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—even with cheap hearing aids—can make some people hesitate.
“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 Cheap Hearing Aids on the Market in 2022
- Best Cheap Hearing Aids Overall: Audien
- Biggest Cheap Hearings Aids Selection: Otofonix
- Best Trial Period for Cheap Hearing Aids: Lively
- Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Active Seniors: Audicus
- Best Battery-Powered Cheap Hearing Aids: MDHearingAid
- Most Discreet Cheap Hearing Aids: Eargo
- Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Music: Widex
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.
| Brand | Audien | Otofonix | Audicus | MDHearingAid | Lively | Widex | Eargo |
| Best For: | Best on a Tight Budget | Best Cheap Hearing Aids with the Most Options | Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Glasses | Best Cheap Hearing Aids with Batteries | Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors | Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Listening to Music | Best Discreet, Cheap Hearing Aids |
| Cost: | $89-$249 | $245-$795 | $998–$2,798; or $39–$89 per ear, per month with subscription | $799.99–$1,919.99 (deep discounts available) | $1,195-$1,595 | $2,798–$4,598 | $1,500–$2,950 |
| Financing: | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Trial Period: | 45-day | 45-day | 45-day | 45-day | 100-day | 45-day | 45-day |
| Warranty: | Lifetime protection for $4 per month, 15-day warranty otherwise | 1-year limited manufacturer warranty | 1-year for customers who pay up front; unlimited for members | 90-day | 3-year manufacturer, 3-year loss and damage | Typically 2 or 3 years | 1 or 2 years |
| Style: | In-the-canal | Behind-the-ear | Receiver-in-the-ear | Behind-the-ear | Behind-the-ear | Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-the-canal, in-the-ear, in-the-canal, completely-in-the-canal, micro completely-in-the-canal | Completely-in-the-ear |
| Hearing Loss: | Mild to moderate | Mild to moderate | Mild to profound | Mild to moderately severe | Mild to moderate | Mild to severe | Mild to moderate |
| Bluetooth Capabilities: | ❌ | Yes, some models | Yes, some models | Yes, some models | ✅ | Yes, some models | Yes, some models |
| Battery Type: | Rechargeable | Rechargeable and battery-powered options | Rechargeable and battery-powered options | Rechargeable and battery-powered options | Rechargeable and battery-powered options | Rechargeable and battery-powered options | Rechargeable |
| Models Currently Available: | 4 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Hearing Test: | Not required | Not required | Clinics or online/at-home | Online/at-home | Online/at-home | Hearing centers or audiologist office | Online/at-home |
| Adjustment: | None offered | None offered | Remote by smartphone app or mail-in | Remote by smartphone app | Remote by phone app or audiologist consultation | Remote by smartphone app | Remote through Eargo support |
| Pros: | Incredibly inexpensive for a pair; small devices fit in canal; cheap lifetime protection plan | Medical-grade, non-prescription options; lots of models and customizability | Affordably priced; can treat mild to profound hearing loss | Least expensive among inexpensive brands and no hidden costs | Generous 100-day trial; 3-year warranty | Several models, styles, and colors to choose from; can treat mild to profound hearing loss | Virtually invisible and more natural-feeling |
| Cons: | No Bluetooth options; no medical-grade hearing aids | Deluxe models require smartphone from 2019 or newer; only behind-the-ear | 1-year warranty for upfront payers and only one style to choose from | Only a 90-day warranty and not water resistant | More expensive among the inexpensive brands; can’t treat moderately severe or more severe hearing loss | Most expensive among inexpensive brands and no online or remote hearing test available | 16-hour use limit when fully charged and adjustment is only available remotely |
- 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
- Pros: Incredibly inexpensive for a pair; small devices fit in canal; cheap lifetime protection plan
- Cons: No Bluetooth options; no medical-grade hearing aids
For the cheapest hearing aid cost on the market, look no further than Audien. These models are technically not classified as “hearing aids” since they’re sold over the counter, unlike brands like Phonak hearing aids that must be purchased through an audiologist. They also don’t require a hearing test and aren’t regulated by 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.
