According to The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), one in three people from the ages of 65- 74 suffers from hearing loss. This doesn’t account for those born with a hearing deficit or those outside the survey age. Because of this, it is important to know the options available when it comes to hearing amplifiers or hearing aids.
What are the best rechargeable hearing amplifiers? There are many quality hearing amplifiers on the market at a variety of price points. This article is going to highlight 8 of the highest rated hearing amplifiers in each of the three price points: high, middle, and low.
- EARGO Neo – Virtually Invisible Hearing Aid
- Neosonic Hearing Amplifier MX Rechargeable for Seniors and Adults, Dual Directional Microphones for The Best Noise Cancelling (Beige-Pair)
- iBstone Hearing Amplifier Rechargeable Vive20, Digital BTE Hearing Aid with Noise Reduction, FDA Registered Personal Sound Amplifier Devices PSAP (Pair, Beige)
- Pure Digital Hearing Aid Rechargeable (Aids for Each Ear), Adjusts to Match Your Hearing, FDA Registered, Hearing Aids for Adults and Seniors, Comp – Video Otoscope and Hearing Test App
- Earup Personal Rechargeable Hearing Amplifier for Adults Seniors, Magnetic Contact Charging Sound Device with Earbuds Voice Enhancer 4 Working Programs 1 Pair
- Banglijian Hearing Amplifier Rechargeable Ziv-206 with 4 Channels Layered Noise Reduction Adaptive Feedback Cancellation-with 2 Types of Sound Tubes
- Coniler Hearing Amplifier for Adults and Seniors, Rechargeable Digital Hearing Aids Fit Both Ears with Dynamic Compression for Noise Reduction 2Packs
- Clearon Rechargeable Digital Hearing Amplifier CL 220T – 500 Battery Life Cycles of Charge and Discharge – FDA Approved (1-Pack)
Whether you experience minimal or profound hearing loss, you know how detrimental it can be in social situations when you are trying to have a conversation. The cost of hearing amplifiers can be hefty and is not often covered by insurance companies. Therefore many people are responsible for covering the cost out of pocket. No matter what price point you can attain, there are hearing amplifiers available to you, which will be highlighted in this article.
When is it Time to Look into Hearing Amplifiers?
You may be asking yourself when it is the appropriate time to investigate purchasing an amplifier. Honestly, there isn’t a right or wrong time to investigate the purchase. I would recommend when you notice the quality of your hearing deteriorating to the point that conversations are challenging, you may want to begin researching.
Levels of Hearing Loss
Perhaps conversation isn’t the only thing that is difficult to hear. When you begin losing your ability to hear, which is typically in your 40’s, it will likely begin as a slow progression. There are 6 levels of hearing loss, which are explained by the Global Burden of Disease Group.
| Mild hearing loss | Difficulty hearing a clock tick |
| Moderate hearing loss | Difficulty hearing a typical vacuum cleaner |
| Moderately severe hearing loss | Difficulty hearing a dog bark |
| Severe hearing loss | Difficulty hearing a baby cry |
| Profound hearing loss | Difficulty hearing an airplane |
| Disabling hearing loss | Difficulty hearing most sounds |
As you can see, the trajectory at which hearing loss occurs is quite significant, and likely doesn’t occur overnight. Of course, if you have a history of working around loud machines or other equipment that may have impacted your hearing, you may notice a more rapid decline.
When looking at any physical ailment, it may be necessary to be diagnosed by a health professional. If you notice a significant hearing loss and rank on profound or disabling hearing loss, from your personal assessment, it may be wise to visit your doctor first to rule out underlying physical conditions.
Where Can I Get Hearing Amplifiers?
If you are noticing significant hearing loss or even minimal hearing loss, you may be wondering where to get a hearing amplifier. The good news is they are readily available for purchase, and there are options to fit with every budget level.
You can always visit a trained professional like an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician for a complete physical examination of your years, you can to a hearing amplifier specific retailer, or you can even purchase hearing amplifiers from Amazon.
A word of caution if your hearing loss occurred very quickly, meaning you woke up unable to hear out of one or both of your ears, it is important to be seen by a physician. The quick onset may be pointing to an underlying medical condition that must be treated first.
How Much do they Cost?
It is widely known that hearing amplifiers can be quite costly, but because of their popularity, there are now units available for multiple budgets. According to Consumer Affairs, “the average cost of one digital hearing aid can range from $1,000 – $4,000.”
