Maintenance and Care
How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid for Your Lifestyle
With more than 120 hearing aid brands on the market today, it can be hard to know which one is right for you or your loved one, without some level of trial and error. That’s why we’re making it easier to understand how to choose the right hearing aid for you.
Published 7/15/2024,
Updated 2/24/2025
Reviewed by
HearUSA editorial team
Hearing aidsRecommendedHearing health
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Hearing Loss Explained
Understanding Hearing Loss
Although hearing loss can feel isolating, the right hearing aid can reconnect you to the world and the people you love. Modern hearing aids are lifelines to conversations, music, nature, and other sounds that make us feel alert, calm, connected, and alive. Whether you enjoy social gatherings, take part in outdoor adventures, or love the comforts of family and home, there’s a hearing aid designed to fit your needs.
Choosing hearing aids that are right for your level of hearing loss and lifestyle can help you keep living a life you love. This guide can help you make a confident, informed decision about your hearing health.
You may be surprised to learn that not all hearing loss is age related. While age-related hearing decline is common — impacting one in three people in the U.S. between the ages of 65 and 74 — losing the ability to hear well can happen to anyone, anytime, from a variety of causes.1
There are three main types of hearing loss2:
Sensorineural hearing loss
The most common type of permanent hearing loss. It results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, which can be a result of aging and loud noise exposure, and is commonly treated with hearing aids. This type of hearing loss can also be sudden, which requires immediate care from a hearing care specialist.Conductive hearing loss
Caused by infections or blockages in the outer or middle ear. It’s treated with medical or surgical intervention and/or hearing aids.Mixed hearing loss
A combination of conductive and sensorineural loss. Treatment usually involves a combination of hearing aids and medical or surgical intervention.
Levels of hearing loss
No matter which type of hearing loss you or your loved one has, the degree of loss can range from mild to profound. Choosing hearing aids that solve for your individual needs and level of loss will ensure you’re always hearing your best.
Hearing loss can be3:
- Mild — Some difficulty hearing soft sounds or understanding speech in noisy environments.
- Moderate — Trouble hearing regular conversations and other sounds clearly without hearing aids.
- Severe — Limited ability to hear most sounds without powerful hearing aids.
- Profound — Almost no ability to hear and understand sounds, and often requires cochlear implants.
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Which Hearing Aids Work For You?
Evaluating Lifestyle Needs
The first thing you should do when choosing hearing aids is to consider your lifestyle. Are you a homebody who watches TV or enjoys the chirping birds in your backyard? Or are you a social butterfly who’s often in noisy social situations? Taking note of who you communicate with regularly and how often you're out and about can help you make the best selection within your budget and for your daily needs.
While most modern hearing aids today come equipped with technology that delivers crystal-clear speech clarity, there are additional special features to consider that will ensure you don’t miss a beat.
You can continue to live an active lifestyle with hearing aids. Here are some tips for consideration:
Social Activities and Communication
Are you frequently in social situations, such as parties, meetings, or restaurants? Look for hearing aids with advanced noise reduction and directional microphones to enhance speech clarity.
Work Environment
If your work involves meetings, phone calls, or presentations, Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids with connectivity to phones and laptops can provide seamless communication.
Outdoor and Active Lifestyles
For outdoor enthusiasts, water-resistant and dustproof hearing aids are ideal. Rechargeable options with long battery life ensure uninterrupted performance.
Home-Based Lifestyle
Those who spend more time at home may prefer simpler models designed for one-on-one conversations, TV streaming, and phone calls.
Key Features to Consider
Important Factors to Keep in Mind
How you spend your time can also help determine the best style for you. Or perhaps you want to make sure your hearing aid complements your hair, personal style or clothing.
From sleek designs that sit behind your ear to tiny, nearly invisible devices that disappear inside, it’s never been easier to find a hearing aid that complements your look and your lifestyle.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids sit behind your ear and connect over the top of your ear via a very thin tube to an earpiece inside your ear canal. A BTE usually can solve for a wide range of hearing loss from mild to severe.
In the past, these types of hearing aids were extremely large. But BTE hearing aids are now some of the smallest, sleekest devices on the market. They’re also packed with incredible technology that can overcome hearing challenges in any environment.
In the past, these types of hearing aids were extremely large. But BTE hearing aids are now some of the smallest, sleekest devices on the market. They’re also packed with incredible technology that can overcome hearing challenges in any environment.
- Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are the smallest of all devices and disappear completely inside the ear canal. This means no one will know you’re wearing them. CIC hearing aids are best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) hearing aids are made specifically for those who are deaf in one ear. But Cros hearing aids are actually worn on both ears. The device placed behind or inside the bad ear sends sound signals over to the side with the better ear.
- Invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids are inserted inside the ear canals. While part of the device can still be seen, they’re still considered extremely small and mostly unnoticeable. These are best suited for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids sit just inside the ear (not the ear canal), closer to the outer ear. They’re molded to the ear for a custom fit, since no two ears are alike. ITE hearing devices are best for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Technology Options
The technology within your hearing aid can significantly enhance your overall experience. It’s important to get as much technology as you can afford to ensure your hearing aids and hearing experience feel personalized and practical.
Some of the most popular features include:
- Bluetooth connectivity — Hearing aids with Bluetooth allow pairing with phones, TVs, your car, and smart devices so you can stream sound right into your hearing aids.
