The establishment of the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid category by the FDA in October 2022 opened the floodgates for consumer technology brands and traditional medical manufacturers to enter the direct-to-consumer space [1]. Today, the market features a diverse range of brands offering different device styles, technology levels, and support models.
For consumers, this variety is highly beneficial but can make shopping confusing. Some brands are backed by decades of clinical audiology experience, while others are consumer electronics giants known for headphones and televisions.
This guide provides a neutral, factual directory of the major OTC hearing aid brands currently active in the United States. We describe who makes each brand, the technology categories they occupy, their distinctive features, and their pricing tiers. Our goal is to map the current landscape so you can understand what each brand offers without any buying pressure or commercial bias.
The Major OTC Hearing Aid Brands
Below is a detailed overview of the leading OTC hearing aid brands in the US market, arranged alphabetically.
1. Audien Hearing
- Manufacturer / Parent Company: Audien Hearing (independent US company).
- Device Style: In-the-Ear (ITE) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC).
- Technology Category: Budget.
- Factual Distinctions: Audien is known for offering some of the lowest-priced hearing devices on the market, with their entry-level Atom series starting at around $98 per pair [2]. Their devices are basic, rechargeable analog or simple digital amplifiers. They do not feature self-fitting software or direct Bluetooth audio streaming. They are designed for users seeking simple, low-cost sound amplification without smartphone complexity.
2. Eargo
- Manufacturer / Parent Company: Eargo, Inc. Eargo and Lexie are separate, independently operated companies; they are not under common ownership [3].
- Device Style: Completely-in-Canal (CIC) / Virtually Invisible.
- Technology Category: Premium.
- Factual Distinctions: Eargo specializes exclusively in micro-sized, completely-in-canal devices that sit deep inside the ear canal, making them virtually invisible from the outside [2] [3]. Their flagship models, such as the Eargo 8, use a unique "petal" design that suspends the device in the ear canal, allowing natural airflow. They feature rechargeable batteries, a portable charging case, and water resistance (IP68 rating). Adjustments are made via a smartphone app that sends high-frequency audio signals to the devices rather than traditional Bluetooth.
3. ELEHEAR
- Manufacturer / Parent Company: Elehear (independent consumer-tech brand).
- Device Style: Receiver-in-Ear (RIE).
- Technology Category: Mid-Range to Premium.
- Factual Distinctions: ELEHEAR focuses heavily on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and deep neural networks (DNN) into consumer hearing tech [2]. Their Beyond Pro model features advanced real-time noise reduction, direct Bluetooth streaming for iOS and Android, and a smartphone app with over 20 customizable tinnitus-masking soundscapes [2]. It is an FDA-cleared self-fitting device priced significantly lower than traditional clinical brands.
4. Jabra Enhance
- Manufacturer / Parent Company: GN Group (a major Danish audio and medical hearing aid conglomerate that also manufactures ReSound prescription hearing aids).
- Device Style: Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) and Micro-RIE.
- Technology Category: Premium.
- Factual Distinctions: Jabra Enhance (formerly Lively) is distinguished by its remote audiology support model [2]. Its Select series (including the Select 50R, 300, and 500) are premium, medical-grade, self-fitting RIE devices [2] [4]. When purchased with their premium care package, they include 3 years of remote, professional support from Jabra’s in-house audiology team, who can adjust the devices remotely via the app. They feature full Bluetooth streaming for music and calls, rechargeability, and a 100-day risk-free trial period [2].
5. Lexie Hearing
- Manufacturer / Parent Company: hearX Group. Lexie operates independently of Eargo; the two are separate companies [3].
- Device Style: Receiver-in-Ear (RIE).
- Technology Category: Mid-Range.
- Factual Distinctions: Lexie is distinguished by its retail presence, with devices sold at major retailers like Walmart and Costco. Their prominent models include the Lexie B3, which is "Powered by Bose" and features Bose’s proprietary self-fitting technology and acoustic design. Lexie devices are rechargeable, offer self-fitting capabilities via a comprehensive smartphone app, and include real-time video support from customer care agents.
6. MDHearing
- Manufacturer / Parent Company: MDHearing (independent US company founded by an ENT physician).
- Device Style: Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-in-Ear (RIE).
- Technology Category: Budget to Mid-Range.
- Factual Distinctions: MDHearing focuses on providing medical-grade hearing technology at highly accessible prices, often running promotions that bring their pairs down to $300–$800 [2]. Their flagship model, the Volt, is a rechargeable, slim BTE device [2]. While their lower-end models are basic pre-set devices, their mid-range models offer app connectivity and simple self-testing features. They are known for providing robust US-based customer support via phone and email [2].
7. Sony
- Manufacturer / Parent Company: Sony Corporation (developed in partnership with WS Audiology, one of the world's largest prescription hearing aid manufacturers).
- Device Style: Completely-in-Canal (CIC) and Receiver-in-Ear (RIE).
