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Some hearing aids use single-use, button batteries that you remove and install manually. Others have built-in batteries and are rechargeable.

The type of batteries your hearing aids use won’t affect their effectiveness. Battery types do, however, have specific advantages and disadvantages.

Rechargeable hearing aids have become very popular in recent years. In this article, we’ll go into detail about these models from trusted manufacturers.

It used to be hard to find rechargeable hearing aids worn inside the ear, instead of behind the ear. This has changed, adding to the rechargeable hearing aid choices available. In addition to more options, rechargeable hearing aids have specific features.

Let’s take a look.

The rechargeable hearing aids on this list come from trusted, well-known manufacturers. We vetted each brand for business standards and read reviews from customers across multiple sales sites to gauge features, such as:

  • time to fully charge
  • battery life
  • time between charges
  • manufacturer’s warranties
  • customer service

We also reviewed sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau to determine if customer complaints are plentiful and how they’re handled.

Pricing guide

For the hearing aids on this list, we’ve used the manufacturer’s suggested retail price whenever possible, as a guide. Cost is per hearing aid and includes a charger suitable for a full pair:

  • $ = under $1,000
  • $$ = $1,000-$2,500
  • $$$ = $2,501-$3,500
  • $$$$ = over $3,500
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Best custom hearing aids

Starkey Livio Edge AI

  • Price: $$$$
  • Shipping time: varies by supplier, approximately 7-10 business days
  • Max battery life: up to 24 hours
  • Charging time: 3 hours
  • Warranty: varies by provider. All hearing aids come with at least a 30-day guarantee and coverage that includes repair and remakes due to improper fit
  • Level of hearing loss: mild, moderate, and severe
  • Bluetooth?: compatible with iOS and Android 10.0 and higher. Older Android devices require the remote microphone and other accessories

These completely in-the-ear hearing aids from Starkey are custom-molded to fit your ear canal, for a personal fit. They’re available as a pair or as one device for single-sided hearing loss.

These hearing aids utilize AI to seamlessly scan your listening environment and make immediate, real-time changes that support optimal hearing ability. While not invisible, they come in a variety of neutral tones and colors for optimal discretion.

The sound quality they produce is crisp and realistic. They’re designed to provide clear sound with no feedback or distortion in challenging listening environments, like noisy rooms or outdoors in high wind. Easy-to-use, one-tap AI technology improves speech audibility during conversations, even if you’re conversing with people wearing masks or standing several feet away.

Custom-made hearing aids don’t always fit easily or properly in a charging case. These are designed to magnetically attach to their charger, making them easy to handle. One 3-hour charge provides up to 24 hours of power, according to the company.

Bluetooth connectivity enables you to easily stream phone calls and media, including music, podcasts and more, directly into your hearing aids. Some Android devices require streaming accessories.

You can connect these hearing aids to two apps: Thrive and HEARShare (formerly called Thrive Care).

Thrive is meant for your use. It includes personal tools like activity tracking, engagement tracking, and a language translator. The Thrive app is available for iOS and Android devices.

HEARShare is used by your selected contacts. You decide what to share with your contacts through the Thrive app. HEARShare is also available for iOS and Android devices. Caregiver tools include fall detection alerts to pre-selected contacts in case of an emergency. Usage alerts can also be sent to your contacts, so they can gently remind you about the need to charge your devices, if needed.

Because a prescription is required for hearing aids, to buy Livio Edge devices you’ll want to find an audiologist or hearing aid professional who distributes Starkey hearing aids.

Pros

  • It’s custom-molded for fit, and has zero feedback even in windy conditions, according to the company.
  • The hearing aids are easy to handle despite their small size.
  • It includes automatic fall detection and can alert your contacts if you’ve fallen.
  • It features Bluetooth connectivity for streaming.

Cons

  • This model can be expensive.
  • It’s only available from audiologists who carry Starkey hearing aids.
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Best for long lifespan

Phonak Audéo B-R

  • Price: $$$$
  • Shipping time: varies by supplier
  • Max battery life: 24 hours
  • Charging time: 3 hours
  • Warranty: 1 year limited warranty
  • Level of hearing loss: mild to severe
  • Bluetooth?: compatible with all Bluetooth phones

These ergonomically designed hearing aids automatically adjust to real-life listening environments without the need for manual intervention or intense listening concentration, even on soft or single voices in noisy surroundings. This creates a seamless and comfortable hearing experience for people with mild to severe hearing loss.

Each charge provides 24 hours of use, including unlimited streaming. It takes about 3 hours to get a full charge that lasts 24 hours, according to the company. A plug-and-play TV connector turns your hearing aids into wireless television headphones for comfortable listening.

You can download the myPhonak app for Android or iOS to create a profile and access hearing care resources.

