The 7 best invisible hearing aids of 2024, according to audiologist and testers
Gone are the days of big, clunky, beige hearing aids you can spot from across the room. Which is great news for anyone who was apprehensive about wearing a hearing aid. The technology and design have greatly improved in recent years leaving consumers with plenty of options. Dr. Michael Yong, an otolaryngologist and neurorhinologist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute says, "There are many types of hearing aids, including completely-in-canal devices, that you have to look inside the ear to see." There are limitations that may cause some components of the hearing aid not to be completely hidden, but the size and shape of each individual's ear canal will determine the discreetness level.
A receiver-in-canal hearing aid might be a solution, which uses a thin receiver wire that runs down the ear and attaches to a speaker inside the ear canal. This style of aid "can also look invisible, especially if you have hair around your ears," says Taylor L. Wucinich, an audiologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. More accessible and affordable options became available in 2022 when the FDA passed a new regulation allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter, bringing with it a new level of sound technology competition and design to allow for more discreet options.
Today, many hearing aids are smaller than a paper clip and offer exceptional sound quality, automatic environmental adjustments, and even fall detection. Above all, these devices can also help lower the risk of cognitive decline in older adults and lessen the odds of developing depression. So, regardless of your ear canal shape or apprehension about the stigma or effectiveness, the best invisible—or nearly invisible—hearing aid is out there for you.
To better understand what to look for, we consulted with a panel of hearing experts to get their feedback on which hearing aids offer top-notch sound, a comfortable fit, and all the bells and whistles hearing aid technology has to offer. We then took their feedback and researched and tested both the best OTC hearing aids and prescription hearing aids available that offer a fully invisible or nearly invisible look, analyzing each for factors such as sound, ease of use, extra features, style and cost. These are the seven that won a top spot on our list for best invisible hearing aids of 2024.
The best invisible hearing aids of 2024, according to audiologists and testers
What to consider when buying an invisible hearing aid
Invisible hearing aids are available by prescription or over the counter. That said, we recommend that you have a professional audiologist evaluate your hearing before investing in a hearing aid. "An Audiologist can assess you for any underlying conditions and get a better sense of what you need," says Yong.
Style of hearing aid
There are five main styles of hearing aids. Each comes with its own potential benefits and drawbacks.
Behind-the-ear (BTE): Typically the most visible of all hearing aid styles because all the components are housed on one single unit that sits on and behind your ear — these are hearing aids you likely think of when you think of the original large and clunky hearing aids, though they have gotten much more discreet.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC): RICs are similar to BTEs in that they sit behind your ear, but are often less visible since the speaker and receiver are not housed in the same unit. There is a thin wire attached to the receiver and speaker that sits inside the ear canal. Some of these can look invisible or nearly so.
In-the-ear (ITE): These hearing aids are usually custom-fitted. Even so, they may still be visible sitting at the top of the ear canal.
In-the-canal (ITC): These are discreet and often custom-molded to your ear. They fit partly in the ear canal and tend to be less visible than ITEs.
Completely-in-canal (CIC): CICs are the hardest to spot. They can be nearly invisible, but they're typically only designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Cost
Over-the-counter hearing aids are traditionally less expensive than prescription aids — some will only set you back a few hundred dollars. However, you get what you pay for in that high-tech hearing aids can set you back thousands of dollars. Though you will, in return, get exceptional sound quality, bells and whistles like Bluetooth connectivity and fall detection. Some insurance providers may reimburse you, but health insurance coverage varies. That is why we recommend discussions with your provider before making a purchase. Many OTC and prescription hearing aids are an FSA/HSA-approved expense.
Prescription or OTC
Thanks to the 2022 FDA ruling allowing OTC hearing aids to be sold online and in stores, there is a vast selection of hearing aids available in both OTC and prescription. The good news is that there are a few OTC options out there that rival their Rx counterparts, such as the Eargo 7 or Jabra Enhance. While prescription hearing aids tend to have a higher level of customization and power, they do require a medical evaluation and fitting with an audiologist. Also, OTC hearing aids often come as a set, while prescription devices may be sold individually.
