Best Hearing Aids for Active Lifestyles, Tested and Reviewed by Audiologists

Testing out Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids

If music, podcasts, or audiobooks fuel your morning jog or gym workout, Jabra Enhance’s over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids might suit you. The brand's three behind-the-ear (BTE) models offer direct Bluetooth streaming from iPhones and select Android devices. That means you can seamlessly transition from listening to music to answering a call.

The Enhance Select 500 and Enhance Select 300 include hands-free calling for iPhones 11 and above. The Enhance Select 500 also offers hands-free streaming for select Android devices. This feature lets you hear the phone call through your hearing aid and respond using the device’s microphones. You don’t need to use your phone’s microphone – you’ll have both hands free for lifting, riding your bike, or driving.

Expert Insights

From Dr. Ruth Reisman, Audiologist

Jabra Enhance allows users to obtain virtual support at work or at home, which is great for those individuals with busy schedules.

We got 30 hours of listening time per charge during our testing. Streaming audio directly reduced our listening time by a few hours. But it was easy to recharge our devices on the go with the portable battery case, which holds three additional charges. We could also quickly adjust our hearing aids through the mobile app, like when we switched to the outdoor program while hiking, and customized the settings for the best experience.

Making adjustments using the Jabra Enhance mobile app

Jabra Enhance only offers BTE models, which is a minor drawback. We found they weren’t as easy to wear with glasses or cycling helmets as in-ear models available through MDHearing or Eargo. However, the larger size of BTE hearing aids also allows for other great features such as Bluetooth streaming, hands-free phone calls, and microphones that can actively adapt to different sound environments. If the larger BTE models are incompatible with the accessories you wear during physical activities, consider more discreet, in-ear models available from Eargo, in addition to prescription models from Signia, Phonak, and Starkey.

» Our Full Review Jabra Enhance hearing aids review 2025

Pricing

Jabra Enhance hearing aids cost $1,995 for the Enhance Select 500, $1,695 for the Enhance Select 300, and $1,195 for the Enhance Select 50R Premium package options. This brand offers superb value, given the excellent features Jabra Enhance offers, like Bluetooth streaming, noise cancellation, and follow-up care. You can even finance your hearing aids for as little as $39 per month.

» An In-Depth Review: Jabra Enhance Select 300 review

Every Premium package comes with a three-year warranty and three years of remote follow-up care with Jabra Enhance hearing specialists, adding to the value of these devices.

For lifetime follow-up care at no cost, consider OTC providers like Eargo or prescription providers like Starkey and ReSound.

MDHearing's ITE hearing aids, including the NEO XS that we've tested, are small and discrete.

MDHearing is an OTC hearing aid manufacturer with three BTE and two in-the-ear (ITE) models. Both models are very affordable, even compared to our other top OTC picks — Jabra Enhance and Eargo. They’re also easy to use for seniors who may not be as tech-savvy, as no smartphone app is required. We could adjust the volume or select from four different sound settings on the hearing aid.

MDHearing’s VOLT model helps you stay on the go for longer. It includes a 20-hour rechargeable battery and a portable charging case with three full charges. The battery life is roughly 10 hours shorter than pricier models from Jabra Enhance, but it outperforms the listening time of any Eargo model. If you’re looking for something a little more discreet (and less likely to interfere with glasses, goggles, or helmets), MDHearing offers the in-ear NEO and NEO XS models.

The MDHearing VOLT hearing aids are easy to charge, and a blue light indicates that they are charging.

Making on-the-go adjustments was a breeze with MDHearing. Most of their models only feature an on/off dial and a program button. We quickly switched between programs by pressing the button and heard a certain number of beeps for each channel.

While we appreciate this simplicity for less tech-savvy users, it may take some getting used to for those who struggle with smaller buttons. Alternatively, you can pay more for the VOLT MAX model to get a mobile companion app and Bluetooth streaming, two great features for active seniors. You also get free remote care from licensed hearing professionals. They can help you adjust your fit and settings and answer any questions.

» A Closer Look: MDHearing VOLT review

Our tech team tried out the VOLT and the NEO XS. Both provided a solid listening experience, but we found the NEO XS wasn't quite as discreet as we hoped. The Eargo 8 was less visible and easier to fit the first time. With the NEO XS, we needed to call customer support and change to smaller domes, which was a struggle. Making this adjustment may be challenging for individuals with arthritis or struggling with fine motor skills. That said, the sound quality was crisp and clear, though we did hear some minor whistling when inserting the hearing aids for the first time.

