It’s estimated that 48 million people in the United States live with some type of hearing loss. For many people, hearing loss may affect their ability to participate in conversations with loved ones and to be more in tune with their surroundings.
Small devices called hearing aids are available to amplify sound and improve one’s ability to hear, including when watching a TV show or having a phone conversation.
With Bluetooth technology, hearing aids can wirelessly receive signals from a device like a cellphone or smart TV and send the sounds directly into the ear at a safe, preferred volume. That means no more turning the TV volume to the max to hear it.
Bluetooth doesn’t yet come standard with all hearing aids. Only certain brands and products offer Bluetooth capability at this time.
If you’re searching for hearing aids, we rounded up the top contenders for durable Bluetooth options with high quality sound. We also offer tips you can use to find the best Bluetooth hearing aids for you.
How we chose
Finding the best Bluetooth hearing aids for you will depend on your level of hearing loss, your budget, and how you typically use hearing aids. With so many variables, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to zeroing in on the right set.
To compile our list of the best Bluetooth hearing aids, we kept the following criteria in mind:
- Brand reputation: We vetted every brand on this list to make sure it has a reputation for quality and customer service. We also used consumer protection sources, such as the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, to make sure brands address customer concerns.
- Customer reviews: Whenever possible, we cross-referenced each product with at least two websites to verify that customers were happy with their purchase.
- Clinical studies and transparent marketing: Some products on this list have multiple clinical trials to support their marketing claims. We steered clear of brands making misleading, deceptive, or unverifiable claims for what the product can do.
Pricing guide
Bluetooth hearing aids tend to cost more than those that don’t offer this connectivity feature.
Typically, Bluetooth devices range between $1,500 and $7,000 for a set. That’s several hundred dollars more than the average cost of a standard hearing aid without Bluetooth.
Keep in mind that some health insurance providers include a hearing aid benefit that could bring down the out-of-pocket cost of your hearing aids. Flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) dollars from your employer may also be used to lower the cost of your hearing aids.
A high quality hearing aid can last up to 7 years if it’s well taken care of, so you may want to consider that when shopping. Paying a bit more for a product may end up saving you quite a bit of money in the long run.
Healthline’s top picks for Bluetooth hearing aids
Miracle-EarCONNECT
Price: about $4,000 per pair
The Miracle-EarCONNECT line has technology that can connect to smartphones and devices that have Bluetooth capability. Miracle-EarCONNECT gives you plenty of options in terms of styles (with both over-the-ear and receiver-in-ear options) and battery (with both rechargeable and replaceable battery models).
You also get a 30-day trial with your device, as well as a 3-year warranty. To buy any type of Miracle-Ear hearing aids, you’ll have to go to a brick-and-mortar Miracle-Ear retailer. While some customers love the clarity of Miracle-Ear, other reviewers express frustration with the customer service, especially with unclear return policies.
Pros
- The warranty includes an annual hearing test and adjustments to your device from an audiologist.
- Health insurance and FSA/HSA are accepted as payment.
Cons
- It can be more expensive than some other options.
- Some customers have said that Miracle-Ear’s warranty and customer service policies are difficult to navigate.
Lively 2 Pro
Price: $1,995 per pair
Lively’s Bluetooth hearing aids are more affordable than their competitors. The initial price is even lower if you choose the battery-operated option, as opposed to the rechargeable model, which lasts 30 hours per charge. Keep in mind that the cost of replacing batteries can add up over time.
These hearing aids are discreet, with a transparent wire leading to a small, lightweight receiver that stays hidden behind your ear. Lively has a clear customer service policy that includes a 3-year warranty on the product, a 100-day trial, and free shipping and returns.
Pros
- They’re a great choice if you don’t want your hearing aids to be extremely visible to others.
- The Lively 2 Pro have a low price for those on a budget.
Cons
- Buying online from Lively means you won’t get to see an audiologist to configure the device in person.
- Some reviewers say these hearing aids don’t grip well to your ear.
