What Are the Best Hearing Aids?

If you’re wondering, “What are the best hearing aids,” you might be asking the wrong question. The real question is, “What are the best hearing aids for me?”

Finding the best hearing aid is highly personal. It depends on your hearing loss type, lifestyle, budget, comfort preferences, and how tech-savvy you are. Are you active and constantly on the go? Do you struggle in noisy restaurants? Are you looking for invisible devices, or are you more concerned with durability and battery life?

To pinpoint the ideal hearing aid, you’ll need to consider all these factors and more. In fact, as noted in this research, the best hearing aid varies greatly depending on the degree of hearing loss, lifestyle demands, dexterity, cosmetic goals, and preferences for features like Bluetooth or rechargeability.

Let’s break down the key features, hearing aid styles, and best models of 2025 to help you make the smartest choice.

Seven Hearing Aid Features That Actually Matter Now

Modern hearing aids are packed with features. Here’s what truly makes a difference this year:

1. 24-Band Equalizer

This feature allows your hearing care provider to fine-tune your sound experience across all frequencies. Devices like the Starkey Edge AI 24 offer this precision.

2. Bluetooth LE Audio & Auracast

These allow seamless streaming, lower battery drain, and even access to public broadcast audio. Devices from Phonak and ReSound already support this revolutionary tech.

3. Deep Neural Networks (DNNs)

DNNs act like artificial brains inside your hearing aids. They boost speech clarity in noisy environments by improving signal-to-noise ratio up to 13 decibels.

4. Automatic Environment Classifiers

This feature helps your hearing aids adjust settings automatically as you move between different environments. Phonak’s AutoSense OS 6.0 and Widex’s 11-class system are top performers.

5. Lithium Ion Rechargeability

With faster charging and longer battery life, this feature is a must. The Starkey Edge AI offers an astounding 51 hours of battery on a single charge.

6. Feedback Suppression

This tech stops the dreaded whistling while allowing you to keep your ears more open. Oticon and Starkey models are particularly strong here.

7. Custom Earmolds with Venting

Custom earmolds improve comfort and hearing performance, especially if you need more amplification or retention than domes can provide.

Styles of Hearing Aids: What’s Best for You?

Hearing aids come in different shapes, sizes, and visibility levels. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

• Virtually invisible
• Great for mild to moderate hearing loss
• Tiny batteries and fewer features
• Prone to earwax buildup

In-the-Canal (ITC)

• Slightly larger than CIC
• Still discreet, with more features
• Can be hard to adjust due to size

In-the-Ear (ITE)

• Larger and easier to handle
• Available as full-shell or half-shell
• Includes volume control and directional microphones
• Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) or Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)

• Most popular style
• Comfortable and discreet
• Excellent sound quality
• Rechargeable options available

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

• Most powerful and versatile
• Great for profound hearing loss
• Often used with custom earmolds
• Larger and more visible

Open-Fit

• A subtype of BTE
• Keeps ear canal open for better natural sound
• Ideal for high-frequency hearing loss
• Discreet and comfortable

Each style supports a range of features, and many modern hearing aids—especially RIC and BTE models—come with rechargeability, Bluetooth, and directional microphones.

Other Features That Make Life Easier

Modern hearing aids offer more than just basic amplification. Here are additional features that can enhance comfort, clarity, and convenience:

• Noise Reduction: Cuts down background noise, making it easier to focus on conversations in loud environments.
• Directional Microphones: Use multiple microphones to emphasize speech from specific directions, especially helpful in restaurants or group settings.
• Tinnitus Masking: Many hearing aids now include built-in tinnitus relief sounds such as white noise, ocean waves, or ambient tones. These can help reduce the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears and are especially useful for users dealing with chronic tinnitus.
• Rechargeable Batteries: Eliminate the need to fumble with tiny disposable batteries. A full charge often lasts a full day, and many cases offer extra charges on the go.
• Telecoils: Allow better hearing on the phone and connect with public sound systems in places like theaters, churches, and auditoriums.
• Remote Controls and Mobile Apps: Make it easy to adjust volume, change programs, and track hearing aid performance from your smartphone or a remote device.
• Wireless Connectivity: Connect directly to smartphones, TVs, and tablets via Bluetooth for easy streaming of calls, music, and other audio.
• Data Logging and Health Tracking: Some devices track usage habits, listening environments, and even steps taken daily, giving both you and your hearing care provider valuable insight.
• Binaural Synchronization: Hearing aids communicate with each other to maintain balanced volume and seamless program changes in both ears.

These advanced features aren’t just bells and whistles—they significantly enhance your day-to-day experience and can help you feel more connected and in control.

Find out more about hearing aids for tinnitus treatment. 

What Are the Best Hearing Aids? Here’s What We Think 

Here are this year’s top hearing aid models, with deeper insight into what makes each stand out:

Phonak Sphere Infinio

The Sphere Infinio earns high marks for its balance of innovation, sound quality, and comfort. It features a Deep Neural Network trained on millions of sound environments, offering significant speech clarity improvements. Its AutoSense OS 6.0 detects and adapts to your environment seamlessly. Add in Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast compatibility, and a sleek, rechargeable RIC design, and it’s no surprise experts call this the best overall hearing aid of 2025.

Learn even more about the Phonak Sphere. 

Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT

With up to 51 hours of battery life, health and safety features like fall detection, and an onboard AI system that improves speech understanding in noise, the Edge AI 24 is a powerhouse for people who want more than just hearing support. The My Starkey app includes extras like language transcription and health tracking. This device is especially strong for people managing tinnitus or who want an all-in-one hearing wellness solution.

Phonak Audéo Lumity

Designed for active lifestyles, the Audéo Lumity offers waterproof durability, clear speech understanding, and a hands-free experience for calls and streaming. The tap control interface lets users answer calls or activate voice assistants easily. Built for all-day use with powerful rechargeable batteries, it’s a great fit for anyone who enjoys outdoor activity or multitasking without compromise.

Starkey Evolv AI

Evolv AI combines premium sound quality with health-forward features. It includes voice enhancement, customizable environmental programs, and sensors to track activity and engagement. While not as battery-dense as the Edge AI, it’s still a strong choice for people looking for intelligent noise reduction and overall wellness integration.

ReSound Vivia

Vivia blends top-tier connectivity with user-friendly simplicity. Its Auracast-ready Bluetooth, rechargeable platform, and intuitive app make it easy to adapt to any situation. ReSound’s M&RIE (Microphone and Receiver-In-Ear) tech provides a more natural sound experience by placing a third microphone inside your ear canal. It’s an excellent choice for users who prioritize clarity and ease of use.

 

What to Know Before You Buy

• Get Tested: Start with a hearing exam
• Trial Periods: Most devices offer a window for returns
• Future-Proofing: Choose a model that can adjust as your hearing needs change
• Warranties: Check what’s covered, including services and repairs – see how long the warranty is (Injoy’s is 4 years!)
• Costs: Consider the full package—device, accessories, and services
• Insurance: Some private policies help cover hearing aid expenses

So, What Are the Best Hearing Aids?

The best hearing aids are the ones that match your hearing loss, lifestyle, and comfort level.

Great tech matters, but so does expert support. Features like DNNs and Auracast shine when a skilled provider programs them to your needs.

Learn more about how prescription hearing aids are customized for your needs. 

Hear Better, Live Better

Injoy Hearing offers top-rated prescription hearing aids, including Phonak and Starkey models, with the features that matter most to you.

Our team of hearing care providers will help you find, fit, and love your new hearing aids. Skip the guesswork and enjoy personalized service from real experts.

Contact Injoy Hearing today and start your journey toward better hearing.