Looking at numbers like this can be mind numbing for many, especially for the elderly population that is on a fixed income. The good news is that ordering hearing amplifiers online can be much more cost-effective. The only downfall with ordering online is that you don’t have the personal attention of a licensed physician.
Online you can find many top-rated rechargeable hearing amplifiers. The price ranges from $2,350 – $49.00 for a pair. It is important to read item descriptions carefully to ensure the cost is including a pair of amplifiers as well as a charging station. It is easy to overlook the details and end up paying more than you intended.
What Are the Types of Hearing Amplifiers?
When preparing to purchase hearing amplifiers, you will find 2 types of amplifiers that can be purchased.
- Analog
- Digital
Analog Hearing Amplifiers
Analog hearing amplifiers used to be a very common choice but are not as popular currently. Analog hearing aids amplify all sounds in the environment, including speech and nose. Because of this, it can be challenging to adjust the settings to only hear what you want to.
Digital Hearing Amplifiers
Digital hearing amplifiers are becoming more popular. While like the analog version, they are more able to filter out sounds and process only the sounds you wish to hear in a digital format. While you will have an amplification of background and voice sounds, they may be clearer.
Styles of Hearing Amplifiers
When you think of the word style, I’m guessing hearing amplifiers don’t come to mind, but with modern technology, gone are the days of bulky hearing amplifiers that were difficult to conceal. Hearing amplifiers come in a variety of styles, each created with specific needs in mind.
- In the canal
- In the ear
- Behind the ear
In the past, you saw hearing amplifiers that were large and stuck out from behind the ear. Now there are options that are virtually invisible.
In the Canal Hearing Amplifiers
This model of hearing amplifier sits directly in your ear canal and is the least obvious of the styles. When choosing to purchase this type of amplifier, you will likely need to be fitted by a professional to ensure it is placed correctly.
Although this style is a much more discreet way to use a hearing amplifier, it is not without issues. Sometimes the amplifier doesn’t fit correctly in the ear, causing discomfort to the wearer. The battery life of this type of amplifier may not be long. The cost of this model is also greater due to the need for customization.
However, if you can get past the fit and lower battery life, you will likely enjoy a more natural sound experience with limited feedback.
In the Ear Hearing Amplifiers
In the ear amplifiers are slightly larger than the in the canal style but are still discreetly tucked inside your ear. This style will be more noticeable, but because of its size, it may be easier for the wearer to manage.
Because this style sits inside your ear, it will also provide a more natural sound experience for the wearer. However, because it is an in the ear model, it will need to be customized, which can raise the price.
Behind the Ear Hearing Amplifiers
This style of hearing amplifier is quite typical. Although the style has changed over the years, it is still an eye catching style of hearing amplifier, which is not preferred by many wearers. Because over the ear models are larger, they also have a longer lasting battery life and are very user friendly.
Behind the ear amplifiers may be considered the most comfortable on the market because they simply hook over your ear. Along with the comfort of wearing also comes a comfortable price tag. Over the ear models are typically much less expensive than the more modern hearing amplifiers.
No matter what style of hearing amplifier you choose, one this is certain. You want to make sure it is comfortable both physically and financially.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Hearing Amplifiers?
When looking at the cost of hearing amplifiers, you may quickly question the specific coverage you have with your insurance policy. Unfortunately, most insurance companies don’t provide coverage for hearing amplifiers or hearing exams. However, there are many supplemental insurance options that will help offset your cost.
If you think hearing amplifiers are in your near future, it would be advantageous to investigate your options ahead of time. Not all, but some will not cover pre-existing conditions, so it would be wise to have the supplemental insurance before making any ENT appointments and receiving a diagnosis. Some also require a specified waiting period before coverage begins. Take your time and research these options.
What Brands are Best?
This is a question that can be used for any purchase you are making, and the opinions can be very subjective. The best thing to do is research and talk to actual customers that use the products. Reviews can be very helpful when looking at product quality as well.
In the list provided, you will see a variety of brands, all of which received nearly five-star reviews. The top of the list is Eargo and Neosonic. Both of which have excellent reviews.
- Eargo
- Eargo is a relatively new company that provides the majority of its sales online, particularly through Amazon. The hearing amplifiers offered are the in the canal style, but a fitting is not required. The company has been able to forego this step by creating hearing amplifiers with leaf like silicone pieces that help hold the amplifier into your canal.
- Customer support from a trained professional is also readily available if questions arise.
- They offer three different types of hearing amplifiers as well.
- Neosonic
- Neosonic provides affordable options for people that need hearing amplifiers. They are an online retailer, so there is no need to visit for fittings.
