Best hearing aids of 2026

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

Why we chose it

As we get older, hearing in noisy places can become more challenging. The Starkey Omega AI is designed to make conversations easier to follow, whether you’re catching up with loved ones, watching television or enjoying a meal out.

The Starkey Omega AI combines cutting-edge hearing technology with features designed to support natural, comfortable listening throughout the day. With long-lasting rechargeable battery options, easy-to-use controls, seamless Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity, next-generation wellbeing features and a range of styles available, Omega AI offers an excellent balance of performance, comfort and convenience for seniors, fitting effortlessly into everyday life.

Features

• Advanced AI technology that adapts to your unique listening environment and makes conversations clearer, even in busy environments
• Bluetooth connectivity for streaming calls, television and audio directly to your hearing aids
• Automatic Fall Alert system that detects if you fall and sends a text message containing your GPS location to your emergency contacts
• Water-resistant design for greater durability and peace of mind
• Compatible smartphone app for easy adjustments and support

Pros

• Suitable for a wide range of hearing loss levels
• Reduces listening effort throughout the day
• Excellent battery life with rechargeable options available
• Easy connectivity with smartphones, televisions and other devices
• Personalised settings that adapt to your lifestyle
• Available on multiple payment plans from THCP
• Supports an active, independent lifestyle
• A range of different designs to suit your needs including the miniRIC design which is smaller and sleeker than many traditional hearing aids

Cons

• Invisible styles are available, but battery life and feature sets may vary by model

Understand better how to choose the best hearing aids for elderly people.

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

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

Why we chose it

These hearing aids are designed for people with severe to profound hearing loss who need the highest levels of amplification and support. Combining powerful processing technology with features that help you hear more clearly in challenging environments, they can make a significant difference to everyday communication. The most powerful models in this category use size 675 batteries to provide the extra power required throughout the day.

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

• 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
• Increased confidence and independence in social situations
• Available on multiple payment plans from THCP

Cons

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

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
• Not suitable for high impact water sports or deep sea diving and receivers might still be susceptible to water damage

Why we chose it

For many people, choosing a hearing aid is about finding the right balance between performance and discretion. The Oticon Zeal achieves exactly that. Its compact design makes it one of the most discreet hearing solutions available, while Oticon’s intelligent sound processing helps wearers enjoy clearer conversations and better awareness of the sounds around them.

Features

• Compact, discreet design
• Oticon’s intelligent sound processing technology for balanced, natural hearing
• Bluetooth connectivity for streaming calls, music and media
• Speech enhancement technology to support conversation clarity
• Compatible with the Oticon Companion app for easy adjustments

Pros

• One of the most discreet hearing aid styles available
• Small, lightweight design for comfortable all-day wear
• Excellent speech clarity in everyday listening environments
• Rechargeable options reduce the need for disposable batteries
• Comfortable fit for first-time hearing aid wearers
• Available on multiple payment plans from THCP

Cons

• Available in one size only, which may not be suitable for very small or narrow ear canals
• Smaller hearing aids can be more difficult to handle for those with dexterity challenges
• Battery life may vary depending on streaming usage

Why we chose it

Active lifestyles often mean encountering a variety of challenging listening environments, from busy cafés and fitness classes to family gatherings and outdoor adventures. The Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere uses groundbreaking DEEPSONIC™ AI technology to help separate speech from background noise, making conversations easier to follow even in the busiest surroundings. Combined with all-day comfort, rechargeable convenience and universal Bluetooth connectivity, it delivers outstanding performance wherever life takes you. 

Features

• DEEPSONIC™ AI chip for exceptional speech understanding in noise, delivering up to 10dB speech-in-noise improvement compared to the 5dB offered by traditional technologies.
• AutoSense OS™ automatically adapts to your surroundings
• Rechargeable battery for all-day use
• Universal Bluetooth connectivity to multiple devices simultaneously.
• Hands-free calling with compatible smartphones
• Motion sensors that adapt hearing support as you move
• Water- and sweat-resistant design for everyday confidence
• Compatible with the myPhonak app for personalised adjustments and remote support

Pros

• Ideal for people with active and social lifestyles
• AI-powered technology helps reduce listening effort throughout the day
• Rechargeable with excellent battery performance
• Comfortable and secure fit for all-day wear
• Durable design suitable for everyday activities
• Available on multiple payment plans from THCP

Cons

• Rechargeable models require regular charging
• Physically larger than the standard Infinio model (3mm taller and 1mm wider) due to the additional technology inside
• The Phonak app can occasionally be slow to launch