Best Cheap Hearing Aids Of 2022
Hearing aids do more than improve hearing loss. They boost self-confidence, strengthen self-image, and offer enhanced communicative functioning for better overall health and quality of life. Bottom line, they are worth the investment. But the large price tag can make some people hesitate. Many pairs of hearing aids can cost between $3,000-$5,000 or more. Even cheap hearing aids can cost around $2,000.
“Some of the greatest benefits to hearing aids is they reduce loneliness, delay dementia, and improve overall quality of life,” says Philipp Orso, Head of Audiology at Makehear.
With so many digital hearing aids on the market, it’s hard to know which are worth spending money on and which is the right hearing solution for you. Our experts took a close look at some of the top hearing aid brands to help you find the best inexpensive hearing aids for your personal needs.
Best Affordable Hearing Aids on the Market
- Best Overall: Audien
- Most Versatile: MDHearing
- Widest Selection of Affordable Hearing Aids: Otofonix
- Best Trial Period for Cheap Hearing Aids: Lively
- Most Affordable Hearing Aids for Active Seniors: Audicus
- Most Affordable Discreet Hearing Aids: Eargo
- Best Reward Program for Discounts: Lexie
How We Chose the Best Cheap Hearing Aids
We use a strict review and testing methodology to rate hearing aids. We picked which inexpensive hearing aids should be featured on this list based on the following:
- Price
- Audiologist care
- Warranty and adjustments
- Tech features
- Comfort and fit
- Durability
Product Details
- Cost: $89-$249
- Financing: No
- Trial Period: 45-day
- Warranty: Lifetime protection for $4 per month, 15-day warranty otherwise
- Styles: In-the-canal
- Types of Hearing Loss: Mild to moderate
- Bluetooth Capabilities: No
- Battery Type: Rechargeable
- Models Available: Four (Audien Atom Pro, Atom, EV3, and EV1)
- Hearing Test: None required
- Adjustment: None offered
For the cheapest hearing aid cost on the market, look no further than Audien Atom Pro. Most of Audien’s models aren’t technically classified as “hearing aids” since they’re sold over-the-counter and don’t require a hearing test. The Atom Pro is an exception, however, because its manufacturer is registered with the FDA. These over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids also aren’t covered by health insurance, but that may not matter since they’re so inexpensive.
Our medical reviewer, Dr. Kupfer, says that Audien devices “are appropriate for improving volume, but may not be enough for clarity, since the settings don’t address specific prescriptions. There are also no controls for background noise, so everything becomes louder.” Because of that, Audien devices should only be considered if you’re looking to amplify the volume of all noise around you, not cater to your specific type of hearing loss.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Incredibly inexpensive for a pair; small devices fit in canal; cheap lifetime protection plan
- Cons: No Bluetooth options; no medical-grade hearing aids
Unlike other brands on this list, Audien hearing aids rest inside the ear canal instead of behind the ear. That may make for a more comfortable fit for seniors who don’t like wires around their ears. We also like Audien’s inexpensive lifetime protection through its Maintenance, Warranty, and CareThere plan.
Audien’s lack of hearing test requirement may benefit some seniors with moderate hearing loss, but others with more serious hearing loss may need a test consultation and medical-grade devices instead of OTC hearing aids. Audien’s low price also means it’s missing features other brands have, like Bluetooth.
See our full Audien Hearing Aid Review.
Product Details
- Cost: $799.99, $1,199, $1,919.99 (discounts available)
- Financing: Yes
- Trial Period: 45-day
- Warranty: 90-day
- Styles: Behind-the-ear
- Types of Hearing Loss: Mild to moderately severe
- Bluetooth Capabilities: Yes, some models
- Battery Type: Rechargeable and battery-powered options
- Models Available: Three (Air, Volt+, Core)
- Hearing Test: Online/at-home
- Adjustment: Remote by smartphone app
Modern hearing aids are either battery operated or use rechargeable batteries. While there are pros and cons to each, battery-operated hearing aids are by far the most common. They’re also less expensive and much more readily available than rechargeable batteries. MDHearing offers both rechargeable and battery-powered hearing aid options.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Least expensive among inexpensive brands and no hidden costs
- Cons: Only a 90-day warranty and not water resistant
We think the battery-operated Air option with the buy-one-get-one-free discount is a steal at $399.98 for a pair. One drawback with the MDHearing AIR device is the 90-day warranty, which is far less than other hearing aid brands on our list.
Our medical reviewer, Dr. Hadassah Kupfer, Au.D., notes that older adults will need a smartphone to adjust MDHearing devices. She told us that without a smartphone, “the [adjustment] options [older adults] are left with on this non-prescription hearing aid are very limited.”
