Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids From Best Buy

If Bluetooth streaming is important to you, be sure to consider the Jabra Enhance Plus. Not only does Bluetooth connect to the Jabra Enhance app, which allows you to make personalized programming adjustments, but it also allows for direct stereo audio streaming and wireless hands-free phone calls. 

You can also choose between three listening modes: focus (for close sounds like one-on-one conversations), and surround (when you want sounds from farther away in the room like a movie theater), and adaptive (self-adjusting depending on what it senses happening around you). This is not a typical tiny ITC device but rather more like an earbud—it sits at the opening of the ear canal rather than deep inside. “The Jabra Enhance Plus is significantly smaller and weighs less than the other earbud options, and so [it] is more comfortable in the ear, especially for smaller ears,” added Dr. Magann Faivre.

The manufacturer reports that the Jabra Enhance Plus’s rechargeable battery fully charges in under three hours and gives up to 12 hours of use from a single, full charge. The portable charging case will last for up to 35 hours once fully charged. The aids come with three different-sized EarGels (silicone tips) for a comfortable fit and in two color options: dark gray or gold beige. 

Tech features include:

• Background noise reduction
• Sound amplification
• Warp compression with adjustable treble and bass
• Four multidirectional microphones with adaptive directionality (they automatically adjust for best speech understanding in any setting)
• Impulse noise reduction (automatically reduces sudden loud sounds)
• Feedback suppression (reduces whistling)

The Enhance Plus hearing aids come with a standard one-year repair and loss or damage warranty. 

Best Buy customers gave the model 3.6/5 stars from more than 30 customer reviews, as of this writing. Many complaints were about the lack of Android user compatibility, with a few complaints noting that the volume was too low even at the highest setting. Amazon customers gave the Enhance Plus 3.6/5 stars with more than 40 reviews.

Jabra as a whole showed 3.4/5 stars on Trustpilot with more than 1,000 reviews and 3.63/5 stars on BBB with nearly 20 reviews and an A+ rating. Most customers who did experience technical issues with their products received prompt responses and solutions from Jabra.

Eargo is Best Buy’s premier hearing aid brand. For an extra $450, you can buy the newest model from Eargo, the Eargo 7, with all of the features of the Eargo 6 with improved Sound Adjust technology due to the addition of Clarity Mode. Clarity mode modifies the Eargo 7 sound output based on the sound environment that you’re in all in a submersible, waterproof device. The Eargo 7 fits completely inside your ear canal, so it’s discreet and nearly invisible. It’s only made in black to mimic the dark shadow we see when looking at someone’s ear. Eargo designed this model to treat mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss, the most common type of hearing loss experienced by older adults.  

While the Eargo 7 does not have bluetooth streaming or hands-free calling, you can make adjustments to these hearing aids through the app while they are in your ear.

Rachel Magann Faivre, Au.D., an audiologist and owner of Oklahoma City-based ASH Audiology, noted that some of her patients have had issues with the double tap feature not working reliably, or that it can be difficult to tell if the preset change was made—so use your trial period to make sure these are the right hearing aids for you.

The portable charging case stands out for this model. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 16 hours on a six-hour charge. Once the portable charging case is fully charged, it will function as a charger for up to a week. The portable charging case on the Eargo 7 holds the longest charge of any in our review.

Tech features included:

• Double-tap feature
• Multidirectional microphone
• Extended bandwidth digital processor for improved speech clarity
• Background noise reduction
• Wind noise reduction
• Feedback control

The Eargo 7 comes with a two-year parts and labor warranty, two-year loss and damage protection, and lifetime technical support from Eargo.

Trustpilot gave the Eargo company as a whole 4.7/5 with high praise for both the technology and functionality of their products and their customer service. Eargo had 3.99/5 stars and an A- rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB). 

Our proprietary testing of Eargo found customer service and support to be somewhat lacking, receiving 4/9 possible points. We appreciated the fact that they have audiologists available for customer support and that adjustments may be made remotely through their apps, but we deducted points because they don’t have 24-hour assistance and minimal modalities for getting in touch with them. You may call or chat with a live representative, but there’s no email customer service. Every time we have called Eargo, they have been knowledgeable, patient, and helpful.

The Eargo 6 fits completely inside your ear canal, so it’s discreet and nearly invisible. It’s only made in black to mimic the dark shadow we see when looking at someone’s ear. Eargo designed this model to treat mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss, the most common type of hearing loss experienced by older adults. Dr. Magann Faivre noted that the Eargo 5 and 6 models are improved models over previously discontinued models like the Neo HiFi.

Sound Adjust senses and automatically adjusts the settings of your devices as you move through different listening environments throughout the day, allowing you to forgo tedious app adjustments. It selects the best of four available programs (TV, restaurant, phone, meeting). 

Sound Match is another feature of the newer, more sophisticated app, which allows you to create a unique sound profile for each of your hearing aids based on a 10-minute test while wearing them. It customizes your preset programs and Sound Adjust system so that they are specific to the needs of each ear.