- Technology Category: Premium.
- Factual Distinctions: Sony’s entry into the OTC market combines their consumer audio expertise with WS Audiology’s clinical hearing technology [5]. They offer two main models: the CRE-C10 (an ultra-small, virtually invisible CIC device that runs on disposable size 10 batteries) and the CRE-E10 (a rechargeable, earbud-style RIE device with Bluetooth streaming for iOS) [5]. Both models are FDA-cleared self-fitting devices that are programmed using the Sony Hearing Control app.
Factual Brand Comparison
To help you understand how these brands compare factually, the table below outlines their primary device styles, power sources, and whether they offer true self-fitting technology.
| Brand | Primary Style | Battery Type | Self-Fitting? | Bluetooth Streaming? | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audien | ITE / CIC | Rechargeable | No | No | Budget |
| Eargo | CIC (Invisible) | Rechargeable | Yes | No (App control only) | Premium |
| ELEHEAR | RIE | Rechargeable | Yes | Yes (iOS & Android) | Mid-Range |
| Jabra Enhance | RIE | Rechargeable | Yes | Yes (iOS & Android) | Premium |
| Lexie | RIE | Rechargeable | Yes | Yes (iOS/Android vary) | Mid-Range |
| MDHearing | BTE / RIE | Rechargeable | Yes (some models) | No (App control only) | Budget to Mid |
| Sony | CIC / RIE | Rechargeable & Disposable | Yes | Yes (CRE-E10 iOS only) | Premium |
Summary
The OTC hearing aid brand landscape offers diverse options tailored to different budgets and physical preferences. If your primary concern is cosmetic invisibility, brands like Eargo and Sony offer micro-sized CIC devices. If you want advanced smartphone connectivity and automated AI noise management, brands like ELEHEAR and Sony provide excellent consumer-tech integration. For those who want the safety net of professional audiology support, Jabra Enhance stands out with its remote clinical care team. Understanding these factual distinctions allows you to select a brand that aligns with your specific technical needs and lifestyle.
Related Reading
- OTC hearing aid buying guide — when introducing the OTC category.
- Hearing aid types explained — when comparing RIE, BTE, and CIC styles.
- Self-fitting hearing aids — when discussing self-fitting models.
- AI hearing aids — when describing ELEHEAR's technology.
- Rechargeable vs disposable batteries — when discussing battery types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all these brands FDA-approved?
The FDA does not "approve" hearing aids; instead, it "clears" them. Hearing aids are Class II medical devices. All the brands listed in this guide (Jabra Enhance, Eargo, Lexie, MDHearing, Audien, ELEHEAR, and Sony) are FDA-registered, and their self-fitting models have received FDA 510(k) clearance, meaning they have proven they are safe and effective for treating mild-to-moderate hearing loss [1].
Which brand is best for someone who doesn't use a smartphone?
For individuals who prefer not to use a smartphone, Audien and MDHearing offer excellent budget-friendly options. Their basic models (such as the Audien Atom or MDHearing Volt) feature physical volume wheels or buttons directly on the device, allowing the user to turn them on, adjust the volume, and change programs without ever needing an app or Bluetooth pairing.
Can I buy these brands in local retail stores?
Yes, retail availability varies by brand. Lexie and MDHearing are widely available in physical retail stores such as Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS. Sony and Jabra Enhance can be found in electronics retailers like Best Buy, as well as online. Eargo and Lexie are also occasionally available through specialized hearing clinics or Costco.
Do any of these brands cover severe hearing loss?
No. By federal regulation, all over-the-counter hearing aids are legally restricted to treating mild-to-moderate hearing loss in adults [1]. Their maximum sound output is limited to prevent damage to healthy ears. If you have severe-to-profound hearing loss, none of these OTC brands will provide sufficient amplification, and you must see an audiologist for a prescription device.
How do Eargo and Lexie differ?
Eargo and Lexie are separate, independent companies — they are not merged and do not share ownership [3]. Eargo focuses on premium, virtually invisible, completely-in-canal (CIC) devices sold online and through select clinics. Lexie focuses on accessible, behind-the-ear and receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices, including its Bose-powered models, sold heavily in retail stores. ---
References
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know." Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/otc-hearing-aids-what-you-should-know
[2] National Council on Aging. "The Best Affordable Hearing Aids of 2026." Found on the internet at https://www.ncoa.org/product-resources/hearing-aids/best-affordable-hearing-aids/
[3] Consumer Reports. "Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Brands Review." Found on the internet at https://www.consumerreports.org/health/hearing-aids/over-the-counter-hearing-aids-brands-comparison-a3246025494/
[4] Jabra Enhance. "Jabra Enhance Select Product Specifications." Found on the internet at https://www.jabraenhance.com/product
[5] Hearing Loss Association of America. "Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids: Sony & Sonova." Found on the internet at https://www.hearingloss.org/find-help/over-the-counter-otc-hearing-aids/