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Our top picks for affordable hearing aids
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. She is an associate adjunct professor for the CUNY Graduate Center and Touro College in their audiology and communication departments. Dr. Reisman’s research and methods in the assessment and treatment of hearing disorders in some of the most challenging cases have been awarded and recognized within the field of audiology. Learn More about Dr. Reisman
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Millions of older adults avoid hearing aids because of the cost. These devices can cost thousands of dollars per pair, and Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids or hearing exams related to hearing aid selection.1 This leaves many older adults without optimal hearing support, which can pose a risk to their overall health.2
The good news is that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for quality hearing aids. Thanks to direct-to-consumer and affordable financing options, more older adults are able to afford hearing aids. Keep reading for the best cheap hearing aids that will keep your ears and wallet happy!
Before we did some deep digging, we came up with a list of qualities these hearing aid providers had to have to make our list. To make the cut, the providers needed to meet the following criteria:
Jabra Enhance is known for providing reasonably priced behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. They also offer affordable accessories to enhance your hearing experience and get the most out of your hearing aids. The TV Streamer turns your hearing aids into wireless headphones, streaming your TV audio right to your hearing aids. Jabra Enhance’s MultiMic is a portable microphone that streams speech to your ears, so your hearing thrives even in tough listening situations. Plus, their Android Phone Clip+ streams calls and music from your older Android phone or Bluetooth device to your hearing aids.
Jabra Enhance’s prices are low compared to those of traditional hearing aids. Even with the lower cost, consumers benefit from three years of personalized care from a Jabra Enhance audiologist. This ups the value of Jabra Enhance hearing aids. Starting at $1,195 per pair for a basic package, they aren’t the cheapest option on our list, but they’re still very affordable and offer the most bang for your buck. They come with three years of audiology support, a year’s supply of batteries, a three-year warranty, and free shipping when you purchase a premium package.
Did You Know? Lively rebranded to Jabra Enhance in November 2022. While the name has changed, the company still offers the same great prices and hearing aids!
For older adults new to hearing aids and experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss, Jabra Enhance is a great option. This is especially true if you’re tech-savvy or have family who can help you navigate the technology. Jabra Enhance’s online hearing test is also thorough if you need a hearing exam. We share our full thoughts on it in our Jabra Enhance review.
MDHearing has over 500,000 customers to speak to the value their hearing aids provide, so don’t just take our word for it! Their devices are registered with the FDA and backed by a one- to two-year warranty. MDHearing offers BTE and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids that can be bought as a pair or as a single hearing aid. MDHearing’s mission is to improve patient access to affordable hearing solutions, and we think they’re doing that with their convenient hearing test and devices.
The cost of a pair of MDHearing devices is a fraction of what you’ll pay for a top-tier brand. Their lowest-priced pair is $799.98, which is almost always on sale for as little as $299.98, which is affordable for most budgets. They also offer a payment plan to make it even easier to access hearing support. If you don’t mind paying a little more, their VOLT MAX model allows you to adjust your hearing aid with a smartphone app. We tested MDHearing’s app in our review and found it easy to use.
Older adults who aren’t looking for anything fancy and just want a reliable hearing aid at a low cost won’t want to pass up MDHearing. We like that they have three hearing aid options to accommodate several price points and technology preferences.
We’re impressed with Eargo’s in-the-ear products for their sleek design and affordability. Their four models are all rechargeable and nearly invisible for daily comfort. Designed for mild to moderate hearing loss, each pair comes with a charging case, lifetime customer support, and a one- or two-year warranty. The Flexi Palms and ear tips on the Eargo devices also make for a comfortable fit for any shape or size of ear.
Currently, Eargo offers the following models customized for your unique hearing needs: Eargo Max, Eargo Neo HiFi, Eargo 5, and Eargo 6. Pricing for these devices starts at $1,450, with the latest model — Eargo 6 — starting at $2,950 per pair.
