Taylor Leamey Senior Writer
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Over-the-counter hearing aids let you skip the hurdles of sourcing devices through a doctor. While they are relatively new, there are plenty of options to consider.
I was able to get my hands on some of the top options for testing. I had a mix of over-the-ear, in-ear and in-canal hearing aids to get a full picture of the OTC hearing aid market and the performance of each style. To get the best representation of three varying degrees of hearing loss, I enlisted the help of my dad and grandfather for testing. My grandfather is a hearing aid expert who’s worn hearing aids for decades. To balance out his obvious preference for traditional hearing aids, my dad’s thirst for new technology helps gauge the standard consumer experience. And then there was me, for the technical side of device information that you should know.
While testing, we considered how easy the hearing aids were to set up, the fit and app performance. Below you’ll find our testing experience with the best over-the-counter hearing aids, and the pros and cons of each device.
What is the best hearing aid overall?
Over-the-counter hearing aids from Audicus currently top our list because they are a great balance of advanced features and accessibility. I reviewed the Omni hearing aid, the premium rechargeable hearing aid option with directional microphones, remote adjustments and Bluetooth. That sounds like a lot, though it looks and functions exactly how you expect from traditional hearing aids.
The Omni is $2,598 for a pair, which is definitely not the most affordable option; however, the customer support and quality make it worth it. Not to mention the fact that you can finance your devices. There are also other models from Audicus that you can choose from. You might sacrifice some of the bells and whistles, though you’ll still get excellent support from the company.
Our picks for the best over-the-counter hearing aids
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One of the main concerns people have regarding OTC hearing aids is setting up the devices on their own. Without a doctor, it can feel daunting to solve your communication needs, and that’s a primary barrier to the over-the-counter hearing aid market.
I was impressed with the Omni hearing aid because of how it performed and the support that Audicus offers its customers. That’s why the Omni OTC hearing aid from Audicus is my pick for the best overall OTC hearing aid.
When you unpack the Omni OTC hearing aid, you’ll notice you get more than other brands offer: a charging case, carrying case, dry capsule, earwax guard disc and a ton of ear domes. An extensive manual details what the products do and how it all works. You’ll also have access to Audicus support staff to help you set up your hearing aids and walk you through the process. They were borderline relentless in offering support, which is often what people need.
The Omni OTC hearing aid is one of the sleekest over-the-ear devices I tested. It has an updated feel with same-color buttons that are easy to press but blend into the silhouette. The Audicus hearing aids are so comfortable and lightweight that you won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
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A pair of the first line of Audicus Omni hearing aids with accessories. Audicus announced the Omni 2 earlier this month.
Taylor Leamey/CNET
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The Eargo 7 OTC hearing aids may be the smallest hearing aids I’ve ever seen. One hearing aid is barely longer than the length of my fingernail and half as wide. I would consider them a “micro” hearing aid that sits fully in the ear canal. You can’t see them from the side, so they are my pick for the best invisible-fit OTC hearing aids. They’re great for people who want a discreet hearing-aid experience or whose hearing devices are susceptible to being bumped or brushed. They’re also good for people who wear glasses.
The charging case for the Eargo 7 OTC hearing aids is uniquely designed to match the modernity of the product. It’s a circle, with the top third coming off to reveal the hearing aids. It’s about the width of a soda can and can easily fit in your back pocket.
You start the setup for the product by scanning a QR code and calling the company to register your device. Then you install the app, which is compatible with iOS 12 or Android 7 or later. The app is one of the simplest to use, with sound profiles and buttons to increase or decrease for volume. However, the app does not show you the current volume of your hearing aids, which all others do. While you can navigate up or down, you have no way of knowing if you are at low, middle or high volume.
Eargo offers lifetime support from its team of licensed professionals. Overall, I was impressed with the quality and simplicity of the Eargo 7 OTC hearing aids. This was one of the favorites of my dad, who appreciated how small the device is.
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