- The website is easy to navigate, and trained professionals can answer questions you may have.
- The main amplifiers offered are behind the ear.
Again, as you begin to search for the best hearing amplifier to suit your needs, it is going to be best for you to do some research to determine what will help the most. It is also important to look at the amount you are willing and able to spend. Remember, the most expensive may not always be the best option.
Top 8 Hearing Amplifiers
Searching for the best hearing amplifier can be frustrating, not only because of all the styles and types available but also because of the cost. Sure, there are typically payment plans, but is this something you want to try to figure into your budget. Likely you don’t want to spend a huge amount of money to hear comfortably. These are the top-rated hearing amplifiers in order from the highest price to the lowest.
- EARGO Neo – Virtually Invisible Hearing Aid
Cost: $2350.00
Where to purchase: click on the Amazon link below so you can get the most updated price and we may get an affiliate commission.
This is a fascinating hearing amplifier to look at. This amplifier is unique because of the way it stays in your ear. Instead of having a molded earpiece, there are silicone featherlike pieces that hold the earpieces in place. Because of the silicone pieces, there is no need to have a professional fitting, making this easy to purchase online.
These amplifiers come in a pair and are housed in a case that also acts as a charging station, so there are no extra cables or components to worry about purchasing. You are also guaranteed lifetime support for your devices.
This is available in standard and HiFi formats. If you choose to go with the HiFi model, you will need to pay approximately $300 more.
- Neosonic Hearing Amplifier MX Rechargeable for Seniors and Adults, Dual Directional Microphones for The Best Noise Cancelling (Beige-Pair)
Cost: $698.00
Where to purchase: click on the Amazon link below so you can get the most updated price and we may get an affiliate commission.
These hearing amplifiers are a basic behind the ear model but have both a front and rear microphone, which helps amplify sound and filter out unwanted noises. Because this is a behind the ear model, it is not as discreet as the in-ear models, which may be a turn-off to some people.
When looking at the cost, this is a good deal, considering you get a pair of hearing amplifiers as well as a magnetic charging station. You can fully charge the hearing aids in four hours, which is handy if you are preparing to go out and notice low batteries.
- iBstone Hearing Amplifier Rechargeable Vive20, Digital BTE Hearing Aid with Noise Reduction, FDA Registered Personal Sound Amplifier Devices PSAP (Pair, Beige)
Cost: $498.00
Where to purchase: click on the Amazon link below so you can get the most updated price and we may get an affiliate commission.
These are quality, digital hearing amplifiers without a hefty price tag. You not only receive a pair of amplifiers, but you also get a magnetic charging station as well. Although compact, these amplifiers fit behind the ear, so they may be considered too bulky for some wearers.
- Pure Digital Hearing Aid Rechargeable (Aids for Each Ear), Adjusts to Match Your Hearing, FDA Registered, Hearing Aids for Adults and Seniors, Comp – Video Otoscope and Hearing Test App
Cost:
Where you can find related products : Medical Supply Depot
NOTE: this was not available in Amazon the last time this was updated.
These amplifiers are unique because they can connect to your phone via Bluetooth so you can control the volume using your phone. The Bluetooth capability will only connect to a smartphone, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally connecting to other Bluetooth enabled devices.
When you receive these amplifiers, you receive a magnetic charger as well as a free otoscope. The purpose of the otoscope is to check your ear for obstructions that may be causing the hearing loss, before inserting the amplifiers.
Purchasing these amplifiers will give you a lot of bang for your buck. If you notice that amplification is no longer helping you, they convert to hearing aids, which means no need for another expensive purchase.
- Earup Personal Rechargeable Hearing Amplifier for Adults Seniors, Magnetic Contact Charging Sound Device with Earbuds Voice Enhancer 4 Working Programs 1 Pair
Cost: $279.99
Where to purchase: click on the Amazon link below so you can get the most updated price and we may get an affiliate commission.
These amplifiers are self-fitting and come with two different types of hearing tubes, depending on what is most comfortable for you. There is also a magnetic charging station included for ease of charging. A benefit of these amplifiers is they can be purchased individually or as a pair.
The charging station is easy to transport and can be used with a standard USB cable and can be easily charged in about three and a half hours.
- Banglijian Hearing Amplifier Rechargeable Ziv-206 with 4 Channels Layered Noise Reduction Adaptive Feedback Cancellation-with 2 Types of Sound Tubes
Cost: $149.00 (per device)
Where to purchase: click on the Amazon link below so you can get the most updated price and we may get an affiliate commission.
