2021 Hearing Aid Brands Guide: Pros and Cons Comparison

2021 Hearing Aid Brands Guide: Pros and Cons Comparison

Suffering from hearing loss can be made less debilitating by purchasing hearing aids from one of the top hearing aid brands.

However, hearing aid prices and difficulty accessing them can make life even more difficult for people who don’t have the time or funds to spend hours in an audiologist’s office. 

This article provides a detailed overview of the prices, pros, and cons, of the best hearing aids available and the hearing aid brands to watch out for.

Quick View: Best Hearing Aid Brands and Prices 

Hearing Aid Brand 

Price Range

Hearing Aids on Offer

FDA Status

Warranty

Are Hearing Aids Customizable?

MDHearingAid

$799.99 – $1199.99 a pair

CORE, AIR, and VOLT+

FDA registered

Standard 90-day warranty

Only sound is customizable

MiracleEar

$1,000.00 – $4000.00 per ear

MINI, ENERGY, and EASY in RIC, BTE, or in-ear form

FDA approved

Three-year limited warranty

Yes

Listen Lively

$1,850.00 – $2,400.00 a pair

Rechargeable or battery-powered BTE models

FDA approved

Three-year warranty

Only sound is customizable

Eargo

$1,850.00 – $2,950.00 a pair

MAX, NEO, and NEO HiFi invisible in-ear devices

FDA registered

One year warranty

Only sound is customizable

Nano

$397.00 – $897.00 per ear

CIC, Sigma, X2, and RX2000

FDA registered

One year warranty

No

HearingAssist

$399.99 – $999.99 a pair

Recharge!, Recharge! Bluetooth, and Cool Aids 

FDA registered

One year warranty

No

Audien

$89.00 – $249.00 a pair

EV1 and EV3 in-ear devices

FDA registered

One year warranty

No

Lucid

$1399.98 – $3000,00+ a pair

Various BTE and CIC models

Unknown

One year warranty

Yes

Quick Verdict: Best Hearing Aid Brands Ranked

  1. Best Hearing Aid Brand – MDHearingAid – Overall quality, easy access, and affordability make them the overall best hearing aid brand.
  2. Best Variety and Customization Options – MiracleEar – Manufactures BTE, RIC, and CIC devices with various features and customization options.
  3. Most Affordable FDA Approved Brand – Listen Lively – Offers two basic BTE models that are FDA approved and very affordable.
  4. Best Invisible Hearing Aid Brand – Eargo – Completely in canal devices that are comfortable and rechargeable.
  5. Best Buy One Get One Free Brand – Nano – The brand does not offer high-quality features but does run a buy one get one free promotion making the devices very affordable.
  6. Best Rechargeable Brand – HearingAssist – The brand focuses mainly on achieving standard sound quality in easily rechargeable devices.
  7. Cheapest Hearing Device – Audien – Very affordable brand; however, sound quality and company reputation are often questioned.
  8. Best Sound Setting Range – Lucid – Offers 128 sound channels for a personalized listening experience.

Hearing Aid Manufacturers: The Best Hearing Aid Brands in the World

Finding the right hearing aid manufacturer does not have to be a challenge. Here are the top eight hearing aid brands available on the market.

hearing aid brands

1. MDHearingAid

Feature

Description

Star Rating

Price

$799.99 – $1199.99 a pair

5/5

Types of Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear only

3.5/5

How to Order

Online through the official website, Amazon, or Walmart

5/5

Refund Policy

45-day risk-free trial

5/5

Bundles on Offer

Often offers buy one get one free promotions

4/5

Pros:

  • Feedback cancellation and background noise reduction technology provides high-quality sound
  • Offers rechargeable or Bluetooth-enabled models
  • FDA registered
  • Provides four sound environment hearing aid settings
  • Very affordable

Cons:

  • Only BTE models are available
  • Not all models are water-resistant

MDHearingAid manufactures medical-grade hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The company’s signature BTE hearing aids can be bought online without a prescription and with or without a hearing exam. 

