Best simple OTC hearing aid

Soundwave Hearing Sontro

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$699 at Walmart

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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.

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The Jabra Enhance Plus OTC hearing aids have a classic earbud look. So much so that the average person likely would mistake them for Bluetooth headphones. The fit is similar to a headphone and visible while wearing it, but really lightweight and comfortable. At no point did I feel they would fall out of my ears, though I could see how after a full day of wear, you would look forward to taking them out. 

Unlike other OTC hearing aids, the Jabra Enhance Plus devices completely block out natural external noises from getting into the ear. The devices rely on directional microphones to reproduce natural sounds. This is great for streaming music and phone calls. However, it didn’t stack up as well as the other options for functioning as a hearing aid. It does amplify sounds, and they sound louder, but so did my voice while wearing them. They are great if you mainly hope to amplify sound and use them for music. But they wouldn’t be my pick if you are looking for an everyday hearing aid. 

The setup was similar to other OTC hearing aids: You install the app, take a hearing test, connect your hearing aids and adjust as needed. However, one significant drawback of this product is that it is made for iPhones and is not compatible with Android, which I have. However, Jabra has stated that it plans to release it to Android, but there is no date as of yet. 

The Jabra Enhance Plus OTC hearing aids are great for iPhone users who, in addition to wanting to enhance hearing, are also looking to play music and answer calls from their devices. 

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If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward OTC hearing aid, consider the Sontro Hearing Aids from Soundwave Hearing. They were one of the favorite picks of my grandfather for comfort and use. He was able to get them into his ear the easiest. They resemble traditional hearing aids with their over-the-ear design and battery flap on the bottom. These hearing aids are completely battery dependent, with no rechargeable case. Soundwave Hearing includes four batteries with their devices. 

As with other OTC hearing aids, Sontro devices have different sound environments — Automatic (the devices adjust to your surroundings using the directional microphones), Quiet, Noisy and Entertainment. I did notice some traditional feedback while we were handling the devices and pairing them to a phone.

When you start the OtoTune app, you start by connecting your hearing aids and then taking a hearing test that helps the devices customize to your needs. The hearing test is simple and only takes three minutes, and wasn’t available with the other device apps. Just hit the left or right button on your smartphone when you hear the tone played through the device. A tab displays your “report card” or results for low, middle and high frequency in each ear. 

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OTC hearing aids are intended to make hearing assistance accessible to everyone. They are generally more affordable and do not require a doctor’s appointment for purchase. Because of this, we approached testing the best OTC hearing aids with a holistic mindset. Our goal was to gauge the entire experience of ordering, setting up and using the devices. 

We considered several factors during the testing process. 

• Battery life and charging cases
• Pricing and financing options
• Special features like directional microphones, Bluetooth, app connectivity and feedback suppression 
• Comfort and ease of wearing
• Customer support
• Performance 

In addition to our hands-on testing, we looked through user reviews for the product and the apps to fully understand long-term performance. 

Over-the-counter hearing aids are a new class of hearing assistance devices you can buy without visiting a doctor. The FDA has established regulations that OTC manufacturers must follow to ensure the devices are safe and effective. They are available for adults ages 18 and over with perceived mild or moderate hearing loss. They are not suitable for those with severe hearing loss or children. 

“These devices are available for purchase without the involvement of a licensed healthcare professional; they are subject to regulatory criteria such as output (e.g., loudness) limits and design requirements to ensure that they work well and are safe for consumers,” says Lindsay S. Creed, associate director of audiology practices at American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 

On the surface, OTC hearing aids don’t seem all that different from prescription options. They look and operate similarly. According to Creed, the main differences between the two types are “how they are sold, the regulatory criteria they must comply with and who they are intended for.”

OTC hearing aids are only approved for adults with mild or moderate hearing loss. Children with hearing loss or those with severe hearing loss should seek professional assessments to determine their hearing needs. 

So, how do you know if you should buy OTC hearing aids? Generally, hearing loss happens gradually over time. You may not even know it’s happening. 

Common signs you have hearing loss include, but are not limited to:

• Mishearing words or asking people to repeat themselves
• Having a difficult time following conversations when you’re in a noisy environment
• Things sounding muffled
• Having to turn up the volume to hear music or TV

While you aren’t required to have a hearing assessment before buying OTC hearing aids, Creed still recommends it, especially since most health insurance plans cover the cost of a hearing evaluation. 

