We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.
The best rechargeable hearing aids of 2024, according to audiologist
These are the top-rated rechargeable hearing aids, from OTC and prescription to Jabra, Oticon, Starkey, Audien and Eargo
Hearing aids have become more accessible than ever, due to the Food and Drug Administration's 2022 ruling that gave the green light to sell hearing aids over the counter (OTC). Prior to the ruling, hearing aids were available only to those with a prescription and cost thousands of dollars per hearing aid. Not only has the increased competition between OTC and prescription hearing aids driven down the cost — to only a couple hundred dollars in some cases — there's been a boom in hearing aid technology, styles, colors and extra bells and whistles. Today, there are OTC hearing aids that rival traditional prescription brands, with both types available in various styles and colors, boasting Bluetooth technology for streaming, improved background noise cancellation, automatic adjustments for your environment and the choice between replaceable or rechargeable hearing aid batteries. Essentially, regardless of your level of hearing loss, lifestyle and budget, the best hearing aid for you is available. For this article, we will focus on the best rechargeable hearing aids.
Jabra Enhance Select 300
The best OTC rechargeable hearing aid
Starkey Genesis AI RIC
Best rechargeable prescription hearing aid
Oticon Real
Best Rechargeable Hearing Aid With Enhanced Clarity
Audien Hearing Atom Pro 2
Best budget-friendly rechargeable hearing aid
Eargo Link
The best rechargeable Bluetooth hearing aid
Lexie B2 Plus
Best rechargeable hearing aid for customer support
"A rechargeable hearing aid can be advantageous to battery hearing aids since you do not have to buy the specialized and sometimes hard-to-find batteries over and over again to continue using your aids," says Dr. Cory Bovenzi, an otolaryngologist (head-and-neck surgeon). Dr. Michael Yong, an otolaryngologist and neurorhinologist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, agrees and adds that "rechargeable hearing aids [allow you to] avoid having to manipulate very small batteries and place them inside the hearing aid."
To better understand what to look for in the best rechargeable hearing aids, we consulted with a panel of audiologists, otolaryngologists and hearing aid experts. We then took their feedback and researched and tested the top-rated rechargeable prescription and OTC hearing aids, analyzing each for features like battery life, ease of use, setup, cutting-edge technology, additional features and overall value. These are the best rechargeable hearing aids of 2024.
Cost: $1,595-$1,795 | OTC or prescription: OTC | Covered by insurance: Reimbursement available dependent on provider and policy | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visibility: Over the ear | Battery life: Up to 24 hours | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Jabra Enhance Select 300's discreet, almost invisible design (it's smaller than a paper clip) lasts 24 hours on a single charge. But our top pick's long battery life is only one of the many impressive features of this OTC hearing aid that rivals prescription hearing aids that are three times the cost.
When it comes to sound, Jabra's SoundScape technology, coupled with smart microphones, delivers a natural, crisp and clear sound compared to many of its competitors. Also, its true depth of sound spatial and noise-canceling technologies help you recognize where sounds are coming from around you while also minimizing unnecessary background noises. For an added bonus, the hearing aids offer Bluetooth capabilities for hands-free calls and streaming your favorite music, podcasts and TV shows right to your hearing aid (iPhone 11 or newer required for calling).
Jabra offers two packages for its Select 300 hearing aids: the basic package ($1,595), which comes as a preprogrammed device with three hearing profiles to choose from; and the premium package ($1,795), fully customizable and offering remote adjustments and support from an audiology team.
- 24-hour battery life
- 100-day trial period
- Access to audiologists with premium package
- Smartphone or tablet required
- iPhone 11 or newer required for hands-free calling
Cost: $2,000 – $6,000 | OTC or prescription: Prescription | Covered by insurance: Depends on provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visibility: Yes | Battery life: Up to 51 hours | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Starkey Genesis AI battery offers up to 51 hours on a single charge — the best battery life of all the hearing aids we tested and researched. The hearing aids also offer a high level of customization inside and out, starting with the look and style: five different styles (invisible, completely-in-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear, receiver-in-canal) and seven colors covering a range of skin tones.