These hearing aids are designed to have a longer lifespan than many other brands and should last around 6 years, according to the company.

To buy these hearing aids, you’ll likely need to work with a local audiologist, hearing center, or other hearing aid professionals.

Pros

  • These hearing aids are compatible with any smartphone, whether it runs on iOS or Android.
  • This model holds a charge for a full day, even if you stream media for many hours, according to the company.
  • The automatic operating system eliminates the need for manual adjustment of your hearing aids.

Cons

  • It’s very expensive when compared to comparable brands.
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Best OTC hearing aid

Jabra Enhance Select 200 (formerly Lively 2 Pro)

  • Price: $$
  • Shipping time: within 1 week via FedEx Ground
  • Max battery life: 30 hours
  • Charging time: 3 hours
  • Warranty: 1 to 3 years, based on model
  • Level of hearing loss: mild to moderate
  • Bluetooth?: Available for all iOS and most Android devices

If you’re looking for Lively hearing aids, have no fear. Lively Hearing Aids is now known as Jabra Enhance. Jabra, a wireless earbud manufacturer, merged with Lively Hearing Aids in 2022 to form a new company. Jabra Enhance is owned and operated by GN Group, a Denmark-based audio and hearing technology corporation.

This over-the-counter model, the Jabra Enhance Select 200, is a nearly invisible, behind-the-ear pair of hearing aids. They’re sold at two price points which are both under $2,000:

  • Premium (currently priced at $1,995): custom-programmed hearing aids that include 3 years of professional hearing care with a Jabra Enhance audiologist, plus a 3-year warranty that includes loss and damage protection. Includes remote setting control that hearing professionals control through the Jabra Enhance app.
  • Basic (currently priced at $1,795): pre-programmed hearing aids you manage yourself out of the box, plus a 1-year warranty that includes loss and damage protection.

Both models are classified as over-the-counter hearing aids which don’t require a prescription to purchase. They both come with a charging case and cleaning and maintenance tools.

Each 3-hour charge is designed to provide 30 hours of power. A 1-hour charge provides 15 hours of hearing aid power. Short 10-minute charges on the go will give you 2.5 hours of power.

They’re Bluetooth-enabled and connect to any smartphone. Hands-free calling is available for most newer iOS and Android devices. Accessories like a microphone and TV streaming enhancer are available as add-ons for purchase.

These hearing aids have fewer bells and whistles than some other rechargeable hearing aids, although the Premium level does provide professional support through an app. Jabra Enhance sells directly to consumers without needing a brick-and-mortar audiologist appointment or a prescription, so their products are less expensive than some other brands.

These hearing aids can be a good option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They won’t provide enough listening power for people with severe to profound hearing loss. The online hearing test you take to purchase these hearing aids should identify your hearing loss level.

They’re available in eight neutral tones, designed to match hair color or skin tone.

They come with either a 1-year or 3-year warranty, plus a 100-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • These hearing aids are less expensive than comparable brands.
  • Follow-up care with an audiologist for 3 years is included in the price.
  • The model has built-in tools for tinnitus relief.

Cons

  • Since these hearing aids don’t require a prescription, you may not get the same level of care or diagnosis that you would at an in-person audiologist appointment.
  • These hearing aids are not appropriate for severe or profound hearing loss.
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Best for choice of styles

Miracle-Ear ENERGY

  • Price: $$$
  • Shipping time: varies by supplier
  • Max battery life: Overnight charging (approx. 8 hours) provides a full day’s worth of wear (19-24 hours).
  • Charging time: 3-8 hours
  • Warranty: 3-year warranty
  • Level of hearing loss: varies by hearing aid type
  • Bluetooth?: yes

These rechargeable hearing aids are available as in-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, and behind-the-ear devices. Not all styles are appropriate for every hearing loss level. To get tested and fitted, and to purchase these hearing aids, you’ll make an appointment at a Miracle-Ear hearing aid center. At that time, a hearing professional will evaluate your level of hearing loss and make a recommendation about the appropriate style for you.

All three types are Bluetooth enabled so you can stream phone calls and music from your smartphone. They all supply feedback cancellation, noise reduction, and voice recognition.

A quick half-hour charge will provide 8 hours of use, even if you’re streaming media. A full overnight charge is designed to provide 19 to 24 hours of power.

They have an environmental adaptability feature that will automatically adjust sound to your surroundings without the need for manual adjustments.

Miracle-Ear operates many of their own stores nationwide, if you’d like to work with them directly.

Pros

  • The model comes in two styles and is appropriate for mild to profound hearing loss.
  • It automatically adjust sound to your hearing environment, eliminating the need for manual program changes.

