing aids are the longest-lasting devices on this list
Cons:
Higher price than most OTC hearing aids
Although there are automatic adjustments that kick in based on your environment, there are no touch controls or physical buttons — all adjustments can be made via a mobile app, which can take some getting used to
Most budget-friendly: MDHearing AIR
MDHearing
The most affordable device on our list is the latest behind-the-ear hearing aid design by MDHearing. The MDHearing AIR offers solid noise reduction and quality comfort. The inviting price point and limited tech make this OTC hearing aid great for anyone looking to try out their first pair of hearing aids.
Get a feel for this comfortable behind-the-ear hearing aid for just $297 a pair today, available from MDHearing.
Pros:
Super affordable and easy to use
Excellent customer support according to customer reviews
Free shipping, free lifetime support, a one-year warranty, and a 45-day risk-free trial make this one of the best and safest purchases you can make when shopping for new hearing aids
Cons:
Limited tech capabilities compared with other, more expensive devices
Different hearing aid styles to choose from
There are smaller devices that fit entirely in the ear canal for a less noticeable look, while bulkier hearing aids have parts that sit comfortably behind and around the ear. The most common styles you’ll come across include:
Behind-the-ear (BTE): BTE hearing aids loop over the top of the ear, with most of the electronics in a plastic case behind it. With the largest design, these provide optimal sound amplification over other models.
Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC): RIC hearing aids (as well as the smaller receiver-in-the-ear, or RITE, devices) are similar to a BTE in design, but with a connecting wire in place of the BTE’s earmold. This gives the ear canal more room and results in a more comfortable fit.
In-the-ear (ITE): ITE hearing aids are custom-made to sit entirely in the outer ear. These devices have a longer battery life and usually come with more features, such as volume control, than smaller models.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC): CIC hearing aids have the smallest design, with a custom-built shell that fits in the ear canal. These are the least noticeable, but don’t offer many features or the most powerful sound amplification.
Open fit: A variation of a BTE, an open-fit hearing aid has an over-the-ear design with an open dome in the canal instead of a tube or mold. This keeps the ear canal open for natural sound to enter the ear as well – ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss.
How we chose the best hearing aids of 2024
For a closer look at how we rate products, here is what we prioritized while putting together our list of the best hearing aids you can buy today:
Sound technology: We looked for important features like background noise cancellation and speech amplification.
Affordability: We looked at both prescription hearing aids and the more budget-friendly OTC devices to make sure we highlight high quality hearing aids of all price points.
Customer reviews: All of our hearing devices hold a four-star review or higher from happy customers just like you.
Comfortability: We paid attention to the design, shape, and fit of each hearing aid to ensure only the most comfortable hearing aids made the list.
Tom Horton
Tom Horton is a resident health expert for CBS Essentials, with deep experience in topics ranging from chronic conditions to health-care devices to diet options. He lives in upstate New York, and draws his power from local bookstores, long hikes on a sunny day, and his cat Sammy.
Hearing aids can be vital for your wellbeing if you suffer from hearing loss of any severity.
You should always consult with your audiologist before making a purchase, whether you’re picking out your first pair of hearing aids or investing in something newer and better than your current pair. But if you want some help sorting through hearing-aid brands to find the best of the best in 2024, we have you covered.
If you’re suffering from mild to profound hearing loss, you deserve a hearing aid that works for you, not against you. That means no medical devices with subpar sound amplification or poor usability. We put in the work to weed out the hearing aids that aren’t worth it and shine a spotlight on the ones that are.
Learn more about the best hearing aids of 2024, plus the types available and what makes each of them different.
What are the best hearing aids in 2024?
Looking at both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, we considered factors like fit and design, sound technology, and affordability to find the absolute best hearing aids for you.
Best overall OTC hearing aids: Jabra
Best for moderate to severe hearing loss: Phonak
Best Fit: Eargo
Best sound quality: Sony
Most budget-friendly: MDHearing
Browse the best hearing aids from trusted brands like Phonak, Eargo, and Sony.
