Best Hearing Aids for Active Lifestyles
Our experts evaluated the best hearing aids for active seniors and narrowed down their top choices in 2024.
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- Bluetooth streaming from iPhones and select Android devices
- Hands-free calling with certain models
- Up to 3-year loss and damage protection
- VOLT MAX comes with a portable charging case
- User-friendly app for on-the-go adjustments
- Available in singles and pairs
- In-ear models are easy to wear with glasses, goggles, or helmets
- Models with automatic noise reduction based on your environment
- Remote app control with select models
- Subscription package available
- Unlimited real-time support
- 45-day risk-free trial
- Large variety of devices
- Affordable OTC hearing aids
- Lifetime support over the phone
- Options for all levels of hearing loss
- Tinnitus therapy
- Innovative hearing aids
- Options for mild to profound hearing loss
- Health and wellness features
- Advanced AI technology
- Solutions for mild to profound hearing loss
- Rich sound quality
- Industry-leading technology
Contents
Hearing loss can make exercising and leading an active life more challenging. It may be tough to maintain a conversation with friends while walking or to stay aware of your surroundings as you bike through town or travel. Fortunately, hearing aids can support and enhance the active lifestyle you want. Many brands offer hearing aid models that make activities like biking, hiking, and walking around your neighborhood safer and more enjoyable.
Below, we’ll look at the best hearing aids for active lifestyles, as well as ways to care for your hearing aids properly, both during and after exercise.
Did You Know? According to the CDC, adults aged 65+ need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.1 If you have hearing loss, wearing hearing aids can make achieving these exercise goals safer and more fun.
Best Hearing Aids for Active Lifestyles
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1. Jabra Enhance - Best streaming
What we like most
- Bluetooth streaming from iPhones and select Android devices
- Hands-free calling with certain models
- Up to 3-year loss and damage protection
Jabra EnhanceOverview:Overview
If music, podcasts, or audiobooks fuel your morning jog or gym workout, Jabra Enhance, formerly called Lively, may be the right pick for you. Jabra Enhance’s three hearing aid models all offer direct Bluetooth streaming from iPhones and select Android devices. Seamlessly transition from listening to music to answering a conference call.
The premium model, Enhance Select 300, features hands-free calling for iPhones 11 and newer. You can hear the phone call through your hearing aid and respond using the hearing aids’ microphones. Since you don’t need to use your phone’s microphone, you’ll have both hands free for lifting, riding your bike, or driving.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Jabra Enhance
- Battery-powered and rechargeable option
- Portable charging case
- High-quality noise cancellation
- Up to 3-year loss and damage protection
- Hands-free calling option
- Music mode improves quality of live music
- Variety of color options
- 3 years of remote follow-up care with premium packages
Cons About Jabra Enhance
- Small product lineup
- No lifetime support
- Not for severe or profound hearing loss
Summary:Pricing
Jabra Enhance hearing aids cost $1,995 for the Enhance Select 300, $1,695 for the Enhance Select 100, and $1,195 for the Enhance Select 50R for premium package options. This brand offers superb value, given the excellent features Jabra Enhance offers like Bluetooth streaming and noise cancellation. You can even finance your hearing aids for as low as $39 per month. Every premium package purchase comes with a three-year warranty and three years of remote follow-up care with a Jabra Enhance hearing specialist, adding to the value of these devices.
The Bottom Line
Jabra Enhance helps older adults hear better and enjoy music and phone calls while on the go. Whether you’re working out, driving, or running errands, you’ll have no trouble taking in your surroundings. Other features like 30 hours of listening time per charge, a portable battery case, and simple app adjustments make Jabra Enhance a smart choice for active seniors. Learn more about Jabra Enhance in our latest Jabra Enhance hearing aid review.
FYI: Hear better while dining at busy restaurants with the Jabra Enhance MultiMic. This hearing aid accessory costs $275 and can improve your listening in noisy environments. It’s just one of the many reasons Jabra Enhance is on our list of this year’s best hearing aids for seniors.
