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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Fact Checked by Krista Manning
Our rigorous review process involved evaluating over 30 different hearing aids across multiple factors, including performance, battery life, and comfort.
Our review is guided by the expertise of Dr. Raj Dasgupta, renowned for his clinical research and teaching excellence, and Krista Manning, known for her meticulous copy editing and advocacy for mental health awareness.
Rechargeable hearing aids represent a significant advancement in hearing technology, offering users convenience and sustainability compared to their older replaceable battery counterparts.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries were first incorporated into hearing aids in 2016. (1) These devices have rapidly evolved, incorporating smaller, longer-lasting batteries and features like Bluetooth connectivity and advanced noise filtering.
The shift towards rechargeable models aligns with a growing consumer preference for devices that are both eco-friendly and have lower long-term maintenance costs. (2) Rechargeable devices have surpassed replaceable battery models as the most commonly owned type (52%), according to a recent MarkeTrack survey of 815 respondents. (3) Almost all major hearing aid manufacturers now make rechargeable models and are phasing out disposable battery options. Our survey of 600 hearing aid wearers found that rechargeable batteries were the second most important feature after digital noise reduction. (4)
The Jabra Enhance Select 300 stands out as the best overall rechargeable hearing aid due to its superior sound clarity and extensive feature set, which includes customizable sound profiles and Bluetooth streaming capabilities. This model combines advanced noise reduction technology with a user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for daily use across various environments. Additionally, its reliable battery life ensures users can enjoy uninterrupted hearing support throughout the entire day.
The Jabra Enhance Select 300 is a mid-priced, RIC, OTC hearing aid with several desirable features.
The Jabra Enhance Select 300 earns its spot as our top recommendation due to its combination of cutting-edge technology and user-centric design. This is a smaller RIC-style device featuring SoundScape ™ technology, which excels in delivering clear sound in noisy environments by enhancing speech while reducing background noise.
You can change volume and listening modes with the on-device push button or through the app. The four pre-programmed listening modes are All-around, Restaurant, Music, and Outdoor. The app can also activate streaming to both Android and Apple devices and set up remote adjustments and software updates. Hands-free calling is only available to iPhones.
While battery life can last up to 24 hours, actual operating time depends on active features, the use of wireless accessories, the degree of hearing loss, battery age, and the sound environment. Streaming tends to deplete the battery most quickly.
Our tester noted the availability of a unique “spot lock” mode accessory, which attaches to the devices and wraps around the ear to keep them in place during high-motion activity. They also appreciated that the devices came with seven different dome types so users could find the best fit (most devices come with only three or four types). The fit of this aid was so comfortable that our tester thought they had fallen out but was surprised to find they were still in place.
“Comfort with hearing aids is all about how they fit your ears and how they feel in terms of sensitivity. Give yourself time to get used to them, and if they still bother you or are uncomfortable, talk to your audiologist about getting some adjustments.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Jabra Enhance devices are available in two Care and Protection packages: Basic and Premium. Each offers different levels of service and customization tailored to meet varying user needs and budgets.
The Premium package offers significant additional benefits for a relatively small increase in cost ($200), particularly valuable for users who anticipate their hearing needs might change over time or who wish for more hands-on support and customization. Buyers will also select from five color options: silver, champagne, gold, bronze, or gray.
Independent online customer reviews of this particular model are difficult to come by because they are only available for purchase through the Jabra Enhance website. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives Jabra Enhance an A+ rating and 3.44 out of 5 stars. Many complaints revolve around the difficulty of getting Jabra Enhance to honor the 100-day trial period. It seems that customer service can be difficult to get a hold of when problems arise.
One Reddit thread discusses a customer’s experience with the Select 300 model.
“I just received the Jabras after returning a pair of new Lexie hearing aids. I am unbelievably happy with Jabra devices and how easy it is to set up with my Google Pixel 4 XL running Android 13. All the features are working to my expectations.”
Another Reddit user, Jasesdad, writes of their positive experience: “So far, I am very happy with my 300 that I received just a couple of days ago. So far I’m using the restaurant mode for watching TV since it will suppress noise behind and sides of me and focus on front audio. With the 200s, I found that the music mode was best for watching TV. The 300s definitely do a much better job at suppressing loud noises.”
The Atom Pro 2 is Audien’s most advanced hearing ITE hearing aid. It’s an excellent value considering the price and amount of features.
