What to Know About Eargo, Jabra, Lexie, Sony, and Other Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
The features they offer, where you can buy them, how much they’ll cost you, and more
By Catherine Roberts
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are officially on the market. Until now, most people visited an audiologist or other hearing professional to buy hearing aids.
The new devices—intended for people with mild or moderate hearing loss—will likely be easier to buy and often more affordable than traditional hearing aids. But while you might be tempted to buy a pair as soon as you can, it’s wise to do some careful research first.
Look for key features such as the level of customization available, whether the hearing aids have rechargeable or replaceable batteries, what the return policy entails, and whether they must be connected with a smartphone app to use them (and whether that app is available for your phone). Also pay attention to price, which is likely to range from about $200 to nearly $2,000 per pair.
Here, we’ve broken down some of these features for a number of OTC hearing aid brands. Note that we haven’t tested these products, and this isn’t a comprehensive list. It includes some of the major players in this space so far, as well as brands available to purchase at big-box stores like Best Buy. These are listed in alphabetical order.
For more on shopping for OTC hearing aids, find out whether an OTC hearing aid is right for you and learn which questions to ask before you get an OTC hearing aid. Members can also see our ratings of traditional hearing aid brands.
Eargo
Models: Max, Neo Hifi, 5, 6
Customization type: All models come with preset audio program options. Further user customization is also available on some models.
Battery type: Rechargeable.
Return policy: 45 days if purchased from Eargo; 60 days if purchased from Best Buy.
Customer service: Phone support with licensed hearing professionals. Some models also offer remote adjustments of audio settings by hearing professionals.
Price per pair: From $1,450 for Eargo Max to $2,950 for Eargo 6.
Connected device: Optional pairing with apps available for iOS or Android.
An Eargo hearing aid.
Photo: Eargo
Go Hearing
Models: Go Lite, Go Prime
Customization type: Go Lite comes with volume control only. Go Prime comes with preset audio program options.
Battery type: Rechargeable.
Return policy: 45 days; 60 days if purchased from Best Buy.
Customer service: Phone-based customer support service.
Price per pair: GoLite: $199. GoPrime: $299.
Connected device: None.
Where to buy: Go Hearing, Best Buy, CVS, Walmart
HearingAssist
Models: A wide array of models.
Customization type: Generally, models come with preset audio program options. Further user customization is also available on some devices.
Battery type: Rechargeable and replaceable battery models.
Return policy: 60 days.
Customer service: Phone-based customer support service.
Price per pair: From $499 to $799.
Connected device: Optional pairing with app available for iOS or Android for some models.
Where to buy: HearingAssist, Best Buy, Walmart
Jabra
Models: Enhance Plus
Customization type: Customizable to the user (self-fitting).
Battery type: Rechargeable.
Return policy: 45 days if purchased from Jabra; 60 days if purchased from Best Buy.
Customer service: Phone-based customer support service. Customers can also visit a certified Jabra Enhance Center, where, according to a Jabra spokesperson, they’re entitled to a 30-minute free in-person consultation. (You can look up the locations of these centers using Jabra’s online tool.)
Price per pair: $799.
Connected device: Must pair with app available only for iOS.
Lexie
Models: B1 Powered by Bose, B2 Powered by Bose, Lumen
Customization type: Customizable to the user. B1 and B2 models are self-fitting.
Battery type: B1, Lumen: replaceable battery. B2: rechargeable.
Return policy: 45 days if purchased from Lexie; 60 days if purchased from Best Buy.
Customer service: Phone support, video call support via app.
Price per pair: B1: $849. B2: $999. Lumen: $799.
Connected device: Must pair with app available for iOS or Android.
Where to buy: Lexie, Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart
A Lexie B2 hearing aid, powered by Bose.
Photo: Lexie
Lucid
Models: A wide array of models (some currently available only for preorder).
Customization type: Generally, models come with preset audio program options. Further user customization is also available on some options.
Battery type: Rechargeable and replaceable battery models.
Return policy: 60 days; 90 days if purchased via Sam’s Club; other retailers’ return periods may vary.
Customer service: Phone-based customer support service.
Price per pair: From $199.99 to $1,699.99.
Connected device: Optional pairing with app available for iOS or Android for some models.
Sony
Models: CRE-C10, CRE-E10
Customization type: Customizable to the user (self-fitting).
Battery type: CRE-C10: replaceable battery. CRE-E10: rechargeable.
Return policy: 45 days if purchased from Sony; 60 days if purchased from Best Buy. Other retailers’ policies may vary.
Customer service: Support via Sony customer service.
Price per pair: CRE-C10: $999.99. CRE-E10: $1,299.99.
Connected device: Must pair with app available for iOS or Android.
More from Consumer Reports:
Top pick tires for 2016
Best used cars for $25,000 and less
7 best mattresses for couples
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.