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2. MDHearing - Easiest adjustments on the go
What we like most
- VOLT MAX comes with a portable charging case
- User-friendly app for on-the-go adjustments
- Available in singles and pairs
MDHearingOverview:Overview
MDHearing is a direct-to-consumer hearing aid manufacturer trying to make hearing aids as accessible as possible for seniors. Its three BTE and two in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid models are affordable. They’re also easy to use whether you’re a smartphone wizard or a tech newbie. Adjust the volume or select from four different sound settings right on the hearing aid.
MDHearing’s VOLT MAX model helps you stay on the go for longer, too. It offers a long-lasting rechargeable battery and a portable charging case with up to three full charges. Connect the VOLT MAX to your smartphone or tablet for complete personalization and on-the-go adjustments. The app is user-friendly and backed by MDHearing’s U.S.-based support team.
Pros & Cons:Pros About MDHearing
- Affordable pricing
- Nearly invisible
- Volume and setting control on the device
- Remote app control with select models
- Four rechargeable options
- 45-day in-home trial period
- Free U.S.-based lifetime support
- Available in singles and pairs
Cons About MDHearing
- No Bluetooth streaming
- Not for severe-to-profound hearing loss
Summary:Pricing
MDHearing keeps prices low by selling directly to consumers online. Sticker prices range from $297 to $699.98 for a pair of hearing aids, as the company is constantly running sales to keep prices low.
FYI: Curious about other affordable hearing aid options? Look at our list of the best cheap hearing aids for seniors.
The Bottom Line
No matter which model of MDHearing hearing aids you select, making on-the-go adjustments is a breeze. With the VOLT MAX model, you also get free remote care from licensed hearing professionals. They can remotely fine-tune your hearing aids through the app, no matter where you are. To learn more about MDHearing’s line of hearing aids, visit our most recent MDHearing review.
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3. Eargo - Best to wear with a helmet
What we like most
- In-ear models are easy to wear with glasses, goggles, or helmets
- Models with automatic noise reduction based on your environment
- Remote app control with select models
EargoOverview:Overview
Some hearing aids are more comfortable to wear with a helmet than others. Whether you ride a motorcycle, bicycle, or horse, you should try Eargo. Eargo sells three completely-in-canal hearing aids that let you hear naturally and don’t interfere with helmets, hats, glasses, or masks. The company also recently released an earbud-style hearing aid, perfect for discretion.
For a comfortable fit and advanced noise reduction, turn to the Eargo 7. The sound automatically adapts to your environment, which is great for on-the-go seniors. Eargo 7 also features a water-resistance rating of IPX7, so you can wear this pair while boating, fishing, and hanging by the pool without worry.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Eargo
- Virtually invisible design
- Water-resistant models
- Comfortable fit
- Remote app control with select models
- Mimics natural hearing
- Up to a two-year warranty
- Lifetime remote support from hearing professionals
Cons About Eargo
- No Bluetooth streaming
- Not for severe-to-profound hearing loss
- Only ITE style available
Summary:Pricing
Eargo’s prices range from $799 to $2,950 per pair. Three-year financing is available for as little as $67 per month if that works better for your budget. Eargo may not be as affordable as MDHearing or Otofonix, but it offers technology similar to prescription hearing aids for a fraction of the cost.
The Bottom Line
Eargo hearing aids fit inside the ear, staying out of sight and out of the way. Seniors who need hearing aids and also enjoy activities that require a helmet will have no trouble wearing both at the same time. Remember that this brand isn’t suitable if you have severe-to-profound hearing loss. To learn more about Eargo, visit our latest review of Eargo hearing aids.
Quick Tip: Unsure which hearing aid is right for you? Check out our 2024 hearing aid buyer’s guide to learn everything you need to know to make an informed purchase.
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4. Lexie - Best subscription option
What we like most
- Subscription package available
- Unlimited real-time support
- 45-day risk-free trial
LexieOverview:Overview
If you’re looking for different payment options to fit your budget, Lexie offers upfront payment and subscription options. This company sells three hearing aid models to meet various needs and budgets.
