Best iPhone Hearing Aids

Jabra Enhance, previously called Lively, sells three behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid models with direct streaming to Apple devices. You can listen to phone calls and stream music, audiobooks, Netflix, and other media right from your hearing aids. For seniors with an iPhone 11 or newer (and iOS 15.1 or later), we’d recommend the Enhance Select 300 model. They offer solid bang for your buck and robust features. These rechargeable hearing aids also allow hands-free calls. The Enhance Select 300’s sound quality was very clear during testing.

» You Might Like: Best smartphones for seniors (month year)

When you purchase Jabra Enhance hearing aids, you can access the Jabra Enhance Select mobile app. We could adjust settings, change the volume, and seek help from the Jabra Enhance Care team — right from our phone. Remote hearing care with Jabra Enhance’s audiology team is available for three years after purchasing a Premium package — an excellent perk from a company that sells hearing aids directly to consumers!

Pricing

Unlike prescription hearing aids from brands like Widex and Oticon, Jabra Enhance is transparent with its pricing. If you opt for the Premium package (which Dr. Reisman recommends for the audiologist care alone), the Jabra Enhance Select 50R costs $1,195 per pair; the Jabra Enhance Select 300 costs $1,695 per pair; and the Jabra Enhance Select 500 costs $1,995 per pair. These prices are pretty affordable considering that comparable models from prescription providers like Widex and Oticon can easily cost twice as much (or more). Plus, Premium packages include the hearing aids and a charging case (a one-year supply of batteries with Jabra Enhance Select 50R). Also included are a three-year warranty, three-year loss and damage protection, and three years of virtual audiologist care.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can choose a Basic package with any model, which knocks $200 off the price. However, you won’t receive any follow-up care or custom programming; so, we recommend selecting a Premium package if it fits your budget. It’s also important to note that, while Jabra Enhance offers some great deals, it doesn’t have the most affordable hearing aids on this list. That honor goes to Eargo, starting at $799 per pair; though top-tier models cost more.

iPhone Compatibility

Though you can get the most out of your hearing aids (like hands-free calling) with a more recent iPhone model, seniors with older iPhones shouldn’t worry with Jabra Enhance. The provider has Made-for-iPhone (MFi) hearing aids that are Bluetooth-ready and compatible with most Apple products — dating as far back as the iPhone 5s (2013) and the 4th-generation iPad (2012). We had no issues connecting the Enhance Select 300s to our iPhone. Once connected, we could listen to music on the subway and stream calls with friends, no problem!

Just keep in mind that hands-free calling won’t work with any model before the iPhone 11, and it will only work with certain iPad Mini and iPad Pro models. Even if you can’t enjoy direct-to-iPhone streaming due to compatibility issues, the Jabra Enhance Select mobile app still allows you to make setting adjustments and even connect with a hearing professional as needed.

» Our Full Review: Jabra Enhance hearing aids review 2024

We give the mobile app high marks, as it’s easy to use and customize your devices. We could tweak the settings for noise filter, speech clarity, and more. We could also change between programs like Outdoor and Music.

Making adjustments using the Jabra Enhance mobile app

Testing out Eargo 7 hearing aids

Overview

Eargo is a great option for those with iPhones who want an invisible hearing aid. This direct-to-consumer hearing aid provider sells three discreet in-canal models, so you’re truly in control of who knows about your hearing loss. Since Eargo hearing aids are tiny, there isn’t room for Bluetooth technology; this means no streaming to your iPhone. We were disappointed in this, as mobile apps are very useful for customizing hearing aids. Instead, Bluetooth technology is built into the charging case, which allows you to connect your hearing aids to the Eargo iPhone app for remote adjustments. The one exception is the earbud-style LINK by Eargo; this is the provider's most affordable hearing aid at just $799 — nearly $200 less than Jabra Enhance’s Select 50R model. This model has direct streaming.

» Related Reading: Best over-the-counter hearing aids

Three of Eargo’s models — Eargo SE, Eargo 6, and Eargo 7 — work with Eargo’s mobile app, which is available for iOS devices. With the app, we could adjust features like volume, noise filter, and sound programs. We could also access lifetime telecare support from Eargo hearing professionals. To make adjustments, we placed our hearing aids in the charging case to connect via Bluetooth to our iPhone. While this isn’t quite as convenient as Jabra Enhance, Widex, or Oticon, it still makes it pretty easy to connect to just about any iPhone with Bluetooth turned on. Dr. Reisman notes that performance and user satisfaction are very high with Eargo hearing aids for those who are candidates.