See our full MDHearing Review.
Product Details
- Cost: $245-$795
- Financing: Yes
- Trial Period: 45-day
- Warranty: 1-year limited manufacturer warranty
- Styles: Behind-the-ear
- Types of Hearing Loss: Mild to moderate
- Bluetooth Capabilities: Yes, some models
- Battery Type: Rechargeable and battery-powered options
- Models Available: Six (The Groove, The Helix, The Sona, The Encore, The Elite, The Apex)
- Hearing Test: None required
- Adjustment: None offered
Like Audien, Otofonix hearing aids don’t require a hearing test since they aren’t prescription. Unlike Audien, though, most of Otofonix’s models are medical-grade and boast premium hearing aid technology like Bluetooth and smartphone compatibility.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Medical-grade, non-prescription options; lots of models and customizability
- Cons: Deluxe models require smartphone from 2019 or newer; only behind-the-ear models available
All models use digital noise cancellation technology and directional microphones and are behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. Beyond that, it’s up to you to decide if you want regular or rechargeable batteries, telecoil, hearing personalization, or volume control on your hearing aid or smartphone. Depending on the model you choose, Otofonix can be a high price to pay for hearing aids that aren’t adjustable.
Otofonix devices are designed to be comfortable and customized to your ear. However, with six models to choose from, we wish Otofonix had more styles to offer than (BTE) hearing aids. Also, seniors who opt for higher-end models will need to be tech-savvy and familiar with their smartphones.
Product Details
- Cost: $1,195-$1,995
- Financing: Yes
- Trial Period: 100-day
- Warranty: Three-year manufacturer warranty; three-year loss and damage protection
- Styles: Behind-the-ear
- Types of Hearing Loss: Mild to moderate
- Bluetooth Capabilities: Yes
- Battery Type: Rechargeable and battery-powered options
- Models Available: Three (Lively 2 Lite, Lively 2 Plus, Lively 2 Pro)
- Hearing Test: Online/at-home hearing test
- Adjustment: Remote by smartphone app or audiologist consultation
Hearing loss is a common problem among older adults. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), one-third to one-half of older adults would benefit from hearing aids. Despite the benefit they provide, only about a third of seniors have ever used them, according to calculations by NIDCD Epidemiology and Statistics Program from the annual National Health Interview Survey and hearing exams.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Generous 100-day trial; 3-year warranty
- Cons: More expensive among inexpensive brands; can’t treat more severe hearing loss
What makes Lively stand out as a top choice for best cheap hearing aids for seniors (besides the price, of course) is the company’s generous trial process. Lively hearing aids come with a 100-day trial period, meaning users have a full 100 days to test the devices out before deciding whether or not to keep them. That’s more than twice as long as the 45 days offered by the other hearing aid companies on our list.
Lively conducts online hearing tests, and adjustments are made via a smartphone app or via an audiologist consultation. Dr. Kupfer told us, “Even though the lack of an in-person exam isn’t ideal, Lively hearing aids are adjustable, which is a huge advantage over competitors like Audien and Otofonix. Lively can be personalized to the user’s actual hearing loss rather than a blanket volume control across all pitches.”
See our full Lively Hearing Aid Review.
Product Details
- Cost: $998–$2,798 per pair and pay up front or join the membership program for $39–$89 per ear, per month
- Financing: Yes
- Trial Period: 45-day
- Warranty: One-year for customers who pay up front; unlimited for members
- Styles: Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-the-ear
- Types of Hearing Loss: Mild to profound
- Bluetooth Capabilities: Yes, some models
- Battery Type: Rechargeable and battery-powered options
- Models Available: Five (The Dia II, The Clara, The Aura, The Wave, The Spirit)
- Hearing Test: Clinic locations nationally or test from home
- Adjustment: Remote by smartphone app or mail-in
Some hearing aid types, such as BTE models, can pop off of the ear when sliding on eyeglasses. The newly designed Audicus Aura hearing aids are small enough to fit directly in the ear canal.
It’s not only discreet but it helps prevent the device from getting knocked out of place.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Affordable and can treat mild to profound hearing loss
- Cons: One-year warranty for up-front payers, only one style to choose from
Audicus made our best cheap hearing aids list because of its affordable subscription package. For a monthly fee of $49 per ear, per month for The Aura, users get a pair of hearing aids with some of the latest technology; unlimited access to hearing service specialists and technicians; and full protection against defects, damage, and loss of the device. Then, every 18 months, Audicus will upgrade the hearing aids to the newest model. While the first two brands on our list only address mild to moderate hearing loss, Audicus hearing aids are available for those with profound hearing loss.