» Our Full Review: MDHearing reviews in 2025

Pricing

MDHearing keeps prices low by selling directly to consumers online. Prices range from $297 to $597 per pair, as the company constantly hosts sales to keep prices low. Even if you opt for one of MDHearing’s most expensive models, you’ll still be spending less than half the price of Eargo or Jabra Enhance hearing aids. However, MDHearing’s most affordable hearing aids have fewer high-tech features, like a mobile app or direct streaming.

Eargo SE hearing aids are small and fit in the canal, making them very discreet.

Whether you ride a motorcycle, bicycle, or horse, Eargo’s OTC hearing aids are worth considering. Eargo offers two completely-in-canal (CIC) models, letting you hear naturally and never interfering with helmets, hats, glasses, or masks. The company also offers a discreet, earbud-style hearing aid.

» Compare Providers: MDHearing Aid vs. Eargo

The company’s premium model, the Eargo 8, is our pick for a comfortable fit and advanced noise reduction. The sound automatically adapts to your environment, which is fantastic for on-the-go seniors. Eargo 8 also features a water-resistance rating of IP68, meaning you can wear them while boating, fishing, or lounging by the pool.

» Our Full Review: Eargo hearing aid review

All of Eargo’s in-ear models are simple, even with headwear. That is a huge plus for seniors who want to engage in more adventurous activities, like climbing, skiing, kayaking, horseback riding, and cycling.

We found Eargo’s CIC models (Eargo SE and Eargo 8) took up to four hours to charge. While the charging cases held multiple charges, a single charge lasted a maximum of 16 hours. That may be sufficient for most active seniors, but it pales compared to Jabra Enhance, MDHearing, or the prescription hearing aids on our list.

And for those who like to listen to music or take calls on the go, Eargo is not the best provider. The charging cases can connect to a mobile phone via Bluetooth, but the earbud-style LINK by Eargo is the only model with direct Bluetooth streaming to the hearing aid devices.

Charging our Eargo 7 hearing aids

Before purchasing, we’d recommend ordering a free “fit and feel” sample from Eargo. One of our testers has small ears, and she found the Eargo devices were uncomfortable for her ear shape, so a free sample was beneficial.

Pricing

Eargo’s prices range from $799 to $2,699 per pair. Three-year financing is available for as little as $23 per month. Eargo may not be as affordable as MDHearing or Jabra Enhance, but they are still much cheaper than most prescription hearing aids from brands like Signia and Starkey. Eargo offers solid value for money in our book, thanks to their mobile app, lifetime support, and discreet models.

Trying out Signia's Silk hearing aids

Signia offers an impressive hearing prescription solution for active adults who enjoy backpacking, camping, and other overnight trips. The Signia Motion Charge&Go X runs up to 61 hours on a single charge. It means users can get away with not charging the hearing aids for a few days while they’re away from electricity and enjoying the great outdoors.

» Let’s Get Moving: The complete list of activities for seniors

Another perk for active users is the line’s acoustic motion sensors, built for automatic situation detection. Enjoy a more natural listening experience with enhanced speech understanding, even while moving.

» Our Full Review: Signia hearing aid reviews

For active seniors who need a reliable hearing aid, we’re big fans of the long-lasting battery in the Motion Charge&Go X line. The Signia Silk Charge&GO IX doesn’t have a long battery life, but it is a CIC alternative that won’t interfere with glasses or other headwear. Plus, it offers users 24 hours of listening on a single charge.

Testing out a pair of Signia Silk Charge&GO IX hearing aids.

Signia is one of Dr. Reisman’s favorite hearing aid brands due to their innovative styles, tools for combating tinnitus, and ability to control hearing aid microphones. She highly recommends the Signia Silk Charge&Go IX because it is “a highly successful, instant fit invisible-in-the-canal device, with all the features of an advanced hearing aid that is now rechargeable. Patients love this device because of the cosmetic appeal and the sound quality.”

One of Dr. Reisman's patients wearing Signia Styletto hearing aids

Pricing

Signia hearing aids must be purchased from a hearing specialist or audiologist. Pricing varies depending on the model you select and where you buy them. Dr. Reisman estimates a single hearing aid from Signia will range from $1,000 to $3,750. That is comparable to Phonak and Starkey.

Expert Insights

From Dr. Ruth Reisman, Audiologist

Signia has great compact chargers for patients who are always on the go.

