Quick answer
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid can be a good, lower-cost start. If your loss is severe, sudden or only in one ear, see an audiologist or doctor first and consider prescription aids. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, though many Medicare Advantage plans include a hearing benefit.
Hearing aid options at a glance
| Brand | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Jabra Enhance | OTC, with remote audiologist care | People who want ongoing professional follow-up |
| Eargo | Rechargeable, in-ear | Those who want a nearly invisible fit |
| Audien | Low-cost OTC | Budget buyers with mild loss |
| Prescription aids from an audiologist | Custom fitted | Severe or complex hearing loss |
Last reviewed October 27, 2026 by Greg Wilson. Sources: FDA, OTC hearing aids, Medicare.gov. Partner links may earn SeniorAffair a commission.
About one in three adults between 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those over 75 do, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Untreated hearing loss can make conversations tiring and isolate people from family and friends. The good news is that hearing aids are easier to buy than they were a few years ago.
OTC vs. prescription hearing aids
Since October 2022, the FDA has allowed hearing aids to be sold over the counter to adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. You can buy them online or in stores without an exam or a prescription, and you set them up yourself, often with a phone app.
Prescription hearing aids are fitted by an audiologist or hearing aid specialist after a hearing test. They cost more, but the professional fitting and adjustments help people with more severe or complicated hearing loss.
Signs an OTC hearing aid may work for you
- You struggle to follow conversations in noisy places, but hear well one on one.
- You turn the TV up louder than others like.
- Your hearing loss came on gradually in both ears.
See a doctor or audiologist first if
- Your hearing loss is severe, sudden or in only one ear.
- You have ear pain, drainage, dizziness or ringing in one ear.
- You have trouble understanding speech even when it is loud.
Our picks
Jabra Enhance: best for ongoing support
Jabra Enhance sells OTC hearing aids that come with remote follow-up care from audiologists. That makes it a good middle ground for people who want professional help adjusting their aids without regular office visits.
Eargo: best nearly invisible fit
Eargo makes rechargeable hearing aids that sit inside the ear canal, so they are hard to see. They are sold directly, with remote support from hearing professionals. Read our Eargo review.
Audien: best low-cost option
Audien sells some of the least expensive OTC hearing aids. They suit people with mild hearing loss who want to try hearing aids before spending more. Read our Audien review.
Compare hearing aids
Check current prices, trial periods and return policies before you buy.
See Jabra EnhanceSee EargoSee Audien
Partner link: SeniorAffair may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Rechargeable or disposable batteries?
Rechargeable aids are easier for people with arthritis or poor vision, because you set them in a charging case each night. Disposable batteries last a few days to a couple of weeks and need small, fiddly changes. Our list of the best rechargeable hearing aids goes deeper.
What to compare before you buy
- Return window and trial period. Give yourself several weeks to adjust.
- Warranty length and what it covers, including loss and damage.
- Support: app-only, phone support, or remote audiologist care.
- Fit and style: in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, or receiver-in-canal.
- Features such as Bluetooth streaming for phone calls and TV.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams to fit them. Part B covers diagnostic hearing exams when your doctor orders them to check a medical problem. Many Medicare Advantage plans include a hearing benefit with an allowance toward hearing aids, so check your plan. Read more in our guide to Medicare and hearing aids.
Frequently asked questions
Are OTC hearing aids as good as prescription ones?
For mild to moderate hearing loss, many people do well with OTC aids. Prescription aids are fitted to your hearing test, which matters more as hearing loss gets more severe.
How long do hearing aids last?
Most last about three to seven years, depending on care and type.
Can I use an HSA or FSA to buy hearing aids?
Yes. Hearing aids are a qualified medical expense for health savings and flexible spending accounts.
Related guides: MDHearing review · How much hearing aids cost
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