TLDR: After testing nearly a dozen OTC hearing aids, the Audien Atom 2 stood out. It matched or outperformed pricier models in quality but cost a fraction of the price.
Struggling to catch every word in conversations or missing out on the subtle sounds of daily life?
Hearing loss can be frustrating and isolating, but the good news is that over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids have become more accessible and advanced, offering effective solutions without the need for a prescription.
Navigating the myriad of options can be overwhelming.
Don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
After extensive research and testing, we’ve identified the top five OTC hearing aids of that cater to various needs and budgets.
How We selected the top OTC Hearing devices
To identify the top over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, we spend hours doing a comprehensive market analysis.
We also reviewed expert recommendations and consumer feedback from reputable sources, including audiologist-approved alternatives.
This approach allowed us to pinpoint popular and emerging models in the OTC hearing aid market.
Sound Quality
The clarity and naturalness of the amplified sound, as well as effective noise reduction capabilities
Comfort
The design’s fit and comfort for extended wear, including considerations for different ear shapes and sizes
Battery Life
The duration of use per charge and the convenience of recharging options
Ease of Use
User-friendly controls, straightforward setup processes, and compatibility with other devices, such as smartphones or televisions
Price
The overall cost relative to the features and performance offered, ensuring a balance between affordability and quality
The Best OTC Hearing aids
The Audien Atom 2 hearing aid distinguishes itself as an exceptional choice, offering a harmonious blend of cost-effectiveness, subtle design, and sophisticated features.
The Audien Atom has quickly become our top choice for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids priced under $100. Its combination of affordability, functionality, and user-friendly design makes it a standout option for those seeking effective hearing enhancement without breaking the bank.
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 hearing aids stand out due to their comprehensive feature set, making them a top choice for those seeking high-quality over-the-counter hearing solutions.
We appreciate the MDHearing VOLT for its straightforward design, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness.
1. Audien Atom 2: Best Overall… Premium hearing at An affordable price
The Audien Atom 2 hearing aid distinguishes itself as an exceptional choice, offering a harmonious blend of cost-effectiveness, subtle design, and sophisticated features.
The Audien Atom 2 has truly impressed us with its medical-grade sound quality, compact completely-in-canal (CIC) design, and budget-friendly price.
If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, and easy-to-use OTC hearing aid, this one checks all the right boxes.
Right out of the box, the Atom 2 felt high-quality and well-designed. The packaging was sleek, and setup was straightforward.
It arrived just three days after ordering, which was a nice surprise!
The sound clarity is outstanding for the price.
The Atom 2 does an excellent job at amplifying speech while reducing background noise, making conversations much easier to follow
Even in crowded places like restaurants or family gatherings.
The 24-hour rechargeable battery is another major plus, eliminating the need for constant battery replacements.
Compared to similar hearing aids in this price range, the Atom 2 delivers features typically found in higher-end models.
Many users noted that they tried other budget-friendly options but found the Atom 2’s clarity, fit, and battery life superior.
Customers love the clear sound quality, ease of use, and value of the Atom 2, and we couldn’t agree more.
If you want an affordable, effective OTC hearing aid that focuses on the essentials without unnecessary complexity, the Audien Atom 2 is a fantastic choice.
2. Audien Atom
The Audien Atom has quickly become our top choice for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids priced under $100. Its combination of affordability, functionality, and user-friendly design makes it a standout option for those seeking effective hearing enhancement without breaking the bank.
Upon receiving the Atom, we were immediately impressed by its sleek and compact design.
The device fits comfortably within the ear canal, making it both discreet and comfortable for extended wear.
The inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes ensured a snug fit, catering to various ear shapes and sizes.
Setting up the Atom was straightforward.
The device features a manual volume adjustment, allowing users to tailor the amplification to their specific needs.
While this requires a small flat-head screwdriver for adjustments, we found it manageable and appreciated the simplicity it offers.
In our experience, the Atom provided a noticeable improvement in speech clarity, especially in quiet environments.
While it lacks advanced features like noise reduction and wireless connectivity, it serves its primary purpose of amplifying sound effectively for individuals with mild hearing loss.
The rechargeable battery is a significant advantage, offering up to 20 hours of continuous use, ensuring reliability throughout the day.
Many users have shared positive experiences with the Audien Atom.
One customer mentioned that the earplug “fits perfectly and comfortably,” and that the hearing is “very clear and very easy to adjust.”
They also appreciated the simple setup and convenient charging case, noting it as a “great alternative to expensive hearing aids.”
Affordability: At under $100, the Atom offers a cost-effective solution for those seeking basic hearing assistance.
Rechargeable Convenience: The inclusion of a rechargeable battery eliminates the recurring expense and hassle of disposable batteries.
Compact Design: Its discreet, in-ear design ensures users can wear it confidently without drawing attention.
The Audien Atom stands out as an excellent entry-level OTC hearing aid.
While it may not boast the advanced features of higher-priced models, it delivers on essential functions, providing clear amplification for those with mild hearing loss.