Prices listed for prescription hearing aids are calculated based on data from trusted healthcare providers and customer accounts. What you see here and what your audiologist or primary care provider quotes may be different, thanks to charges like professional fitting and programming services.
Best OTC hearing aids overall: Jabra Enhance Plus
Jabra
Until recently, hearing aids required a prescription from an audiologist or hearing specialist. This meant working with your healthcare providers to schedule a hearing test and, in most states, buying from a licensed seller. Since OTC hearing aids were approved by the FDA in 2022, brands like Jabra have stepped up to the plate with direct-to-consumer devices like the Jabra Enhance Plus.
The first OTC hearing aid from Jabra, the Enhance Plus is a tiny device that could pass for a pair of wireless earbuds at first glance. This design offers a sleek, almost invisible look that won’t stand out. The best features for this hearing aid include a long battery life (10-plus hours per charge), great speech amplification, and a lower price point than most prescription hearing aids.
Prices start at $799 for the Jabra Enhance Plus hearing aids.
Pros:
Easy set-up and maintenance using the Jabra Enhance app
Great battery life
Nice balance of affordability and accessibility, making these our pick for best OTC hearing aids
Cons:
Jabra mobile app is currently only available for iOS
Sound quality and background noise cancellation features could be better
Best for moderate to severe hearing loss: Phonak Audéo Lumity
Phonak
If you’re interested in the latest hearing aid designs, we recommend the newest flagship hearing aid from Phonak, the Audéo Lumity. This hearing aid has several new and impressive features over the previous Phonak release (the Audéo Paradise) such as improved speech-focused tech — StereoZoom for front-facing conversations and SpeechSensor for improved hearing from the sides and back.
This hearing aid also offers Bluetooth connectivity for both iOS and Android devices and fitness-tracking features like step counts (via the MyPhonak mobile app). As a prescription hearing aid, the Phonak Lumity is available in four technology tiers, with more functionalities (and a higher price) tied to higher ones. These include L30 (essential), L50 (standard), L70 (advanced), and L90 (premium).
Prices start at around $1,800 for the lowest tier, the Lumity L30 hearing aid.
Pros:
High-quality sound amplification from a trusted hearing aid brand
Multiple tech tiers can make it easy to find the right device for your needs (and your budget)
Mobile app compatibility with iOS and Android devices
Cons:
MyPhonak app has conflicting reviews about user friendliness
Choosing the right tech tier can be overwhelming — consult with your audiologist to find the right fit for you
Best fit: Eargo 7
Eargo
The latest OTC hearing aid from Eargo, the Eargo 7 fits snugly in the ear canal. This model builds upon previous Eargo devices with a sleek, nondescript design and tech improvements regarding audio processing, filtering, and noise reduction features.
The sound design of the Eargo 7 is high quality and beats out previous designs by the hearing aid brand. But the standout feature here is the device’s comfortable fit: These hearing aids stay in place thanks to small, interlocking “petals” that keep everything in place.
With prices starting at $2,650, these are some of the most expensive hearing aids on our list, but the fit is more than worth it.
Pros:
Snug and discreet design makes for an easy in-ear fit
Exceptional battery life (15+ hours per charge)
Great sound quality for OTC hearing aids
Cons:
Expensive for OTC hearing aids
Unique design can make routine cleaning a hassle
Best sound quality: Sony CRE-E10
Sony
Another OTC hearing-aid favorite, the Sony CRE-E10 device excels at crisp sound quality, whether you’re listening to music, nearby conversations or nothing more than the ambient sounds of everyday life. This hearing aid offers speech enhancement and feedback reduction at a quality to rival many prescription hearing aids.
If you want a premium hearing aid that you can fit yourself, with perks like Bluetooth connectivity and an exceptional battery life, this is the hearing aid for you. One caveat: You will have to deal with a price tag closer to prescription hearing aids versus your average OTC device, as the CRE-E10 is normally available for $1,299.