What truly sets apart Starkey Genesis AI hearing aids from the pack — aside from the whopping 51-hour battery — is the highly intelligent technology that includes its neuroprocessor, which mimics the way your brain functions, to improve the power of your hearing aid by making over 80 million automatic adjustments an hour to ensure that you hear sound as crisp and clear as you did prior to experiencing hearing loss.
It also focuses on speech, even when there is background noise, so you hear only the person you are talking to. What's just as impressive is the sensors that track your physical activity and social engagement with actionable health reports; they even have fall detection alerts. If Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids are a must-have for you, go ahead and check that box as well: The Starkey Genesis AI hearing aids allow you to pipe in your favorite music, shows or take calls with a simple tap on the ear.
These are prescription hearing aids, so you will need to make an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test and fitting.
- Battery life up to 51 hours
- Neuroprocessor that mimics the way your brain functions
- Health tracking technology and fall detection
- Expensive
- Requires a prescription
Cost: $4,000-$6,000 | OTC or prescription: Prescription | Covered by insurance: Depends on your plan and provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visibility: Visible | Battery Life: Up to 24-hours | Remote/App customization: Yes
The Oticon Real also delivers on battery life, providing hearing assistance for up to 24 hours before needing a recharge. Unlike an OTC hearing aid you can buy off the shelf, all Oticon hearing aids require a trip to your audiologist for a hearing test and prescription, but in doing so, you will be able to have the hearing aids fitted for comfort and programmed to meet your hearing profile.
These high-tech prescription hearing aids employ a sort of artificial intelligence technology known as a Deep Neural Network BrainHearing system to support the way your brain interprets sound by using layers of vast amounts of data—over 12 million real-world sound samples. The Oticon Real has additional features to enhance clarity, including the sudden sound stabilizer, which reduces the sound of sudden soft and loud noises, along with a wind and handling stabilizer to tamp down on noises that can come from things like your glasses or hair touching your device.
The hearing aid comes in two styles — behind-the-ear with a small receiver attached to a thin wire that sits in your ear canal or behind-the-ear with the receiver resting over the top of your ear. Oticon Real is also available in two disposable battery versions, if you ultimately decide replaceable batteries are a better fit for your needs.
- Good for tinnitus
- Multiple styles, colors, and battery options available
- Deep Neural Network technology
- More expensive than other prescription brands
Cost: $289 | OTC or prescription: OTC | Covered by insurance: Depends on provider | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visibility: Invisible | Battery life: Up to 24 hours | Remote/app customization: No
If an affordable, nearly invisible hearing aid is important to you, Audien Hearing's Atom 2 is worth a place on your short list. This hearing aid is smaller than traditional earbuds and fits easily into your ear canal for a look that's hard to spot. It also offers a battery life of up to 24 hours on a full charge — and all for under $300.
You can switch between four listening modes with the simple press of a button on the outside of the device. When fully charged, its portable charging case offers three additional charges if you decide to go camping or are without electricity for a few days. The case also features a UV sanitation light.
The big draw of the Audien Hearing Atom 2 is its simplicity and low cost, but there are a few drawbacks to consider. This device comes in only one color and there's no customization. But if you're looking to try out an affordable tiny hearing aid with preset functions, the Audien Hearing Atom 2 might just be a winner.
- Inexpensive
- Petite size
- Charging case doubles as a sanitizer
- No customization
- One color option
Cost: $799 | OTC or prescription: OTC | Covered by insurance: Reimbursement available | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visibility: Visible | Battery life: Up to nine hours, with four additional charges held in the charging case per full charge | Remote/app customization: Yes
Transition seamlessly between hearing aid mode, streaming and phone calls with a simple tap on your ear with Eargo's Link hearing aids. What's more, if discreet, earbud-like hearing aids no one will ever suspect are hearing aids sound like a winning option, these are a great bet. With four preset hearing profile programs and Bluetooth streaming capabilities that rival traditional high-end earbuds, these aids are a two-in-one solution for music and podcast lovers who also suffer from hearing impairment.
