Sennheiser All Day Clearn Awarded Best OTC Technology on July 26, 2024
For people experiencing mild or moderate hearing loss, a new class of affordable, self-fitting hearing aids is now available over the counter without the need of a prescription from a hearing health professional. Developed by some of the most renowned manufacturers in sound and hearing technology, these OTC devices can increase accessibility to the hearing care people need at much more budget-friendly prices compared to traditional prescription hearing aids. Read on to see which OTC hearing aids come highly recommended by Forbes Health Advisory Board audiologists.
Why we picked it
Forbes Health consulted a panel of audiologists for specific product recommendations based on their years of experience fitting various hearing aid models. Recommended OTC hearing aids were then ranked based on the starting price of a pair of hearing aids, the inclusion of features like Bluetooth compatibility and tinnitus management assistance, battery options and how many audiologists recommended them.
Best Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids Of 2024, According To Audiologists
Affordable, self-fitting hearing aids are available for purchase over the counter (OTC)—no prescription necessary. These hearing aids, which are developed by sound and hearing technology manufacturers, help increase accessibility to hearing health care with more budget-friendly prices compared to traditional prescription hearing aids.
To find the best OTC hearing aids, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted several audiologists and partnered with independent hearing aid evaluation laboratory HearAdvisor for product recommendations based on their expertise and device sound performance. Star ratings were solely determined by the editorial team and are based on detailed methodology, including starting price and product features that are typically important to hearing aid users. Read on to find out which hearing aids made our list.
Note: All product prices listed are accurate as of the publication date. Forbes Health expert and medical reviewers do not endorse the brands, products and/or services listed in this article. Medical and expert reviewers corroborate the accuracy of informational content only.
To determine the best OTC hearing aids, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted several audiologists 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.
We also partnered with independent hearing aid evaluation laboratory HearAdvisor to include its top product recommendations based on scientific testing and resulting sound performance data.
Star ratings were solely determined by the editorial team and are based on a detailed methodology, including:
- Starting price for a pair (30%)
- Tinnitus management features (15%)
- Performs well for background noise reduction (15%)
- Performs well for music listening (15%)
- Disposable and rechargeable battery options (5%)
- Maximum battery life on a single charge (rechargeable only) (5%)
- Bluetooth compatibility (5%)
- Connects well with iOS and Android devices (5%)
- Has an app for customization, remote management, etc. (5%)
Devices could earn a bonus up to 10% based on their tuned sound quality scores from HearAdvisor (if applicable) or whether they were noted as having superior sound quality from a board member.
Starting price information is reflected from the device manufacturers themselves. All OTC hearing aids can be self-fitted.