Ranging from $1,450 to $2,950 per pair, Eargo hearing aids are some of the higher-priced hearing aids on our list. However, they are all rechargeable and nearly invisible — which is why we think they’re worth the boost in price. Plus, the company offers monthly payment options starting as low as $67 per month if you’re on a budget.
When we tested Eargo’s hearing aids, we found them to be best suited for older adults who may be new to hearing aids and want a discreet, rechargeable option. You can find BTE hearing aids that are less expensive than Eargo, but you won’t find an in-the-ear, rechargeable option for much cheaper.
Lexie offers affordable hearing with subscription options that help bring prices down even further. This online-only company sells three BTE hearing aids, ranging in price from $799 to $999 pair of BTE hearing aids. If these prices are still too steep for you, you can opt for Lexie’s subscription, with prices ranging from $42 to $49 per month. Using the Lexie app, you can adjust the volume and settings to match your noise environment. For example, this would come in handy if you’re in a church with an inductive loop system or chatting with a friend over coffee.
Lexie hearing aids cost $799 to $999 per pair. That cost includes: one pair of hearing aids, batteries and accessories, unlimited real-time video and voice support from a hearing expert, and a free Lexie rewards program for in-app savings. Lexie also offers a subscription model. Subscribers pay $42 to $49 per month for 24 months, plus a one-time $149 to $249 start-up fee, depending on the model. The subscription includes bonus items like a protection plan and regular accessory and battery deliveries.
Lexie sometimes offers promotions like $100 off, a free accessory, or one month free for subscriptions. Be sure to check for any deals before purchasing.
Lexie makes buying hearing aids easy and affordable. If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, this company is worth a try. Just know that you will need a smartphone or a tablet to operate and adjust the hearing aids. Check out our Lexie review to learn more about our hands-on experience with the brand.
Otofonix was co-founded by a retired ENT physician, with the mission to get affordable hearing devices in the hands of those who need them most. Otofonix hearing aids are inexpensive, which is good news for seniors on tight budgets. Their hearing aids are all BTE styles. Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, some models are rechargeable and can be adjusted through an app on your smartphone. If you want to keep it bare bones, they have low-cost options that use traditional batteries and can be adjusted manually.
You can get a pair of Otofonix hearing aids for as low as $248 (or even cheaper when they’re running a sale) with their most basic model. Otofonix’s more advanced models can cost up to $1,590 per pair. The provider offers monthly payment options over three, six, or 12 months if you’d rather not pay a lump sum upfront.
Older adults with smaller budgets may want to choose Otofonix hearing aids. In our Otofonix review, we found the devices are best for those who have mild to moderate hearing loss and don’t spend a lot of time in challenging sound environments (like busy restaurants or large meetings).
With Signia, it’s easy for seniors to find a style that meets their needs. Signia offers innovative and stylish hearing aids that cover every level of hearing loss and technology. Even the most affordable models include advanced features like Bluetooth streaming and tinnitus management. The product lineup has several near-invisible in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), and BTE hearing aids. They even have a pair (Signia Active) that looks like a Bluetooth earbud.
Signia doesn’t list prices online, but their hearing aids typically cost around $1,000 to $3,500 per hearing aid. That is pricier than the other providers on this list, but the cost does include professional support from an audiologist and ensures you receive a proper fitting. Just note that you’ll need to purchase Signia hearing aids through an audiologist or hearing care provider.
If you love tech and want a quality hearing aid, Signia checks all the boxes. There are Signia devices suitable for all levels of hearing loss. If you’re looking for a more affordable premium hearing aid, Signia is an excellent option. Learn more about our thoughts on Signia hearing aids in our hands-on review.
Learn more: 25 million Americans experience tinnitus3, a ringing or buzzing in the ears that is usually accompanied by hearing loss. If you need tinnitus support, check out our list of the best hearing aids for tinnitus.