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.
- 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
- 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
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.
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.
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.
- 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
- Pros: Affordable and can treat mild to profound hearing loss
- Cons: One-year warranty for up-front payers, only one style to choose from
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.
Another reason Audicus made our best cheap hearing aids list is 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.
See our full Audicus Hearing Aid Review.
- 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
- Pros: Least expensive among inexpensive brands and no hidden costs
- Cons: Only a 90-day warranty and not water resistant
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. MDHearingAid offers both rechargeable and battery-powered hearing aid options.
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 MDHearingAid AIR device is the 90-day warranty, which is far less than other hearing aid brands on our list.
See our full MDHearing Hearing Aid Review.
- Cost: $1,195-$1,595
- 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: Two (Lively 2 Lite, Lively 2 Plus)
- Hearing test: Online/at-home hearing test
- Adjustment: Remote by smartphone app or audiologist consultation
- Pros: Generous 100-day trial
- Cons: More expensive among inexpensive brands; can’t treat more severe hearing loss
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.
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, which may be a drawback for seniors who are less familiar with technology.
See our full Lively Hearing Aid Review.
- 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, Neo HiFi, 5)
- Support: Lifetime customer support
- Hearing test: Online
- Adjustment: Remote through smartphone app or with assistance from company
- Pros: Virtually invisible and more natural-feeling
- Cons:16-hour use limit when fully charged and adjustments only available remotely
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.
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.
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. These rechargeable hearing aids also 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.
See our full Eargo Hearing Aid Review.
- Cost: $2,798–$4,598
- Financing: Yes
- Trial Period: 45-day
- Warranty: Typically two or three years
- Styles: Behind-the-ear, in-the-ear
- Types of Hearing Loss: Mild to severe
- Bluetooth Capabilities: Yes, some models
- Battery type: Rechargeable and battery-powered options
- Models available: Four (Moment, Evoke, Unique, Dream)
- Hearing test: Hearing centers or audiologist office
- Adjustment: Remote by smartphone app
- Pros: Several models, styles, and colors to choose from; can treat mild to profound hearing loss
- Cons: Most expensive among inexpensive brands and no online or remote hearing test available
Widex is one of the best-known names in hearing aids with a plethora of models, styles, and even colors to choose from. The company has upped the ante when it comes to hearing aids specifically designed for listening to music. While most of the models on our list address moderate hearing loss, Widex hearing aids address severe hearing loss.
Many standard hearing amplifiers features that improve hearing in noisy environments—such as speech enhancers, directional microphones, and feedback cancellation—actually interfere with the sound of music. Widex has spent decades creating the Dream hearing aid to handle speech in noisy environments as well as give a more true-to-life musical listening experience.
However, at about $1,500 to $2,400, the Widex Dream hearing aids are among the more expensive of our top picks. If you’re looking for cheap hearing aids that are even more affordable, you may want to look elsewhere.
See our full Widex 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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
How We Chose the Best Cheap 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
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 seniors who want the option to thoroughly test out hearing aids, we recommend Lively hearing aids. For those who prefer a more discreet device, we prefer the Eargo. Music lovers will love the special enhancements provided by the Widex Dream hearing aids. Glasses wearers will appreciate the ease of use with The Aura Audicus model. And finally, for those who prefer battery-operated devices rather than ones with rechargeable batteries, we highly recommend the MDHearingAid 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 never 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
- How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?
- Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
- A Comprehensive Guide to Hearing Loss
About The Author
Jennifer Walker-Journey is a writer with a 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.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwjourney/
- Email: [email protected]
- Portfolio: https://muckrack.com/jennifer-walker-journey-1
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. Brad Ingrao, Au.D. is a practicing audiologist. Since the 1990s, he has personally fitted thousands of people with hearing aids. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Education of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped, a Master’s in Audiology, and a Doctorate in Audiology. He has taught at three universities and presented at professional conferences in two continents.