Hearing loss can It can occur at any age, even at birth, but is more common among older adults. The data shows that approximately one-third of people aged 65 and older have age-related hearing loss, a figure that rises to 50 percent after age 75. For these individuals, a hearing aid can significantly improve their quality of life, allowing them to fully participate in social activities or talk freely on the telephone.
Until 2022, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the green light to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, seniors could only get hearing aids prescribed by a doctor. The FDA’s approval of over-the-counter devices opened the door to greater access and lower costs, and today there are more styles available than ever before. For many seniors, behind-the-ear (BTE) devices are popular, although in-the-ear (ITE) models are great options for those who want a more discreet option and can handle them without dexterity issues. Based on our testing, the Jabra Enhance Select 300 tops our list for its sound quality, high level of customer service, and ease of use. Here’s our complete list of hearing aids for seniors, including over-the-counter and prescription devices, all tested and approved by experts.
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How we did the test
The market is saturated with hearing aids claiming to be the best option for seniors, and choosing one can be confusing. Which ones are “best” for you depends on your needs and tastes, but even that can seem vague and cliché. To sort through the options, I partnered with a licensed audiologist. Ruth Reisman We conducted hands-on testing of 22 hearing aids. We analyzed each product on numerous dimensions, including quality, comfort level, and performance benchmarks determined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Reisman tested each hearing aid in its lab and approved the models that amplified sounds to safe levels. I also tested these hearing aids in numerous environments, including my home, outdoors, and in both loud and quiet environments.
Together, we took into account a variety of considerations to cut through the marketing noise. Read our guide to the best headphones for more details on our testing process.
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