The good news is that this hearing aid is currently on sale for around $1,100 — this applies whether you shop from Sony or Amazon below.
Pros:
Exceptional sound quality for OTC hearing aids
With a battery life clocking in at more than 25 hours per charge according to Sony, these hearing aids are the longest-lasting devices on this list
Cons:
Higher price than most OTC hearing aids
Although there are automatic adjustments that kick in based on your environment, there are no touch controls or physical buttons — all adjustments can be made via a mobile app, which can take some getting used to
Most budget-friendly: MDHearing AIR
MDHearing
The most affordable device on our list is the latest behind-the-ear hearing aid design by MDHearing. The MDHearing AIR offers solid noise reduction and quality comfort. The inviting price point and limited tech make this OTC hearing aid great for anyone looking to try out their first pair of hearing aids.
Get a feel for this comfortable behind-the-ear hearing aid for just $297 a pair today, available from MDHearing.
Pros:
Super affordable and easy to use
Excellent customer support according to customer reviews
Free shipping, free lifetime support, a one-year warranty, and a 45-day risk-free trial make this one of the best and safest purchases you can make when shopping for new hearing aids
Cons:
Limited tech capabilities compared with other, more expensive devices
Different hearing aid styles to choose from
There are smaller devices that fit entirely in the ear canal for a less noticeable look, while bulkier hearing aids have parts that sit comfortably behind and around the ear. The most common styles you’ll come across include:
Behind-the-ear (BTE): BTE hearing aids loop over the top of the ear, with most of the electronics in a plastic case behind it. With the largest design, these provide optimal sound amplification over other models.
Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC): RIC hearing aids (as well as the smaller receiver-in-the-ear, or RITE, devices) are similar to a BTE in design, but with a connecting wire in place of the BTE’s earmold. This gives the ear canal more room and results in a more comfortable fit.
In-the-ear (ITE): ITE hearing aids are custom-made to sit entirely in the outer ear. These devices have a longer battery life and usually come with more features, such as volume control, than smaller models.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC): CIC hearing aids have the smallest design, with a custom-built shell that fits in the ear canal. These are the least noticeable, but don’t offer many features or the most powerful sound amplification.
Open fit: A variation of a BTE, an open-fit hearing aid has an over-the-ear design with an open dome in the canal instead of a tube or mold. This keeps the ear canal open for natural sound to enter the ear as well – ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss.
How we chose the best hearing aids of 2024
For a closer look at how we rate products, here is what we prioritized while putting together our list of the best hearing aids you can buy today:
Sound technology: We looked for important features like background noise cancellation and speech amplification.
Affordability: We looked at both prescription hearing aids and the more budget-friendly OTC devices to make sure we highlight high quality hearing aids of all price points.
Customer reviews: All of our hearing devices hold a four-star review or higher from happy customers just like you.
Comfortability: We paid attention to the design, shape, and fit of each hearing aid to ensure only the most comfortable hearing aids made the list.
Tom Horton
Tom Horton is a resident health expert for CBS Essentials, with deep experience in topics ranging from chronic conditions to health-care devices to diet options. He lives in upstate New York, and draws his power from local bookstores, long hikes on a sunny day, and his cat Sammy.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was given permission by the High Court in London Tuesday, to take his challenge against extradition to the United States on espionage charges to a new hearing.
The court ruled that Assange could pursue his appeal at a full hearing, unless the U.S. provided “satisfactory assurances” on the questions of whether he was able to rely on the First Amendment of the Constitution and whether he could be subject to the death penalty. It added that he should not be prejudiced at trial or sentencing “by reason of his nationality.”
Assange has been fighting extradition for more than a decade, including seven years in self-exile in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and the last five in the high-security Belmarsh Prison on the outskirts of the British capital.