Cons

  • You can only purchase it at a Miracle-Ear store. There are many locations but you may have to travel to get to one.
  • It can be expensive and won’t accommodate all budgets.
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Best for people on a budget

Rexton BiCore R-Li

  • Price: $
  • Shipping time: varies by provider
  • Max battery life: 28 hours without streaming, 24 hours with 5 hours of streaming
  • Charging time: 4 hours
  • Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s warranty; additional warranty time can be purchased through your provider
  • Level of hearing loss: mild to profound
  • Bluetooth?: streams directly to iOS devices and Android 11 or higher

Rexton uses BiCore multi-track technology in their hearing aids. This technology enables each hearing aid to separate and process the sound of human speech and background noise, so you can easily follow conversations in any type of environment.

If you have a high risk job or work in a noisy environment, Rexton hearing aids may be a very good fit for you. They have ATEX certification. This means they have met stringent requirements for use in potentially explosive environments that contain flammable substances, such as construction sites, military bases, gas stations, and chemical manufacturing plants.

These hearing aids come with a charging station that contains a drying function to eliminate moisture buildup, and a UV sanitizer that kills germs. An on-the-go travel charger provides 3 full charges without the need to plug into a power outlet.

Pros

  • highly durable
  • budget-friendly
  • appropriate for mild to profound hearing loss

Cons

  • must be purchased through Costco or a certified Rexton dealer
  • price and shipping time vary by state
  • does not include tinnitus masking tools
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Buying hearing aids can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t done it before.

The first step may be taking an online hearing test. You can also get a full examination from an audiologist. This will help you understand your level of hearing loss and provide guidance.

Hearing aids won’t restore hearing loss, but they can significantly improve your ability to hear the world around you.

There are different types of hearing aids. Your level of hearing loss, comfort, and desire for device invisibility may all play a role in the type you choose.

Only buy hearing aids from trusted manufacturers and retailers. Even if you’re bargain shopping, remember that a too-good-to-be-true deal is often too good to be true.

Look for features that can affect hearing quality, such as tinnitus masking and wind noise reduction.

Other features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and remote controls, can affect cost, which may or may not be as important to you.

If this is your first pair, look for a risk-free trial period, so you have time to determine if the pair you chose is a good fit for you.

Give yourself time to adjust to wearing hearing aids. Your voice may sound strange to you at first. As time passes, you’ll become more adept to using your hearing aids and be able to appreciate the difference they can make in your quality of life.

If you’re deciding between rechargeable hearing aids and hearing aids that have one-time-use batteries, some things to consider include:

Ease of use

Rechargeable hearing aids don’t require manual removal and replacement of small button batteries. It can be challenging to swap out button batteries, especially if you have arthritis, diabetic nerve damage, poor vision, or limited dexterity for any reason.

Safety

If you have trouble removing and installing button batteries, they can easily be dropped on the floor, left forgotten on a table, or lost.

Small children and pets can easily eat or chew misplaced button batteries.

Loose button batteries can also be mistaken for pills and accidentally ingested.

Ingested button batteries are a dangerous health risk. They can cause internal burns or throat pain.

Convenience

Rechargeable hearing aids are typically powered up in a charging station, such as a charging case. A charge usually lasts 24 hours.

Most people charge hearing aids overnight, while they’re asleep. It takes 3 to 4 hours for most hearing aids to charge fully. Leaving them in the charging station for more time won’t drain the battery or harm them in any way.

Rechargeable hearing aids typically rely on lithium-ion or silver-zinc batteries. Silver-zinc batteries have a battery door. Lithium-ion batteries are fully enclosed. Both types are long-lasting.

Lithium-ion batteries last for around the lifetime of your devices, typically 4 to 5 years. Silver-zinc batteries last for about a year, and a professional needs to replace them.

In contrast, disposable button batteries need to be manually changed every 2 to 10 days. If you do lots of streaming, you may need to change them more often. It’s easy to run low on power with disposable button batteries, so traveling with extras is essential.

Cost

Keep in mind that the retailer or dealer you choose can determine options that are important, such as free shipping and returns, warranties, and risk-free trials before buying.

Some rechargeable hearing aids are more expensive than hearing aids with disposable batteries. Despite the higher initial price, rechargeable hearing aids can wind up being the cost-effective option over time.

Button battery costs vary, based on the type of hearing aids you have. Wireless technologies and streaming require more energy, depleting disposable batteries quicker than in years past.

In general, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 annually for disposable batteries. If your hearing aids last for 5 years, you will spend over $500 in additional costs to power them up.

Environmental impact

Button batteries take a toll on the environment as well as your wallet.

Button batteries contain mercury. Since the chances of the batteries leaking during use are small, this doesn’t make them a health hazard to you. What it does mean is button batteries should be recycled and disposed of properly.

Even so, many of these batteries wind up in landfills or on sidewalks. There, they can leak, contaminating waterways and groundwater. If they’re incinerated, they can contaminate the air.