Phonak’s prices aren’t exactly considered “cheap,” but older adults with severe to profound hearing loss may need to consider paying a bit more for advanced hearing support. Phonak hearing aids are designed to address even the most profound hearing loss with RIC, BTE, and ITE options. Customers can choose from a variety of colors, as well as rechargeable and battery-powered technology. These hearing aids aren’t available for purchase online, so you’ll need to visit a local hearing care provider for a consultation and fitting. A major benefit to in-person care is that you’ll receive more advanced support from a hearing care professional, which is especially important if you have a challenging hearing loss.
Again, Phonak’s hearing aids are not exactly the lowest-priced ones on the market. You can expect to pay around $2,000 for a basic pair to $7,000 for a top-tier pair. This is a standard price for hearing aids that support advanced hearing loss. If you’re a veteran who is eligible for general Veterans Affairs health care, you can get Phonak hearing aids through a VA medical center at little to no cost.
We tested Phonak’s hearing aids for ourselves and found them to be well made and reliable. For older adults diagnosed with severe or profound hearing loss, spending a little more on Phonak hearing aids is worth the investment if your budget allows.
When you’re shopping around for an affordable hearing aid, it may be helpful to list what you want in a hearing aid. Whether you pay a few hundred dollars for a hearing aid or a few thousand, they are an investment in your hearing health, so don’t make a rushed decision.
Here a few questions to ask yourself during the shopping process:
On 2023’s list of the best hearing aids, you’ll find a wide range of prices, because we know everyone’s financial circumstances and preferences are different. Depending on your needs, you could pay hundreds or thousands for a pair of hearing aids.
Hearing aids from top-tier brands such as Widex, Starkey, and ReSound could cost up to $7,000 per pair if you get the latest and greatest technology and custom-fit hearing aids. You have to purchase these premier hearing aids in person so that a hearing care professional can fit them to your ears. The high price tag usually includes the costs of in-person adjustments from a licensed professional, cleanings, repairs, and routine hearing exams. So, when it comes down to it, you’re getting more than just hearing aids; you’re also getting in-person service and assistance. For older adults who struggle with technology or have profound hearing loss, cognitive decline, or reduced dexterity, this kind of assistance can be extremely valuable or even necessary.
On the other hand, if you are well versed in new tech and have mild to moderate hearing loss, ordering hearing aids online for a lower price is ideal. These “cheap” hearing aids are still an investment, of course, ranging from $250 to $2,000 per pair. This is still significantly less than top-tier hearing aids cost. Keep in mind that, while you’ll get improved hearing with these lower-priced hearing aids, you typically won’t get in-person support or a custom fit.
Learn more: Our experts go in-depth on the cost of hearing aids. Learn everything you need to know in our hearing aid cost guide.
It feels good to get a great price on an item, especially something as valuable as hearing aids. Unfortunately, there have been reports of scammers preying on older adults in need of low-cost hearing aids.4 We pride ourselves on standing with older adults to protect them from fraud and scams. Be leery of offers for “free” hearing aids or marketing gimmicks that try to pressure you into a rushed decision. Trust your gut; if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Money-saving tip: You may be eligible for financial assistance in purchasing hearing aids. The Hearing Aid Project has a full list of organizations in your state that provide resources for those who need hearing aids but can’t afford them.5
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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
As a practicing audiologist since the 1990’s, Brad Ingrao, AuD has fitted thousands of hearing aids to seniors and people of all ages. Brad is the Official Audiologist for the International Committee on Sports for the Deaf and a well-known speaker. Dr…. Learn More About Brad Ingrao
Medicare.gov. (2021). Hearing Aids.
John Hopkins Medicine. (2021). The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss.
Hearing Health Foundation. (2021). Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Statistics.
AARP. (2020). FTC Raps Hearing Aid Chains for ‘Deceptive’ COVID-19 Promotions.
Hearing Aid Project. (2021). Hearing Aid Resources.