- Rechargeable batteries — No more changing tiny batteries. Simply place devices in a charging case overnight and be ready to go the next day, all day.
- Noise reduction — Reduces background noise to improve speech and sound quality in noisy environments.
- Telecoils — Enhances listening in public venues with loop systems, which are usually installed in places where groups gather, like meeting rooms.
- Directional microphones — Focus on sound from specific directions to improve clarity.
The Best Hearing Aid Brands on the Market
Choosing the Right Brand and Model
When choosing hearing aids, be sure to purchase a reputable brand to ensure high quality, reliability, and access to the most current, innovative technology. Each brand brings unique strengths to the table, so it’s important to compare their features, customer support, warranty, and pricing to find a match that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
Signia
Known for reliable, life-enhancing technologies that deliver some of the most clear speech and sound.
Widex
Features cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence, for all types of hearing loss.
ReSound
Provides advanced digital solutions for natural sound quality.
Phonak
Known for innovative technology and connectivity features.
Oticon
Focuses on improving speech understanding and brain health.
OTC vs. Prescription Hearing Aids
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are a popular choice for those who are on a tighter budget and have mild hearing loss. Available without a prescription, they’ve made better hearing more accessible to more people. However, even though there are some exceptions, they’re normally not customizable.
For those who have a higher degree of hearing loss, prescription hearing aids are a must. They offer a more customizable experience and usually more features that can enhance speech and sound to the right levels for the best hearing experience.
For those who have a higher degree of hearing loss, prescription hearing aids are a must. They offer a more customizable experience and usually more features that can enhance speech and sound to the right levels for the best hearing experience.
OTC Hearing Aids
Designed for mild to moderate hearing loss and can be purchased without a prescription, offering affordability and ease of access.Prescription Hearing Aids
Suitable for all degrees of hearing loss, including severe cases. They offer a more precise, customized fit through professional fitting and adjustment.
Budget Considerations
Cost Breakdown
Hearing aid prices vary, ranging from $500 to $6,000 per pair, depending on technology features, customization level, and OTC vs. prescription, just to name a few.
When choosing hearing aids, in addition to your hearing loss type and level, you’ll want to consider your lifestyle and budget. Hearing aids are an important investment into one’s overall health and well-being, and investing both shouldn’t be put on hold. But sticking to a budget is also important.
Keep in mind that hearing aids can be purchased with:
- Money from a health or flexible savings account.
- Check or credit card (consider using one with rewards or cash back).
Insurance and Financing
Just like any important purchase, the cost of hearing aids can sometimes deter people from acting as soon as they should. But the good news is there are resources available to help.
Some insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of hearing aids, depending on the state in which you live and the type of plan. Some plans also cover hearing care and testing. Companies like HearUSA will check to see if your insurance covers hearing aids, taking the burden off of you. Flexible, stress-free financing plans are also available to make the expense more manageable and that will honor your monthly budget.
Taking advantage of any hearing aid insurance coverage and exploring payment plans can ensure you hear your best without any added stress.
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning and Storage
The pieces and parts of a hearing aid are delicate, so proper maintenance is vital for protecting and prolonging its life. Regular cleaning prevents wax buildup, while protective storage solutions, such as hearing aid drying boxes and storage/charging cases, help protect against moisture, damage and loss. A simple daily care routine will help ensure your hearing aids remain reliable for years to come so you get the most out of your investment.
Battery Replacement
Whether you choose hearing aids that have disposable or rechargeable batteries, keeping your devices operating their best at all times is a must.
- For devices that require battery changes every few days, having spare packs of batteries on hand is vital to ensure you’re never caught off guard.
- Rechargeable hearing aids simplify this process, allowing you to place your devices easily into a charging case. A nightly charge while you’re sleeping will ensure you’re ready for the next day ahead.
More goes into choosing hearing aids than meets the eye. It requires careful consideration of your hearing loss type and level, lifestyle, and budget. From state-of-the-art prescription devices to discreet OTC options, both of which are offered at HearUSA, there is truly a modern solution for everyone.
To reconnect to the world and the people you love, consult with a HearUSA audiologist or hearing specialist near you. Choosing hearing aids that are the perfect match for your needs can help you take control and give you back the life and sound you’ve been missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
What services do audiologists provide?
How do I know if an audiologist is qualified?
Can I test my hearing on my own before my professional hearing appointment?
Can I use my insurance to see an audiologist?
1 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis) (March 17, 2023): nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss#:~:text=It%20is%20one%20of%20the,and%2074%20has%20hearing%20loss..
2. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Types of Hearing Loss (2024): hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss.
3 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Degree of Hearing Loss (2024): asha.org/public/hearing/degree-of-hearing-loss/?srsltid=AfmBOoqCWiO2bgXJLVVQZQDNKggzZEM-gu4Z1xZ7bTqbgzlDsVM0MqQm.
2. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Types of Hearing Loss (2024): hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss.
3 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Degree of Hearing Loss (2024): asha.org/public/hearing/degree-of-hearing-loss/?srsltid=AfmBOoqCWiO2bgXJLVVQZQDNKggzZEM-gu4Z1xZ7bTqbgzlDsVM0MqQm.
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