The AIR model is the most basic device manufactured and offers high-quality hearing aids at an affordable price. Although slightly more expensive, the CORE model features Bluetooth connectivity, while the VOLT+ rechargeable hearing aids ensure you don’t ever need to purchase or replace hearing aid batteries again.

Bottom Line:

MDHearingAid is one of the top hearing aid manufacturers, specializing in high-quality devices at very affordable prices. For more information on the brand, check out our MDHearingAid review.

2. MiracleEar

Feature

Description

Star Rating

Price

$1,000 – $4,000 per ear

2.5/5

Types of Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, invisible-in-canal, and in-the-ear devices 

5/5

How to Order

Appointment and in-person visit required for purchase

2/5

Refund Policy

30-day refund period

3.5/5

Bundles on Offer 

Each device is fully customizable and is covered by lifetime aftercare. 

5/5

Pros:

  • FDA-approved
  • The website offers an online hearing test
  • Wide range of products
  • Customizable fit
  • Good quality sound
  • Suitable for any level of hearing loss

Cons:

  • More expensive than other similar hearing aids
  • Difficult to access as a visit to a physical store is necessary to purchase the devices.

MiracleEar hearing aids are FDA approved and can be customized to fit your ear and ensure your comfort while combatting the effects of hearing loss. 

The key features of each of their most popular models are: 

  • Miracle-EarMINI RIC: Best noise management and environment settings
  • Miracle-EarMINI IIC: Virtually invisible in-canal device
  • Miracle-EarENERGY iRIC: Sleek, Bluetooth connectible device allowing users to stream audio
  • Miracle-EarENERGY BTE: Offers Bluetooth connectivity and a portable charger
  • Miracle-EarENERGY GO: Adaptive directionality for better speech understanding
  • Miracle-EarEASY RIC: Discreet design with basic functionality
  • Miracle-EarEASY BTE: Basic device suitable for all hearing loss levels

Miracle-EarENERGY devices are all rechargeable, while most MiracleEar hearing aids boast high-quality sound and noise reduction. 

Bottom Line:

There are no doubts when it comes to the quality of MiracleEar devices. However, other over-the-counter hearing aid models like those produced by MDHearingAid offer similar sound quality at a much lower price. 

For a more comprehensive look at this company’s devices, check out our MiracleEar review.

3. Listen Lively 

Feature

Description

Star Rating

Price

$1,850 – $2,400 a pair

3.5/5

Types of Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear only

3.5/5

How to Order

Order online after an optional hearing test

4/5

Refund Policy

100-day risk-free trial

5/5

Bundles on Offer

Lively bundle includes a pair of hearing aids, three years of audiologist care, and access to the Lively smartphone app

4/5

Pros:

  • FDA approved
  • The app allows you to adjust your devices’ settings
  • Purchase includes three years of hearing loss support from an audiologist.

Cons:

  • Not customizable for a personalized fitting
  • Only suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss

The Listen Lively BTE hearing aid comes in only two versions: rechargeable or battery powered. 

Unlike other hearing aids, the devices from Lively accompany three-year access to specialized audiologist care and a 100-day money-back guarantee ensuring their customers have access to all the assistance they need. 

However, the devices are slightly more expensive than similar alternatives on the market. 

Bottom Line:

Listen Lively offers only one type of hearing aid and strives to perfect the model. With high-quality sound and easy usability, the only drawback of these devices is their price.

If you’re looking for more information on these hearing aids, take a look at our Listen Lively review

4. Eargo

Feature

Description

Star Rating

Price

$1,850 – $2,950 a pair

3/5

Types of Hearing Aids

Nearly invisible in the ear canal devices

4/5

How to Order

Order online after an optional hearing test

4/5

Refund Policy

45-day full refund period

4/5

Bundles on Offer

All Eargo devices come with cleaning supplies and Flexi Fibers or Palms for a comfortable in-ear fit

4/5

Pros:

  • All devices are rechargeable
  • Nearly invisible appearance
  • It does not require a prescription or audiologist’s recommendation.

