Being able to perceive sound with clarity is an invaluable gift. Unfortunately for a significant number of individuals who experience hearing difficulties, this basic enjoyment may be compromised. Hearing loss is a prevalent but frequently overlooked issue that can have a substantial impact on one’s quality of life. Luckily, people with hearing difficulties can now improve their hearing without placing much burden on their finances. This is because, hearing aids have experienced significant technological advancements, providing individuals with a wide range of options to improve their hearing abilities with OTC products. As a result, the market for OTC hearing aids has expanded, providing accessible and convenient options for individuals in search of affordable alternatives. These devices offer hope and the potential for enhanced hearing experiences. If you are looking for the best OTC hearing aids for seniors, with mild to severe hearing difficulties or those with Bluetooth, sit tight.
Best OTC Hearing Aids 2023
OTC hearing aids are perfect for mild to moderate hearing problems. Over the years, the makers have been able to come up with amazing designs with astounding features. This includes Bluetooth streaming, a mobile app for adjustment, and several more. There are also hearing aids that are perfect for seniors, and users can attest that they are more affordable than meeting with an audiologist for prescriptions. The following are some of the best OTC hearing aids:
#1. Jabra Enhance
The first on our list of OTC hearing aids is the Jabra Enhance Bluetooth hearing aid. This is a cutting-edge audio device that offers advanced features and superior sound quality. First, it comes in a stylish, sleek design with an ergonomic fit. Trust me, this is one highly regarded hearing aid device that provides a comprehensive set of user-friendly features. Secondly, Jabra Enhance OTC Hearing Aid offers a user-friendly application for convenient adjustment of volume and listening preferences. Additionally, it’s one of the most commonly used Bluetooth hearing aids that is suitable for seniors.
One of the amazing things about this hearing aid is that it boasts a highly regarded customer support team. It also has a premium package that comes with a three-year warranty. Moreover, the Jabra Enhance audiology teams can remotely adjust this brand’s products to match your unique hearing profile. The product is available in four different variations: Enhance Plus, Enhance Select 50, Enhance Select 100, and Enhance Select 200.
#2. Lucid Hearing Engage
Price: $799.99
The Lucid Hearing Engage is a cutting-edge hearing device with advanced features and functionality. It is designed to provide users with a superior hearing experience, allowing them to hear clearly. The Lucid Hearing Engage device is a type of Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid that utilizes a built-in speaker positioned within the ear to enhance sound quality and provide a high-definition, natural listening experience. The product is available in two options. The first option utilizes a disposable battery, whereas the second option employs rechargeable batteries.
The devices can be paired with a companion app, enabling wearers to personalize their sound settings. It also has Bluetooth integration, which enables streaming from both iOS and Android devices. This product comes with a one-year guarantee and comes in three different colors, in addition to the option of choosing a rechargeable or disposable battery. Like Jabra, Lucid Engage provides a fitting application that is user-friendly and straightforward, facilitating self-fitting. One notable feature of the product is its inclusion of multiple dome tip sizes, which ensure a comfortable and secure fit within the user’s ear.
#3. Audicus
Price: $1,398โ$2,598
One of the amazing things about Audicus is the Plus subscription. Audicus Plus, a subscription plan that the company offers, is truly exceptional in terms of its features and advantages. This feature gives users the option to lease a set of hearing aids instead of making a purchase. In order to utilize the subscription plan, it is necessary to enter into an 18-month contractual agreement. The plan encompasses numerous advantageous features, including complimentary assistance from Audicus hearing specialists, scheduled deliveries of supplies, maintenance and cleaning services at no additional expense, a replacement pair of hearing aids every 18 months, and insurance coverage for loss or damage.
Audicus offers three financing options to individuals seeking hearing aids who cannot make upfront payments or prefer to distribute their payments over time. The available options include Care Credit, Allegro, and payment plans. The Bluetooth streaming device offers a 45-day trial period and provides the flexibility to choose from a variety of color options. Audicus provides a selection of four over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid models, each boasting a battery life of 18 hours.
#4. Eargo
Price: $1,650โ$2,950
I particularly love the name of this OTC hearing aid, along with the fact that it has a 45-day trial period and gives you lifetime access to hearing specialist support. A one-time replacement and unlimited repairs are both covered by the product’s warranty, which lasts for about 1โ2 years. Eargo offers three over-the-counter (OTC) models of completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids, characterized by a remarkably small size that renders them virtually imperceptible when worn in the ear. Consequently, we have designated this brand as our top pick for the “Best Invisible Fit.” The hearing specialist has the capability to assess whether your existing over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids adequately fulfill your requirements or if you could derive more advantages from an alternative hearing aid model.
All Eargo devices possess the capability of being recharged, thereby eliminating the need for battery replacement concerns. In addition, this feature offers potential long-term cost savings by eliminating the need to purchase replacement disposable batteries. In addition to the battery type, each Eargo model possesses a distinct array of exclusive features. The Eargo hearing aids offer Bluetooth connectivity, enabling users to utilize the Eargo mobile application for making adjustments and receiving remote support from an Eargo hearing specialist.
#5. Audien Atom Pro
Price: $429
Next on our list of OTC hearing aids is Audien Atom Pro. This is an affordable over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid designed to be worn in the ear canal. If all you want in a hearing aid is fewer complexities and affordability, then this is for you. Audien Atom Pro is notable for its straightforward and uncomplicated features. The device lacks Bluetooth connectivity and does not include a dedicated application. This implies that users will need to depend on manual dials in order to adjust the amplification levels, either increasing or decreasing them. The device boasts a 24-hour rechargeable battery life, which is a notable advantage.
The Audien Atom Pro hearing aids offer a user-friendly experience, which is beneficial for optimizing battery life. The Audien Atom Pro hearing aid is an ideal choice for individuals seeking a straightforward, low-maintenance solution. It offers set-it-and-forget-it functionality, without the inclusion of advanced features such as streaming and apps.
#6. Lexie B2 Powered by Bose
Price: $999
The Lexie B2 hearing aids are a type of rechargeable receiver-in-canal (RIC) device that provides users with satisfactory sound quality. This particular over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid is widely regarded as one of the top options available. Moreover, it is available at a cost-effective price point, making it an accessible choice for individuals experiencing mild to moderate hearing impairment. The smartphone app includes features that enhance the user experience throughout the entire process. The hearing aids possess Bluetooth compatibility, allowing them to connect seamlessly with iOS and Android devices.
#7. Bossa
Price: $79โ$197.97
The distinguishing feature of Bossa OTC hearing aids is their incorporation of built-in tinnitus relief functionality. This feature enhances ambient sounds, thereby reducing the prominence of tinnitus sounds. This particular feature provides it with a competitive advantage compared to other advanced hearing aids. The Bossa product line offers three distinct styles of rechargeable in-the-ear (ITE) devices. Regrettably, the available models lack Bluetooth functionality, which would enable wireless connectivity to smartphones for both adjustment control and streaming purposes.
#8. Sony CRE-E10
Price: $1,299.99
The Sony CRE-E10 is a rechargeable hearing aid designed in an in-ear style. According to Forbes, Abram Bailey, Au.D., a renowned authority in the field of hearing aid technology, asserts that black wireless earbuds are an optimal choice for individuals who have a preference for the aesthetic appearance of such devices over traditional hearing aids.
The rechargeable hearing aids offer a maximum of 26 hours of uninterrupted usage when fully charged. One intriguing feature of these over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids is their ability to automatically analyze, adjust, and optimize sound according to the user’s environment. The accompanying app facilitates effortless setup and customization of settings. The product includes four different sizes of ear tips to ensure a comfortable fit for all users.
Do Inexpensive Hearing Aids Really Work?
Sure, they do. Although inexpensive hearing aids may appear appealing due to their affordability, they may not effectively address hearing loss and could potentially contribute to additional auditory deterioration. However, the effectiveness of OTC is not dependent on its price. So when considering the short-term perspective, one might perceive notable cost savings when opting for inexpensive hearing aids.
What Hearing Aids Can Be Bought Over the Counter?
The following are some of the hearing aids that can be bought over the counter:
- Eargo 6
- MD Hearing VOLT
- Lexie B2 Powered by Bose
- Lucid Hearing Engage Rechargeable
- Soundwave Hearing Sontro OTC Hearing Aids
- Sony E10 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids
- Audicus Wave
- Hearing Assist CONNECT
What Are the Cons of OTC Hearing Aids?
The following are some of the cons of OTC hearing aids:
- Limited Customization
- Inaccurate Self-Diagnosis
- Lack of Expert Guidance
- Potential for Misuse
- Unaddressed Medical Conditions
- Limited Features
- Safety Concerns
- Noisy Environments
- Monitoring and Adjustments
- Limited Accessibility
What Is the Average Cost of a Good Set of Hearing Aids?
As of the time of this write-up, the average cost of OTC in the United States is $2500.ย Wonderingย how much are hearing aids? The cost of these items can vary between approximately $1,000 and over $6,000. Companies frequently offer hearing aids as part of a bundled package, which typically only includes the hearing aid itself. All required hearing tests
Do Audiologists Recommend Hearing Aids?
Yes, audiologists often recommend hearing aids when they determine that an individual has hearing loss that could be effectively managed with the use of hearing aids. Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in evaluating and treating hearing disorders. They conduct thorough assessments of a person’s hearing abilities and needs, considering factors like the degree and type of hearing loss, communication difficulties, and lifestyle.
Can I Buy a Hearing Aid Without Consulting a Doctor?
In certain cases, it is feasible to obtain a hearing aid without the need for prior consultation with a professional, commonly referred to as an over-the-counter hearing aid. Although it is technically feasible, it is not advisable to proceed in this manner. There are numerous advantages associated with seeking consultation from an expert. It is not mandatory to consult a medical doctor, but it is advisable to schedule an appointment with an audiologist.
Do You Need a Prescription for Hearing Aids at Walmart?
Not entirely, you can get over-the-counter hearing aids from Walmart without a prescription and a medical exam by a doctor.
Will Hearing Aids Be Covered by Medicare in 2023?
As of the time of this write-up, Medicare Parts A and B do not provide coverage for hearing aids, including the associated expenses such as fittings and hearing exams specifically conducted to prescribe hearing aids. Certain Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for specific hearing services, such as hearing aids and examinations, depending on the chosen plan.
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