Its combination of affordability, ease of use, and reliable performance makes it a worthwhile consideration for anyone exploring hearing assistance options on a budget.
3. Jabra Enhance Select 500
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 hearing aids stand out due to their comprehensive feature set, making them a top choice for those seeking high-quality over-the-counter hearing solutions.
We were genuinely impressed by the Jabra Enhance Select 500.
These OTC hearing aids pack a premium punch that immediately sets them apart from other models on the market.
The Enhance Select 500 is thoughtfully engineered for everyday wear.
Its discreet behind-the-ear design ensures it sits comfortably and stays hidden, even when paired with glasses.
The well-conceived hardware compartment means nothing gets in the way of your daily activities comfort and style go hand in hand.
This device truly excels in delivering a clear listening experience.
Its directional microphones focus on voices, making conversations in group settings much easier to follow.
Plus, the advanced noise cancellation technology significantly reduces background noise perfect for busy restaurants or noisy environments.
We especially appreciated the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows seamless streaming of calls, music, and media directly to your hearing aids.
One of the standout features is the Jabra Enhance app.
The app empowers you to fine-tune your hearing settings whether adjusting volume or personalizing sound environments to match your unique needs.
This level of control makes it simple and intuitive, a sentiment echoed by many users in customer reviews who rave about its ease of use.
While the price tag of $1,795 to $1,995 (depending on your service plan) might seem steep at first, the robust feature set and performance justify the investment.
Many users have commented on how the Enhance Select 500 outperforms similar products, noting its high-quality sound and effective noise reduction.
Although a few mentioned that the initial setup process could be a bit time-consuming, the overall benefits and long-term satisfaction make it well worth the effort.
Overall, the Jabra Enhance Select 500 is a top contender in the OTC hearing aid space.
Its blend of advanced technology, comfort, and personalized features really impressed us, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to enhance their hearing experience.
4. Eargo SE
We were genuinely impressed by the Eargo SE’s modern approach to hearing enhancement.
Unlike the bulkier behind-the-ear models such as the Jabra Enhance Select 500 and MDHearing VOLT, the Eargo SE’s completely-in-canal design offers an exceptionally discreet solution that sits comfortably in your ear.
We loved how its soft, flexible materials adapt perfectly to each ear without needing custom molds, a feature echoed by many satisfied customers who value its hidden, secure fit.
From a functionality standpoint, the advanced digital sound processing really stood out to us.
It automatically adjusts to your surroundings, ensuring that every conversation sounds crisp whether you’re in a quiet room or a noisy auditorium.
Its four distinct sound profiles make it versatile enough for a variety of environments, proving that it doesn’t compromise on performance for the sake of design.
One minor point to consider is the battery life.
With a 16-hour runtime, it covers a full day’s use, but if you’re often on the go or working long shifts, you might find models like the Audien or Jabra a bit more accommodating in that aspect.
However, for many of us, the combination of discreet design, advanced processing, and overall comfort offered by the Eargo SE makes it an excellent value for money.
For those exploring the range, the Eargo 7 is also available with added enhancements in sound quality and noise filtering, though at a higher price.
In our review, we found that if affordability and a minimalistic, yet effective hearing aid experience are your top priorities, the Eargo SE is the way to go.hem favourably against competitors in the market.
5. MDHearing VOLT
We appreciate the MDHearing VOLT for its straightforward design, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness.
As a behind-the-ear hearing aid, the VOLT is built for simplicity and practicality. We were impressed by its straightforward, user-friendly design.
We loved that it features an intuitive dial and button on the back allowing you to quickly adjust the volume and power to suit your environment without the hassle of Bluetooth connections or complex settings.
From a design perspective, the VOLT’s robust build feels both reliable and comfortable, making it an ideal choice for anyone new to hearing aids.
Its 20-hour battery life is another highlight; while it may not outlast some premium models like Audien or Jabra, it reliably gets you through the day without needing a recharge.
Customers have consistently praised its ease of use.
One testimonial mentioned how refreshing it was to switch modes effortlessly with just a turn of the dial no confusing app interfaces involved.
This simplicity, paired with an affordable price point, really sets the VOLT apart from more complicated and expensive alternatives.
Overall, if you’re looking for a hearing aid that delivers solid performance without unnecessary bells and whistles, the MDHearing VOLT is a fantastic option.
We appreciated its focus on essential functionality and value for money, making it a dependable choice for everyday use.
Helping You Make The Right Choice
When we conducted our research to find the best over-the-counter hearing aids, we prioritized price, features, and simplicity.
Choosing the right over-the-counter hearing aid depends on individual preferences, hearing needs, and budget considerations.
The Audien Atom 2 stands out for its combination of advanced features, discreet design, and affordability, making it our top recommendation.
For those seeking app-controlled customization, the Jabra Enhance offers modern functionalities at a higher price point.
Budget-conscious users might find the Audien Atom appealing for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
The Audien Atom 2 hearing aid distinguishes itself as an exceptional choice, offering a harmonious blend of cost-effectiveness, subtle design, and sophisticated features.