Setup
Prescription hearing aids are fitted and calibrated by a professional, while OTC models require set-up and customization to be completed by you. Some over-the-counter models offer customer support for setup and even have remote programming to get you up and running. If you're comfortable using your smartphone and apps, setting up your hearing aid on your own should not be too much trouble. If not, it's best to go with a prescription pick or invest in an OTC with a company that has a high level of support.
App pairing
Some hearing aids pair with an app; others don't. This isn't a required feature, but if you have an OTC model, it can be helpful for fine-tuning your device. Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids will also often come with an app to give you greater control.
Bluetooth capabilities
The Bluetooth hearing aids allow you to take and make calls from a smartphone, stream music, listen to the TV and hear audiobooks. Yong says this is beneficial because you don't have to worry about potential sound interference. Just read the fine print: Some models will only work with certain phones — you'll want to make sure the type you're considering pairs well with your current technology.
Extra features
There's a range of potential extra features to consider. Those include noise-cancellation features, directional microphones, rechargeable batteries, fall detection and stream soothing sounds. Ongoing professional support and long trial periods are helpful too.
How we chose our top invisible hearing aid picks
To find the best invisible hearing aids, we consulted with audiologists, otolaryngologists, physicians and hearing aid specialists to learn more about the important elements to consider when evaluating a hearing aid. We also researched the potential benefits and drawbacks of smaller, invisible, or nearly invisible aids. We then tested and evaluated the top-rated invisible hearing aids available and narrowed the field based on expert recommendations around setup, sound quality, features and value.
How do hearing aids work?
There are different styles of hearing aids, but they all work in a similar way. "Hearing aids collect sound through small microphones, before converting them into electrical signals and amplifying them," Yong explains. Those sounds are also analyzed and manipulated to ensure things like unwanted background noises are reduced and speech is enhanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best style of hearing aid?
There is no one "best" style of hearing aid, and some are better for certain types of hearing loss than others. Completely-in-canal hearing aids, for example, are typically best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, while behind-the-ear devices are often a better pick for someone with profound hearing loss. If you're unsure of the best hearing aid style for you, consult with an audiologist or your doctor for guidance.
Do inexpensive OTC hearing aids work?
Typically, inexpensive hearing aids have a lower price point because they forgo extra bells and whistles: directional microphones, Bluetooth and customizable settings. If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, an inexpensive hearing aid could be a great option for you. But it's ultimately best to talk to an audiologist to learn more about your personal hearing profile and what will best complement it.
What is the best invisible hearing aid for seniors?
The best invisible hearing aid for seniors, or anyone for that matter, comes down to the one that meets your needs, Yong says. But completely-in-canal hearing aids can be helpful if you wear glasses. "The hearing aid can come into contact with the glasses otherwise and make it difficult to hear," he explains. An in-the-canal hearing aid can also be more convenient. "I've seen a number of patients who prefer to just leave it in for months at a time, and they find it's easier," Yong says.
Are invisible hearing aids comfortable to wear?
They can be. "They are comfortable, but it can take some time to get used to wearing the device in your ear," Wucinich says. Ultimately, "it really depends on the patient," Yong says. "Some people say they're really comfortable, while others who have small ear canals or produce a lot of wax aren't as comfortable," he adds.
Are there any disadvantages to invisible hearing aids?
If you have an in-the-ear invisible hearing aid, these usually don't have room for on-device controls like volume control or program buttons, Wucinich says. "They also lack Bluetooth/streaming connectivity options," she says, adding that some of these may be more expensive than other styles. Another potential risk, per Yong, is that earwax can get impacted around the hearing aids. "These patients will need to come back to get their ear formally cleaned," he says.
Meet our expert panel
Dr. Michael Yong, otolaryngologist and neurorhinologist, Pacific Neuroscience Institute
Taylor L. Wucinich, an audiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, MD, board-certified ear, nose and throat physician and founder of ClearCast
Amanda Cooper, licensed hearing aid specialist
Dave Fabry, PhD, chief hearing health officer, Starkey
Amy Sarow, Au.D., clinical audiologist and audiology lead at Soundly
Leigh Smith, Au.D., audiologist and owner of Florida Audiology Associates
Anish Thakkar, Au.D., director of audiology at Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy