Our experts reviewed the industry’s best hearing aids and narrowed down the list to their top picks for Alzheimer’s patients.
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According to Alzheimers.gov, hearing loss may affect cognition and dementia risk in older adults and can make it harder to interact with others.1 The combination of hearing loss and dementia may magnify your loved one’s feelings of confusion and frustration. This certainly creates a unique challenge for family members and caregivers as consideration must be given to the person’s level of hearing loss and severity of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in choosing the best hearing aid for your loved one, know that you’re not alone! We’re here to guide you through the process. Below, we’ll cover the top hearing aids for dementia patients and important tips to keep in mind when purchasing a dementia-friendly hearing aid. Communication is key, so we’ll also identify optimal ways to communicate when your loved one has hearing loss and dementia.
The Best Hearing Aids for Seniors with Alzheimer’s in 2023
Jabra Enhance is a popular online hearing aid manufacturer formerly known as Lively. The company has spent over a decade committed to hearing research, care, and technology. If your loved one is battling Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, they may struggle with cognitive challenges such as difficulty learning new tasks or forgetting the steps to complete the task. This is where Jabra Enhance’s rechargeable hearing aids really shine. Traditional battery-powered hearing aids require the wearer to follow multiple steps for battery replacement, leading to uncertainty, frustration, and lack of hearing aid use. To set up your loved one for hearing wellness success, Jabra Enhance’s two rechargeable behind-the-ear (BTE) models make it convenient to keep devices powered up and on. With up to 30 hours of battery life per charge, it’s no surprise that Jabra Enhance made it onto our list of the best rechargeable hearing aids!
Jabra Enhance Hearing Aids
Studies of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias reveal occurrences of confusion and disorientation lead to a diminished quality of life for affected individuals.2 Jabra Enhance’s direct-to-consumer hearing aids score high marks as they can be purchased online from the comfort of home. This is especially helpful if your loved one feels anxious or uneasy in new situations, like visiting a doctor’s office.
By offering direct-to-consumer online hearing aids, Jabra Enhance keeps costs low so that they can pass the savings on to the consumer. Jabra Enhance’s rechargeable models start at $1,595 for the Enhance Select 100. The Enhance Select 200, their high-end hearing aid packed with the most advanced technology, comes in at $1,995.
Jabra Enhance leads the pack in rechargeable hearing aids. We’re big fans of Jabra Enhance’s long battery life and convenient charging case. Bonus points go to Jabra Enhance’s low-battery alert as it provides a gentle reminder to recharge hearing aids. These BTE hearing aids are best for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and are custom-programmed based on your loved one’s needs. If purchasing hearing aids via the web is new to you, check out ourabra Enhance review for an in-depth look at the online-buying process.
FYI: Jabra Enhance’s pricing comes in remarkably lower than traditional prescription-based hearing aids like Oticon and Beltone brands that require multiple in-person appointments.
Serving over 500,000 customers, MDHearing has been in the hearing care business for just under 15 years. This direct-to-consumer hearing aid manufacturer understands that some individuals do best with a basic hearing aid (minus all those complex bells and whistles). MDHearing has you covered with their VOLT model, a durable and simple hearing aid that may help simplify your loved one’s hearing care routine.
MDHearingAid VOLT MAX
Using advanced technology can result in confusion and agitation for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Because the VOLT is rechargeable with limited advanced or confusing features, it requires minimal adjustments. There’s no mobile app to fuss with, and you can adjust the volume straight from the hearing aid.
MDHearing’s pricing ranges from $399.99 for a single hearing aid up to $1,899.98 per pair for their most advanced model. Make sure to check out MDHearing’s range of competitive financing options, including a three-, six-, or 12-month payment plan starting at 0 percent APR.
MDHearing’s lineup has something for just about everyone. The VOLT model is equipped with a simple volume control dial and button to adjust pre-programmed settings. Its user-friendly design makes it a solid option for older adults with dementia and hearing loss. As with other online hearing aid companies, MDHearing offers remote non-invasive hearing tests. This is a plus as in-person office visits may negatively disrupt or disorient a structured day. Head over to our MDHearing review to learn more about this provider.
Inside Tip: If price comparison is making your head spin, we have you covered with everything you need to know about hearing aid costs!
Eargo is an established U.S.-based online hearing aid manufacturer. Their four in-the-canal (ITC) rechargeable models are designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Simplicity is key for individuals battling dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, as recalling the actions to perform tasks may be challenging and frustrating. Because Eargo is a rechargeable ITC hearing aid, it requires the fewest steps for use. Your loved one will simply take the hearing aids out of the charging case and place them in the ear. There are no switches or tiny knobs to turn!