These amplifiers only come individually, but they are a good choice for a mid-price budget. They are a behind the ear model, which makes them a bit bulkier, but they make up for the bulk in quality. There are three modes to choose from, so you can easily adjust to the environment you are in.
Because the amplifiers charge with a USB cable, they can be charged anywhere you are if you have a cable and plugin option. One great thing about these amplifiers is the ultra-fast charge time. You can fully charge the amplifiers in 2 hours, which will last for 20-24 hours.
- Coniler Smart Hearing Amplifier for Adults and Seniors, Rechargeable Digital Hearing Aids Fit Both Ears with Dynamic Compression for Noise Reduction 2Packs
Cost: $216.99
Where to purchase: click on the Amazon link below so you can get the most updated price and we may get an affiliate commission.
These amplifiers come in a pack of two and are a great value with a high-quality rating. They are behind the ear, so you need to be prepared for a bit of extra bulk. If you can live with the bulkiness, you will likely be very pleased with your purchase.
When you receive the pair of amplifiers, you will also receive a case, charger, hearing tubes and ear domes. The inclusion of these extra pieces ensures you will be able to get the best possible fit. These are self-fitting hearing amplifiers, so there is no need to get fitted before wearing them.
The amplifiers are charged via USB cable and will reach full charge within 4 hours. This full charge can last up to 20 hours, which means they are virtually hassle-free amplifiers, so you won’t need to worry about the hearing amplifier ceasing to work after a short time.
- Clearon Rechargeable Digital Hearing Amplifier CL 220T – 500 Battery Life Cycles of Charge and Discharge – FDA Approved (1-Pack)
Cost: $45.99 (per device)
Where to purchase: click on the Amazon link below so you can get the most updated price and we may get an affiliate commission.
These amplifiers come individually, so you will need to make sure you purchase two if amplifiers are needed for each ear. This model is a behind the ear style, so there is a greater bulk. If you can handle the bulk, you should be quite pleased with the performance.
They are easily charged with a USB cable and can reach full charge relatively quickly, so there is no need to wait around for charging to take place. It is also easy to charge the amplifiers on the go because of the USB charging cable.
What if My Amplifier Doesn’t Work or Fit Properly?
Before you purchase any hearing amplifier, be sure to read and understand the return policy clearly. Most companies allow a return within a very specific number of days past the purchase. If you go beyond these days, you won’t be able to return the amplifier no matter how unhappy you are.
Because the amplifiers on this specific list are self-fitting, most have a pretty reliable and solid return policy. If you have questions, ask before you buy. The last thing you want is to get stuck with an expensive piece of equipment that you don’t have a use for.
What are Charging Cycles?
When you begin looking at the hearing amplifiers on this list, you will see the term charging cycles. It is just what it sounds like, a cycle of charging. The number of charging cycles is quite high for most of these amplifiers, but it is important to realize the efficiency of the battery may begin to deteriorate after the maximum number of charge cycles is reached.
How Will I Know the Battery Efficiency is Becoming Limited?
It may not be obvious right away that the battery efficiency is dwindling, but it will become noticeable over time. You may notice the amplifiers don’t hold a charge like they used to, meaning you find yourself charging them more frequently. In a worst-case scenario, you will notice the amplifier not holding a charge for even a limited time.
If you notice this happening with minimal charge cycles, you may need to reach out to the manufacturer for tips or to return a possibly faulty hearing amplifier. Most companies are very understanding and work to ensure their consumer is happy.
How Do Self-Fitting Hearing Amplifiers Compare to Other Models?
When looking at self-fitting hearing amplifiers vs. amplifiers that need to be custom fitted, you will notice the first difference is the price. Just like anything, when you choose to customize, you also choose to increase the amount you are willing to pay.
You may also find access to professional assistance when a problem arises may be more helpful, simply because you can speak to someone in person. However, most repairs are typically sent off site, so whether you go to a professional hearing amplifier brick and mortar store or order online, you will likely be without your amplifier for a bit, if repairs are necessary.
If you are choosing a self-fitting hearing amplifier, you are also choosing to forego a physical exam to determine if an amplifier is going to solve your hearing issues. Most of the time, this will be okay, but if there is an underlying medical issue, such as an ear infection or a blockage, the amplifier will not solve the problem and could make things worse.
Final Thoughts
When you are prepared to decide about the best hearing amplifier, you need to choose what is best for you both physically and monetarily. It is also important that you choose an amplifier that meets the level of hearing loss you are experiencing. If you are really struggling to hear, it may be beneficial to see your physician first to rule out any medical issues before making any purchases.