Best hearing aids in 2024

Author thumbnail Ashish Shah  |  Published 22 July 2024  | Updated 08 August 2024  | 9 mins read

Patient selecting hearing aids with doctor audiologist in clinics.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing hearing aids. Everyone has different needs and will be looking for different functionality, features, and aids that can help their particular level of hearing loss. 

We looked into which hearing aids are the best for 2024 and considered the pros and cons of each model, as well as whether they are best for seniors, best value for money, best for active lifestyles, and many more. 

Read on to learn more about the best hearing aids for 2024. 

Oticon Intent, RIC hearing aids.

What are the best hearing aids?

Best overall hearing aid – Oticon Intent

The Oticon Intent hearing aids are our best overall hearing aid models. They help you to engage in life like never before, using the world’s first user intent sensors to understand your listening needs and seamlessly adapting to your environment.

Why we chose it

It can be difficult to wear hearing aids in busy environments as some models aren’t great at letting you pick out individual voices or pick up lower notes in their tones. Whether you’re in a crowded restaurant, a family home or even an office, everyone has their own unique listening needs, which may change as you move around the space. The Oticon Intent hearing aids use groundbreaking technology and intent sensors to interpret your listening needs, allowing you to engage in conversation effortlessly, wherever you are. Ideal for your busy social life. 

Features

  • Sensors that understand your listening intentions, seamlessly adapting to prioritise the sounds you need
  • Sounds accurately delivered in excellent quality and clarity, without letting sudden noises disturb or overwhelm you
  • A small, discreet IP-rated shell available in a range of subtle colours
  • Rechargeable batteries that give 24 hours of use after two hours of charging, or four hours with just a 15-minute charge – charging 33% faster than previous Oticon aids

Pros

  • Stays put no matter where life takes you
  • Long battery life
  • Naturally perceive the location and distance of sounds with ease
  • Hear more of the high-pitched speech sounds that give us clarity in speech, improving your understanding of speech without having to turn up the volume
  • Improved sound quality when you are listening to music or talking in background noise
  • Connect with external devices such as your smartphone via Bluetooth to enjoy streaming and handsfree calls

Cons

  • Although slim and discreet, this model isn’t invisible
Starkey Genesis AI, CIC and RIC hearing aids.

Best hearing aid for seniors – Starkey Genesis AI

The Starkey Genesis hearing aid is THCP’s top pick for seniors. Designed to provide individuals with hearing loss with a superior listening experience, these devices incorporate advanced technology and cutting-edge features.

Why we chose it

The Starkey Genesis is packed with innovative, useful features to enhance your quality of life. From rechargeable batteries to Bluetooth connectivity, these hearing aids are a far cry from the bulky, beige models of decades past. Their larger size makes them perfect for those with dexterity challenges, and their huge battery life allows for up to 51 hours of superior listening time. 

Features

  • Advanced AI technology that adapts to your unique listening environment
  • Rechargeable batteries for ultimate convenience
  • Bluetooth connectivity for seamless streaming from your devices
  • Customisable sound settings to suit your preferences
  • Water-resistant design for added durability

Pros

  • Good for many levels of hearing loss
  • Noise-cancelling features help you hear in all environments
  • Effortless connectivity with your smartphone, TV, and other devices
  • Personalised settings tailored to your specific hearing needs
  • Discreet and comfortable design for all-day wear
  • Improved speech recognition and understanding
  • Available on multiple payment plans from THCP
  • A range of different designs to suit your needs

Cons

  • Although slimline, none of the models are invisible
Hearing aids: Oticon Zircon model.

Best value for money hearing aid – Oticon Zircon

For those who are on a budget, the Oticon Zircon hearing aids are our top choice for you. These budget-friendly hearing aids still boast a wide range of features and are suitable for hearing loss levels of all types. 

Why we chose it

The Oticon Zircon hearing aids are small, discreet and rechargeable. Suitable for all levels of hearing loss, these compact behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are comfortable and easy to use. They boast Made-for-iPhone connectivity ( and are also compatible with Android devices) with Bluetooth so you can listen to music and take calls without fuss.

Features

  • Seamless connectivity to your favourite compatible devices via Bluetooth® for streaming music and talking on the phone
  • Stream the sound of your phone conversation to your hearing aids
  • A telecoil helps improve hearing in places of worship, cinemas, airports and any other public places with a loop system
  • Simple push-button system to make it easy to control volume and change programmes
  • Water and dust-resistant

Pros

  • Access to speech in 360 degrees, even if in a noisy environment
  • Technology that makes it easier to be aware of what’s happening in your surroundings
  • Amazing sound quality when listening to live music
  • Good options if you’re on a budget

Cons

  • While discreet and slimline, these hearing aids are not invisible
  • More limited in features and overall support than better levels of technology
Moment Sheer Edition sRIC R D.

