We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

Over-the-counter hearing aids are now available to buy without a medical exam, prescription, or professional fitting. Our top picks include hearing aids by Sony, Bose, Audicus, and more.

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are medical devices that improve mild to moderate hearing loss for people 18 years of age and older.

As of October 2022, the FDA ruled that it is not necessary to have a medical exam, prescription, or fitting adjustment by an audiologist.

How they work

OTC hearing aids work by magnifying sound vibrations that enter your ear. They consist of a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. The microphone picks up sound waves, converts them to electrical signals, and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the strength of the electrical signals and sends them to the ear via the speaker.

Pros

  • more accessible and less expensive than prescription hearing aids
  • no need for a medical exam, prescription, or fitting adjustment by an audiologist
  • remote customer support may offer adjustments, evaluations, and guidance

Cons

  • can only treat mild to moderate hearing loss in adults 18 years and older
  • less personalized care and in-person visits with an audiologist
  • maintenance and repairs may require shipping costs
Was this helpful?

To research OTC hearing aids, we compared products from reputable companies.

We also read online customer reviews and considered factors such as features, ease of use, and app connectivity.

Best discreet design

Eargo 6

  • Price: $2,950 per pair

The Eargo 6 uses Sound Adjust technology that automatically adjusts to your surroundings and minimizes background noises to improve speech clarity. The Sound Match feature allows you to personalize hearing preferences for each ear and customize environmental programs.

The Eargo 6 features water resistance and a rechargeable battery lasting up to 16 hours. The tiny in-canal devices are virtually invisible.

Eargo provides lifetime support from audiologists and hearing professionals.

Best for speech clarity

MDHearing VOLT

  • Price: $1,199.99 per pair

The rechargeable MDHearing VOLT has dual microphones to minimize background noise and improve speech clarity. The hearing aids feature advanced feedback cancellation technology to prevent whistling.

The behind-the-ear devices are nearly invisible. They have volume dials and program selection buttons for quick, easy adjustments.

MDHearing says they offer lifetime support from audiologists and hearing specialists.

Best sound technology

Lexie B2 Powered by Bose

  • Price: $999 per pair

The Lexie B2 Powered by Bose hearing aids pair with the Lexie app, which allows you to personalize your listening experience. The app includes a self-tuning feature and customizable environmental settings. It also provides volume, treble, and bass settings.

The hearing aids use a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 18 hours. The lightweight, behind-the-ear design is comfortable enough for all-day wear.

The Lexie B2s have Bluetooth connectivity but do not stream audio or take phone calls, which is a drawback for many.

Best natural sound

Lucid Hearing Engage Rechargeable

  • Price: $799.99 per pair

The Lucid Hearing Engage Rechargeable hearing aids provide noise reduction, enhance clarity, and deliver natural, precise sound. The lightweight, discreet design is barely visible and extremely comfortable.

The devices offer Bluetooth streaming capability. The Lucid Hearing App allows you to adjust settings, customize hearing preferences, and select a program for your listening environment.

Best signal processing

Soundwave Hearing Sontro OTC Hearing Aids

  • Price: $999 per pair

Soundwave Hearing’s Sontro OTC Hearing Aids offer noise reduction, feedback cancellation, and adaptive directionality. They automatically adjust the sound mode to suit your environment and help to increase your hearing range.

The hearing aids use disposable batteries and have Bluetooth connectivity, but no streaming capabilities. You can use the otoTune app to take a hearing test, customize your hearing settings, and adjust programs, volume, and sound quality.

Best sound experience

Sony E10 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids

  • Price: $1,299.99 per pair

Sony and WS Audiology joined forces to develop the E10 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids, featuring prescription-grade sound quality for crystal clear hearing. The comfortable earbud design uses a rechargeable battery lasting up to 26 hours.

The Sony E10s automatically adjust and optimize sound in different listening environments. They offer Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, but audio streaming is only available for iOS.

You can use the Sony | Hearing Control App to customize hearing aid settings and fine-tune the sound.

Best nearly invisible design

Audicus Wave

  • Price: $699 per ear (standard battery); $899 per ear (rechargeable battery)

The Audicus Wave is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) device that features directional microphones to reduce noise and improve speech clarity. They are available with standard or rechargeable batteries.

The Audicus Wave has Bluetooth connectivity and pairs with an app that controls settings.

Best low cost

Hearing Assist CONNECT

  • Price: $599.99 per pair

The sleek, discreet earbud design of the Hearing Assist CONNECT features volume and program controls for quick adjustments. The HearingAssist STREAM App allows you to customize and control sound settings.

The rechargeable hearing aids offer Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and phone calls.

You can buy OTC hearing aids online and in retail stores.

Retailers who sell OTC hearing aids include:

  • CVS
  • Walmart
  • Hy-Vee
  • Best Buy
  • Sam’s Club
  • Walgreens

To use OTC hearing aids, place them in or behind the ear. Some designs have buttons that allow you to adjust the volume and select a program.

Self-fitting OTC hearing aids connect to an app, which may allow you to take a hearing test, customize environmental programs, and adjust settings such as volume, treble, and bass. You may need to try out your hearing aids in different environments.

It may take a few months to get used to new hearing aids. If you experience difficulty with the fit and settings, reach out to a customer service representative or schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional.

Most OTC hearing aid companies offer a trial period lasting a minimum of 45 days and a 1- or 3-year warranty.

OTC hearing aids offer a variety of features that you can consider to help make your selection.

Bluetooth capability

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect to apps and other devices. With Bluetooth streaming, you can use your hearing aids to stream audio and take phone calls.

Custom hearing preferences

You can adjust various settings, including volume, treble, and bass.

Environment programs

This feature offers sound options and noise reduction for various environments.

Nearly invisible designs

Some devices are almost invisible, which is ideal for people who want to be discreet.

Water resistance

OTC hearing aids that are water resistant can withstand some moisture if you accidentally come into contact with water.

In general, OTC hearing aids are safe to use for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Be aware of any warnings on the packaging and follow the directions for the hearing test to ensure accuracy.

See a doctor or hearing health professional if you experience any of the following symptoms before or after using OTC hearing aids:

  • pain
  • dizziness
  • ringing in one ear
  • sudden hearing changes
  • visible ear deformities
  • excess ear wax
  • fluid, pus, or blood in the ears
  • unilateral hearing loss
SpecificationsOTCPrescription
Cost range $200–$4000 per pair$2400–$6150 per pair
Appyes yes
Sizeone-size-fits-mostcustomizable
Need Wi-Fi?yes yes
Wireless?yes yes
Battery Lifeup to 20 days up to 20 days
Warranty (wear and tear)usually 1–3 years 1-year minimum

Read our review of the best hearing aids overall.

Who should use over-the-counter hearing aids?

OTC hearing aids are suitable for adults 18 years and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.

Who shouldn’t use over-the-counter hearing aids?

OTC hearing aids are not appropriate for children or adults with significant or severe hearing loss.

How much do over-the-counter hearing aids cost?

The price of OTC hearing aids can vary considerably and may cost between $200 and $4,000 per pair.

Are payment plans available?

Most companies offer financing options and payment plans.

Is there a set-up fee?

No, there is not a set-up fee.

Can I use my insurance to help pay for the hearing aids?

Most insurance companies do not provide coverage for hearing aids. However, check with your provider to find out the details of your plan.

OTC hearing aids increase accessibility and affordability for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Choose OTC hearing aids that offer a trial period so you can test the fit, comfort, and function.