Eargo 6 Hero Hearing Aids
We’re huge fans of Eargo’s free sample kit that allows individuals to try before buying. The user-friendly kit includes a handy product guide and two non-working replicas of Eargo devices, so your loved one can test out their size and feel. This makes Eargo a fantastic choice for first-time users, or if you’re unsure your loved one will feel comfortable wearing ITC hearing aids.
Ranging from $1,450 to $2,950 per pair, Eargo’s hearing aid prices come in below the average in-person hearing aid cost. If you’d prefer to pay over time, choose between Eargo’s 12- or 24-month financing plans.
Eargo delivers a discreet and easy-to-use hearing aid with minimal steps for use. This feature is especially beneficial if your loved one has difficulty with detailed instructions. The no-cost sample kit is a great way to ensure the hearing aid feels comfortable in the ear canal. We found Eargo’s customer service impressive, with personalized support from licensed hearing professionals available via phone, text, email, or video chat. Keep in mind that ITC hearing aids aren’t ideal for everyone due to ear shape and anatomy. Before using ITC models, getting a medical evaluation from a hearing professional is highly recommended. For more details on Eargo’s product line, visit our hands-on Eargo hearing aid review.
Did You Know: Our comprehensive hearing aid buying guide includes essential details on types of hearing aids and how to choose the best hearing aid for your loved one.
Lexie is part of the hearX group, a company dedicated to providing access to hearing care using smart digital health solutions. Lexie offers three models, including the Lumen, a BTE battery-powered hearing aid with Bluetooth capability. As you shop for hearing aids, it’s important to note that people with dementia can experience changes in vision unrelated to the eye itself. This is because dementia affects parts of the brain that manage the visual input from the eyes.3
Lexie Lumen Hearing Aid
The large buttons for volume control and environment adjustments make Lexie Lumen hearing aids a beneficial option for loved ones with dementia, hearing, and vision loss. The Lumen’s solid construction makes picking up, inserting, and removing the hearing aids more manageable. Our experts are big fans of Lexie, and the manufacturer also earned high marks on our best hearing aids list.
Lexie offers two ways to buy their hearing aids. The Lumen is priced at $799 per pair for a one-time purchase. Lexie also offers a monthly subscription priced at $49 per month for 24 months. Be aware there is a $149 one-time start-up fee when you choose to pay monthly. Lexie’s other two models cost $849 to $999 or $47 to $49 per month. Don’t forget to sign up for the free Lexie Rewards program to earn rewards points and save on purchases!
The Lexie Lumen is a noteworthy online hearing aid for those with combined challenges like dementia, vision, and hearing loss. The two large buttons make the Lumen easy to manage and frustration-free. We like that Lexie wants to set your loved one up for hearing aid success. With unlimited face-to-face and phone support (that you can be present for), Lexie’s hearing care professionals are available to help activate, configure, and troubleshoot the hearing aids. Hearing needs change, and you can request a hearing test retake with Lexie at any time to ensure your loved one’s hearing aid settings are optimal.
Pro Tip: Setting up Lexie’s hearing aids is simple. Head over to our Lexie hearing aid review for step-by-step instructions.
Are you suffering from hearing aid sticker shock? Not all hearing aids have to break the bank! Otofonix, a U.S.-based company, provides quality hearing aids at an affordable price point. Over 120,000 Americans have chosen Otofonix for their hearing wellness, and we think that speaks volumes! All Otofonix hearing aids are BTE with the choice of battery-powered or rechargeable models.
Otofonix Apex Hearing Aids
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a person living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may put things in unusual places or lose them and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again.4 Misplacing items like phones, remotes, and hearing aids can be an ongoing struggle. While hearing aids like Oticon and Starkey can cost thousands, Otofonix’s wallet-friendly pricing helps minimize the investment and risk of loss. For extra precaution, Otofonix offers protection plans (at an added cost) that offer 100 percent protection from all types of accidental damage.
Otofonix earned high praise as one of our best cheap hearing aid providers for good reason! You’ll find pricing from $248 for one hearing aid (the Apex model) to $1,590 for a pair of rechargeable hearing aids (the Groove model). Keep on the lookout for promotions as Otofonix often runs sales with up to 50 percent off. Don’t forget to have a look at their interest-free installment plan.