The Audien Atom Pro 2 stands out as an affordable rechargeable hearing aid option, priced at $289. It is designed with several key features that make it a compelling choice for individuals seeking cost-effective hearing solutions.
Features of Audien Atom Pro 2:
The Audien Atom Pro 2 can be purchased over the counter directly from Audien’s website. The process is straightforward—select the model, add it to your cart, and complete the checkout process. The hearing aids are shipped within 3-5 business days, offering a fast and convenient way to access hearing support without a hearing evaluation or professional fitting. Alternatively, they may be purchased through Walmart.
Our tester appreciated the automatic on/off feature when removing or inserting the devices from the charging case. They also noted that the charging case was very high quality for such a low price. It is rare to find UV sterilization integrated into a hearing aid charger. Our tester found the fit very comfortable and appreciated that there is no left/right distinction, which makes insertion simpler.
This model is particularly well-suited for individuals new to hearing aids or those looking for a budget-friendly option. Its simple design and ease of use make it ideal for everyday environments, though it might not meet the needs of those with more complex hearing loss or who require customized hearing profiles. ( 9 ) Check out our list of the best affordable hearing aids to see additional budget-friendly options.
Walmart customers give the Atom Pro 2 4.0 out of 5 stars . Verified customer Don said, “My wife purchased these aids for me. I was reluctant, but I’m so glad she got them. They’ve totally changed my ability to hear and be part of the conversation. I can hear birds again! And I don’t have to rely on others to interpret for me. These are great hearing aids and a great value. I’m very happy with my experience and highly recommend it.”
“I usually don’t write reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised with these hearing aids. I wish I ordered these sooner after struggling with hearing loss for years.”
They do not work for everyone, which is to be expected from an OTC hearing aid . Walmart verified customer James said, “These did not help in understanding conversation. They simply amplified my own voice in my ears as well as made the background noise louder. No matter what settings were selected, I could understand people talking to me better when I removed the devices from my ears. However, the customer experience, quick delivery, and clear instructions on how to use the product were very good. Perhaps in my case, a professional solution is required.”
Several customers complained of disappointing sound quality and that the devices were too large for their ears, even with the smallest tips. So, if you have tiny ear canals, these may not work for you.
The professional RIC Signia Pure Charge&Go is the most advanced hearing aid in this review.
The Signia Pure Charge&Go IX hearing aids represent a significant advancement in hearing technology, with high performance in challenging listening environments like group conversations and an exceptionally long battery life.
Signia offers different chargers, including a standard charger, a portable charger that doubles as a power bank, and the Dry&Clean charger that not only charges but also dehumidifies and sanitizes the aids, which is particularly useful in humid environments.
The hearing aids feature a tactile rocker switch for easy manual control over settings, or they can also be controlled via the Signia app, which offers extensive customization options, including remote adjustments by hearing care professionals.
The price can vary depending on the supplier, with certain providers, like Yes Hearing, offering competitive rates significantly lower than the average in-person audiology office.
Unlike OTC options, the Signia Pure Charge&Go is suitable for treating severe hearing loss.
All reviews on Fit Hearing Audiology’s website give the Signia Pure Charge&Go four or five stars.
“The ability to adjust for specific hearing ranges is amazing. Its iPhone capacity is awesome.”
Another customer, Michael, was slightly less impressed but still gave four stars and said, “Being a high-end hearing instrument, I was initially surprised to sense little improvement over my 7-year-old mid-grade hearing aids. But they have really good feedback prevention, and their operation is just deceptively smooth. In Universal mode, the sound is always natural. Noisy environment mode works very well.”
And finally, a very pleased customer, Debra, said, “Absolutely life-changing! I never realized how much I was missing until I was fitted for my hearing aids!”
The Jabra Enhance Select 300 is a mid-priced, RIC, OTC hearing aid with several desirable features.
The Phonak Naida Paradise hearing aid is notable for its advanced features, especially for individuals with tinnitus, a buzzing or ringing in the ears, which can be very disruptive and distressing, negatively affecting the user’s quality of life. (5) (6) For the majority of tinnitus patients, sound therapy offers significant relief from the negative impacts by masking the tinnitus sounds. Sound therapy can consist of a combination of environmental sounds, music, broadband sounds, or amplified sounds (i.e. hearing aid amplification). (7) Sound therapy is customized to the individual patient and controlled through the Phonak app.