The Lumen is a simple battery-powered BTE Bluetooth hearing aid that’s excellent for active users. You can control these devices with an app on your smartphone or tablet. If you spend lots of time exercising, don’t worry. The Lumen features sweat-proof nano-coating technology to extend the life of your devices.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Lexie
- Affordable pricing
- Sweat-proof technology
- Telecoil functionality
- In-app hearing test with smart fit programming
- Real-time help from Lexie experts
- Adaptive noise reduction
- Risk-free 45-day trial
Cons About Lexie
- No Bluetooth streaming
- Must have a smartphone or tablet to use
Summary:Pricing
Lexie prices range from $799 to $999 per model or $42 to $49 per month for 24 months. The subscription option also has a one-time start-up fee ranging from $149 to $249, depending on the chosen model. This subscription includes a pair of Lumen hearing aids and regular accessory shipments, including replacement batteries. Lexie can’t compete against the advanced technology you’ll get from Oticon or Phonak, but the Lumen does offer a great mix of features for a budget-friendly price.
The Bottom Line
Lexie makes selecting, purchasing, and setting up your new hearing aids a cinch. Their affordable hearing aids can keep up your active lifestyle without breaking the bank. Plus, you can easily make adjustments on the go, thanks to the easy-to-use Lexie mobile app. See what else we love about Lexie in our Lexie hearing aid review.
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5. Otofonix - Best virtual support
What we like most
- Large variety of devices
- Affordable OTC hearing aids
- Lifetime support over the phone
OtofonixOverview:Overview
If you’re frequently out and about for work or leisure, Otofonix can help you no matter where you are. Otofonix provides impressive virtual support before and after you become a customer. Their representatives will help you choose and purchase hearing aids over the phone. Or, you can buy them online. Plus, every device purchase includes lifetime access to the award-winning Otofonix customer support team. That means not spending your precious time on formal office visits.
Choose from several Otofonix BTE hearing aid models, including rechargeable and battery-powered options. All models sit behind your ear, so they’re a smart choice for low-intensity activities like walking, yoga, and chair exercises. The Sona and Groove models are even app-controlled for fine-tuning on the go.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Otofonix
- Affordable pricing
- No office visits required
- Lifetime free phone support
- Practically invisible BTE style
- Two app-controlled models
- Preconfigured programs and volume levels
- U.S.-based company
Cons About Otofonix
- Not for severe hearing loss
- Only BTE models available
- Limited to beige color options
Summary:Pricing
Not only does Otofonix offer excellent virtual support, but this company also sells some of the lowest-priced hearing aids on the market. A pair of Otofonix hearing aids ranges from $248 to $1,590 (per pair), but we’ve noticed that it’s easy to catch a sale or promotion that could save you 50 percent or more.
The Bottom Line
Otofonix supports its customers every step of the way. For busy seniors, that virtual support is priceless. No matter what you’re doing or where you are, you can reach a friendly U.S.-based customer support agent. Plus, you can’t beat Otofonix’s low prices. Remember that because Otofonix is a budget provider, it doesn’t offer the same advanced features you’d get with devices from Lively or Phonak. To see what else Otofonix has to offer, read our latest Otofonix hearing aid review.
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6. Signia - Longest battery life
What we like most
- Options for all levels of hearing loss
- Tinnitus therapy
- Innovative hearing aids
SigniaOverview:Overview
Signia offers an impressive hearing solution for active adults who enjoy backpacking, camping, and other overnight trips. The Signia Motion Charge&Go X hearing aids last for up to 61 hours on a single charge. You can get away with not charging your hearing aids for a few days of wear while you’re away from electricity and enjoying the great outdoors.
Another perk for active seniors is the line’s revolutionary acoustic motion sensors for automatic situation detection. Enjoy a more natural listening experience with enhanced speech understanding even while moving.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Signia
- Variety of devices to choose from
- Power and super power models available
- Advanced technology
- Automatic situation detection
- Portable charging case
- Natural sound experience
- TeleCare access to your audiologist
- Bluetooth streaming
Cons About Signia
- In-office visit required for purchase
- On the pricier side
Summary:Pricing
Signia hearing aids must be purchased from a hearing specialist or audiologist. Pricing varies depending on the model you select and where you purchase them. However, expect to pay more for these prescription hearing aids than you would for direct-to-consumer brands like Eargo or MDHearing.
The Bottom Line
Signia uses advanced hearing aid technology in all its products, so you really can’t go wrong with any pair from this brand. 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. Go about your favorite activities knowing that your hearing aids will last. Read our Signia hearing aid review to learn more.
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7. Starkey - Best travel and wellness features
What we like most
- Options for mild to profound hearing loss
- Health and wellness features
- Advanced AI technology
StarkeyOverview:Overview
Starkey makes hearing, traveling, and staying fit easier than ever before. The Starkey Livio Edge AI hearing aids not only let you hear speech comfortably, but they also pair with the Starkey Thrive Hearing Control app for advanced functions. Your hearing aids can track your daily steps, the amount of time you spend standing, and your physical activity. Plus, built-in fall detection helps to keep you safe.
Starkey’s translation feature can make communicating with others at home or while traveling easier, too. 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 in close to real time.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Starkey
- Multiple hearing aid styles available
- Advanced technology
- Mask Mode boosts speech
- App with audio reminders, translation, and activity tracking
- Built-in fall detection alerts
- Bluetooth streaming for select devices
- Remote adjustments via video chat
- 30-day risk-free trial
Cons About Starkey
- In-office appointment required for purchasing
- One of the most expensive options on the market
Summary:Pricing
Starkey hearing aids vary in price, depending on where you purchase them. Exact costs aren’t available online, but you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $4,000 per hearing aid. This company’s industry-leading technology and wellness features, like fall detection, justify the high cost.
The Bottom Line
Starkey’s hearing aids are unlike any other. With the Livio Edge AI technology and Thrive app, active adults can more safely exercise, travel, and run errands. You can even have the app send reminders, like medication alerts, directly to your hearing aids. Plus, you can request remote visits via video chat, a major bonus when traveling. The Livio Edge AI line is available in behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, ITE, and in-the-canal hearing aid models.
Read our Starkey hearing aid review to learn more about the company’s hearing solutions.
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8. Phonak - Best fit for exercising
What we like most
- Solutions for mild to profound hearing loss
- Rich sound quality
- Industry-leading technology
PhonakOverview:Overview
Phonak offers a unique hearing model designed to support your active lifestyle. Whether fishing, golfing, rock climbing, running, or doing yoga, 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 at a time. Yes, you can even wear it while sleeping, showering, or doing water activities where your head’s not submerged.
Other hearing aid styles like BTE are more susceptible to falling off your ears or coming loose during movement. That’s not the case with Lyric. Instead, you can hear more naturally while you travel, exercise, and play sports. Plus, you can continue to use your phone, hearing protection, and over-the-ear headphones like you would if you didn’t have hearing aids at all.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Phonak
- Secure, snug fit
- Completely invisible
- Completely invisible Wear 24/7, including while playing sports, showering, and sleeping
- Water-resistant design
- Compatible with swim molds
- Comfortable to wear with hats and helmets
- Risk-free 30-day trial
- No battery to change
Cons About Phonak
- Subscription model can be costly
- Not for severe-to-profound hearing loss
- Must be replaced by your provider after removal
Summary:Pricing
Pricing for Phonak’s Lyric device varies, depending on where you live and what provider you use. However, expect to pay more than you would for direct-to-consumer hearing aids. Lyric is sold on a subscription model since the hearing aids need replacing every few months. Your subscription covers replacement hearing aids and the cost of your appointments.
The Bottom Line
Although Lyric is a great choice for sports, exercising, and water activities like boating or fishing, it isn’t suitable for swimming. Lyric cannot be submerged underwater. If you remove the device to go swimming, you must visit your hearing care specialist to have a new pair inserted. A removable pair would work better for active seniors who enjoy swimming.
Discover more about Lyric and Phonak’s other offerings by giving our Phonak review a read.
Learn More: Phonak and Signia are two well-known names in the hearing aid biz. Come see how the two stack up against one another in our Phonak vs. Signia comparison.
How We Chose the Best Hearing Aids for Active Lifestyles
If you enjoy staying active, it’s important to choose a hearing aid that can keep up. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of the best hearing aids for an active lifestyle. We evaluated criteria like pricing, battery life, streaming capabilities, sweat resistance, and ease of use.
Tips for Wearing Hearing Aids While Exercising
Wearing hearing aids while exercising makes working out safer and more enjoyable. You can more easily hear your surroundings, directions from your exercise instructor, and conversations. Plus, if you get a pair with Bluetooth streaming, you can listen to music while you exercise.
Just be sure to follow some precautions to keep your hearing aids in tip-top shape before and after exercising.
Don’t wear hearing aids while swimming
Many modern hearing aids are water-resistant, but none are waterproof. Do not wear hearing aids while swimming or any activity involving fully submerging your head. It’s also a good idea to wear earplugs when you go swimming to keep water out of your ears. That way, when you put your hearing aids in after a swim, your ears are dry.
Be smart about how you dress
If you wear BTE or RIC hearing aids, certain clothes may interfere with your hearing aids. Hats, helmets, hooded sweatshirts or shirts, sunglasses, and other forms of eye protection can potentially displace your hearing aids as you exercise. Take extra care as you put on or remove these items or articles of clothing.
Use hearing aid accessories
Consider using hearing aid accessories to keep your hearing aids protected as you exercise.
- Hearing aid clips: These clips attach to your clothing and your hearing aids. That way, if your hearing aids get knocked out during a contact sport or when running, they won’t fall to the ground.
- Sweat socks: Also called sweat sleeves or sweat-resistant pouches, sweat socks fit around the case of your BTE hearing aid. They block moisture and sweat from entering the circuitry.
Clean and dry your hearing aids after exercise
After each workout, it’s important to clean and dry your hearing aids. Your particular hearing aid model should come with specific cleaning instructions. Be sure to follow these or ask your hearing aid provider for tips.
In general, you can use a clean dry cloth and/or a dry box to remove moisture. Hearing aids can sit in a dry box or dehumidifier for 45 minutes up to overnight. You also need to sanitize your hearing aids and remove any dirt and wax. Finally, it’s helpful to shower before putting your hearing aids back in to wash the sweat from your hair and ears.
Choosing a Style of Hearing Aid Based on Your Activity
There are many factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid, including how well it can keep up with your lifestyle. If you spend a lot of time exercising, you might consider choosing a hearing aid that best matches the activities you enjoy. Below we’ll take a look at some recommended styles based on exercise intensity and location.
Exercise Intensity
Low-intensity exercise
If you enjoy walking, yoga, or other gentle activities, receiver-in-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are a good fit. You can wear either style while performing low-intensity exercise with little chance of your hearing aids coming loose. You should have no trouble hearing your yoga instructor or conversation partner while walking.
High-intensity exercise
If you prefer high-impact or high-intensity exercise like running or playing team sports, RIC or BTE hearing aids aren’t the best choice. They’re more likely to fall out of your ears and are more vulnerable to moisture — like sweat. Instead, consider in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-canal (CIC), or invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids. These smaller styles of hearing aids stay in place better as you run, jump, and make quick movements. They’re also more comfortable to wear with a helmet while batting, biking, or horseback riding.
Exercise Location
Outdoors
Although most hearing aids offer some level of wind cancellation, certain styles pick up wind noises more than others, i.e., ITE hearing aids.) If you enjoy running or playing other sports outdoors, consider a different style. Prioritize models that have advanced wind cancellation features.
Indoors
Any style of hearing aid is compatible with indoor exercise. Focus more on the type of exercise you do indoors when making your hearing aid selection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aids for an Active Lifestyle
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Can you play sports with hearing aids?
Yes, you can play sports while wearing hearing aids. You may just need to take some precautions, such as wearing a headband, using a sweat-resistant hearing aid pouch, or attaching your hearing aids to your clothes with a clip in case they fall out.
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How do you stop hearing aids from sweating?
Sweat can damage your hearing aids if you don’t take steps to combat it. You can prevent sweat from entering BTE hearing aids by using hearing aid sweat socks or Teflon tape.2 Placing your hearing aids in a dry box or dehumidifier overnight can remove moisture from your hearing aids too.
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Can I wear a helmet with hearing aids?
Yes, you can wear a helmet with hearing aids. Styles that sit in your ear, such as CIC or ITC are more comfortable to wear with a helmet. You also won’t risk pulling your hearing aids off of your ears when removing your helmet. This can be a problem when you wear a helmet with BTE or RIC hearing aids.
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Can you wear hearing aids in the water?
Certain styles and brands of hearing aids are more resistant to water than others, making them a better option for water activities like fishing or boating. However, you should not wear your hearing aids if your head will be submerged under the water.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Physical Activity is Essential to Healthy Aging
The Hearing Journal. (2001). KEEPING HEARING AIDS DRY.