Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids Of 2023, According To Experts

To determine the best rechargeable hearing aids, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted several audiologists (a number of whom sit on the Forbes Health Advisory Board) for specific product recommendations based on their years of experience fitting various hearing aid models for a wide array of patients. Each expert was careful to consider the newest technology available in the hearing aid space when providing their recommendations, as well as newer brands and the roles they’re playing in this constantly evolving industry.

Star ratings were then solely determined by the editorial team and based on the starting price of a pair of hearing aids, the average user rating of each hearing aid and the inclusion of product features that are typically important to hearing aid users.

Starting price and user rating information are reflected from HearingTracker.com (when available). Hearing aid models also earned points for having Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free calling and a large number of color choices. All selected hearing aids can be fitted and serviced by audiologists, and over-the-counter options can be self-fitted.

Read more about our hearing aids review methodology.

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Much like traditional hearing aids, rechargeable hearing aids amplify certain sounds and mute others to enhance the hearing experience of people with varying levels of hearing loss. These small, electronic devices often use lithium-ion batteries and come in several types, including behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids.

Unlike hearing aids powered by disposable batteries, rechargeable hearing aids contain batteries that can be recharged overnight, meaning wearers don’t have to remove and replace their devices’ batteries on a regular basis. How long a battery charge lasts can depend on the way someone uses the hearing aid. For example, a hearing aid may offer up to 30 hours of use on a single charge but only deliver 24 hours of charge when the device is used for streaming activities, which tend to require more energy. Rechargeable hearing aid batteries are usually charged overnight using a charging unit, reaching a full charge in several hours.

How Do Rechargeable Hearing Aids Work?

Similar to hearing aids with disposable batteries, rechargeable hearing aids amplify sounds in a three-part process during which a microphone picks up sound and converts it into a digital signal that is then amplified and carried to the ear through a speaker. Rechargeable hearing aids, however, contain a built-in battery that doesn’t need to be removed. At the end of each day (or whenever the hearing aid battery is low), rechargeable hearing aids are placed on a charging unit to charge overnight or within a matter of hours.

How Do You Charge a Rechargeable Hearing Aid?

Rechargeable hearing aids come with charging cases. While these ports are often included with the purchase of hearing aids, some companies offer additional styles that can be purchased separately.

To charge a rechargeable hearing aid, simply ensure the charging port is powered on and place the hearing aids in the charging port. Leave the hearing aids in the charging port for as long as instructed by the manufacturer to obtain a full charge. The length of time it takes to fully charge a hearing aid depends on the manufacturer, hearing aid model and battery size. Rechargeable hearing aids can be charged at any time of day or night, though it’s important to charge them during a time when you don’t need to use them, such as while asleep.

Rechargeable hearing aids may be beneficial for individuals who experience symptoms of arthritis or have limited dexterity in their hands that makes changing disposable batteries difficult. Many users find placing hearing aids on a charging dock to be more manageable than replacing disposable batteries regularly. Other individuals who may prefer the convenience of rechargeable hearing aids include those with active lifestyles, as these devices offer on-the-go charging and eliminate the need to keep disposable batteries on hand.

The amount of time a rechargeable hearing aid battery lasts depends on the specific hearing aid model. Rechargeable hearing aids can hold a charge for as long as 30 hours in some models, depending on how the hearing aid is used. Activities like streaming TV shows or making phone calls can decrease how long a battery charge lasts. Rechargeable batteries in these hearing aids tend to last up to five years before requiring replacement.

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Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services

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The cost of rechargeable hearing aids varies depending on the model and any special features it includes. Starting prices of rechargeable models considered by the Forbes Health editorial team based on expert recommendations range from $799 to $2,600 for a pair.

Rechargeable hearing aids come with features that some users may find appealing, as well as elements that may not suit one’s specific needs and preferences.

Pros:

• Greater ease of use. Rather than having to open small compartments to replace batteries regularly, rechargeable hearing aids can be placed on a charging dock easily. This feature may be attractive for users with arthritis, vision impairment or dexterity challenges.
• Environmentally friendliness. Rechargeable hearing aids eliminate the need for single-use disposable batteries, which creates less waste.
• Extended battery life. Lithium-ion batteries included in many rechargeable hearing aids may last as long as five years before requiring replacement. Disposable batteries, on the other hand, may need to be replaced as often as every few weeks.
• Less risk for children and pets. In addition to being a choking hazard, disposable hearing aid batteries pose a serious health risk when accidentally swallowed. Rechargeable hearing aid batteries are embedded within the devices and therefore may be safer to use around pets and small children.

Cons:

• Must be placed on a charging unit. If a user forgets to place their hearing aids on the charging station, they may run the risk of the devices losing power during the day. Some users may forget to charge their hearing aids each day or forget to bring their charging unit when traveling.
• May come with additional costs. Rechargeable hearing aids require a charging unit in order to maintain battery life, and these charging units aren’t always included in the cost of the hearing aids. The cost of charging stations typically ranges from $250 to $300, with the cost of replacement batteries ranging from $25 to $35 per battery.
• Must be replaced by a professional. Because rechargeable hearing aids batteries are embedded within the devices, they typically cannot be removed by the user. Instead, a technician must replace the batteries.

Rechargeable hearing aids and hearing aids powered by disposable batteries both offer the benefit of better hearing for people with hearing loss. The type of hearing aids that best serves you depends on your hearing needs and lifestyle and use preferences, such as how often you prefer to change or charge your hearing aid batteries.

Speak to an audiologist for help determining your level of hearing loss and which type of hearing aid is best for you based on that diagnosis, as well as your personal preferences.

Rechargeable hearing aids for people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss are now available over the counter. Meanwhile, people with moderate to profound hearing loss still need to meet with an audiologist or hearing health professional for evaluation and diagnosis before being fitted for rechargeable hearing aids that best suit their needs.

Before purchasing rechargeable hearing aids, consider consulting with an audiologist or hearing health professional like an ear, nose and throat specialist to determine your level of hearing loss and whether rechargeable hearing aids are right for you.

Your budget and lifestyle, such as how often you plan to use your hearing aids for streaming, are also worth considering before purchasing rechargeable hearing aids. While rechargeable hearing aids can be expensive, they don’t require purchasing additional batteries consistently over the lifespan of the hearing aid. In fact, rechargeable hearing aid batteries are noted to last up to five years before needing to be replaced.

Dexterity is also something to consider, as rechargeable hearing aids tend to be easier to handle than those that require the frequent swapping of disposable batteries.