American prosecutors say Assange put lives at risk when he helped U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks published almost 15 years ago. He has been indicted on 17 charges of espionage and one charge of computer misuse over Wikileaks’ publication of the classified documents.
James Lewis, a lawyer for the U.S., argued in written submissions that Assange’s actions “threatened damage to the strategic and national security interests of the United States” and put individuals named in the documents — including Iraqis and Afghans who had helped U.S. forces — at risk of “serious physical harm.”
Assange’s attorneys have argued that he engaged in regular journalistic practice of obtaining and publishing classified information and the prosecution is politically motivated retaliation for WikiLeaks’ exposure of U.S. government criminality.
The website, which he launched in 2006 as a place for leakers to drop classified documents, rose to prominence in 2010 when it published a classified video provided by Manning. Recorded three years prior it showed a U.S. military helicopter killing civilians, including two Reuters journalists, in Iraq’s capital Baghdad. When a van arrived to pick up the wounded, it was also shot at. More than 10 people were killed.
Manning was convicted at a court-martial of espionage and other charges in 2013 for leaking secret military files to WikiLeaks. She was sentenced to 35 years in prison, but she was released in 2017 after President Barack Obama commuted her sentence.
Assange’s attorneys have said he could face up to 175 years in prison if convicted, although American authorities have said the sentence is likely to be much shorter than that.
His wife Stella Assange who he wed in prison in 2022 also said last month that her husband’s health had deteriorated during years of confinement. “If he’s extradited, he will die,” she told a crowd outside London’s Royal Courts of Justice.
Assange’s legal troubles began in 2010, when he was arrested in London at the request of Sweden, which wanted to question him about allegations of rape and sexual assault made by two women.
Assange supporters gather outside the Royal Court of Justice in London.Kristian Buus / In Pictures via Getty Images
Two year later, he jumped bail and sought refuge inside the Ecuadorian Embassy, putting him out of reach of authorities, but effectively trapping him in the building.
After the relationship soured, he was evicted from the embassy in April 2019 and British police immediately arrested him for breaching bail in 2012, and he has been in prison ever since although Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in 2019 because so much time had elapsed.
While a British district court judge ruled against the extradition request in 2021, citing a real and “oppressive” risk of suicide, U.S. authorities won an appeal the following year, after giving a series of assurances about how Assange would be treated if extradited. This included a pledge that he could be transferred to his home country of Australia, to serve his sentence.
The Australian parliament last month called for Assange to be allowed to return to his homeland. Officials have tried to lobby the U.S. to drop the extradition efforts or find a diplomatic solution that would allow Assange to return to his homeland.
Since then, he has remained in British custody, first for breaking bail conditions, then for the pending extradition hearings.
Australian authorities have said the case has dragged on for too long and officials have tried to lobby the U.S. to drop the extradition efforts or find a diplomatic solution that would allow his return to Australia.
A grim-looking Donald Trump was in a New York courtroom Monday where the judge in the former president’s hush money case is expected to set a new trial date.
“This is a witch hunt. This is a hoax,” Trump said on his way into the courtroom.
Judge Juan Merchan had postponed the trial, originally scheduled to begin Monday, until at least mid-April after federal prosecutors belatedly turned over mounds of evidence related to a key witness in the case, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the falsifying business records charges against the former president, said he supported a 30-day delay in the proceedings in response to Trump’s request for a postponement in order to review documents that federal prosecutors had begun turning over related to their prosecution of former longtime Trump lawyer Michael Cohen.
Bragg’s office, however, warned Merchan against delaying the trial further, saying that it should proceed April 15 because fewer than 300 of more than 170,000 documents turned over by federal prosecutors are potentially relevant to Trump’s criminal defense.
The late document production came after Trump’s attorneys asked for more documents from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan. In the hearing, Merchan pressed Trump’s lawyers on why they had not alerted him to the issue earlier.
Trump attorney Todd Blanche told the judge that they hadn’t thought the judge could do anything about the issue, but apologized for not having raised the issue earlier.
