Experts share 5 top-rated hearing aids for 2025

When it comes to finding the best hearing aids, expert guidance is essential. We spoke with, Dr. Hope Lanter, Au.D., founder of Dr. Hope for Hearing, who has spent her career helping people regain clarity in their hearing. She recommends top-tier brands like Phonak, Oticon, Starkey, Resound, and Signia — each offering advanced features, superior sound quality, and options tailored to various levels of hearing loss.

Whether you’re searching for Bluetooth hearing aids for seamless connectivity, rechargeable options for convenience, or models with advanced noise reduction, choosing the right device can make all the difference in your daily life.

One of the biggest concerns for those in need of hearing support is hearing aid cost and insurance coverage. Many people wonder if Medicare covers hearing aids and unfortunately, Original Medicare typically does not, though some Medicare Advantage plans may offer partial coverage. For those looking for more affordable solutions, OTC hearing aids provide an alternative, offering high-quality amplification without the need for a prescription. However, consulting an audiologist ensures that you’re choosing a device suited to your specific hearing needs.

Without further ado, here are the best expert-backed hearing aids on the market. And be sure to check out our FAQs answered by Lanter down below.

Best overall: Phonak

Phonak is a powerhouse in hearing aid technology, offering a balance of high-quality sound, ease of use, and advanced connectivity. “Phonak offers features like AutoSense OS, which adapts to your environment automatically, and Roger Technology (optional accessories) for tough listening situations,” Lanter told The Post. This makes it an excellent choice for people who move between quiet and noisy spaces frequently.

Their Bluetooth streaming is among the best in the industry, ensuring seamless audio connectivity across devices, including both Android and iOS smartphones. For those experiencing tinnitus, the Tinnitus Balance feature provides relief, while the Phonak Remote Support app allows for easy adjustments on the go. “They tend to be the easiest for compatibility to phones for Bluetooth connectivity,” which is a key advantage for tech-savvy users.

Best clarity: Oticon

Oticon hearing aids are engineered with BrainHearing technology, designed to support both hearing and cognitive function. “Oticon focuses on their proprietary tech called BrainHearing to improve both sound quality and cognitive function,” said Lanter. This advanced processing system enhances speech clarity by reducing background noise while preserving environmental sounds, making conversations feel more natural.

The OpenSound Navigator further helps in noisy environments, ensuring better speech understanding. The Oticon ON App allows users to personalize settings easily, ensuring a customized listening experience. “They’re great for those looking for natural sound and excellent speech clarity, even in noisy places.”

Starkey leads the industry in AI-powered hearing aids with innovative features like real-time sound adjustments, direct smartphone streaming, and a built-in HealthTracker. Lanter claimed, “Starkey leads in smart hearing aids, offering features like direct streaming from smartphones and a built-in HealthTracker to monitor activity and detect falls.”

The HealthTracker includes activity monitoring and fall detection, making it a smart choice for older adults or those at risk of falls. Starkey also provides tinnitus relief options, rechargeable models, and custom in-ear designs for discretion and comfort. Their AI-driven Evolv AI technology automatically fine-tunes sound in real time, ensuring optimal hearing in any environment. “They also have tinnitus relief options and rechargeable models, plus their AI-driven Evolv AI adjusts sound in real time for optimal hearing,” Lanter continued.

Best connectivity: ReSound

ReSound is a leader in smart connectivity, offering one of the most user-friendly hearing aid apps on the market. “ReSound is big on connectivity with their Smart 3D app that gives you full control over settings,” said Lanter. Users can adjust bass, treble, and midrange frequencies with Sound Enhancer, ensuring a personalized listening experience.

The Binaural Directionality III feature improves speech clarity in noisy places, making conversations easier in restaurants and public spaces. ReSound’s Bluetooth connectivity is seamless, and their devices work well with both Apple and Android products.

Best for tinnitus: Signia

Signia combines high-quality sound processing with stylish design, offering one of the best hearing aids for tinnitus relief. “Signia combines high-fidelity sound with great style,” claimed Lanter. The Own Voice Processing (OVP) technology ensures that users hear their own voice naturally, eliminating the common complaint of an artificial or ‘boomy’ sound.

“Their Own Voice Processing makes your own voice sound natural, and Signia Xperience adapts to your surroundings,” she continued. The Tinnitus Therapy feature helps manage persistent ringing in the ears, providing relief for those affected. Users also benefit from Bluetooth streaming, remote adjustments through TeleCare, and rechargeable models for added convenience.

FAQs

Post Wanted spoke with Dr. Hope Lanter, Au.D., the Founder of Dr. Hope for Hearing, on all things hearing aids. Here is some of her guidance when making the choice for yourself.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid?

When selecting a hearing aid, consider the following:

Sound quality: High-quality hearing aids deliver clear, crisp sound and improve speech intelligibility. Features like digital sound processing and directional microphones enhance clarity by filtering out background noise.

Noise reduction: Many models include background noise management and wind noise reduction, making conversations easier in noisy environments.

Connectivity: Bluetooth compatibility allows for seamless streaming from phones, TVs, and other devices. Many hearing aids also have mobile apps for easy adjustments.

Comfort and fit: A well-fitted hearing aid is crucial for long-term wear. Newer models are smaller and more discreet, reducing bulkiness and increasing comfort.

Customization: Some hearing aids automatically adjust to different environments, while others allow for manual fine-tuning through audiologists or smartphone apps.

How do the latest technological advancements improve the performance of hearing aids?

Bluetooth streaming: “A lot of the latest hearing aids now have Bluetooth, so you can connect them to your phone, TV, or other devices.” This enables direct streaming of calls, music, and TV audio without external accessories.

Smartphone apps: “Many hearing aids now have apps, so you can control the volume, switch between sound modes, or adjust settings right from your phone.” Some even allow audiologists to remotely adjust settings, reducing in-office visits.

Rechargeable batteries: “Forget about constantly swapping out tiny batteries with rechargeable hearing aids. They are becoming the norm.” Just charge overnight for all-day use.

Adaptive sound processing: “Your hearing aids can automatically adjust based on your surroundings.” Whether in a quiet room or noisy café, the aids optimize sound levels without manual adjustments.

What are the differences between various hearing aid styles?

Hearing aids generally fall into Behind-the-Ear (BTE) or In-the-Ear (ITE) categories:

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Models:

• Traditional BTE: Larger, durable, and powerful; best for severe hearing loss.
• Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC): More discreet, with a thin wire leading to the ear canal; comfortable and lightweight.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Styles:

• Full-Shell ITE: Covers most of the outer ear; great for advanced features like noise reduction.
• Half-Shell ITE: Smaller, offering a balance of comfort and functionality.
• Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC): Nearly invisible, sitting deep in the ear canal. However, fewer features due to size.

What should I expect in terms of pricing, warranties, and ongoing support?

Pricing: Hearing aids range from $1,000 to $5,000 per device, depending on features and technology. Advanced models with Bluetooth and noise reduction tend to be on the higher end.

Insurance and financing: “More and more insurances are beginning to cover hearing aids. I always recommend calling your insurance provider as your first step,” advised Lanter. Many providers offer financing plans to make hearing aids more affordable.

Warranties: Most manufacturers offer 1 to 3-year warranties covering repairs and loss/damage replacements.

Ongoing Support:

• Some providers offer service plans that include regular check-ups, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Remote Support: Many hearing aids allow for adjustments via smartphone apps without visiting a clinic.
• “Most people need to understand that regular maintenance and follow-ups are necessary to get the most from their hearing aids,” Lanter said.

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