“Tinnitus is a condition that causes continuous ringing or buzzing in the ears. ( 10 ) Hearing aids can help those with tinnitus focus on other external sounds and mask the continuous ringing noise caused by tinnitus. It’s important to note that hearing aids are not a cure for tinnitus, and it’s best to speak with an audiologist or your doctor if you have concerns about your hearing.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, Fortune Recommends Medical Advisor
Julie Prutsman, AuD , owner of Sound Relief Hearing Centers in Colorado, told us, “It’s important patients use a competent tinnitus specialist because hearing aids can only help around 50% of tinnitus cases. Educational counseling is also an important component of treatment.” She points out that it does not resolve in a couple of days but rather takes significant time, effort, and work from the patient and provider. She said, “Each professional brand offers slightly different tinnitus treatments. Whatever you do, don’t attempt to treat tinnitus with an OTC hearing aid.”
Other key features of the Naida Paradise are:
Online reviews of Phonak do not specifically mention the Naida Paradise model because they are only available through hearing care professionals who do not post customer reviews on their websites.
The brand Phonak is reviewed by the BBB and Trustpilot , where scores are low. They have a 2- out of 5-star rating on BBB but only from 11 reviews, none of which are specific to Naida Paradise. It appears customers have difficulty downloading and using the Phonak app. But not everyone is struggling.
“I’m enjoying music for the first time in 20 years, both heard directly and streamed from my iPhone.”
Similarly, Phonak has a 1.9- out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from 80 reviews. Jenny gave 4 stars and said, “Only had them a few days, but so far, I’m very pleased with them. The people who say that they can’t pair their phones with the app should bear in mind that it’s likely to be the phone that is the problem, not the hearing aids. You do, unfortunately, need a fairly new phone no more than 3-4 years old and a good make such as Pixel or Samsung. I can listen to YouTube through my hearing aids and have hands-free phone calls. Cool.”
The MDHearing Volt is an affordable, OTC, RIC hearing aid designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind. It is particularly suitable for seniors or first-time hearing aid users.
The MDHearing Volt is a notable option for seniors looking for hearing aids that combine affordability, ease of use, and effective hearing support.
Key Features of MDHearing Volt include:
The MDHearing Volt’s combination of affordability, simple operation, and reliable performance aligns well with the needs of many older adults. Its easy-to-use interface reduces the barriers often encountered with more complex devices, while robust customer support ensures users can get help when they need it. Additionally, the hearing aids’ physical design, which prioritizes comfort and ease of maintenance, caters to the practical daily needs of seniors.
Overall, the MDHearing Volt is well-suited for older individuals looking for a no-frills, effective hearing aid solution that respects the limitations they might face with more sophisticated technology.
Amazon customers give the MDHearing Volt 3.5 out of 5 stars.
“I have worn these every day for the last week, and I am impressed. Compared to the others I’ve tried, I am pleased with them. They are indeed more than just sound amplifiers. The volume is easy to change, and so are the four programs. I went to dinner with another couple, and it was quite noisy, so changing the program really made a difference. No, they are not like the ones costing $2,000 and up, but for me, they work just fine. I am 79 years old, I’ve been wearing aids for 20 years. I have severe hearing loss combined with ringing in my ears from jet engines. I would order them again.”
While customers are generally happy with the sound quality when the devices are working normally, there are some reports of devices failing after only a few weeks or months of use.
Amazon customer George reported, “I was pleasantly surprised that this set was very good. It masked background noise levels well while allowing me to hear normal conversation. The problem is that the right unit began to rattle after about a week. Since I was on vacation at the time, I decided to just turn the volume down, and that seemed to correct it. By the time I got back from vacation, about 10 days, the left unit began to do the same thing, and the right unit quit working. This was about three weeks after I received them. I have returned the hearing aids and found a more reliable set.”
For those interested in a discreet yet powerful OTC hearing solution, the Eargo 7 offers a blend of advanced technology and user-friendly features in a design that’s easy to wear and manage daily.
The Eargo 7 is designed to be an exceptionally discreet and effective hearing aid, particularly well-suited for those with mild to moderate hearing loss who prioritize invisibility and comfort.
Since invisible hearing aids sit deeper in the ear canal, they use the ear’s natural shape to improve the sound quality,” begins Dr. Raj.