In addition to streaming and sound amplification adjustments with a quick tap on your ear, the Eargo app lets you adjust your settings and change programs manually through your smartphone so you can easily find the optimal hearing profile for your environment, whether outdoors, indoors or at a noisy gathering. The only downfall is that the hearing aids offer only nine hours of use per charge. That said, the portable charging case holds four additional charges for up to 45 hours of total use between case charges.
- Modern look
- Tap your ear to take and end calls
- Three ear tip sizes
- Battery life is less than some others
Cost: $999 | OTC or prescription: OTC | Covered by insurance: No | FSA/HSA eligible: Yes | Visibility: Visible | Battery life: Up to 18 hours | Remote/app customization: Yes
The Lexie B2 is made by Bose, a leader in sound quality. In addition to exceptional sound quality and full Bluetooth streaming capabilities, Lexie really shines in the support department. Lexie B2 owners get lifetime customer service that's available seven days a week, along with live chat, phone or video support on the Lexie app. Through the easy-to-use app, you'll customize B2's settings to accommodate your personal hearing profile and, if you have any issues, you'll be connected with an expert who can help over video, chat or the phone.
While this rechargeable hearing aid has only an 18-hour battery life, it's likely more than most people will need in a day. If you're uncertain about your ability to customize your hearing aid but don't want to shell out thousands for a prescription hearing aid, this is a device worth considering.
- Free professional support
- Affordable
- Support available seven days a week
- Available only in gray
What to consider when buying a hearing aid
There are many different elements to mull over when buying a hearing aid. Most importantly, you'll want to find one that will suit your level of hearing loss, needs and lifestyle. At the baseline, "the goal is that they can turn sounds up loud enough to optimize audibility for an individual with hearing loss," says Meaghan Reed, director of clinical audiology at Mass Eye and Ear. "The amount of volume that an individual needs to help them communicate and meet their listening needs varies person to person." Beyond that, there are some specifics to keep in mind.
Style of hearing aid
There are five main styles of hearing aids, each with its own perks and considerations.
Behind the ear (BTE): BTE hearing aids rest behind your ear. They feature the speaker and microphone, and typically work for most types of hearing loss. These are usually the most visible of all hearing aid styles.
Receiver in canal (RIC): RICs are similar to BTEs, but they're slightly less visible, thanks to a thin wire attached to the receiver or speaker that sits inside the ear canal.
In the ear (ITE): These usually have a customized fit to rest snugly just outside your ear canal. They are visible but not overly obvious.
In the canal (ITC): These hearing aids are typically custom molded to your ear. They fit partly in your ear canal and are less visible than ITEs.
Completely in canal (CIC): CIC hearing aids are the ones that are considered the most "invisible" because they fit inside the ear canal. These tend to be a good fit for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Cost
Hearing aids have a vast range of prices, from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. While you shop, be aware that some hearing aids are sold as singles — mainly with prescription hearing aids — while OTC hearing aids are sold in pairs. Also, check with your health insurance company during your search to see what, if anything, it will cover. Certain models may also be eligible as an FSA/HSA-approved expense.
Prescription or OTC
As mentioned above, there are affordable OTC hearing aids with a level of quality similar to that of prescription devices. That said, OTC hearing aids often fall short of the customization and personalization features that come with prescription aids because you need to meet with a professional to obtain prescription aids. Prescription hearing aids are also a better choice if you have moderate to severe hearing loss, while those with mild to moderate hearing loss will often be well suited for OTC models.
Setup
Getting your hearing aids up and running often depends on the type you buy. Prescription hearing aids need a fitting and calibration with an audiologist, so there's very little work on your part. However, OTC aids are set up and calibrated by you or remotely by an audiologist associated with the brand of aids you purchase — meaning, their technicians will help you out where available. If you're not comfortable with the idea of doing this all on your own, you may want to consider going with a prescription model or a company with setup support.
