Best Hearing Aids for Alzheimer’s Patients, Approved by Audiologists

Testing out Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids

Cognitive challenges like difficulty learning new tasks or forgetting the steps to complete a task are common struggles for people with dementia. We like that Jabra Enhance’s rechargeable, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids don’t require all the steps of replacing batteries. All three of their hearing aid models make it convenient to keep powered on, with up to 30 hours of battery life per charge — nearly twice as long as Eargo. This is perfect for those with Alzheimer’s who might forget to charm them occasionally.

We’re big fans of the convenient charging case, which holds up to three additional charges. During testing, we appreciated their low-battery alert, as it provides a reminder to recharge the hearing aids (a great feature for seniors with memory loss). These BTE hearing aids are best for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and are custom-programmed based on your loved one’s needs.

Expert Insights

From Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,

Without family support, navigating the technology and the fittings with Jabra Enhance will be very difficult for this population.

Jabra Enhance’s over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are available online from the comfort of your home, and Premium packages come with virtual follow-up care. It is beneficial if your loved one feels anxious or uneasy in new situations, like visiting a doctor’s office.

» Also Check Out: A Guide to Dementia Care

When our team tested the Jabra Enhance Select 300 model, we worked with an audiologist who taught us how to use our hearing aids and mobile app. She also helped us adjust our hearing aids for the best fit and listening experience. We could easily make additional appointments with her through the brand’s mobile app.

You can easily schedule an appointment with a Jabra Enhance audiologist through the mobile app.

We love the long battery life of the Jabra Enhance Select 300. Seniors won’t have to remember to charge their devices as frequently as they would with a comparable model from MDHearing or Eargo. Our hearing aids lasted 30 hours on a single charge. Battery life was reduced by a few hours when we streamed music or made phone calls via Bluetooth.

We brought our charging case with us wherever we went. We could charge our devices on the go. Read our Jabra Enhance Select 300 review to learn more about our experience with this model.

Charging Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids

One potential downside is that Jabra Enhance hearing aids require a smartphone or tablet. We needed the Jabra Enhance mobile app for the initial setup, plus ongoing volume and settings adjustments.

That might be an advantage for some seniors, but if your loved one struggles with technology, it could be harder for them to get the most out of their hearing aids. However, a caregiver or loved one could help the user adjust settings in the mobile app to make daily use less challenging.

» Our Full Review: Jabra Enhance hearing aids review 2025

Pricing

Jabra Enhance keeps costs low compared to prescription hearing aids. There are a few more affordable OTC options on the market, such as MDHearing.

Jabra Enhance’s rechargeable models start at $995 for the Enhance Select 50R Basic package. The mid-range model, Enhance Select 300, starts at $1,495, while the Enhance Select 500, the company’s high-end hearing aid packed with the most advanced tech, costs $1,795 for the Basic option.

If you want the Premium package, you’ll need to spend an extra $200 (regardless of the model you choose). It comes with a three-year warranty and three years of remote audiologist support. Our tech experts and Dr. Reisman think the care is well worth the cost, as it ensures that your hearing aids are fine-tuned to your individual hearing loss.

Testing out MDHearing's VOLT devices, which are small and sit behind the ear.

MDHearing is an OTC brand that offers simple, no-frills hearing aids. They’re the least expensive hearing aids on our list, starting at just $297 per pair, making them highly accessible. The provider offers BTE models, including the VOLT and VOLT MAX, plus more discreet in-ear models, like the NEO and NEO XS. They’re not as discreet as hearing aids from Eargo, though.

» Compare Providers: MDHearing Aid vs. Eargo

Since the VOLT is rechargeable with limited advanced features, it requires minimal adjustments; a benefit for users with Alzheimer’s who might get easily confused or agitated with advanced tech. Unlike Jabra Enhance, which requires a mobile app, MDHearing does not for most models. The latest model, VOLT MAX, is the only Bluetooth-ready model with a mobile companion app, which means seniors who want to pay less and still get advanced features do have options with MDHearing.

As with other online hearing aid companies, MDHearing offers online hearing tests to help you determine if their devices are right for you. The test only took about five minutes, and it was simple. From there, we ordered MDHearing’s hearing aids on their website. That is a plus, as in-person office visits may negatively disrupt or disorient a structured day.

Our team has tested four MDHearing models, ranging from BTE to in-ear options. The VOLT model includes a simple volume control dial and a button to adjust preprogrammed settings. Its user-friendly design makes it a solid selection for older adults with dementia.

However, Dr. Reisman notes that MDHearing’s BTE options can over-amplify sounds, so it’s essential to keep the volume low and gradually increase as needed. It could be a concern if your loved one tries to turn the hearing aid volume up after you’ve fine-tuned the settings.