The app also allows for remote, real-time adjustments by an Eargo hearing professional. Unlike previous models, which only allows for adjustments while the devices are in the charger, you can make adjustments through the app to your Eargo 6 hearing aids while they are in your ears. Adjustments can be made to each aid individually, allowing for variation between the left and right ear. If you prefer not to use the app for adjustments, you may use the double tap feature using a finger to tap on your ear and scroll through the four programs. We tested this feature at our research and testing summit and found it to be useful and reliable. “The Eargo 6 double tap feature included a voice prompt that told patients what preset they were in. This was very helpful compared to previous models that only presented a beep when changed,” noted Dr. Magann Faivre. 

We also found the app easy to use and customer service quick to respond. We were able to connect with a friendly and helpful Eargo representative by video chat in about 20 seconds. 

You can also use the app to:

• Access the user guide, tutorials, and help videos.
• Get support from hearing professionals via chat, phone call, video call, or email.
• Get notifications and reminders about cleaning your devices and replacing petal tips.

The rechargeable battery lasts up to 16 hours on a four-hour charge and the portable charging case stays charged for two days. We found the charging system straightforward to use (as long as you pay attention to the direction of the removal threads—short, stiff wires used to pick up and manipulate the devices). The magnetized feature of the charging case helps guide the aids right into position. The petals of the tip are updated for this model as well, giving you the option of open or closed petals depending on your personal preference. Closed petals are meant to minimize sound leakage and help reduce feedback. Open petals provide less occlusion (plugging up) than closed petals and help create a more natural listening experience. 

Tech features include:

• Automatic Sound Adjust, which automatically chooses the best of four listening programs based on your environment
• Sound Match allows for personalized setting adjustments with a test through the app
• Advanced background noise reduction
• Double tap feature allows you to tap your ear to change programs
• In-device voice and tone cue indicators let you know you have made changes to settings

The Eargo 6 comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty and one-year loss and damage protection, the best warranty available in any hearing aid from Best Buy. Like the Eargo 7, this model also only comes in black to camouflage with the ear canal. 

As of this writing, Best Buy customers gave the Eargo 6 4.8/5 stars, with 13 customers reporting, while Amazon gave it 3.6/5 from 108 customer reviews. 

Our proprietary testing ranked the Eargo 6 No. 6 out of the 15 models tested. This took into account the unboxing and set-up experience, charging system, usability of the app, durability, care and cleaning, tech features, cost, customer support, company reputation, overall user experience, and functionality. It’s important to note that the comparison was against many non-OTC, prescription-required hearing aids. It earned a 3.81/5 stars from our testing team, making it a solid choice for the mid-range price.

Lexie’s latest and most sophisticated model is the B2. It is a discreet, RIC style with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 18 hours of use after a three-hour charge. It comes with three tip sizes of both open and closed domes and an ear measuring tool to determine the proper length of the receiver wire. If the included receiver wire is not the correct size the brand will send you a free replacement. This is the only model in our review that features a behind-the-ear portion of the device. If you’re looking for a discreet appearance, this is not the model for you.

An October 2022 press release explained that the B2 features the world’s first self-tuning system, which the brand claims provides audiologist quality customization. Lexie reported that customers are just as, or even more, satisfied with the customization that they can perform themselves as someone who visited an audiologist. In addition to volume, listening environment programs, and directionality of the microphone, you can also adjust treble and bass through the app, a rarity in the OTC hearing aid world. Increasing treble can often help with speech clarity because speech is usually at higher frequencies.

 Tech features include:

• Self-tuning/adjusting through the app
• Four listening programs
• Treble and bass adjustments
• Ability to select microphone direction
• World Volume amplifies quieter sounds more than louder sounds
• Adaptive noise reduction including wind noise reduction

The Lexie B2 comes with a one-year warranty, as well as lifetime technical support from Lexie representatives. It only comes in light gray.

Best Buy customers gave the B2 4.3/5 stars from more than 40 customer reviews, as of this writing. Amazon reviewers gave it 3.5/5 stars from more than 50 reviews. Customers were generally pleased with the assistance provided by Lexie representatives in customizing their devices upon set up.

Lexie Hearing, the manufacturer, had 2.9/5 stars on Trustpilot, but with minimal reviews, and 4.08/5 stars and an A+ rating with BBB and more than 20 reviews. Customers were generally happy with the performance of their products and stated that they functioned as advertised. They also were quite pleased with the support provided by Lexie representatives over the phone. The few complaints filed are mostly regarding billing issues.

Sony’s first FDA-approved OTC hearing aids are barely visible, CIC devices with replaceable batteries and a mobile phone app connected by Bluetooth. LIke other CIC aids, they do not include Bluetooth streaming or hands-free phone calls. The Sony Hearing Control app directs you to perform a hearing test upon initial setup so that customizations to the four presets may be made. These devices are simple to set up and use, requiring only the insertion of batteries in order for them to power on and function. The app is also straightforward and user-friendly. These devices are a great choice for those who may not be as tech savvy. 

This is the only model in our review with replaceable batteries. Each size 10 battery provides about 70 hours or five to six days of use. They come in black with four tip size options for a good fit. 