Audibel Via
Price: about $4,000 per pair
The Audibel Via models come equipped to pair with iOS and Android devices. It also comes with access to the Thrive app, which allows you to personalize your hearing experience according to your preferences.
The Audibel Via is rechargeable, and you can choose between in-ear, in-canal, or behind-the-ear receiver styles. Some reviewers note that their device needed repairs, often right after the 1-year warranty ran out.
Audibel suggests asking a hearing aid dispenser that sells Audibel devices if they have trial, rent-to-own, or similar programs to let you try a device before you buy.
Pros
- “Mask mode” allows you to better hear people who are wearing a face mask.
- A self-check tool on the app allows you to troubleshoot some problems without a visit to the audiologist.
Cons
- Reviewers say that the microphones on these devices sometimes fail and need to be repaired within the first year or so.
- It’s expensive when compared to other very similar Bluetooth hearing aids.
Kirkland Signature 10.0T Premium Digital Rechargeable Hearing Instruments
Price: $1,399.99 per pair
These hearing aids are equipped to pair with any Bluetooth-enabled device. These over-the-ear devices come in five different colors, and the storage case doubles as a recharging station. They’re more affordable than almost any other Bluetooth hearing aids available, and they’re backed by the trusted Kirkland name.
If you have a Costco membership, it’s convenient to shop for your hearing aids while picking up household essentials. Note that you need a Costco membership to buy Kirkland or other hearing aids from Costco.
Pros
- These hearing aids have a 180-day trial period.
- They’re very affordable in comparison to other hearing aids with Bluetooth.
Cons
- Consultants at Costco are “hearing specialists” and salespeople, not necessarily trained audiologists.
ReSound LiNX Quattro
Price: about $5,000 per pair
The LiNX Quattro comes ready to pair with iOS and Android devices, as well as smart televisions. The hearing aids are rechargeable, so no need to worry about replacement batteries.
You can choose an in-ear fit, over-the-ear, or a customized fit. You’ll be able to customize your experience with the hearing aids using the ReSound 3D app. The app also comes in handy if you lose a hearing aid and need to track it down.
You can read more about ReSound, including their warranty and return policies.
Pros
- One charge can last for 30 hours.
- Reviewers say these have some of the highest sound quality out of all the Bluetooth headphones available.
Cons
- The price is not budget-friendly.
- Some reviewers say the design isn’t the most comfortable hearing aid they’ve worn.
Starkey Evolv AI
- Price: $4,000 per pair
Starkey’s Evolv AI suite of hearing aid options come with a host of other health amenities, such as an activity tracker and a built-in fall alert. The artificial intelligence technology in these hearings aids is some of the most advanced you can purchase, which is reflected in the high price point.
Like the Audibel hearing aids, these also pair with the Thrive hearing app.
All Starkey hearing aids include a warranty that offers repairs for external damage, internal components, and improper fit. Keep in mind that you might have to ship them away for repairs when necessary, which can be inconvenient. You can try out these hearing aids for 30 days to make sure they work well for you.
Pros
- These hearing aids feature a highly rated app for custom adjustments in real time.
- Reviewers say the AI technology offers a rich, natural sound.
Cons
- Some reviewers say the Bluetooth connection with their paired device will unexpectedly drop with these hearing aids.
- They may not respond well to any water or liquid exposure, including sweat.
Phonak Audéo Marvel
- Price: $3,000 per pair
The Audéo line from Phonak incorporates Bluetooth for streaming from Android or iOS devices as well as other Bluetooth-equipped devices. The myPhonak app allows for remote adjustments from a hearing professional if things aren’t quite working the way they should.
These are receiver-in-canal devices and they come in a wide variety of color choices.
Pros
- One charge can last for 30 hours.
- Reviewers say these work well for people with an active lifestyle.
Cons
- Streaming quality from a phone or other device might be a bit fuzzy.
- Some reviews say the Bluetooth connection gets unexpectedly interrupted from the app and from mobile devices, causing problems.