» Our Favorite MDHearing Model: MDHearing VOLT review

We see the lack of extra features with most MDHearing models as a plus for Alzheimer’s patients who need simple devices. The roughly 20 hours of listening time on a single charge is four more hours than costlier models from Eargo, but it still couldn’t compete with the 30 hours you get with the Jabra Enhance Select 300.

Most of MDHearing's devices are rechargeable, including the NEO XS, which we tested.

While testing the NEO XS model, our tech experts struggled to change the domes and needed to call support. This kind of issue could prove challenging for seniors with Alzheimer's. That said, the VOLT and AIR BTE models are both physically larger and easier to adjust than the in-ear NEO XS.

» Our Full Review: MDHearing reviews

Want a closer look at MDHearing? Watch our MDHearing VOLT review with audiologist Dr. Brad Ingrao below.

Pricing

MDHearing's pricing ranges from $297 to $597 per pair for their most advanced model. Make sure to check out MDHearing’s range of competitive financing options, including three-, six-, or 12-month payment plans starting at 0 percent APR. While you may not get all the advanced features that come with Jabra Enhance or Eargo, it’s hard to compete with MDHearing’s low prices.

The new VOLT MAX is the most expensive MDHearing model at $597, but it’s the only one to offer a companion mobile app and Bluetooth connectivity. If you’re willing to pay $200 more for VIP Care, you get an extended two-year warranty, priority care when you call customer service, a one-on-one fitting with a hearing aid professional, and personalized follow-up care.

VIP Care is currently only available with the VOLT MAX, but you can still get lifetime customer support and the standard one- to two-year warranty with any other MDHearing model.

Eargo SE hearing aids are small and fit in the canal, making them very discreet.

Eargo’s two completely-in-canal (CIC) rechargeable models and one earbud-style device are designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who want a discreet hearing aid. Simplicity is key for individuals battling dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Because Eargo is a rechargeable CIC hearing aid, it requires the fewest steps. Your loved one will simply take the hearing aids from the charging case and place them in the ear.

» Compare Providers: Eargo vs. Phonak

Eargo delivers a discreet and easy-to-use hearing aid. It’s practical if your loved one has difficulty with detailed instructions. Remember that CIC hearing aids aren’t ideal for everyone due to ear shape and anatomy. One of our testers has smaller ears, and she found the Eargo models uncomfortable. Before using CIC models, we recommend a medical evaluation from a hearing professional.

We’re big fans of Eargo’s free sample kit that allows individuals to try before they buy. The user-friendly kit includes a handy product guide and two non-working replicas of Eargo devices. Eargo is a fantastic choice for first-time users or if your loved one feels comfortable wearing CIC hearing aids. One major downside is that even Eargo’s best models only offer 16 hours of listening time per charge, which means your loved one should remember to charge the devices more often.

» For Additional Help: How to put in hearing aids

Eargo’s customer service is impressive, with personalized support from licensed hearing professionals available via phone, text, email, or video chat. Unlike Jabra Enhance, Eargo doesn’t make you pay extra to see a specialist. Like Jabra Enhance, however, Eargo requires a smartphone or tablet app to set up the hearing aids and to make adjustments. That could be a drawback for Alzheimer’s patients who don’t want to use a separate device.

You can easily adjust your hearing aid settings in the Eargo mobile app.

Due to their small size, Eargo hearing aids could be easy to misplace. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a person living with Alzheimer's or dementia may put things in unusual places or lose them and be unable to retrace their steps to find them.1

Fortunately, Eargo offers one-time loss or damage coverage. If your loved one is prone to losing things, you might want to choose a provider offering larger and less expensive hearing aids, such as MDHearing, or a provider that offers features to locate lost hearing aids, like Jabra Enhance or Starkey.

» Our Full Review: Eargo hearing aid review

Pricing

Eargo’s hearing aid prices are below the average prescription hearing aid cost, though they are on the expensive side of OTC options. They range from $799 to $2,699 per pair. For comparison, Jabra Enhance’s top-tier model is around $1,000 less than Eargo 8, the company’s premium model.

If you’d prefer to pay over time, choose between Eargo’s 12- or 24-month financing plans. Eargo’s most affordable hearing aid is the earbud-style LINK by Eargo ($799). If you want a more advanced CIC model with a longer battery life, the next most affordable model is the Eargo SE, $1,699 per pair. Meanwhile, the Eargo 8 costs $2,699 per pair.

» Previous Eargo Models: Eargo 6 review and Eargo 7 review

If you’re shopping for hearing aids on a budget and the LINK doesn’t seem like a good fit for you, MDHearing may be a better option. While MDHearing doesn’t offer the same degree of discretion as Eargo, their hearing aids are affordable.

