Top-Rated Hearing Aids You Can Now Buy Over the Counter
Thanks to a new rule from the Food and Drug Administration, we’ve been able to buy hearing aids over the counter — without a prescription or doctor’s appointment — since Oct. 17. The air-conduction hearing aids covered by the rule, which fit in the ear canal or sit right behind the ear, are available at retailers such as Walgreens and Walmart, and there are already plenty to choose from. To help save time with your search, we’ve highlighted some of the best.
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Prices and availability are subject to change.
$849 from Walmart
There are few audio brands as respected as Bose, and these Bose-powered aids are a convenient self-fit option that come with multiple dome sizes and an ear-measuring tool. They are Bluetooth enabled and pair with the Lexie app, a self-tuner that allows you to customize the devices to your needs. They also feature treble and bass settings so users can adjust what they hear to make voices sound more natural and to make sounds crisper or richer and deeper.
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$499 from Sam’s Club
These behind-the-ear aids deliver sound without modifying it, leading to less background noise and distortion. This is the best hearing aid for anyone who takes calls frequently — thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream straight from a phone rather than having to switch to headphones. A Lucid app helps you get started; they are designed to work immediately.
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$130 from Amazon
These aids turn on and off automatically when inserted or removed and put into their charging box. Adjusting the volume is as simple as tapping them, and noise-reduction processing helps ensure clear listening. The aids include three silicone ear plug sizes for better fit. If they’re running out of power, you can place them back into the charging box for a quick 15-minute charge; a full charge takes just two hours.
$199 from Walmart
These discreet, wireless in-ear aids are an economical way to get extra hearing support, and having up to 30 hours of battery life per charge makes them convenient. They feature volume control and analog processing and are best suited to helping you hear better when in small groups or watching TV.
$199 from Amazon
These behind-the-ear aids feature a lightweight design that’s comfortable even when you wear glasses. There are two optimization settings for different settings, including at busy restaurants or for watching TV at home, and advanced noise cancellation handles background sounds. The hearing aids include a quick-start kit and hands-free charger with a quick, three-hour charging time.
$1,950 from Eargo
These hearing aids feature advanced noise reduction, feedback cancellation, and Flexi Tetrapalms — replaceable tips made of soft silicone that let the aids float within the ear, nearly disappearing into the canal. The unique design lets in air and natural sounds for a more natural listening experience. The case is also a charger, and can power the hearing aids for up to a week when it’s fully charged.
$80 from Amazon
These lightweight aids are the most affordable of our picks, but still have plenty of features often found in more expensive models. Their noise-canceling technology enhances the quality of TV-watching or conversations, and the maker includes three eartip sizes to ensure a comfortable fit. These battery-powered hearing aids run for up to 500 hours per battery, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to recharge them.
$695 from Amazon
These powerful hearing aids feature dual-directional microphones that let you focus on the conversation that matters, rather than background noise. They feature a modern style that
s nearly invisible when worn. The rechargeable batteries deliver up to 18 hours of listening per charge, and the charging station is convenient and easy to use. Ten volume levels and four programs allow you adjustments to your needs, and the aids are lightweight and comfortable to wear.
$162 from Amazon
These aids are designed to be comfortable and easy to use: They power on automatically, while external buttons allow you to adjust the volume quickly and independently for each ear — ideal if you have better hearing in one than the other. The hearing aids feature noise-cancellation technology to help maintain a clear sound, and battery life of up to 13 hours, as well as one-hour charging.
$800 from Best Buy
These earbuds are outfitted with four microphones intended to better focus on what you want to hear, enhancing reception not only of music and calls, but of the world around you. The rechargeable battery offers up to 12 hours of use on a charge; a compact charging case extends that life up to 35 hours. The hearing aids include three pairs of closed and three pairs of vented EarGels for a fit that’s just right.
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