How to choose
In general, you probably won’t be able to buy Bluetooth hearing aids directly online. There are some brands, like Lively, that allow you to purchase direct-to-consumer, but most hearing aids brands don’t. You may need to go to a hearing aids retailer and see an audiologist, or specialist, to get these hearing aids.
An audiologist will give you a hearing test and advise you, based on your budget and the cause of your hearing loss, what models will work best for you. You may also choose to get hearing aids in other places, like from an otolaryngologist’s office or through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Before going through the buying process, it’s best to do your research. Here are some tips for shopping for hearing aids:
- Familiarize yourself with hearing aids options that you like by reading online reviews and roundups like this one.
- Determine which bells and whistles you’d like in a set and which you can do without. Is Bluetooth a must-have? What about rechargeable batteries? Do you need a tinnitus-masking feature? If you misplaced your last set of hearing aids, you may want to spring for a brand that provides a hearing aid locator within a smartphone app.
- Call your health insurance provider before you start shopping. Be aware of any programs or vouchers that your insurance offers and what their reimbursement policy is for hearing aids.
- Ask your audiologist about manufacturer rebates. You may also want to mention your previous or current line of work. Many retailers offer discounts for first responders, military veterans, medical personnel, and other occupations.
How our top picks compare
| Product | Battery length | Warranty length |
|---|---|---|
| Miracle-EarCONNECT | 12 hours | 3 years |
| Lively 2 Pro | 30 hours | 3 years |
| Audibel Via | 24 hours | 1 year |
| Kirkland Signature 10.0T Premium Digital Rechargeable Hearing Instruments | 16 hours | varies |
| ReSound LiNX Quattro | 30 hours | 1 year |
| Starkey Evolv AI | 24 hours | varies |
| Phonak Audéo Marvel | 24 hours | 1 year |
Other ways to stream content
If you’re not ready to make the switch to Bluetooth hearing aids, there are alternatives for streaming sound into your ears from your devices.
Headphones
One alternative is Bluetooth headphones. These don’t have all of the same customizable hearing aids capabilities, and they’re not meant to correct or manage hearing loss, but you can pair them with your
Non-Bluetooth hearing aids
You may want to opt for traditional, non-Bluetooth hearing aids. If pairing hearing aids to different devices, possibly multiple times a day, sounds frustrating to you, these may be a better option. It’s better to stick with something you’ll want to use.
Hearing aids with supported streaming accessories
Some brands, like Signia, make accessories that act as go-betweens to connect your hearing aids to streaming devices you already have.
Frequently asked questions
How do Bluetooth hearing aids work?
Bluetooth is a way for electronic devices to communicate with each other. It uses short-wave radio technology to transmit information. Bluetooth hearing aids have the amplification technology of traditional hearing aids, with the additional feature of being able to hook up to your laptop, mobile device, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Are Bluetooth hearing aids safe?
There’s no evidence available to suggest that Bluetooth hearing aids aren’t safe. Bluetooth hearing aids emit a small amount of what’s known as nonionizing radiation. It’s similar to the type of radiation that comes from Wi-Fi and microwaves.
Radiation-emitting medical devices are
Are Bluetooth hearing aids suitable for children?
Hearing aids for children need to be durable. They also need to be available in different sizes to fit smaller ears. Some Bluetooth hearing aids are dust-resistant and have some waterproofing in addition to being available for purchase in a small size. Only your child’s audiologist would be qualified to help you decide if Bluetooth hearing aids are something your child could benefit from.
The takeaway
If you’re looking for Bluetooth hearing aids, there are plenty of options available for you. However, be prepared to spend a little more out of pocket for the feature. Your audiologist can also recommend hearing aids based on your amount and type of hearing loss.
Not all Bluetooth hearing aids offer the same amount of customer support and functionality. Before you buy, consider your must-haves and what you’re willing to do without so that you don’t overpay for extras you don’t need.
Kathryn Watson is a freelance writer covering everything from sleep hygiene to moral philosophy. Her recent bylines include Healthline, Christianity Today, LitHub, and Curbed. She lives in New York City with her husband and three children, and her website is kathrynswatson.com.