“By capturing sound as it naturally enters the ear, they make it sound clearer and seem more like it’s coming from the right direction. Bottom line, they give you a more natural listening experience since they are deeper in your ear canal.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, Fortune Recommends Medical Advisor
Notable features of the Eargo 7 are:
Our tester appreciated the tap control feature, which allows you to change the program by simply tapping the ear, but did find it a bit confusing that volume changes can only be made through the app.
They also felt the sound quality was lacking, with a tinny, echoey sound and too much background noise. This probably could be alleviated, at least some, by changing out the petals (tips). Open petals are designed to enhance natural sound entry, potentially reducing the sensation of echo or occlusion. Closed petals improve sound isolation and reduce feedback, allowing users to tailor their hearing experience based on personal preference.
Eargo 7 has 4.7 stars on Best Buy.
“The best thing about these hearing aids is the support from Eargo. They help with customizing, cleaning, charging, and myriad maintenance requirements. When you buy from Eargo, you also get excellent customer support over the phone.”
Geraldo, Verified Best Buy Customer
There are multiple reports of excellent customer service from Eargo. Greg, a verified Best Buy customer, wrote, “I purchased the Eargo 7 aids last month after reviewing the market offers. I liked the fact that these are invisible and rechargeable. Once I started using them, I was amazed at how my hearing improved. These deliver a natural sound without the tinny sound [of] other units I had tried. I’ve been using these for about five weeks and now forget they are even in my ears. Great sounding and comfortable, and the preset programs work well for me. I especially like the fact that loud environments do not blast your ears. These devices have restored my hearing back to what I consider normal. They also provide excellent training with an Eargo rep (via phone) which helps to get you started. Thanks, Eargo!”
Negative reviews are difficult to come by and refer to unsuitability for severe hearing loss (but we knew that) and shorter-than-advertised battery life, which it sounds like can be remedied by a phone call to Eargo.
The majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Hearing aids are powerful tools for experiencing and interacting with the world. Our goal is to provide the fullest picture possible of each hearing aid in this roundup. We achieve this by rigorously testing products, from their performance to their customer service. Read our full hearing aid testing methodology for more information on our testing process.
A hearing aid is only as good as the sound quality it delivers. We test the following criteria to provide a full picture of the device’s performance.
Beyond performance, a hearing aid should also be up-to-date with the latest technology and safety features.
A hearing aid’s cost doesn’t stop at its sticker price, which is why we examine its overall value through warranty, insurance, financing, and more.
Factors like warranty and customer service can make all the difference, especially for important devices like hearing aids.
When considering the purchase of rechargeable hearing aids, there are several key factors to evaluate to ensure you choose a device that meets your hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget. Here are some important aspects to consider:
Rechargeable hearing aid batteries typically last for around 24 hours on a full charge with normal use, though this can vary based on factors such as streaming frequency, hearing loss level, listening environment, and the age of the hearing aid. The shortest battery life in this review is up to 16 hours, while the longest is up to 36 hours.
The cost of rechargeable hearing aids varies widely depending on the brand, model, and features. OTC models can cost as low as around $100 per pair, while more powerful prescription models can cost upwards of $7000 per pair.
Rechargeable hearing aids are not necessarily bigger than their battery-operated counterparts. Advances in technology have allowed for the development of rechargeable models that are compact and discreet, similar in size to traditional battery-powered devices.
The lifespan of a rechargeable hearing aid typically ranges between 5 to 7 years. This can vary based on the model, usage patterns, and how well the hearing aids are maintained over time.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine. An active clinical researcher, Dr. Raj is currently an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, and the Associate Program Director of Internal Medicine Residency at Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars Sinai.
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Lauren Sherman brings a blend of academic rigor and practical application to her role as a health content expert. With a Master’s degree in Human Genetics from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Lauren combines deep scientific knowledge with real-world experience gained at National Jewish Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado. She specializes in creating authoritative and engaging content tailored to aging adults, drawing on her extensive research into products and strategies that enhance the quality of life for this demographic. Her work is informed by personal experience, having navigated the aging process with her own parents, and is underpinned by a commitment to providing actionable insights for her readers. Lauren’s contributions can be found on renowned platforms such as NCOA.org, HelpGuide.org, and MarketWatch.com, where she addresses complex health topics with clarity and compassion.
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