Phonak offers a variety of hearing aids for all levels of hearing loss.

Phonak (a member of the Sonova Group) manufactures cutting-edge hearing aids and accessories available in over 100 countries worldwide. Phonak’s comprehensive product line includes the noteworthy Lyric model. This extended-wear hearing aid, suitable for mild to profound hearing loss, is an attractive option for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

» You Might Like: Best Invisible Hearing Aids

Lyric hearing aids eliminate the wearer’s responsibility of inserting, removing, charging, and changing batteries for the hearing aid. This model is inserted into the ear canal (near the eardrum) by a certified Lyric provider every four months. Your loved one can wear their Lyric hearing aids 24/7 without needing to remove them for activities like sleeping or showering! This feature helps eliminate costly damage or loss of hearing aids.

Our Experience With Phonak

Phonak’s product line is well-made, reliable, and durable. The Lyric is a low-maintenance hearing aid option that provides 24/7 hearing and lasts for months. This feature is noteworthy as it eliminates potentially confusing tasks of traditional hearing aids, like putting them in, turning the power on, and keeping the battery charged. Phonak’s Lyric may be wise if you’re looking for a hands-off hearing aid.

» Our Full Review: Phonak hearing aid reviews

If Lyric isn’t the right fit for your loved one, Phonak offers several traditional hearing aids for all levels of hearing loss. Phonak is one of Dr. Reisman’s top picks for severe-to-profound hearing loss, as the brand offers excellent support and audibility for those levels of hearing loss.

One of her favorite models is the Phonak Naída Lumity BTE. In her words, “These devices are often the only option for individuals with very significant hearing loss,” while offering “Bluetooth, hands-free calls, and Roger compatibility for seamless communication in all environments.”

Expert Insights

From Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,

The Lyric is truly a great option for this population. It requires zero or minimal involvement for the patient, and regular appointments and reminders can be set up to have them changed quarterly. That makes hearing aids effortless.

Pricing

All Phonak products, including the Lyric, are sold through authorized Phonak providers. Phonak hearing aid pricing is not published online and varies by location.

Dr. Reisman estimates that Phonak hearing aids cost somewhere between $1,000 and $3,750 per device (and twice as much for a pair). It is similar to other prescription providers such as Starkey, but still far more expensive than MDHearing, Jabra Enhance, and Eargo.

Just remember: Prescription hearing aids offer more support and customization than OTC hearing aids. Dr. Reisman and other audiologists use special equipment and hearing evaluations to ensure your hearing aids are tailored to your unique hearing loss. It may be worth the price for those with more severe or complex hearing loss.

Dr. Reisman uses Verifit equipment to test Phonak hearing aids and ensure the best experience for her patients.

Testing out Starkey hearing aids

Since 1967, Starkey has been at the forefront of hearing health, delivering innovative hearing aids for individuals with mild to profound hearing loss. Each year, three million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.2 Starkey’s answer to fall prevention is the Evolv AI and Genesis AI, which both offer fall detection and caregiver alerts. Because those with dementia are at higher risk of falling than those without dementia, this feature could be very useful.3 Dr. Reisman notes that fall detection is “truly a great feature for this population.”

» Related Reading: Fall prevention: fall safety tips for seniors

Starkey’s models include health, wellness, and safety features similar to medical alert systems. Starkey’s Hear Share app lets hearing aid wearers share information such as hearing aid usage, physical activity, and social engagement with preselected individuals. You can set reminders for recurring events, such as personal tasks or taking medication, an excellent feature for those with memory loss. The Evolv AI has several styles, including CIC, receiver-in-canal (RIC), and BTE models.

Our Experience With Starkey

When a person struggles with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, family members and caregivers must remain in close contact. Starkey’s Evolv AI can send immediate alerts should a fall occur. The bonus of scheduling reminders for medication or other routine tasks helps promote independence while providing additional support. Medical alert features are rare in hearing aids, making the brand stand out in our book.

» Our Full Review: Starkey hearing aid review

Dr. Reisman calls Starkey Genesis “the Rolls-Royce of hearing aids.” She also notes, “In addition to superior sound quality, the health features offered by Starkey hearing aids are not something you can find with any other provider. The future of their fall prevention feature will likely assist in balance rehabilitation for individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders.”

Dr. Ruth Reisman wearing Starkey Genesis hearing aids

Pricing

As with Phonak, Starkey’s hearing aid pricing isn’t advertised online. Dr. Reisman estimates you’ll need to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 per device. Visit your local Starkey retailer to find out if Starkey hearing aids will meet the needs of your loved one. It’s essential to know that you can obtain hearing aid quotes to compare pricing and services included, such as hearing tests, fittings, and follow-up care.