Signia and most other prescription hearing aids typically cost at least twice as much as hearing aids from OTC providers like Jabra Enhance, Eargo, and MDHearing. However, these prescription hearing aids offer advanced features that OTC options don’t. They’re programmed by a hearing professional to fit your exact needs.

Testing out Starkey Genesis hearing aids

Starkey’s prescription hearing aids make hearing, traveling, and staying fit easier. The Starkey Genesis AI hearing aids allow you to hear speech comfortably and pair with the Starkey Thrive Hearing Control app for advanced functions. These hearing aids can track your daily steps, the amount of time you spend standing, and your physical activity. Plus, built-in fall detection helps keep you safe.

Starkey’s translation feature can make communicating with others at home or while traveling easier. When someone speaks into your phone, the app will translate their speech on your phone’s screen and play the translated text into your hearing aids. The technology can translate 27 languages, practically in real time!

With the Starkey Genesis AI technology and Thrive app, active adults can exercise, travel, and run errands with confidence. The app can send reminders, like medication alerts, directly to your hearing aids. You can request remote visits via video chat, a huge boon when traveling. The Genesis AI line is available in several unique styles, allowing you to select the best model for your hearing and comfort level.

» Our Full Review: Starkey hearing aids: reviewed and tested by an audiologist

Dr. Reisman notes that “In addition to superior sound quality, the health features on [the Starkey Genesis AI] are not available in any other hearing device. The future of their fall prevention feature will assist in balance rehabilitation for individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders. Patients notice an immediate improvement in sound quality when trying these devices, including those patients wearing devices from other manufacturers.”

Expert Insights

From Dr. Ruth Reisman, Audiologist

Starkey offers waterproof devices that can combat issues associated with perspiration.

Pricing

Starkey hearing aids vary in price, depending on where you purchase them. Exact costs aren’t available online, but Dr. Reisman estimates you can spend between $1,000 and $4,000 per hearing aid. That makes Starkey one of the most expensive brands available, even for prescription hearing aids. Their industry-leading technology and wellness features, like fall detection, justify the high cost. Dr. Reisman doesn’t call the Starkey Genesis AI “the Rolls-Royce of hearing aids” without reason!

Phonak offers a variety of hearing aids for all levels of hearing loss.

Phonak offers a unique hearing model designed to support your active lifestyle. Regardless of what you’re doing, you don’t need to worry about Phonak’s Lyric hearing aid falling out. This hearing aid is placed deep in your ear canal by a Certified Lyric Provider, and it stays in 24/7 for months. You can even wear it while sleeping, showering, or doing water-related activities where your head is not submerged.

» Compare Providers: Phonak vs. Starkey

Other hearing aid styles, including BTE, are more prone to falling out of your ears or loosening during movement. That’s not the case with Lyric. Instead, you can hear more naturally while you travel, exercise, and play sports. You can continue to use your phone, hearing protection, and over-the-ear headphones as you would if you didn’t have hearing aids at all. If Lyric isn’t the right fit for you, Phonak has several other high-tech solutions. They are suitable for all levels of hearing loss, regardless of your needs.

Although Lyric is a solid choice for sports, exercising, and water activities like boating or fishing, it isn’t suitable for swimming. Lyric cannot be submerged underwater. If you need a rechargeable, fully waterproof hearing aid, Phonak offers the Audéo Life BTE model. However, it doesn’t have Lyric’s fit or “set it and forget it” design.

It’s essential to remember that if you remove the Lyric device to go swimming, you must visit your hearing care specialist to have a new pair inserted. Thus, a removable pair like Audéo Life or alternatives from Signia or Starkey would be better for active seniors who enjoy swimming.

» Our Full Review: Phonak hearing aid reviews

According to Dr. Reisman, Phonak offers some of the best solutions for severe to profound hearing loss available. Their devices are often the only solution for patients with these higher levels of hearing loss. Similar to other prescription hearing aids, Dr. Reisman fine-tunes these devices and custom programs them for her patients’ unique hearing needs.

Dr. Reisman uses Verifit equipment to test Phonak hearing aids and ensure the best experience for her patients.

Pricing

Pricing for Phonak’s hearing aids varies depending on your location and provider. However, expect to pay more than you would for OTC hearing aids. Dr. Reisman estimates these prescription hearing aids cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,750 per device. Unlike Phonak’s other models, the Lyric is sold on a subscription, as the hearing aids need replacing every few months. Your subscription covers replacement hearing aids and the cost of your appointments for a set period, typically one year.