Just Getting Started With Hearing Aids? Here's a 60-Minute Research Roadmap.

Phonak’s Infinio and Infinio Sphere models, released in mid-2024, quickly caught industry attention with groundbreaking features:

1. Real-Time AI Processing: Phonak leads in AI innovation with its dual-chip architecture, powering real-time adjustments that make listening easier in complex, dynamic environments. This level of AI-driven sound processing sets Infinio Sphere apart as a top choice for clarity and adaptability.
2. Extended Bluetooth Range: Enjoy hands-free streaming and calls with 2x the Bluetooth range, making Phonak an ideal pick for both iOS and Android users who value reliable connectivity.
3. Waterproof and Durable Design: Built with an IP68 rating, Infinio Sphere withstands water exposure and daily wear, appealing to users with active lifestyles who want durability alongside performance.

Phonak’s Infinio line combines onboard AI with practical, user-focused features, making it an excellent choice for those seeking top-of-the-line performance and versatility in hearing aids.

Phonak Infinio Sphere receives highly positive reviews, with many users noting significant improvements over previous Phonak models and competing brands. Wearers praise its sound quality and robust Bluetooth streaming. The main complaints we found relate to the larger size and occasional automatic mode switching. Some highlights from our partners at ZipHearing.

• "Wearing these new Phonak Sphere Hearing Aids has been very comfortable and an easy adjustment for me. These are my first hearing aids and the sound with them on sounds very natural. I've been able to understand my friends in a crowded restaurant and have been able to turn off the closed captioning on my TV. The Bluetooth feature has worked well for both streaming music and phone calls. I haven't found any drawbacks yet!" - Eileen
• "I have been wearing hearing aids for 6 years. I started my journey with ReSound which lasted nearly 5 years. I then went to Costco and discovered Costco aids are fine for people with modest hearing loss, but I needed more. I then went with Phonak Sphere and have been very happy. I am active and discovered early on the aids I had purchased were being negatively impacted by sweat. Phonak replaced them with water resistant aids for a very small charge. I am very pleased with my new aids." - David
• "Sound quality is excellent. Definitely an improvement over previous HA. Still trying it out in noisy environments but I definitely see an improvement when in noisy situations in understanding speech." - Ken
• "I am currently wearing the Phonak Audio Sphere 90 hearing aids. Had them about two weeks now and the sound quality is very good. I am a bit frustrated with the Automatic program selection as it does not really seem to pick the correct program for the situation. I have not noted the sphere function working as of yet, even though I have been in a few very noisy situations. They are comfortable and only took a few days to adapt to the thicker design of the body. The battery life is exceptional. After wearing them for 15 to 16 hours they still have 45 percent batter life. The only other complaint is the charger case. It is not easy to get they in and almost kink the wires to the domes. I wish they were bigger like my previous Marvels." - Brian

Oticon Intent is one of the most popular hearing aids in the U.S., second only to Phonak, and offers a few standout features.

• First, its wide range of advanced sensors intelligently adapts to different environments, making it excellent at handling background noise. This advanced noise management puts Oticon in a race with just a few brands for the best sound management.
• Second, Oticon Intent’s devices are professionally programmed, providing highly customizable settings tailored to the user's unique hearing profile.
• Oticon Intent offers Bluetooth streaming from iPhone and Android and the ability to use Auracast when it is more widely available.

This combination of popularity, intelligent sound processing, and precise, in-clinic programming makes Oticon Intent one of the best on the market at this time.

Oticon Intent reviews are nearly all positive with most users reporting clear sound and strong underlying performance. Lower than 5-star ratings typically come down to ongoing challenges hearing in tough environments. A few sample reviews from our partners at ZipHearing:

• "I've had these Oticon Intent hearing aids for a couple of weeks now, replacing Phonak Audio Lumity hearing aids. My impression is that I am hearing sibilant sounds slightly better and hearing conversations in restaurants slightly better. Even slight gains mean a lot to me. I have moderate hearing loss in the upper registers (normal in the lower). Anything that improves comprehension is welcome. In addition, the design of these hearing aids makes them more comfortable for me than the Phonaks and I wear them all the time without noticing that they are in except very occasionally feeling a little itching in the left ear, which goes away if I take out the hearing aid for a moment and rub the area. I would recommend these hearing aids to others." - John 
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• "Certainly like the change of hearing clarity. Very simple to use without making adjustments due to background noises or audiences. Very comfortable and no feedback. Glad I moved forward with Oticon Intent." - David
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• "These hearing aids are great for me. I am able to hear with no problem at all. they are just as good or better than another brand that I tried that cost over 3 thousand dollars more. they are doing fine and I use them everywhere. I am outside most of the time and they do fine by staying in and not having to worry about them falling out or getting knocked out of my ear." - Stephen
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• "I have been wearing HA for over 10 years. Experience with COSCO and others. Although these took some getting used to, my conversational hearing has greatly improved. My husband and friends have noticed without my asking. Still have to get used to the sound of my own voice - which is strange to me - but patience prevails. The music setting works pretty well such that I have resumed playing piano - which I had abandoned. This was an unexpected element in my hearing impaired world! While no hearing aids can provide total hearing correction, I no longer feel isolated in conversational situations. Thank you to the engineers at Oticon!" - Arlene

ReSound Nexia stands out for its legacy of innovation and modern design. Here’s what makes it a top pick:

1. Proven Expertise: ReSound has led the hearing aid industry with tech-first developments, from the earliest made-for-iPhone hearing aids to today’s Auracast-enabled models. With millions of users worldwide, ReSound brings trusted experience and reliability.
2. Discreet Design: NEXIA is the smallest receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid we’ve reviewed, offering a low-profile option that’s especially helpful if you wear glasses or prefer subtlety.
3. Powerful Battery: With 30 hours of life on a single charge and a portable charger, Nexia provides extended wear and convenience, ideal for users who are on the go.
4. Superior Background Noise Handling: Nexia’s advanced beam-forming tech and innovative in-ear microphone deliver exceptional clarity in noisy environments, making it one of the best in the market for handling complex soundscapes.

ReSound NEXIA combines sleek design with high-performing technology, ideal for those who want both discretion and power.

ReSound NEXIA receives strong reviews for its crisp sound quality. Some users note issues with Bluetooth connectivity on Android devices and slight discomfort from the in-ear M&RIE receiver. Read more reviews via our partners at ZipHearing.

• "I had gotten so used to diminished hearing, I had no idea what I was missing. I no longer say “can you repeat that” or “what?” And my phone rings in my ear and all I have to do is tap the unit behind my ear. No more fumbling to get me phone out of my pocket in time to answer." - Richard
• "I love my new Resound Nexia 9. They seem to pick up sounds my previous 5-year old hearing aids picked up and they seem to process background noise much better. I am very happy with my purchase." - Mitch
• "My new Nexia “ears “ are very comfortable behind the ears. They seemed very loud at first but I have adjusted and are obviously better than my old “ears” . The sound is clear and less tinny . I can hear a phone conversation very clearly using the Bluetooth ability, although I still need my phone very close for the caller to hear me. After a day of wearing my “ears” the left one hurts, I think from the wire, however I have not had a follow up appointment so that may be fixable. The right side is no problem." - Fiona
• "The rechargeable battery is a HUGE plus—no more keeping batteries on me at all times. The moisture resistance is another plus—no more bulky desiccant case. The charging case is small enough to be easily portable, but might be a bit uncomfortable in a pocket—maybe in a jacket pocket. It took me a few days to figure out a good workflow for getting the hearing aids to connect and stay connected to my Pixel 5 (listed on the manufacturer's website as compatible). The connectivity is good when it works but sometimes one of the hearing aids drops out and has to reconnect. I was not able to get them to connect to my work computer (a MacBook) using MFi." - Matt

Starkey Edge AI takes the impressive Genesis AI platform and refines it, bringing even more functionality and ease to users. Here’s what makes it a standout choice:

1. Top Battery Life – With over 50 hours on a single charge, Edge AI leads the industry for rechargeable hearing aids.
2. Innovative Health Features – Includes health tracking, fall detection, and even real-time translation, pushing the boundaries of what hearing aids can do.
3. Enhanced Sound Processing – Starkey has evolved “Edge Mode” into an all-day adaptive program, letting users benefit from smart sound adjustments seamlessly throughout the day.

Edge AI offers powerful tech with practical enhancements that support both hearing and health.

The Jabra Enhance Select 500 offers an impressive blend of clinic-grade technology, affordability, and user convenience. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Professional-Grade Technology at a Lower Price: Jabra’s Enhance Select 500 provides the advanced sound quality of clinic-only brands like ReSound but at less than half the price.
2. Professional Programmed Hearing Aids From Home: Jabra’s pre-programmed approach ensures a personalized fit without needing in-clinic visits—customers simply take or upload a hearing test, and Jabra's audiologists program the hearing aids before shipment.
3. Seamless Bluetooth Streaming: Equipped with LE Audio, the Enhance Select 500 delivers high-quality, direct streaming for calls and media, with excellent sound quality and range.
4. Purchase Perks: Jabra offers 100-day returns, unlimited remote adjustments, and seven-day-a-week customer support.

Overall

Users commend the Jabra Enhance Select 500 for its natural sound quality, discreet design, and effective customer support. Many report significant improvements in hearing clarity and comfort.

Positives

• Natural Sound Quality: "The sound quality is excellent, and the ability to adjust settings via the app is a great feature." — Timothy T.
• Discreet Design: "These hearing aids are virtually invisible and very comfortable to wear throughout the day." — Angel M.
• Customer Support: "The customer service team was incredibly helpful and guided me through the setup process with ease." — Damian.

Complaints

While the majority of feedback is positive, some customers have reported issues with device durability and the need for adjustments. However, these concerns are relatively infrequent compared to the overall satisfaction expressed by users.

For a comprehensive view of customer experiences, you can visit Jabra Enhance's review page.

Audicus is a trusted name in hearing health, serving tens of thousands of customers. We chose Audicus for several key reasons:

1. Affordable Access to Premium Technology: Audicus offers top-tier hearing technology from WSA and Sonova at nearly half the price of traditional options.
2. Customized, Pre-Programmed Devices: Unlike self-fit OTC hearing aids, Audicus collects a hearing test from each customer and pre-programs the hearing aids before they ship, ensuring a tailored experience.
3. Flexible Options and Unique Features: Audicus provides both in-ear and behind-the-ear models, setting them apart from other telehealth providers like Jabra (their main competitor). Additionally, they’re one of the only online hearing aid companies to offer single hearing aids instead of requiring a pair purchase.

Audicus has garnered a substantial number of customer reviews, reflecting a generally positive reception.

Overall

Customers frequently commend Audicus for its high-quality hearing aids and exceptional customer service. Many users highlight the significant cost savings compared to traditional providers.

Positives

• Affordability: "Audicus saved me $5,000 because the hearing aid place I've been going to for years wanted $7,200 for similar hearing aids." — Deanna J.
• Product Quality: "Over three years with only a single adjustment, good service and battery life, and very satisfactory performance, I'm a happy listener." — Stanley M.
• Customer Service: "Professional and friendly, Buzz showed he understood the legal obligations and listened to my needs." — William P.

Complaints

While the majority of feedback is positive, some customers have reported issues with product durability and the need for adjustments. However, these concerns are relatively infrequent compared to the overall satisfaction expressed by users.

For a comprehensive view of customer experiences, you can visit Audicus's review page here.

Lexie leads the OTC hearing market in volume, with wide availability in pharmacies and strategic partnerships that make it highly accessible. Here’s why it stands out:

1. User-Friendly App with Extensive Adjustments: Lexie’s app offers near-limitless adjustment options, ideal for users who want full control over their sound quality.
2. Top-Notch Customer Service: Lexie excels in customer support, allowing users to connect quickly through the app for any assistance needed.
3. Soundly Extras: Purchasing Lexie hearing aids through Soundly includes a complimentary audiology setup call, ensuring you start with a perfectly tailored fit.

Ease of Use and Setup

• Cindy B. – "After a lot of research on OTC hearing aids for my moderate hearing loss, I chose Lexie B2 Plus. I wanted rechargeable hearing aids that would link to my iPhone, and the price was affordable...One of the most exciting experiences I’ve had was hearing the birds in my backyard! It was almost completely quiet without them on."
• William – "These Lexie B-2's were easy to adjust per the app and proved to be superior to the more expensive ones, plus no trips to the doctor every week or so."

Sound Quality and Listening Experience

• Faith Li – "The Lexie B2 hearing aid doesn't get time to charge as I just love wearing them. I am grateful for the gift of hearing and that I no longer miss out on the moments."
• Listener T. – "The sound quality through the aids was fine, once I had them set appropriately. The noisy room filter allowed me to focus on the person in front of me in a restaurant."

Affordability and Value

• Carolyn – "I kept putting off getting hearing aids because they are so expensive and my insurance doesn’t cover them. Once the audiologist mentioned the high quality, I looked into them...What a difference they have made!"
• Kyle, MD – "The Lexie B2 Plus hearing aids are very good introductory hearing aids...The sound quality is excellent and extremely natural."

Challenges

• DJR-NJ – "Customer service and support were excellent! Unfortunately, I was unable to wear the devices because the wires were too short. They did respond quickly to my calls and sent the longest wires they make, but I still couldn't wear them long enough to judge their performance."
• James - "Android App on my phone kept dropping connection with the Lexie hearing aids. The app was more consistent on my iPad"
• Shopper A - "Android phone tries to play audio through hearing aids with No Way To Turn it off unless it's a phone call. Otherwise, you must turn your media volume off. Phone call through hearing aids mutes your microphone so caller can't hear you."

Eargo has long set the standard for design in the hearing aid industry. Their compact devices, along with an intuitive app and thoughtful packaging, make Eargo a standout choice for early adopters. Here’s why we picked it:

1. Invisible Design: The Eargo 7 is the smallest rechargeable hearing aid on the market, rivaled only by the Sony CRE-C20.
2. Reduced Occlusion: Eargo’s patented “floating” ear tip design sits comfortably in the ear without causing occlusion, a common issue for in-ear hearing aid users.
3. User-Friendly App: The Eargo app is easy to navigate, and it allows audiologists to remotely adjust your devices as needed, though most adjustments can be managed directly in the app.

Eargo has received numerous customer reviews, reflecting a generally positive reception.

Overall

Customers frequently commend Eargo for its discreet design, sound quality, and responsive customer service. Many users highlight the significant improvement in their hearing experience and the comfort of the devices.

Positives

• Discreet Design: "The Eargo hearing aids are virtually invisible, and no one can tell I'm wearing them." — James D.
• Sound Quality: "The clarity of sound is remarkable; I can hear conversations clearly even in noisy environments." — Charlie B.
• Customer Service: "Eargo's support team was incredibly helpful and guided me through the setup process with ease." — Rowdy G.

Complaints

While the majority of feedback is positive, some customers have reported issues with device durability and the need for adjustments. However, these concerns are relatively infrequent compared to the overall satisfaction expressed by users.

For a comprehensive view of customer experiences, you can visit Eargo's review page.

Lucid Engage may not have the brand recognition of OTC giants like Bose or Sony, but it’s one of the most feature-rich hearing aids on the market. Here’s why it stood out to us:

• ‍Solid Technology: Lucid Engage offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming on both iPhone and Android, making it a versatile choice for tech-savvy users.‍
• Convenient Support: With a long-standing partnership with Sam’s Club, Lucid provides free in-person support at over 500 Sam’s Club clinics, a unique advantage that ensures users have easy access to help if they need it.‍
• User-Friendly Customization: Lucid’s smartphone app (and Lucid shape feature) allows users to adjust settings for their specific hearing loss, making personalization simple and accessible.

Lucid Engage combines strong features with a reliable support system, making it a solid choice for users with mild-moderate hearing loss.

Improved Hearing Quality: Many users report a noticeable improvement in hearing quality, with better clarity in both everyday situations and noisy environments. They feel more engaged in conversations and social events with enhanced sound.

• "As soon as I took my evening walk with my dog, I could hear the crickets, the water running in the creek, and the leaves rustling in the woods among others nature sounds that I had forgotten about. They also work well when my wife talks, and even in a group setting in a restaurant." - Mark R.

Great Value for Price: Lucid Engage users appreciate the value they get for a fraction of the cost of traditional hearing aids. The affordability, combined with the robust smartphone app, is a strong draw.

• "The lucidshape app enables user to program the hearing aids for your specific hearing frequency deficiency. They are awesome!I was able to set them up better then the past audiologists ever did in the past. Also there customer support is staffed by experts in the U.S. who take the time to LISTEN to customer issues. Louis is a great support person. Thanks Lucid for providing a cost effective solution to my hearing loss." - William S.

Technical Limitations: Some users report issues with connectivity on certain phones, particularly when switching from Android to iOS, or needing to re-pair the device often.

• "I tried to connect them to my iPhone to listen to a podcast, and they couldn’t maintain a connection." - Joy C.
• "These connected for a while... maybe two months. But then they started to lose Bluetooth connectivity. It started with sound dropping out unexpectedly from one ear." - Jax