“The best way to know if you need hearing aids is to see a certified audiologist for a comprehensive audiological evaluation. This will tell you if you have hearing loss and, if so, what type and how severe. This information, taken together with your lifestyle needs and goals, will help you decide whether an OTC hearing aid is your best choice or if your needs would be better addressed by a prescription hearing aid,” says Creed.

All hearing aids enhance how you hear and communicate in your environment. But they do it in different ways and with varying features. They also look different. One of the most important choices you must make while shopping for hearing aids is the style you want to wear. There are three main hearing aid styles — behind-the-ear, in-the-ear and in-the-canal. 

• Behind-the-ear hearing aids: Most people think of this style when they picture hearing aids. The device sits behind the outer ear with a wire that wraps around the front and ends in a dome that fits in the canal. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are generally the most affordable option and are so light you can’t feel them. However, they aren’t as discreet as other options and can be hard to put on if you have dexterity issues. 
• In-the-ear hearing aids: As the name suggests, this style of hearing aid fills the ear. The ones I tested look like any other Bluetooth headphone on the market. In-the-ear hearing aids are light and easier to insert than over-the-ear options. However, this style is slightly more expensive, and some people complain of hearing an echo when they speak. 
• In-the-canal: There are two types of in-the-canal hearing aids — in-the-canal and completely-in-canal. The Eargo 7 hearing aids are examples of a completely-in-canal style because they are invisible from the side. These are great for people who want a discreet look. However, they are generally more expensive and are the most susceptible to ear wax build-up. 

OTC hearing aids vary by their capabilities and technology. Some devices have directional microphones, while others can use Bluetooth to stream music and phone calls directly to your hearing aids. Thinking about your lifestyle and what features you value most before purchasing is important. 

Keep these factors in mind when shopping for the best over-the-counter hearing aids:

• Hearing aid style: Several styles are available on the OTC market. Traditional over-the-ear options sit behind the ear with a wire that wraps around the front and into the canal. There are also in-ear and in-canal options available. Depending on your lifestyle and needs, some may be more comfortable for you. 
• App connectivity: Given OTC hearing aids don’t require a doctor’s visit, they are extremely accessible. However, one thing to consider is how dependent a device is on an app to function. Many people value remotely adjusting their hearing devices from their phones. Though if you don’t have a smartphone or prefer to adjust with buttons on the device, you should not buy one that depends on the app to change settings. 
• Price: OTC hearing aids are generally more affordable than prescription hearing aids. However, because they are new to the market, insurance companies have yet to cover them. There is a wide range of prices, many with financing options that make them even more affordable. 
• Customer support: One potential downside of OTC hearing aids is virtual customer support. In most cases, you won’t be able to meet in person with company specialists for help. To replace this, OTC companies offer robust manuals, online videos and phone calls to support customers with setting up and maintaining their devices. 
• Trial period: Like with any product you buy online without holding it beforehand, it’s important to ensure a trial period. This will allow you to try and return the product if it’s not the right fit for you. All the products on our list offer trial periods.

Creed advises people to pay close attention to the labeling of OTC products. “Ensure the words ‘OTC’ and ‘Hearing Aid’ are on the packaging. Be wary of devices labeled as ‘hearing aid-like devices’ or ‘hearing assistive technology’ or those that are advertised as appropriate for children or greater than a moderate degree of hearing loss.”

“Amazon has already had to crack down on so-called ‘rouge’ sellers, so it’s really important to be aware of suspicious or too-good-to-be-true claims,” Creed says.

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Do I need to go to the doctor to get an OTC hearing aid?

You do not have to visit a doctor’s office for a hearing assessment to purchase an OTC hearing aid. However, if you have the means, it’s still a good idea to visit an audiologist to assess your needs, determine your level of hearing loss and the potential cause. 

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Where can I buy over-the-counter hearing aids?

Are over-the-counter hearing aids as good as prescription hearing aids?

A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found no significant differences between the performance of OTC and prescription hearing aids. This suggests that visiting a doctor for a fitting isn’t strictly necessary. However, OTC hearing aids are still new, and more research is needed to fully investigate how performance matters by type and technology. 

When you get prescription hearing aids, they are set to exactly your preferences because you work with an audiologist to find them. With OTC, you are largely on your own, even though many companies have great online support. But depending on your needs, they aren’t a full replacement for in-person help. 

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