Those who don’t wish to be locked into a subscription can pay up front in full, but they aren’t eligible for the benefits the membership offers. As for adjustments, Dr. Kupfer says, “Remote adjustments by smartphone app or through the mail can be cumbersome and ineffective. The actual technology used may be good, but the method for recommending, personalizing, and making sure the user benefits may be lacking.”
See our full Audicus Hearing Aid Review.
Product Details
- Cost: $1,500, 2,000, 2,500, $2,950 (May be free for federal employees)
- Financing: Yes
- Trial Period: 45-day return policy
- Warranty: One- or two-year warranty, depending on model; unlimited repairs and one-time replacement
- Styles: Completely-in-the-ear
- Types of Hearing Loss: Mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss without complications
- Bluetooth Capabilities: Yes, some models
- Battery Type: Rechargeable
- Models Available: Four (Max, Neo HiFi, 5, 6)
- Hearing Test: Online
- Adjustment: Remote through smartphone app or with assistance from company
When it comes to discreet hearing aids, Eargo has a definite corner in the market. The company’s innovative, medical-grade silicone fiber hearing aid is virtually invisible. Unlike other completely-in-the-ear hearing aids, the Eargo was modeled after a fishing fly. Odd as it sounds, the silicone “wings” on the device enable it to sit suspended in the ear canal, which allows air to flow naturally in and out of the ear for a more natural feel.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Virtually invisible and more natural-feeling
- Cons: 16-hour use limit when fully charged and adjustments only available remotely
Eargo has four models (Eargo 5 was just released) with hearing aid prices ranging from $1,500 to $2,950. The higher the model price, the better the feedback reduction. The latest model also offers induction charging and auto-adjusting via the Eargo mobile app.
These rechargeable hearing aids only hold their charge for about 16 hours, which is less than the 24 to 30 hours of other rechargeable brands and far less than the three days to three weeks provided by traditional disposable battery-powered hearing aids. However, Eargo hearing aids are also not much bigger than a tiny fishing fly, which means seniors with dexterity issues may find them difficult to handle and put in place. Our medical reviewer. Dr. Kupfer, says Eargo hearing aids may be difficult for older adults to charge.
See our full Eargo Hearing Aid Review.
Product Details
- Cost: $799
- Financing: Yes
- Trial Period: 45-day
- Warranty: One year
- Styles: Behind-the-ear
- Types of Hearing Loss: Mild to moderate
- Bluetooth Capabilities: Yes
- Battery Type: Battery-powered only
- Models Available: One (Lumen)
- Hearing Test: Online
- Adjustment: Remote by smartphone app
Lexie delivers affordable, quality digital hearing aids that are stylish and available in multiple colors. The brand offers one model, the Lumen, which is worn behind the ear. The Lumen has Bluetooth capability and can be purchased in full for $799.
What sets Lexie apart is its monthly subscription plan option, which allows you to pay $49 per month for 24 months (along with a one-time $50 activation fee). We recommend selecting this payment plan because it comes with regular deliveries of new hearing aid batteries for the Lumen for two years.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Several color options, useful smartphone app, and great reward program to help save on monthly subscriptions
- Cons: Only one style to choose from (behind-the-ear); no rechargeable battery options
We also like Lexie’s reward program. You join the program through Lexie’s app, which walks you through the first 45 days of using your hearing aids. The reward program gives points based on how much you wear your devices, and those points lead to discounts. You can also rate the app and share your Lexie experience in order to earn even more points. As you gain points, you’ll get discounts on your monthly subscription (up to 5%).
We think Lexie’s reward program is a remarkable way to help new hearing aid users learn and adjust to their devices. Discounts on the costs of an already affordable hearing aid are huge bonuses.
See our full Lexie Hearing Aid Review.
How to Save Money on Hearing Aids
Even the best inexpensive hearing aids can still be a significant health-related expense, ringing in anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. And unfortunately, Medicare and private health insurance coverage aren’t available for hearing aids. However, some health insurance providers and Medicare Advantage plans may cover a portion of the cost. Check with your provider to find out what benefits your plan offers.
Many hearing aid companies, including those on our list, offer special financing with little or no interest, which can make the devices much more affordable than paying the entire amount up front. You may be able to get discounts other benefits such as a free hearing check-up through the AARP Hearing Care Program. Check if the program is available in your state. Dr. Kupfer told us Medicare will also cover a hearing test once per year.
Some hearing aid providers also offer payment plans through Allegro Credit that work with your budget. Financial assistance may also be available through local civic organizations, such as the Kiwanis or Lions Clubs, and labor unions or Veterans Affairs, if applicable.