Trump’s lawyers have pointed fingers at the district attorney’s office for failing to obtain the records sooner and asked Merchan to toss out the charges. The DA’s office decried the arguments by Trump’s counsel as a “red herring.”
Merchan tried to press Trump’s lawyer to provide a firm number of documents that need to be reviewed. Blanche pushed back on the DA’s position that only 300 documents were relevant and said they’re still looking through Cohen’s emails, bank records and interview notes. “We got the materials a week ago. We’re still going through them,” Blanche said, as his client appeared to listen intently.
Merchan scheduled the Monday hearing after Trump’s attorney’s filed a motion related to document production in the case, and said he would set a new trial date “if necessary” upon ruling on the motion.
Bragg has alleged that Trump had fraudulently altered business records related to hush money payments that he signed off on. Cohen claimed that Trump directed him to pay $130,000 to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Daniels maintains that she had an affair with Trump in 2006, following his marriage to Melania Trump.
Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges in the hush money case and continues to deny having a sexual encounter with Daniels. But the former president has acknowledged making repayments to Cohen, who is expected to appear as a key witness in the trial.
Merchan last week denied Trump’s request to bar Cohen and Daniels from testifying in the case. In a court filing last month, Trump’s lawyers argued that Cohen and Daniels shouldn’t testify because they are “liars.”
in 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to multiple criminal charges, including making secret payments to women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump, making false claims before Congress about the then-president’s business dealings with Russia and failing to report millions of dollars in income.
Monday’s hearing in the hush money case comes the same day as a deadline for Trump to pay more than $450 million for bond in the New York civil fraud case against him. Trump has appealed that ruling and vowed to challenge it “all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.”
Adam Reiss
Adam Reiss is a reporter and producer for NBC and MSNBC.
Adam Reiss
Adam Reiss is a reporter and producer for NBC and MSNBC.
Gary Grumbach
Gary Grumbach produces and reports for NBC News, based in Washington, D.C.
Summer Concepcion
Summer Concepcion is a politics reporter for NBC News.
Dareh Gregorian
Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.
Tom Winter, Lisa Rubin and Cat Corrigan contributed.
Latest on Donald Trump’s legal issues | March 22, 2024
05:10
Former President Donald Trump is expected to attend a high-stakes court hearing Monday in Manhattan, just under three weeks before the scheduled start of his criminal trial — a proceeding that would be a first in U.S. history.
Trial was originally scheduled to begin Monday in the case, which centers around what Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has said were falsified business records tied to reimbursements for a “hush money” payment to an adult film star. The plan was derailed in early March when new material relevant to the case was turned over to the two sides by the Justice Department. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His defense has asked for either a lengthier trial delay — up to three months — or an outright dismissal, accusing Bragg’s office of purposely conducting an inadequate effort to get the documents. Prosecutors said they requested the documents last year, and the Justice Department initially declined, only to reverse course in response to a defense subpoena.
The Justice Department has declined to comment on the matter.
The more than 100,000 pages of documents that were turned over in early March relate to, among other things, bank records and related emails concerning a Justice Department investigation into Michael Cohen, Trump’s former “fixer” and lawyer, according to court filings. Cohen entered a guilty plea to tax evasion in 2018 in the federal case, and is now the key witness against Trump in the New York case.
At Monday’s hearing, Merchan said the lawyers will be asked to discuss “significant questions of fact” related to prosecutors’ efforts to obtain relevant documents, in order to provide them to Trump’s attorneys — a process known as pretrial discovery.
In that order, Merchan set the April 15 trial date, but added, “The court will set the new trial date, if necessary, when it rules on Defendant’s motion following the hearing.”
Graham Kates
Graham Kates is an investigative reporter covering criminal justice, privacy issues and information security for CBS News Digital. Contact Graham at KatesG@cbsnews.com or grahamkates@protonmail.com