Cons:

  • Not customizable
  • Can only be bought in pairs
  • Sound amplification and noise cancellation may somewhat lack quality.

Eargo hearing aids are designed to be nearly invisible, sitting comfortably in your ear canal, unseen by those around you. They can help people with mild to intermediate hearing loss.

Although the NeoHiFi model has improved its overall sound quality and noise reduction, the Eargo devices overall are lacking and can sometimes make it seem as though they are simply amplifiers. 

Bottom Line:

Despite not all models being Bluetooth enabled, Eargo hearing aids are easy to use and nearly invisible, helping people who feel self-conscious about wearing hearing aids. The only drawback is their overall sound quality and the uncontrollable interference or lack of background noise cancellation at times. 

For a more detailed look at Eargo devices, check out our complete Eargo review.

5. Nano

Feature

Description

Star Rating

Price

$397.00 – $897.00 per ear

3/5

Types of Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear or completely-in-the-canal

4/5

How to Order

Order online through the website or Amazon

3.5/5

Refund Policy

45-day money-back guarantee

4/5

Bundles on Offer

Each device comes with cleaning supplies, at least six months worth of batteries, and the website usually has a buy one get one free promotion

4/5

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • You don’t need a hearing exam to purchase
  • Four different sound settings
  • 6-14 day battery life on most devices

Cons:

  • Some users claim their devices only provide sound amplification
  • Not true medical hearing aids
  • They are not FDA approved

Nano Hearing Aids is a self-proclaimed hearing aid manufacturer that has come under scrutiny since it was founded in 2017. Although the company produces four different hearing aids to assist with hearing loss, many customers complain the devices work more like amplifiers and make it very difficult to hear speech or important sounds in noisy environments. 

Bottom Line:

Although the company produces affordable behind or in the ear devices, sound quality is lacking. For the same price as the more expensive Nano Sigma, you can instead purchase a high-quality hearing aid from a manufacturer like MDHearingAid.

Our Nano Hearing Aids review covers everything you need to know about the company.

6. Hearing Assist

Feature

Description

Star Rating

Price

$399.99 – $999.99 a pair

3/5

Types of Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, completely in-ear

5/5

How to Order

Order online through the website or Amazon, or purchase at Walmart

5/5

Refund Policy

60-day refund guarantee

5/5

Bundles on Offer

Each pair comes with multiple earbud sizes and a rechargeable device option

3/5

Pros:

  • Four volume and noise reduction settings
  • Can connect to the Hearing Assist smartphone app
  • Various models to suit your preferences

Cons:

  • It does not offer high-quality noise or interference reduction
  • It can’t be used without a compatible smartphone to adjust volume levels

Hearing Assist offers a range of invisible and BTE hearing aids to treat mild to moderate hearing loss. Like Nano, many complain about the lack of noise reduction while using Hearing Assist devices, which may discourage people searching for a true hearing aid from buying their products.

Bottom Line:

Although Hearing Assist manufactures various devices to assist people with hearing loss–including Bluetooth-enabled, rechargeable hearing aids–their overall quality of sound and noise reduction leaves them at a disadvantage compared to other hearing aid brands.

For more information on this manufacturer, check out our Hearing Assist review.

7. Audien

Feature

Description

Star Rating

Price

$89.00 – $249.00 a pair

4/5

Types of Hearing Aids

In-ear-canal only

3/5

How to Order

Online from their website

3.5/5

Refund Policy

45-day return policy

4/5

Bundles on Offer

Each device comes with a charger, microphone, and other standard accessories

4/5

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • 20-hour battery life between charges
  • Free worldwide shipping

Cons:

  • The company has been under scrutiny for suspicious claims
  • Devices simply amplify sound

Audien Hearing has come under scrutiny for making false claims about their hearing aids, company and being the most recommended online hearing aid by audiologists. Many customers have complained about not receiving their products or their hearing aids not working as advertised. 

Audien has a 1.37/5 rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). 