Why Are Hearing Aids So Expensive?
There is a lot that goes into the designing and manufacturing of high-quality hearing aids. Much of the cost comes from continuous research and development to improve the technology that goes into the devices to make them smaller, more powerful, and more natural sounding. Dr. Kupfer told us the cost also helps ensure the hearing aids are safe, so they don’t damage your natural hearing.
A smaller portion of the cost comes from the professional overhead required to conduct hearing tests, fit users with the devices, and adjust them to individual health considerations. Dr. Kupfer says, “Other professional features may include hearing aid selection and recommendations, significant adjustments needed for clarity or individual preference, verification that the devices are meeting hearing needs, and periodic service for cleaning and checking functionality of all hearing aid parts.”
How to Choose the Affordable Hearing Aid for You
Before you purchase hearing aids, you want to be sure you’re making the right choice. Here are some questions to help you narrow down your selection when shopping for cheap hearing aids:
- Do I need one hearing aid or two?
- Which hearing aid style is recommended for my type of hearing loss?
- What feature preferences and needs do I have to enhance my hearing aid experience (e.g., enhanced music listening, wind noise reduction, ability to stream phone calls and podcasts, directional microphones, etc.)?
- Do I have issues that may hinder my ability to operate the hearing device’s programs (e.g., vision loss, manual dexterity issues, etc.)?
- What sort of trial period and warranties come with the hearing aids?
- How important is customer service? Can I easily get in touch with a customer service representative if I have any questions or issues? Will the online hearing aid be difficult to learn how to use on my own?
Comparing the Cheapest Hearing Aids
| Brand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best For: | Audien | Best Overall | MDHearing | Most Versatile | Otofonix | Widest Selection of Affordable Hearing Aids | Lively | Best Trial Period for Cheap Hearing AIds | Audicus | Most Affordable Hearing Aids for Active Seniors | Eargo | Most Affordable Discreet, Hearing Aids | Lexie | Best Reward Program for Discounts |
|---|
| Cost: | Audien | $89-$249 | MDHearing | $799.99–$1,919.99 (deep discounts available) | Otofonix | $245-$795 | Lively | $1,195-$1,995 | Audicus | $998–$2,798; or $39–$89 per ear, per month with subscription | Eargo | $1,500–$2,950 | Lexie | $799 |
|---|
| Financing: | Audien | ❌ | MDHearing | ✅ | Otofonix | ✅ | Lively | ✅ | Audicus | ✅ | Eargo | ✅ | Lexie | ✅ |
|---|
| Trial Period: | Audien | 45-day | MDHearing | 45-day | Otofonix | 45-day | Lively | 100-day | Audicus | 45-day | Eargo | 45-day | Lexie | 45-day |
|---|
| Warranty: | Audien | Lifetime protection for $4 per month, 15-day warranty otherwise | MDHearing | 90-day | Otofonix | 1-year limited manufacturer warranty | Lively | 3-year manufacturer, 3-year loss and damage | Audicus | 1-year for customers who pay up front; unlimited for members | Eargo | 1 or 2 years | Lexie | 1 year |
|---|
| Style: | Audien | In-the-canal | MDHearing | Behind-the-ear | Otofonix | Behind-the-ear | Lively | Behind-the-ear | Audicus | Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-the-ear | Eargo | Completely-in-the-ear | Lexie | Behind-the-ear |
|---|
| Hearing Loss: | Audien | Mild to moderate | MDHearing | Mild to moderately severe | Otofonix | Mild to moderate | Lively | Mild to moderate | Audicus | Mild to profound | Eargo | Mild to moderate | Lexie | Mild to moderate |
|---|
| Bluetooth Capabilities: | Audien | ❌ | MDHearing | Yes, some models | Otofonix | Yes, some models | Lively | ✅ | Audicus | Yes, some models | Eargo | Yes, some models | Lexie | Yes |
|---|
| Battery Type: | Audien | Rechargeable | MDHearing | Rechargeable and battery-powered options | Otofonix | Rechargeable and battery-powered options | Lively | Rechargeable and battery-powered options | Audicus | Rechargeable and battery-powered options | Eargo | Rechargeable | Lexie | Battery-powered options only |
|---|
| Models Currently Available: | Audien | 4 | MDHearing | 3 | Otofonix | 6 | Lively | 3 | Audicus | 5 | Eargo | 4 | Lexie | 1 |
|---|
| Hearing Test: | Audien | Not required | MDHearing | Online/at-home | Otofonix | Not required | Lively | Online/at-home | Audicus | Clinics or online/at-home | Eargo | Online/at-home | Lexie | Online/at-home |
|---|
| Adjustment: | Audien | None offered | MDHearing | Remote by smartphone app | Otofonix | None offered | Lively | Remote by phone app or audiologist consultation | Audicus | Remote by smartphone app or mail-in | Eargo | Remote through Eargo support | Lexie | Remote by smartphone app |
|---|