Otofonix hearing aids are a budget-friendly choice for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. We’re impressed with the low price point, extended protection plan, and range of models. The Otofonix learning library is jam-packed with video tutorials, which help make setting up your loved one’s hearing aids a breeze. As you explore the models, be sure to consider your loved one’s level of hearing loss and cognitive difficulties, as Otofonix’s battery-powered hearing aids may be challenging to change.
Money-Saving Tip: It’s possible to get reduced-cost or free hearing aids. Head over to our guide on how to get free hearing aids for seniors for the inside scoop.
With more than 70 years in the hearing wellness industry, Phonak (a member of the Sonova Group) continues to manufacture cutting-edge hearing aids and accessories that are available in over 100 countries worldwide. Phonak’s comprehensive product line includes the noteworthy Lyric model. This extended-wear hearing aid, suitable for mild to profound hearing loss, is an attractive option for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Phonak Lyric Hearing Aid
What makes the Lyric unique? Lyric hearing aids remove the wearer’s responsibility of putting in, taking out, charging, and changing batteries for the hearing aid. This model is inserted into the ear canal (near the eardrum) by a certified Lyric provider every four months. Your loved one can wear their Lyric hearing aids 24/7 without needing to remove them for activities like sleeping or showering! This feature helps eliminate costly damage or loss of hearing aids.
All Phonak products, including the Lyric, are sold through authorized Lyric providers. Lyric hearing aids must be purchased with a subscription that covers insertion, replacement, and service. Subscription costs are often dictated by where you live, so pricing will most likely vary. Prescription-based hearing aids tend to come with a heftier price tag, so if paying in full isn’t possible, don’t hesitate to ask the provider about payment plan options.
As noted in our Phonak hearing aid review, Phonak’s product line is well-made, reliable, and durable. The Lyric is a low-maintenance hearing aid option that provides 24/7 hearing and lasts months at a time. This feature is noteworthy as it eliminates potentially confusing tasks of traditional hearing aids like putting them in, turning the power on, and keeping the battery charged. If you’re looking for a truly hands-off hearing aid option for your loved one, Phonak’s Lyric may be a wise choice.
Since 1967, Starkey has been at the forefront of hearing health, delivering innovative hearing aids for individuals with mild to profound hearing loss. Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.5 Starkey’s answer to fall prevention is the Evolv AI. This unique hearing aid features fall detection and alerts, providing caregivers with greater peace of mind.
Starkey Evolve AI Hearing Aid
The Evolv AI includes health, wellness, and safety features similar to a medical alert system. Starkey’s Thrive Care app lets hearing aid wearers share information like hearing aid usage, physical activity, and social engagement with pre-selected people. You can set reminders for recurring events like personal tasks or taking medication in the Thrive app, which is an excellent feature for those with memory loss. The Evolv AI comes in several styles, including completely-in-canal (CIC), receiver-in-canal (RIC), and BTE models.
As with Phonak, Starkey’s hearing aid pricing isn’t advertised online. Visit your local Starkey retailer to find out if Starkey hearing aids will meet the needs of your loved one. It’s important to know that you can obtain hearing aid quotes to compare pricing and services included, like hearing tests, fittings, and follow-up care.
When a person struggles with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s crucial for family members and caregivers to remain in close contact. Starkey’s Evolv AI plays a significant role in protecting the well-being of your loved one and keeping you updated with immediate alerts should a fall occur. The added bonus of scheduling reminders for medication or other routine tasks helps promote independence while providing additional support. Medical alert features are rare in hearing aids, and Starkey goes the distance.
Pro Tip: Hearing aids are an investment, so head over to our Starkey hearing aid review before committing to a purchase!
Falling under the umbrella of WSAudiology (which also owns Widex), Signia is a well-known leader in the hearing aid industry. Signia’s product line includes the revolutionary Insio Charge&Go AX. These rechargeable hearing aids eliminate the need for your loved one to manually change their hearing aid batteries. Better yet, the Insio Charge&Go AX features a contactless charger for easy operation (no fiddling with cords or plugs!). Keeping a routine is an integral part of those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and with the Insio Charge&Go AX, users can wear the hearing aids each day and recharge them each night.
Signia Insio Charge&Go AX Hearing Aids
Another notable benefit is this hearing aid’s advanced customization which ensures a comfortable fit along with easy insertion and removal. The Insio Charge&Go AX are tailor-made based on the wearer’s ear canal size and shape. Choose from two types: in-the-ear (ITE) or in-the-ear-canal (ITC).