Pricing

Eargo lists pricing directly on its website, which you won’t find with a prescription provider like Widex or Oticon. Eargo hearing aid prices range from $799 to $2,950 per pair, but you can often find sales to knock off a few hundred dollars. Eargo also lets buyers make monthly payments that can start as low as $26 per month. For the features and support you get, Eargo offers solid value. However, these devices aren’t suitable for severe or profound hearing loss; so, keep that in mind when considering your needs.

iPhone Compatibility

You may not be able to stream audio from your iPhone directly to your Eargo SE, 6, or 7 hearing aids, but we think it’s worth the trade-off for the discreet hearing support. Plus, you can make adjustments with the Eargo mobile app and the Bluetooth technology in the charging case. If streaming directly from your iPhone is important to you, you can still opt for the LINK by Eargo.

» Dive Deeper: Eargo 6 review and Eargo 7 review

During testing, we found that the LINK by Eargo had decent quality, though it lacked some of the crispness and resonance of prescription hearing aids. We found that the sound quality took some getting used to outdoors. It’s a tad tinny, but the noise-reduction feature works really well — even on city streets. I had trouble boosting phone calls streamed into our hearing aids at a somewhat low volume.

Testing out LINK by Eargo, the company's earbud-style hearing aids.

Though Eargo has announced upcoming functionality between the LINK and Eargo mobile app,1 the Eargo SE, 6, and 7 are the only models that are currently fully compatible with the app. This means that, in the meantime, older adults may need to choose between direct-to-device Bluetooth connectivity and the convenience of making adjustments in the iOS mobile app.

» Our Full Review: Eargo hearing aid review

Testing out Widex Moment hearing aids

Widex sells three MFi hearing aid lines: BEYOND, EVOKE, and MOMENT — available in BTE and ITE styles. This gives you more options than you can get with Jabra Enhance, which only offers three BTE models.

Each hearing aid line comes with a Widex companion app. Using the app, you can stream calls, videos, music, audiobooks, and more from your iPhone straight to your hearing aids. You can also adjust volume and pitch, access sound class, and manage tinnitus using your phone. We love how much flexibility Widex gives you to achieve the best hearing environment without returning to your audiologist.

Pricing

Widex pricing information isn’t available online, and devices must be purchased in person. That said, Dr. Reisman estimates that most Widex models will vary between $1,000 and $3,750 per hearing aid, which is similar to Oticon’s pricing. Visit your audiologist or local hearing aid specialist to discuss the cost and to learn which Widex model might be best for you. Despite higher prices, prescription hearing aids offer a level of customization and care that you won’t receive with OTC options like Eargo and Jabra Enhance.

Dr. Ruth Reisman testing and customizing a pair of hearing aids

iPhone Compatibility

With Widex, you’re getting some of the best technology and an easy-to-use mobile app. These are MFi hearing aids, which means that they’ll work with virtually any iPhone, iPad, and even iPod. Widex doesn’t come with the convenience of an OTC brand like Eargo or Jabra Enhance (you will need a prescription from an audiologist). However, it does ensure that its Bluetooth hearing aids are a great fit for nearly any iPhone user. Plus, having a unique app for each product line ensures that users can adjust and tailor the hearing aids to suit their specific needs.

» Our Full Review: Widex hearing aid reviews

Testing out Oticon hearing aids

Oticon is known for creating some of the most advanced hearing aids on the market; they feature internet connectivity that allows you to connect to multiple Apple products at once. Their hearing aids are MFi and can seamlessly connect to iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices for streaming calls, media, and more. Tech-savvy users will be impressed by Oticon’s integration with IFTTT (If This Then That), which can help users automate various tasks.

» Compare Providers: Widex vs. Oticon

Using the Oticon mobile app and the IFTTT website, wearers can choose and create “if this, then that” scenarios, which are called applets. For example, you can set it up so that if a new event is added to your iPhone’s calendar, Oticon will convert the text to speech in your hearing aids. That way, if you have an important event or appointment, your hearing aids will remind you so you don’t miss it! Applets like this only work on iPhones, so this integration serves as a special perk for Apple users. Dr. Reisman considers Oticon hearing aids to be some of the best for smart integration and feedback management.

Pricing

Oticon doesn’t disclose pricing on its websites. However, you can expect to pay top dollar for Oticon hearing aids due to their innovative technology. Dr. Reisman estimates that Oticon devices cost $1,000 to $4,000 per ear. Visit your audiologist or a local hearing aid specialist to learn about pricing and insurance coverage.

iPhone Compatibility

Wireless connectivity, advanced BrainHearing technology, and an abundance of style options give Oticon’s product line an edge over other providers. Not only does Oticon deliver all the bells and whistles, but their seamless connectivity with Apple products and IFTTT integration are major benefits for tech-savvy users. For example, if you live with multiple iPhone users, you could connect to more than one iPhone at once for two-way, hands-free phone and video calls. No matter your level of hearing loss, Oticon devices can help you hear clearly and make quick and easy adjustments as needed via the iOS mobile app.

» Our Full Review: Oticon hearing aid reviews