By some estimates, millions or even billions of batteries, including button batteries, are improperly disposed of annually. This potentially makes them a significant environmental hazard.

This doesn’t mean that rechargeable hearing aid batteries are benign. These must also be recycled and disposed of properly, based on your community’s norms. Since they last for years, there are less of them available to contaminate the planet.

Hearing aids with disposable button batteries are an alternative option to rechargeable hearing aids. They’re popular and can be less expensive, so they may be a viable alternative for you.

Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) are not meant to correct hearing loss and are not FDA-approved for use by people with hearing loss. Even so, some people with mild to moderate hearing loss say these devices help with sound amplification.

PSAPs make every sound coming into your ears louder. They are designed to be used by people like hunters, who need to hear small sounds from far away. Since they increase the sound level going into our ears by many decibels, PSAPs may actually damage hearing instead of enhancing it. They may also worsen noise-reactive tinnitus.

If your hearing loss is minor, PSAPs may be a viable option for you. Keep in mind that PSAPs vary considerably in quality and cost. The cheapest is probably not the best.

Best sound amplification device

Jabra Enhance Plus

  • Price: $
  • Shipping time: varies by provider
  • Max battery life: 35 hours
  • Charging time: 2 hours
  • Warranty: 180-day or 5-year limited warranty
  • Level of hearing loss: mild to moderate
  • Bluetooth?: compatible with iOS 14 or later

Jabra Enhance Plus is not a hearing aid. Rather, they are over-the-counter hearing enhancement earbuds. Unlike less-expensive PSAPs, these earbuds enhance and clarify the sound of speech without increasing the sound level of background noise. They also improve the sound quality of streamed music and phone calls.

If you have started to notice or suspect that your hearing ability has lessened, these earbuds may be a good interim choice you can use before you make the leap to hearing aids. According to the manufacturer, they are a good “bridge device” you can use for this purpose.

Programming and personalization of your earbuds are done through the Jabra Enhance Plus app. The app contains three listening modes you can easily switch between, plus other tools.

These earbuds are water-resistant and come in two colors.

Pros

  • less expensive than traditional hearing aids
  • don’t require a prescription
  • provide superior sound and hearing quality when compared to most other PSAP devices

Cons

  • may not provide enough sound enhancement or speech clarity for people with hearing loss
  • do not contain tinnitus-masking tools
  • cannot be used with Android devices
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In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule, enabling people to purchase hearing aids over-the-counter without a prescription. This enhanced accessibility means that more people will be able to purchase hearing aids than ever before.

OTC hearing aids are less expensive than traditional hearing aids. They also eliminate the need to pay and travel to a hearing professional for an exam and prescription.

Over-the-counter hearing aids are meant to be used by people ages 18 and over. They are not an appropriate choice for children with hearing loss. They are also meant to correct mild to moderate hearing loss levels only.

If you have severe or profound hearing loss, your needs will still be best met by working with an audiologist or other type of hearing professional.

What is the best brand of rechargeable hearing aids?

There are many high quality brands of rechargeable hearing aids. What’s best for you may not be best for someone else. Features that may make hearing aids stand out as the best type for you include how long they hold a charge, sound quality, and cost.

How long do rechargeable hearing aids hold a charge?

This varies based on the brand and model you choose. Rechargeable hearing aids often need to be charged for 3 hours each day.

Some hearing aid models can hold a charge for 4 to 7 days, based on the amount of streaming you do.

Can you recharge hearing aids?

Rechargeable hearing aids are designed to be recharged, typically in a charger case. If your hearing aids run on disposable batteries, however, you will need to change your batteries manually rather than recharging your devices.

Do rechargeable hearing aids work?

Yes. Many brands of rechargeable hearing aids supply excellent sound quality and special features, such as tinnitus masking and speech enhancement for clarity of sound in noisy environments.

How many times can you recharge hearing aid batteries?

Hearing aid battery life varies by manufacturer. Most rechargeable hearing aids use lithium ion batteries.

Lithium ion batteries are durable and unlikely to overheat or short-circuit. They typically last for 500 charges or longer, based on the brand and hearing aid type.

How long do rechargeable hearing aid batteries last?

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries typically have a lifespan of 1–3 years.

Rechargeable hearing aids are available in in-the-ear and behind-the-ear styles. Since their batteries are long lasting and don’t require constant changing, many brands are cost-effective, as well as convenient.

There are many brands to choose from. When purchasing hearing aids, always look for a reputable manufacturer, provider, and retailer.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer and reproductive health professional who specializes in health and wellness content. She has spent much of the last two decades educating people about infertility and family building options. Whelan is a science nerd, and her heroes span the gamut from Temple Grandin to her wonderful mom. She shares her life in Brooklyn, NY, with her all-grown-up, fascinating children and their wacky shelter dogs. Follow her on Twitter.