You won’t find the price of Signia hearing aids on their website. All of Signia’s products must be purchased from a hearing care professional. Prices vary based on the model selected and the location of purchase. Signia’s price point falls in line with other in-office hearing aids like Widex hearing aids. In general, in-office prescription hearing aids come at a higher out-of-pocket cost.
While other brands such as Jabra Enhance and Eargo are only for mild to moderate hearing loss, Signia hearing aids support individuals with mild, moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss. Individuals battling Alzheimer’s benefit from a low-stress environment, and Signia’s custom rechargeable hearing aids eliminate the worry of changing batteries (especially for those with dexterity issues). The made-to-order Insio Charge&Go AX models deliver a comfortable fit, lessening the chances of sporadic removal. Read our review of Signia hearing aids to find out how Signia products stood up to our hands-on testing.
Did You Know: Tinnitus has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.6 If your loved one experiences tinnitus, Signia’s hearing aids include patented tinnitus therapy. Head over to our best hearing aids for tinnitus to learn more.
The number of hearing aids on the market can make it tough to choose the best hearing aid for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. To help you make the best decision possible, we’ve compiled a list of the top providers that outshine the competition. To do this, we evaluated criteria including ease of use, battery life, price point, and dementia-friendly features.
There is an undeniable connection between hearing loss and dementia. A multiyear brain scan study by Johns Hopkins Medicine revealed hearing loss might contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain.7 If you suspect your loved one is experiencing hearing loss (even if it appears to be mild), a hearing exam is critical to maintaining and maximizing hearing health.
Common risk factors for dementia are family history, age, and the effects of strokes. However, individuals and their caregivers may be surprised to find that hearing loss is estimated to account for eight percent of dementia cases. This means that hearing loss may be responsible for 800,000 of the nearly 10 million new cases of dementia diagnosed each year.8
There are several key features to consider when choosing a hearing aid for seniors with dementia. As you research the best hearing aid for your loved one’s needs, keep these benefits in mind.
| Hearing aid feature | Dementia-friendly benefit |
|---|---|
| Long battery life | This reduces the challenge of remembering to change or recharge batteries. |
| Medical alert notifications | Hearing loss and dementia can make your loved one more susceptible to falls. Built-in medical alert features enable family members to be notified immediately. |
| Dexterity-friendly | Ensure ease of adjusting hearing aids by avoiding models with small buttons. |
| Protection plan | Protection plans safeguard your loved one’s hearing aid investment from accidental damage (for example, water damage) or loss. |
| Tinnitus relief | Tinnitus may heighten memory problems, anxiety, and irritability.9 Hearing aids with tinnitus relief help reduce symptoms like ringing or buzzing in the ears. |
| Water-resistant technology | Your loved one may not always remember to take their hearing aids out before showering. Water-resistant and waterproof technology helps protect the aids from shorting out. |
| Background noise suppression | Directional microphones help reduce distracting noises. This is especially helpful if your loved one participates in group memory care activities or spends time in noisy or busy settings. |
First and foremost, patience is essential. Your loved one is living with two health challenges, and some days will be better than others. Improve connecting with your loved one by using these five communication tools:
Yes. Individuals in the beginning stage of dementia may be comfortable inserting hearing aids, while patients with moderately severe or severe dementia may benefit from an extended-wear hearing aid.
Many hearing aid manufacturers offer hearing aid loss and damage insurance. This may be included in the warranty or purchased at an additional cost.
No. Medicare does not cover hearing aid exams or hearing aids. Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) or Medicaid may pay for hearing aids.
This will vary based on the patient’s hearing loss level and severity of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Ruth Reisman, AuD MBA, is a licensed audiologist and hearing aid dispenser in New York state and is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association. After serving as an audiologist in the New York downstate hospital system, Dr. Reisman led the… Learn More About Dr. Ruth Reisman
Alzheimers.gov. (2022). Can I Prevent Dementia?
National Library of Medicine. (2014). Minimizing Confusion and Disorientation: Cognitive Support Work in Informal Dementia Caregiving.
Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired. (2020). Dementia and Vision Loss.
Alzheimer's Association. (2022). 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Facts About Falls.
National Library of Medicine. (2020). Tinnitus and risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease: a retrospective nationwide population-based cohort study.
Hopkins Medicine. (2022). The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss.
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (2021). Hearing Loss and the Dementia Connection.
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Tinnitus.
