In this article, we will discuss some of the best cheap hearing aids on the market. Prices for hearing aids vary wildly, with the average price being around $2,560. For the purposes of this article, the hearing aids we considered cheap ranged in price from $1290 to $2500. There are cheaper “hearing aids” available, but they are largely sound amplifiers that don’t cancel background noise and generally offer an inferior hearing experience for people. The wide price range for hearing aids is determined by:
- Style (in-the-ear (ITC) hearing aid or behind-the-ear (BTE)
- Features such as Bluetooth and artificial intelligence
- Disposable or rechargeable batteries
Criteria that makes a cheap hearing aid worth buying
Our criteria for determining whether a cheap hearing aid is worth buying includes price, sound quality, and features. We also looked at whether the hearing aid will last, warranties, and support. This is largely determined by the manufacturer, and included:
- Strong company reputation (years in business, sales, etc.)
- U.S.-based customer service
- Availability of replacement parts
Availability of replacement parts was used as a criterion because hearing aids are machines, and like all machines, they break down from time to time. Having parts such as tubing, domes, and tips allows you to keep your hearing aid functioning by performing simple repairs at home.
Five of the best cheap hearing aids for 2022 are:
1) Eargo 6 ($1450 – $2950)
The Eargo 6 hearing aid is an in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid designed for mild to moderate hearing loss. It comes with a rechargeable battery and a 1-2 year warranty. Financing is available, but Bluetooth streaming is not an option. A big plus is that Eargo offers free lifetime professional support.
The Eargo 6 offers crisp, natural sound and can be customized via an app. And If you are looking for a “wow factor”, Eargo 6 hearing aids have it in spades. They were chosen Best of CES by Newsweek and reviewgeek and also endorsed by legendary Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante and 3-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines.
Pros
- Up to 16 hours of use on a single charge
- 24/7 Telecare support
- Can be adjusted to match the environment you are in via the app
- Volume, bass, and treble can be adjusted via the app
- Can be returned within 45 days for a full refund
Cons
- Feedback can be an issue at first but it can be resolved by changing ear tips
- Sound quality is good but not excellent
- The app is also good but not excellent
2) Signia Silk X ($1500 – $3000)
Signia (formerly Siemens) is a German company and one of the most important hearing aid manufacturers in the world. They are known for their high-end hearing aids but offer some relatively cheap models.
There are at least 5 variations on the Signia Silk, with features increasing as the price does. A common feature of all models is enhanced sound quality. Signia achieves this by incorporating microphones into the hearing aid for both of your ears. The microphones work in concert and offer an improved hearing experience in a crowded environment.
Another feature is that Silk X hearing aids pick up sound inside your ear canal, which allows you to make phone calls and listen to music with over-the-ear headphones.
All models can be custom fit via 3D printing in a day, and offer the following Pros:
- Direct streaming of your Bluetooth-enabled devices through your hearing aid
- Feedback cancellation
- Frequency compression
- Adjustable speech and noise management
- Tinnitus relief (in most models)
- Technology to reduce wind noise
Cons
- Warranty information is unclear, but Signia is a large global manufacturer, which should bode well for repairs and support. Check with your audiologist for more information.
3) Jabra Enhance(™) Select ($1595 – $1995)
Jabra is under the umbrella of the Danish company GN Group, a 150-year-old company with over 7,000 employees and operates in more than 100 countries. Jabra hearing aids regularly appear on best-of lists, based on their top-notch audio clarity, comfort, and small size.
One of the interesting features of Jabra hearing aids is their warranty structure. There is a basic one-year warranty, a two-year dust and water resistance warranty, and a three-year warranty against damage from perspiration.
Pros
- Enjoy up to 30 hours of sound with a 3-hour charge.
- A one-hour charge in the morning can keep your hearing aid powered throughout the day or for up to 15 hours.
- Save visits to your audiologist by having Jabra’s Audiology Team make adjustments to your hearing aid (such as volume) remotely..
- Take advantage of video chats with licensed Jabra hearing specialists as often as needed.
- Hands-free phone calls are available on some models
- Choose from 5 skin tone colors for maximum discreteness.
Cons
- Accessories such as extra charging cases are expensive
- Only behind-the-ear design
- Only sold in pairs
4) Widex Moment ($1290 – $1990)
Widex is a Danish company and one of the “big six” hearing aid manufacturers. They have been around since 1956 and control 9% of the global market. President Reagan was their most famous customer. More recently their Widex Moment™ App was named CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree and 2022 Good Design Award.
Widex will only supply hearing aids to retailers who provide face-to-face diagnostics, counseling, selection, fitting, and maintenance of their products.
Widex hearing aids are available in both behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) models. Prices increase as you choose more options. For instance, it costs $100 to upgrade to rechargeable from battery-powered.
Pros
- 2.4 GHz Bluetooth connectivity for easy streaming from smartphones
- Direct streaming from iOS (r) or Android(™)
- Up to 37 hours of operating time with a charge
- Clear, natural sound with Puresound(™)
- Automatically adjust to listening situation
- Background noises are blocked out, so you won’t be annoyed by background sounds like whirring fridges
- An assortment of accessories is available that can save cleaning time
- The app indicates battery level allows for minor adjustments such as volume
- A library of helpful videos for troubleshooting and FAQs are available with their app
Con
- Repairs and warranty support can only be performed through authorized Widex dealers, but there is a shop finder on their website
5) Phonak Naída Paradise ($1990 per ear)
Phonak is a brand of Sonova, a Swiss company that was founded in 1947. They enjoy a 24% market share. As behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, the Phonak Naida Paradise is designed for people with mild-to-profound hearing loss. Like the Widex, this hearing aid automatically adjusts to your listening environment.
Eye-catching features of the Phonak Naída Paradise include speech enhancer to help you hear soft-spoken people, and dynamic noise cancellation to filter out unwanted sounds. There is also motion sensing that detects when you are moving and automatically adjusts your hearing aid to allow for better sound and conversations while on the go.
We also like that the Phonak Naída Paradise allows you to connect up to eight Bluetooth-enabled devices and that tinnitus balance software is standard.
Pros
- Hands free calls – when you speak your hearing aid will detect your voice and send it to your phone, even if it is across the room
- Multiple Bluetooth connections saves the hassle of constantly switching between devices
- Tap control allows you to accept calls, hang up, switch between Bluetooth devices or play, pause, and stop music. You can even activate a voice assistant such as Siri with a tap!
- App allows you to control your hearing aid by fine-tuning noise cancellation, and track usage and performance
- Remote support is available in addition to in-person consultation
- Available in a several skin tones
Cons
- Prices are higher for Phonak hearing aids than competitors with similar options
- Limited one-year warranty
We found that the price of Phonak hearing aids varies widely, so it is best to check with your audiologist for a current price.
Financial Assistance for Best Cheap Hearing Aids
Whether or not Medicare covers your hearing exams or hearing aids is a complicated issue. Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover the costs of hearing aids or hearing exams for the purpose of buying a hearing aid, but they do cover the costs of a hearing exam if you have a referral from your doctor.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) may cover some of the costs associated with being fitted for a hearing aid, but it is best to check with them directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or medicare.gov.
If you are a U.S. military veteran and qualify for general VA health care, there is a good chance that you are eligible for financial assistance for your hearing aids. Visit your local VA clinic or VA.gov.
Other potential sources of financial assistance for your hearing aids include:
- Private health insurance
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Health savings accounts (HSA)
Conclusions about the best cheap hearing aids
When looking for the best cheap hearing aids, it pays to do your research. There are no shortages of options, styles, features, or quality manufacturers. You want to consider comfort, sound quality, style, technical support, features, and warranties.
Choosing the best cheap hearing aid for you can help you feel comfortable and enjoy quality life with better hearing. In doing so your hearing aids can be a part of you for years to come.
One last thing: It is always best to speak with your audiologist and work with them to make sure you find the best cheap hearing aid solution that fits your budget.
Visit our home page to find an audiologist near you who can recommend affordable hearing aids.
Frequently asked questions
What types of hearing aids are available?
The two most common types of hearing aids are (in-the-ear (ITC) and behind-the-ear (BTE).
What criteria is used to determine the best cheap hearing aids?
We looked at features such as price, Bluetooth connectivity, sound quality, and whether the hearing aid uses disposable or rechargeable batteries. We also considered the history, size, and reputation of the manufacturers of the hearing aids we reviewed.
What are the pros and cons of the best cheap hearing aids?
Pros included features such as the ability to conduct hands-free calls, warranty information, and how long battery charges last. We also looked at whether or not your hearing aid’s volume, treble, and bass can be adjusted via your app and colors.
How is the sound quality of hearing aids determined?
The sound quality was determined by whether or not your hearing aid adjusts to your surroundings automatically, and if sound settings such as volume, bass, and treble can be adjusted easily.
Is financial assistance available for hearing aids?
Medicare typically does not offer financial assistance for hearing aids, but they may cover the costs of a hearing exam if you have a referral from your doctor. If you are a U.S. military veteran and qualify for VA health care you may be eligible for financial assistance.
It is best to check with your audiologist, private health insurance, and workplace insurance to determine if financial assistance is available for your hearing aids.