Best hearing aid for tinnitus – Widex Moment Sheer

The Widex Moment Sheer hearing aids offer a wide range of personalisation options alongside premium performance including speech enhancement and reduction of wind noise. This model is THCP’s top choice for those with tinnitus.

Why we chose it

These hearing aids are ideal for those with mild hearing loss or tinnitus because of their superior processing capacity. The sound you get with these aids is natural but they still enhance the frequencies enough for you to find a noticeable difference.

Features

  • PureSound technology provides a natural and realistic listening experience
  • Suitable for people with mild to profound hearing loss
  • Rechargeable battery lasts up to 29 hours (no streaming) or up to 16 hours with streaming
  • Stream from iOS and Android devices
  • Available in a range of colours
  • Compatible with the Widex Moment app and Widex accessories

Pros

  • Processes sound five times faster than older models, which means the sound is less distorted
  • Real-time app feedback from hearing aid wearers helps enhance hearing algorithms
  • Small models with a slim profile to make them as discreet as possible

Cons

  • Behind-the-ear models aren’t invisible, although these are a very discreet option
Phonak Naída Lumity hearing aid.

Best hearing aid for severe hearing loss – Phonak Naída Lumity

A powerful hearing aid model, the Phonak Naida Lumity is our top pick for those with severe hearing loss. These robust and reliable behind-the-ear hearing aids help you navigate conversations with confidence.

Why we chose it

These hearing aids are some of the most powerful on the market, meaning they’re ideal for those with severe hearing loss. They have unrivalled processing power and a range of unique features to help you hear well in busy environments. 

Features

  • Answer your phone without taking it out of your pocket – just press a button on your hearing aid and start talking
  • Phonak Autosense OS 0.5 – Trained with artificial intelligence, Autosense is software that automatically changes the programmes and settings of the hearing aid
  • Speech Enhancer is an adaptive feature that enhances a soft speech signal in quiet situations. Hearing aid wearers experience reduced listening effort in quiet
  • Benefit from reduced listening effort in noisy environments thanks to Phonak’s Dynamic Noise Cancellation
  • Motion Sensor Hearing Detects if the user is stationary or moving and how noisy the surroundings are and adjusts the settings accordingly

Pros

  • Rechargeable batteries and case for convenient charging
  • Connect to your smartphone with Bluetooth connectivity
  • Use the Phonak app to access a wide range of extra features including a remote control for your hearing aids, online support, and health monitoring

Cons

  • Tap controls on the case can be tricky to master
  • The app works fairly well but also lacks some functionality
Phonak Audéo Life.

Best hearing aid for active lifestyles – Phonak Audeo Life

Enjoy life, no matter where you go or what you do. From outdoors to indoors, wet and dry, the Phonak Audéo Life hearing aids accompany you on life’s adventures. The Phonak Audéo Life hearing aids are THCP’s pick for active lifestyles.

Why we chose it

These are the world’s first waterproof rechargeable hearing aids. So they are ideal for those who keep an active lifestyle. They’re the ideal solution for those who put their hearing aids to the test in physically demanding environments or for those looking for a hearing aid that will withstand arduous activities.

Features

  • Waterproof up to 50 cm/1.64 feet
  • Sweatproof
  • Health data tracking with the Phonak app
  • Rechargeable with travel case
  • Crisp natural sound
  • Universal connectivity to smartphones, TV, Bluetooth devices and more
  • Connect to multiple Bluetooth devices at once
  • Tap Control for effortless access to Bluetooth functionalities

Pros

  • Hardwearing and durable for whatever life throws at you
  • Adventure-ready waterproofness
  • Rechargeable batteries with excellent battery life
  • All the amazing features we’ve come to love with other Phonak hearing aids

Cons

  • Tap controls aren’t as easy to master as we’d like
  • App works fairly well but with some limitations
  • Waterproof models can be bulky due to the extra casing necessary

What to take into account when choosing your hearing aid

Severity of hearing loss

Your level of hearing loss will be one of the biggest factors that needs to be considered when choosing hearing aids. Some hearing aids are better suited to mild or moderate hearing loss while others will only be suitable for severe to profound hearing loss. Make sure you attend regular hearing assessments to ensure your prescription is accurate. 

Budget concerns

Budget is often a big factor that sways the opinion of many people. Some models of hearing aids are, naturally, more expensive than others so keeping that in mind is important when choosing the right aids for you. Here at THCP, we offer a wide range of hearing aids and different prices and packages as well as a range of payment plans so you can rest easy knowing you made the best choice. 

Lifestyle needs

Your lifestyle is likely to make a large impact on the style of hearing aids you choose. If you’re very active and take part in sports, you’ll have different needs and preferences for the performance of your hearing aids to those who aren’t as active, for example. Check out our main types of hearing aids guide to help you find the right type for your lifestyle.