Tech features include:

• Automatically analyzes, adjusts, and optimizes sound based on where you are
• Quality noise reduction
• Focused microphones for better hearing in environments with background noise

“In the OTC arena, these are actually one of the best performing for sound quality,” noted Dr. Magann Faivre. 

As of this writing, Best Buy customers gave the Sony Self-Fitting 4.2/5 stars, with more than 40 reviews and customers reporting that they appreciated the ease of setup and customization. Amazon customers gave them 3.7/5 stars with more than 20 reviews. A few customers reported difficulty maneuvering the tiny batteries, so this may not be a good choice for someone with reduced dexterity. 

“The click sleeve domes they use are very difficult to remove and replace, so someone with dexterity issues would likely not be able to do this. Of course, dexterity would also be an issue generally with their small size and small size 10 battery usage,” added Dr. Magann Faivre.

Sony just released their second OTC hearing aids, the E10, which are ITE devices with rechargeable batteries. This model also provides Bluetooth streaming and hands free-calling capabilities with connection to an iPhone. 

Because of the extra tech features, these devices are larger than the C10 model, so they are not able to fit inside the ear canal. Rather, they are worn like an earbud at the opening of the canal. The rechargeable battery provides up to 26 hours of use, the longest of any in our review. When the portable charging case is charged, you’ll get up to 78 hours of charge time for when you’re on the go. Note: If you are using the streaming function, battery life is significantly reduced.

Like the C10, this model connects to the Sony Hearing Control app for easy customization and fine tuning. 

Tech features include:

• Automatically analyzes, adjusts, and optimizes sound wherever you go
• Quality noise reduction and focused binaural microphones for better hearing in environments with background noise
• Wind noise reduction technology reduces the annoyance of wind noise outdoors and improves sound comfort
• Advanced acoustic processing reduces the burden of listening
• Impact sound smoothing technology reduces discomfort from sudden loud impact noises, such as when handling eyeglasses
• Artifact cancellation technology removes excessive feedback noise and smooths the overall sound experience

This model is a great value because it provides Bluetooth streaming, a long-lasting rechargeable battery, and submersibility while at a much lower price than similarly-equipped, prescription-based models. While the Sony app is compatible with both Androids and iPhones, the Bluetooth streaming function is currently only available to iPhone users. It comes only in black and with four tip size options to customize fit. Since these are the same tips that come with the C10, Dr. Magann Faivre noted that they will also be difficult to maneuver for someone with reduced dexterity. Both Sony hearing aids come with one-year warranties for repairs only, and there are no stipulations for loss of damage.

Because these are so new there are not very many reviews online yet. Best Buy customers gave the Sony E10 4.4/5 stars, with 30 customers reporting, as of this writing. Just like the C10, customers appreciated the ease of setup with the Sony app. Additionally, eight Amazon customers gave them 3.4/5 stars.

As a worldwide electronics manufacturer, there are over 70 companies titled “Sony”’ on Trustpilot, so it was difficult to get a good feel for their ratings. Sony Corporation Global Headquarters had a 2.9 star rating on Trustpilot as of this writing. Reviews are often product specific and none were about hearing aids. Sony is not accredited with BBB but showed an A rating with only 1.07/5 stars from more than 50 reviews. Many customers reported difficulty getting assistance when their Sony products stopped working. Poor customer service does seem to be a repeated issue. Again, none of the reviews were about hearing aids specifically.

Unfortunately, Sony does not have audiologist or hearing experts on call available to help customers the way that other hearing aid-only companies like Eargo or Lexie do. While their tech support is easily accessible by phone or online chat, the person you are connected with will probably not be a hearing aid specialist. Fortunately, the app is straightforward and designed to allow the user a simple do-it-yourself process without much need for additional support.

Best Buy just began carrying Hearing Assist’s CONTROL RIC Rechargeable OTC hearing aid. They have the longest battery life of any on our list with 24 hours of use on one four-hour charge, and they come with a portable charging case that can hold up to 96 hours of charge for when you’re on the go. 

Bluetooth connects to HearingAssist’s STREAM app, which allows you to control volume, listening modes, background noise, and variable frequency amplification to your liking. There are four preprogrammed modes: all-around, restaurant, traffic, and outdoor. This model does not support Bluetooth streaming or hands-free calls, although Hearing Assist does make a model which does—Best Buy just does not carry it yet. The devices come with three different styles and sizes of silicone tips for a comfortable fit. The hearing aids are only offered in silver. 

Other features include:

• Four frequency channels
• Directional microphones that track speech, which automatically adjusts to direct the microphone in the direction of incoming speech
• Digital feedback (whistle) suppression
• Layered background noise reduction

This model is so new there were no ratings from Best Buy or Amazon customers yet, but as of this writing it showed 4.4/5 stars on Walmart’s site from 15 customer reviews. Customers appreciated the ease of setup and use through the app, as well as the long battery life.

Hearing Assist had 3.3/5 stars on Trustpilot—but from only one review—and 1.33/5 stars with an A+ rating on BBB from nine reviews. It seems they had quite a few staffing issues in customer service in 2021, so they had several complaints regarding delayed responses.