Bottom Line:

Despite their affordability, the company’s misleading advertising and unpredictability regarding the quality of their devices may discourage many with hearing loss from using the brand for hearing care. 

For more information about the brand, take a look at our Audien hearing aids article.

8. Lucid

Feature

Description

Star Rating

Price

$1399.98 – $3000+ a pair

2.5/5

Types of Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear, completely-in-canal

4.5/5

How to Order

In-person appointment and hearing exam required to order

2/5

Refund Policy

No information available

1/5

Bundles on Offer

Devices typically come with extra batteries and cleaning supplies

3/5

Pros:

  • Good quality sound
  • Bluetooth compatible, specifically with iPhone
  • 128 different sound channels

Cons:

  • Require an in-person appointment to order
  • Relatively more expensive than other similar options

Lucid is a hearing aid manufacturer that produces devices with excellent sound processing capabilities in various forms. 

Most Lucid hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled devices and are aimed at compatibility with iPhones and other Apple devices. All their models are medical-grade hearing aids aimed at treating the full range of hearing loss levels.

Bottom Line:

Lucid offers true hearing aids with a range of additional features like Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries. The brand use technology present in some of the latest hearing aids on the market. However, their pricing reflects the quality and can put them out of reach for many people suffering from hearing loss. 

For more information, check out our article on Lucid hearing aids.

What Is the Best and Most Affordable Hearing Aid?

The top hearing aid brand for both affordability and quality is MDHearingAid. Unlike other hearing aid manufacturers, the company focuses on producing a limited range of high-quality devices purchased in pairs or as a single hearing aid.

Hearing Aid Price List

What To Look For in Hearing Aid Manufacturers

Finding the best hearing aids to fit your level of hearing loss and personal preferences can be challenging. Before committing to a brand or device, consider the following: 

Quality

Ensure the hearing aids you are purchasing have good noise and interference cancellation technology and educate yourself on the difference between a hearing aid and an amplification device to avoid buying the wrong product.

Options 

Most hearing aids are now digital and offer clearer sound, but analog hearing aids are still available from some brands and can be a more affordable option to reduce the effects of hearing loss. 

The different types of devices, including BTE, CIC, and RIC hearing aids, all work equally well, although they are better suited to certain types of hearing loss. CIC and RIC devices are often best for high frequency hearing loss as the open spaces in your ears allow for the passage of ambient sound. BTE hearing aids are typically used for severe or profound hearing loss. 

Affordability 

Hearing aid prices vary about as much as their quality. Today, even advanced hearing aids can be affordable if partly covered by insurance or the right company is found. 

If you have hearing loss in only one ear, you may also benefit budget-wise from purchasing only one hearing aid. 

Warranty

Although most hearing aid manufacturers offer warranties, you should always double-check before buying and, if possible, purchase an additional protection plan to keep your hearing aid experience as worry-free as possible.

FAQ

Below are the most frequently asked questions about hearing aid brands.

What Is Considered the Best Hearing Aid Brand?

Taking into account affordability, ease of access, and overall quality, MDHearingAid is the best brand. Purchase does not require a prescription or hearing exam, the devices offer excellent sound quality, and their prices rival every other similar option on the market.

What Is the Most Advanced Hearing Aid?

The most advanced hearing aid on this list is MiracleEar. Their devices offer the best customization of all the brands and a wide range of FDA-approved products offering Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and a host of quality specifications. 

However, MiracleEar hearing aids can be challenging to access as you need to make a physical visit to one of their locations to order or purchase any of their devices. They are also more expensive than similar MDHearingAid models that can simply be ordered online.

Conclusion 

Buying new hearing aids can be exciting and rewarding, especially if you’ve been having difficulty hearing or experiencing hearing loss. There are many popular hearing aid brands available on the market. This article gave you a detailed overview of those offering quality devices, the most affordable options, and brands you should steer clear of at all costs. 

If you are looking for an affordable, easily accessed, high-quality hearing aid, take a look at our complete MDHearingAid review.