| Pros: | Audien | Incredibly inexpensive for a pair; small devices fit in canal; cheap lifetime protection plan | MDHearing | Least expensive among inexpensive brands and no hidden costs | Otofonix | Medical-grade, non-prescription options; lots of models and customizability | Lively | Generous 100-day trial; 3-year warranty | Audicus | Affordably priced; can treat mild to profound hearing loss | Eargo | Virtually invisible and more natural-feeling | Lexie | Several color options, useful smartphone app, and great reward program to help save on monthly subscriptions |
|---|
| Cons: | Audien | No Bluetooth options; no medical-grade hearing aids | MDHearing | Only a 90-day warranty and not water resistant | Otofonix | Deluxe models require smartphone from 2019 or newer; only behind-the-ear | Lively | More expensive among the inexpensive brands; can’t treat moderately severe or more severe hearing loss | Audicus | 1-year warranty for upfront payers and only one style to choose from | Eargo | 16-hour use limit when fully charged and adjustment is only available remotely | Lexie | Only one style to choose from (behind-the-ear); no rechargeable battery options |
|---|
Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review
Each product we review and recommend has been thoroughly researched. Our review team has interviewed experts in the field, including audiologists and geriatric care professionals. We mystery shop brands and evaluate verified customer reviews from reputable third parties, including Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports.
Bottom Line for Choosing the Best Affordable Hearing Aids
Your hearing aids are an investment for your overall health and wellness. Make sure they’re working at their optimal level by following a routine cleaning schedule of your hearing aids. Remember to wipe off earwax and other debris when you remove them each day, and thoroughly clean them at least once a week. Also, hearing aids don’t offer hearing protection—you should still wear protective gear in loud environments to protect yourself from further damage and hearing loss.
There’s a lot to consider when selecting the best affordable hearing aids for your specific needs. For the absolute cheapest hearing aids on the market, look no further than Audien’s Atom Pro models. For seniors who want the option to thoroughly test out hearing aids before committing to a purchase, we recommend Lively hearing aids. For those who prefer a more discreet device, we prefer the Eargo. Hearing aid users interested in discounts will enjoy Lexie’s reward program. Active wearers will appreciate the fit of the Aura Audicus model. And finally, for those who prefer versatile, battery-operated devices rather than ones with rechargeable batteries, we highly recommend the MDHearing’s affordable Air model.
While you cannot undo the damage that has already been done to the hearing nerve, wearing hearing aids can slow down the decline of speech understanding by stimulating the auditory nerve and the brain, Dr. Orso says. The sooner you can aid hearing loss, the better the long-term outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It is possible to find a good pair of inexpensive hearing aids. In fact, our list of best cheap hearing aids includes reputable brands, many of which have been in the hearing aid business for decades. Hearing aid manufacturers spend a lot of money in research and development to improve comfort and technology of hearing aids and, unfortunately, that comes at a price. Be prepared to spend at least a couple hundred dollars. In the end, it’ll be worth the investment. With proper care, your hearing aids can last up to seven years.
Other Hearing Aids Guides
- Best Hearing Aids
- Best Small Hearing Aids
- Best Invisible Hearing Aids
- Best Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids
- Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
- In-The-Ear Hearing Aids Review
- Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids
- Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids
- Best Cheap Hearing Aids
- Best TV Listening Aids for the Hearing Impaired
- Best Hearing Amplifiers
Learn More About Hearing Aids
WRITTEN BY
Jennifer Walker-Journey is a writer with special interest in the research, development, and federal regulations of medical devices, pharmaceutical drugs, and psychedelic therapies. Her clients include law firms, healthcare systems, financial corporations, public health entities, and digital marketing groups. Her work has been featured in USA Today, HowStuffWorks, Psychedelic Spotlight, Health, AARP, Everyday Health, Women, and Sea Island Life, Salamander, and Omni magazines. She is also a contributor to the books Birmingham: Magic for the New Millennium and Birmingham At 150: Built To Last. When she is not writing, she runs, almost daily, and still considers qualifying for the Boston Marathon among her greatest accomplishments.
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Dr. Kupfer is an Audiologist and Hearing Aid Specialist in NYC, where she works with adults and older adults daily. In addition to diagnosing hearing loss, tinnitus and fitting cutting-edge hearing aids in her private practice, she serves as adjunct clinical faculty for the CUNY Audiology Doctoral Program.