App pairing
A growing number of hearing aids have a compatible app for customization, but this isn't a universal feature. If you're tech savvy and like the idea of adjusting your settings on demand, look for a model with a companion app.
Bluetooth capabilities
Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids will allow you to make and take phone calls, and stream music, audiobooks and podcasts right into your hearing aid. This reduces outside noise and allows you to get more immersive sound. However, not all Bluetooth capabilities are compatible with all devices. Check in advance to see if your technology (i.e., iOS or Android) will sync with the hearing aid's Bluetooth functionality before investing in any particular hearing aid.
Extra features
Extra features can vary and often are associated with higher costs. Those can include noise cancellation, relaxation modes that pipe in soothing sounds, and directional microphones. Some companies will offer long trial periods and good professional support — those are worth considering, too.
How we chose our top rechargeable hearing aids
To find the best rechargeable hearing aids, we consulted with audiologists and otolaryngologists to learn about the important elements to consider when choosing hearing aids in general and when rechargeable options are a good choice and for whom. We also researched and personally tested the top-rated OTC and prescription aids, then narrowed our selections based on expert guidance on top technology, battery life, setup and essential and extra features.
How do rechargeable hearing aids work?
"Rechargeable hearing aids have a charging device that can recharge an internal nonremovable battery in the hearing aids," Bovenzi explains. "This can be a convenient option over traditional hearing aids due to the ease of use and eliminating the need to buy new batteries or changing the small batteries out when the old ones expire."
While it's clear that rechargeable devices can vary on how long they can hold a charge, it's usually recommended that you recharge your hearing aids every night so they are ready for you to utilize all day without interruption. (For hearing aids with shorter battery lives, you can charge them when you don't need them during the day.)
A rechargeable vs. battery hearing aid: Which is better?
It depends. "Rechargeable hearing aids usually have several advantages, one of the main ones being that you generally don't have to remove the battery to replace it and you can simply recharge the device by putting it in a docking area," Yong says. "The other big advantage, I would say, is that they lend themselves to routine, which can be really important. Users will usually charge the hearing aids every day at a similar time, which reduces the chance of suddenly running out of battery."
But rechargeable hearing aids can be more expensive up front than their battery counterparts, and that's worth considering. Still, "these devices are generally getting cheaper over time," Yong says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Standard Medicare plans do not cover hearing aids. However, they will usually cover some of the cost of diagnostics and screenings. That said, some of the Medicare Advantage plans may cover part of the cost of hearing aids, Yong says.
How long do rechargeable hearing aids hold a charge?
It depends. Some rechargeable hearing aids can hold a charge up to 51 hours while others struggle to last 10 hours. Typically, you'll pay more for hearing aids that hold a longer charge, but not always. In reality, consider how long you need the hearing aids to last each day, and how well you will stick with a nightly routine to recharge the batteries. You may find eight to 10 hours is plenty of time per day, so a nine-hour battery will not be a total deal breaker.
How many times can you recharge hearing aid batteries?
"These batteries can be recharged about 500 to 1,000 times, meaning these can last for a few years before they need to be replaced," Bovenzi says.
Do cheap hearing aids work?
Yes, cheap hearing aids work — they just may not last as long as their pricier counterparts. "As with many other things, when it comes to hearing aids, you get what you pay for," Bovenzi says. "There is a lot of sophisticated technology that is involved in hearing aid development, since they do more than just amplify sound and can have different settings based on your environment and your specific type of hearing loss." Cheaper hearing aids may sacrifice some of the audio quality you'll get with higher-end versions, he says.
Meet our expert panel
Meaghan Reed, director of clinical audiology at Mass Eye and Ear, in Boston
Dr. Cory Bovenzi, an otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon) in Denver, Colo.
Dr. Michael Yong, an otolaryngologist and neurorhinologist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute
