Experiencing sudden or gradual hearing loss can be stressful. Not only mentally but economically too. Most hearing aids on the market cost exorbitant prices and aren’t commonly covered by insurance.
Hearing specialists, audiologists, doctor’s appointments, and hidden fees can quickly send you spiraling and make finding an excellent quality brand that fits your budget feel like a losing battle.
Thankfully there are several ways to make the process of getting hearing aids more affordable.
Our review of the best online hearing test can help you ascertain how severe your hearing loss may be and, once you have your hearing test results, you can use our comprehensive guide below to find the best quality, most reasonably priced hearing aids available.
Quick View
- Best Overall Cheap Hearing Aid Provider - MDHearing Aid
- Best Invisible Hearing Aid Provider - Eargo
- Best Streaming and Connectivity Based Hearing Aid Provider - Phonak
- Best Hearing Aid Bundle Provider - Lively
Product | Price | Bluetooth Connectivity | Style | Battery | Return Policy |
MDHearing Aid | $799 – $2239.98 a pair | Streaming only available in the CORE | Only behind-the-ear | Up to 20 days with the AIR | 45-day risk-free |
Eargo | $1,850 – $2,950 a pair | Only basic mobile app connection, no streaming | Only completely in-the-ear | 16 hours, rechargeable | 30-day limited |
Phonak | $999 – $2,399 per ear | Streaming available across most models | Various models including behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, and in-the-ear | Varies according to model, rechargeable battery lasts 24 hours | Returnable for credit |
Lively | $1,850 – $2,400 a pair | Streaming for all Apple and some Android devices | Only behind-the-ear | Rechargeable option lasts 30 hours | 100-day risk-free |
Quick Verdict: Best Cheap Hearing Aids
- Best Overall – MDHearing Aid – Its basic design is supplemented by affordable prices, excellent sound and noise reduction, and overall comfort.
- Best Invisible Hearing Aid – Eargo – The completely in-the-ear device is almost invisible while remaining breathable and maintaining battery life.
- Best Streaming and Connectivity Features – Phonak – Most devices can connect to your TV, phone, and electronics without a streamer or adapter.
- Best Bundle Package – Lively – Offering rechargeable or battery-powered devices in bundle packages with no hidden or extra fees.
Are Cheap Hearing Aids Worth Buying?
Affordable hearing aids might seem like a shady deal for some, especially considering most hearing aid users are used to buying hearing aids for exorbitant prices.
The four hearing aids in this review have all been vetted for customer reviews, quality ratings, and the best affordability. The critical factor that sets these hearing aids apart is that they really do what they’re meant to; they work as assistive listening devices.
Watch Out: Hearing Aids vs. Hearing Amplifiers
When looking for affordable hearing aids, one of the most important differences to look out for is whether the device is a hearing aid or a hearing amplifier. A hearing aid works by helping you discern important sounds like speech, the audio on your TV, or birds singing in the trees.
Hearing amplifiers do precisely what their name suggests; they amplify sound. Unfortunately, this means they amplify all sounds, including background noise and things that may make it difficult to hear what’s important to you.
Hearing amplifiers are usually much cheaper than hearing aids, but they don’t fulfill the same purpose. A hearing aid is a much better option than an amplifier if you’re looking for a device to help with your mild, severe, or moderate hearing loss.
What do you think most people opt to use for their hearing loss?
Review Section: Best Reasonably Priced Hearing Aids
Below is a quick review of the four best cheap hearing aids, MDHearingAid, Phonak, Lively, and Eargo.
Each brand offers unique features at a much more reasonable price than traditional hearing aids.
1. MDHearing Aid – Best Overall
Feature | Description | Star Rating |
Price | $799 – $2239.98 a pair | 5/5 |
Style | Discrete behind the ear device | 4/5 |
Noise Reduction | All models offer zero cell phone interference and background noise elimination | 5/5 |
Battery Life | Can last for 20-40 days, depending on the model | 5/5 |
Sound Quality | All models provide human voice amplification for high-quality sound | 5/5 |
Pros:
- Great value: MDHearing Aids have an excellent sound quality and background noise reduction across the board for very reasonable prices compared to other brands
- MDHearingAid VOLT+ comes with rechargeable batteries
- Sound profiles are customizable without a trip to the audiologist
- All devices come with a 45-day risk-free trial
- Free shipping in the US
- FDA approved
- MDHearingAid devices can be used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss
Cons:
- Only behind-the-ear models are available
- Only the Core model offers smartphone compatibility
MDHearingAid devices provide excellent sound quality and noise reduction features. Although the models only come as behind-the-ear devices, they make up for their larger size in battery life and customizable fit and settings.
All MDHearingAid devices are FDA registered and approved and provide unique features including:
- MDHearingAid AIR: Very reasonable prices for a device that offers feedback cancellation, noise reduction, and a 20 day or more battery life.
- MDHearingAid VOLT+: The VOLT+ offers all the benefits of the AIR, with added rechargeable batteries, water-resistant components, and dual directional mics.
- MDHearingAid CORE: Although the CORE isn’t water-resistant or rechargeable, it still offers all the other features of the VOLT+ and AIR, plus automatic adaptation to your environment and smartphone connectivity.
MDHearingAid also offers a customizable mold to fit over your device should it feel uncomfortable while wearing. The website offers an online hearing test and, once you’ve purchased one or a pair of devices, you can also buy accessories like carrying cases, cleaning tools, or a UV-clean and dry box to get the most out of your new listening aids.
Bottom Line:
MDHearingAid models offer varied features across their three main models. However, one thing that stays constant is the sound quality that sets MDHearingAid devices apart from many other budget-friendly hearing aids on the market.
If you’re interested in purchasing a pair of MDHearingAid devices, our comprehensive MDHearingAid review can help you decide.
2. Eargo
Feature | Description | Star Rating |
Price | $1,850 – $2,950 a pair | 3.5/5 |
Style | Almost invisible, completely in-ear devices | 5/5 |
Battery Life | Up to 16 hours battery life across the board, rechargeable | 4/5 |
Sound Quality | Four audio profiles with Flexi Fibers that allow natural ambient sound, although noise reduction is best in the Neo HiFi model | 4/5 |
Comfort | In-ear fit and Flexi Fibers add comfort and breathability | 5/5 |
Pros:
- Very comfortable, nearly invisible in-ear fit
- Offers four custom sound profiles
- All models can be managed from the Eargo mobile app
- All batteries are rechargeable
Cons:
- Devices can only be bought in pairs
- Battery only lasts for 16 hours between charging
- Eargo only offers a 30-day return policy and no free trial
Eargo hearing aids pioneered Flexi Fibers and Flexi Palms that help fit the entire device in your ear while maintaining breathability and comfort. Although battery life and noise reduction features may not measure up with other brands, the easy control and customization through the mobile app improve usability.
The three primary Eargo devices offer the following features:
- Eargo Max: Completely invisible, ‘good’ rated amplification and feedback reduction, and a one-year warranty.
- Eargo Neo: Adding to the amplification, feedback reduction, and comfort of the Max, the Neo offers high-quality noise cancellation and audio personalization.
- Eargo Neo HiFi: The Neo HiFi models provide the best quality sound amplification, feedback reduction, and noise cancellation, along with a two-year warranty.
Eargo accessories include additional purchases like Flexi Fibers or Palms and a wax guard replacement tool.
When you buy an Eargo device, extra Flexi Fibers are usually included, such as cleaning tools, charging cables, and an initial wax guard. The company also offers lifetime support for all your questions regarding their devices.
Bottom Line:
Eargo hearing aids provide novel devices when it comes to comfort and style. Although the sound quality varies across models, this is made up for by their rechargeable batteries and smartphone connectivity.
If you’re interested in more information on the brand, look at our Eargo review for an in-depth guide to the devices and their features.
3. Phonak
Feature | Description | Star Rating |
Price | $999 – $2,399 per ear | 3.5/5 |
Sound Quality | Higher-end models offer the best sound experience | 4/5 |
Style | Offer behind the ear, receiver in the ear, and in-ear options in a variety of colors | 5/5 |
Hearing Loss Assistance | Devices for anything from mild to severe hearing loss | 5/5 |
Connectivity | Universal Bluetooth connectivity to up to eight devices at a time | 5/5 |
Pros:
- Hearing aids for every degree up to severe hearing loss
- Wide variety of models to choose from, including in the ear canal and behind the ear devices
- Most models offer Bluetooth connectivity and allow you to stream audio
- Digital noise reduction
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than other options in this review
- Devices aren’t waterproof or water-resistant
- It cannot be bought directly or online, and you’ll need to switch to a specific network of audiologists to purchase their hearing aids
Phonak hearing aids have been around for decades. The brand was one of the first companies to offer Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to stream music and audio from electronic devices like your phone or TV.
Although Phonak is an excellent choice regarding sound quality and additional features, the models are more expensive than other equally good options on this list. To buy Phonak devices, you may have to switch to a new audiologist since they’re not available for online purchase.
If you’re unhappy with your Phonak device, you can return it, but only for credit to purchase a different model from their brand.
A large variety of Phonak accessories are available with your purchase of one or more of their devices. These include:
- Phonak PartnerMic: This allows clear voice streaming without having to point your mic in the direction of the person talking
- Phonak RemoteControl: A more accessible option for controlling your hearing aids if you don’t want to use your phone each time
- TV connector: Allowing you to link more than one pair of hearing devices to your TV
- Clip-on mic: In the form of a Roger receiver that can be clipped onto your clothes to provide extra speech clarity
Bottom Line:
Phonak hearing aids provide premium sound and style to people with mild to severe hearing loss. Unfortunately, the difficulties encountered trying to purchase their devices may put some people off.
4. Lively
Feature | Description | Star Rating |
Price | $1,850 – $2,400 a pair | 4/5 |
Battery Life | Rechargeable option lasts for 30 hours between charges; battery-powered version comes with a one year supply of batteries | 4/5 |
Style | Although the devices are small and nearly invisible, only behind-the-ear options are available | 4/5 |
Noise Reduction | Adjustable through a smartphone app, and offers the newest noise cancellation software available | 4.5/5 |
Connectivity | Most Apple devices can stream to Lively hearing aids through Bluetooth. Android electronics may need an accessory. | 4/5 |
Pros:
- 100-day risk-free trial
- No audiologist visits since adjustments can be done from home
- Option to buy a pair or a single hearing aid
- Bundle options that include batteries and everything else you may need to use the devices
- FDA approved
Cons:
- Only one type of hearing aid is manufactured by Lively
- Not the most affordable option compared to other devices with the same features
Lively hearing aids are affordable, FDA-approved options for people who don’t want to spend hours with an audiologist for tests or checkups. The company offers a 100-day risk-free trial for both its rechargeable and battery-powered devices.
Despite its excellent sound quality, however, Lively manufactures only one type of hearing aid, so customization and style options aren’t varied.
Unlike many other affordable hearing aids, no in-person examination is necessary to purchase their devices, and buying them can quickly be done online.
You can also purchase various accessories like portable microphones or TV streamers for an even better listening experience.
For the rechargeable version, the official website offers a charging case for $250, and if you want to stream from an Android device, you may need to get their Android Phone Clip+ for another $200.
Bottom Line:
Lively hearing aids don’t offer much variety, but they make up for it with features like Bluetooth connectivity and a stress-free return policy within the first three months.
If you’re looking for more information on Lively hearing aids, take a look at our complete Lively review.
How To Choose the Best Cheap Hearing Aid
Without a visit to a hearing aid specialist, it can be challenging to choose the right option for your personal preferences and degree of hearing loss.
Below is a list of factors and points to consider when choosing the best reasonably priced hearing aid for you:
- Check if your insurance plan will cover hearing aids: Most general insurance plans don’t cover things like hearing or dental fees. If you’re paying for an added plan to cover your hearing loss purchases, you may need to choose one of the hearing aid manufacturers or providers that your benefits cover.
- Take an online hearing test: This can help you determine the severity of your hearing loss and can help you choose the right option based on what each device can assist with.
- Always make sure the hearing aid you choose has a trial period or return policy and at least a one-year warranty. If you decide the devices you bought aren’t right for you, you can always return them and look for something different.
- Know the difference between a hearing aid and a sound amplifier. Make sure you buy the former if you’re looking for something to combat your hearing loss effectively without bombarding you with background noise.
- Manage your expectations: As much as we’d like to imagine hearing aids lets you experience sound the same way a person without hearing loss does, it is not the reality.
- Know the difference between FDA registered, and FDA approved; they don’t mean the same thing and differ widely in their level of regulation and quality assessments.
- Choose a hearing aid that suits your comfort level while wearing them. If you feel self-conscious when wearing hearing devices, opt for an in-ear-canal aid and not the more prominent, behind-the-ear models.
- If you’re on the phone a lot or enjoy watching TV for extensive periods, pick a hearing aid model that offers Bluetooth connectivity and streaming features.
FAQ
If you’re looking to buy affordable hearing aids, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on the topic.
What Is the Best Inexpensive Hearing Aid?
MDHearingAid AIR is the most affordable, highest quality pair of hearing aids per our research. On quality and price balance, MDHearingAid seems to lead the pack. Not only do the batteries last up to 20 days, but the sound isolation and noise cancellation features provide an immersive listening experience.
How Much Are Inexpensive Hearing Aids?
MDHearingAid offers the best price for quality devices, starting at $799 for two hearing aids.
How Much Are Hearing Aids at Walmart?
Real Walmart hearing aids can range in price between $200 to $1000 a pair.
Walmart is a great place to purchase hearing aids that are cheaper than any you can find at a hearing clinic or audiologist. Some of their devices are genuine, FDA-approved hearing aids, while others are just sound amplifiers.
What Is the Best Hearing Aid Under $100?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any proper hearing aids available for less than $100. Below this, you’ll likely find sound amplifiers and devices labeled as ‘hearing instruments.’
Conclusion
Suffering from hearing loss is traumatic enough without dealing with the crazy, not-covered-by-insurance hearing aid prices.
The four hearing aid manufacturers listed above have a track record of helping people with anything from mild to severe hearing loss while keeping their prices low and affordable. The best overall option, MDHearingAid, offers the best quality for the most reasonable prices and adds a few cool features like Bluetooth streaming and water resistance along the way.
Whether you’re looking for a behind-the-ear or in-the-ear model, these four brands can provide you with what you need.