Choosing hearing aids can feel overwhelming. With so many models offering different technologies, designs, and controls, it can be difficult to know which hearing aid features actually matter.
Modern hearing aid technology can do much more than simply make sounds louder. Features such as digital sound processing, background noise reduction, feedback cancellation, wireless connectivity, rechargeable power, and adjustable settings can make hearing aids easier and more convenient to use.
In this guide, we'll explain the most important features to consider, how they work, and which ones may be worth prioritizing when choosing hearing aids.
Key Takeaways
The most useful hearing aid features depend on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and typical listening environments.
Noise reduction, directional microphones, and advanced sound processing can help make conversations easier to follow in challenging environments.
Hearing aids with Bluetooth can connect with compatible smartphones and other devices for calls, streaming, and hearing aid controls.
Rechargeable hearing aids can eliminate the need to regularly replace disposable batteries.
Adjustable hearing aids allow you to change volume or listening settings based on your preferences and environment.
What Are the Most Important Hearing Aid Features?
There isn't one feature that makes a hearing aid the best choice for everyone. The FDA recommends considering the type and style of hearing aid, special features that fit your lifestyle, total cost, trial or adjustment period, warranty, and ongoing care when choosing a device.
Here are some of the most useful features to consider.
1. Advanced Sound Processing
Modern hearing aids use digital sound processing to analyze incoming sounds and adjust amplification based on the wearer's hearing needs.
Instead of simply making every sound louder, this technology can help distinguish speech from other sounds and deliver intentional amplification more appropriately across different listening situations.
For example, you may have different hearing needs when you're:
Having a one-on-one conversation
Watching television
Eating at a restaurant
Attending a family gathering
Spending time outdoors
More sophisticated sound-processing systems may automatically adjust to different environments, while other devices allow you to select or customize different listening programs.
2. Noise Reduction
If you frequently struggle to follow conversations when there's a lot of background noise, hearing aids with noise reduction may be especially useful.
Noise reduction technology is designed to reduce the level of certain background sounds relative to the sounds you're trying to hear. This can be particularly helpful in environments such as:
Restaurants
Family gatherings
Stores
Offices or work environments
Outdoor events
It's important to understand what noise reduction can and cannot do. Hearing aids don't completely eliminate background noise.
Instead, noise reduction works alongside other technologies to make listening more comfortable and help you focus on important sounds, such as voices.
3. Directional Microphones
Directional microphones are another important feature to consider if you have trouble hearing speech in noisy environments.
Unlike microphones that pick up sound from multiple directions, directional microphone technology can focus more strongly on sounds coming from a particular direction—often the direction you're facing.
For example, if you're sitting across from someone at a restaurant, directional microphones can help the hearing aids focus on the person speaking in front of you while reducing emphasis on sounds coming from elsewhere.
4. Feedback Cancellation
Have you ever heard a high-pitched squealing or whistling sound from a hearing aid? That sound is known as feedback.
Feedback cancellation technology is designed to detect and reduce unwanted feedback before it becomes disruptive. The FDA lists feedback suppression as a common hearing aid feature that helps prevent uncomfortable squealing.
This can be particularly useful if you:
Frequently adjust or reposition your devices
Experience occasional whistling
Want a more comfortable listening experience
Frequently wear a hat or items near your ear that can cause feedback
Feedback can also be caused by an improper fit. MDHearing offers free telehealth setup appointments, where a licensed professional will help you find a comfortable, secure fit.
5. Bluetooth and Wireless Connectivity
Hearing aids with Bluetooth can connect with compatible smartphones and other devices, giving you additional ways to interact with your hearing aids.
Depending on the hearing aid, wireless connectivity may allow you to:
Adjust hearing aid settings
Use a smartphone app to control your devices
Personalize the device with self-fitting technology
Stream phone calls
Stream music or other audio
- Connect with a hearing specialist for remote sound adjustments and support
Keep in mind that:
Smartphone app connectivity doesn't necessarily mean audio streaming.
Bluetooth isn't automatically an essential feature for everyone. If you rarely use a smartphone or don't want to stream audio through your hearing aids, you may prefer to prioritize other features instead.
6. Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable hearing aids can typically be placed in a charging case at night or when they're not being worn, allowing them to recharge for later use. Battery life varies by model and can also be affected by how the hearing aids are used.
Rechargeable technology may be especially appealing if you:
Don't want to purchase replacement batteries
Have difficulty handling small batteries
Prefer a simple charging routine
Travel frequently
Want fewer small components to keep track of
7. Adjustable Volume and Listening Programs
Adjustable hearing aids can give you greater control over your listening experience.
Depending on the model, you may be able to adjust:
Volume
Listening programs
Environmental settings
Sound preferences
Some devices use physical buttons, while others can be controlled through a smartphone app.
This flexibility can be useful because the ideal settings for a quiet conversation at home may not be the same settings you'd want in a busy restaurant.
8. Automatic Environmental Adjustments
Some smart hearing aids can automatically recognize changes in your listening environment and adjust their settings accordingly.
For example, a hearing aid may respond differently when you're:
Sitting in a quiet room
Having a conversation in a noisy restaurant
Watching television
Walking outdoors
Automatic adjustments can be particularly convenient if you don't want to manually change your settings throughout the day.
9. Comfort, Size, and Fit
Technology isn't the only thing to consider. A hearing aid can have impressive features, but if it's uncomfortable or difficult to wear consistently, it may not be the right choice for you. Consider:
How the hearing aid fits in or behind your ear
Whether the size feels comfortable
How easy it is to put on and remove
Whether the controls are easy to use
Whether the device stays securely in place
Whether the style fits your preferences
The FDA recommends choosing hearing aids that are convenient and easy to use while providing results appropriate for your hearing loss.
10. Personalized Settings and Hearing Profiles
Some newer hearing aids allow greater personalization based on your hearing needs and preferences.
Depending on the device, personalization may involve:
A hearing test or hearing profile
Smartphone-based adjustments
Customized volume or tone settings
Different environmental programs
Remote adjustments and support from professionals
Personalization can be particularly valuable if you find that your hearing needs vary significantly between environments or change over time.
Which Hearing Aid Features Are Worth Paying For?
The answer depends on how and where you use your hearing aids.
Instead of asking which hearing aid has the most features, consider which features solve the problems you experience every day.
| Your Listening Needs | Features to Consider |
|---|---|
Difficulty hearing conversations in restaurants | Noise reduction + directional microphones |
Trouble hearing on the phone | Bluetooth streaming connectivity |
Can't or don't want to change tiny batteries | Rechargeable models |
Frequently move between environments | Directional microphones or automatic environmental adjustments |
Want more control over your hearing aids | Adjustable settings or smartphone app |
Experience whistling or squealing | Feedback cancellation |
Prefer a discreet device | Smaller in-the-ear or in-the-canal designs |
Want help from hearing professionals | Remote or ongoing hearing support |
The best hearing aid features aren't necessarily the most advanced ones. The best features are the ones you'll actually use and that address the situations where you need the most help.
What Features Should Seniors Look for in Hearing Aids?
There isn't one set of hearing aid features for seniors because every person's hearing needs and preferences are different.
However, if simplicity and convenience are priorities, consider:
Easy-to-use controls: Straightforward buttons or controls can make it easier to adjust volume and settings.
Rechargeable power: Rechargeable batteries can reduce the need to handle small disposable batteries.
Speech-focused technology: Noise reduction, directional microphones, and digital sound processing can be useful when conversations become difficult to follow in restaurants or group settings.
Comfortable design: A comfortable hearing aid is more likely to become a natural part of your daily routine.
Support: Look for accessible instructions, troubleshooting help, and professional hearing support when needed.
The FDA recommends considering convenience, ease of use, maintenance, repairs, warranty coverage, and customer support, not simply the number of features a device offers.
Why Are Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids So Popular?
Smaller hearing aids may seem more appealing, but less visible does not always mean better. BTE hearing aids offer several practical advantages that can make them a comfortable, convenient long-term option:
Easier to handle: The larger design can be easier to put on, remove, and adjust, especially for people who have difficulty handling tiny devices.
Simpler maintenance: BTEs are generally easier to clean and maintain than very small in-the-ear or in-the-canal style devices.
Flexible fit: BTEs can accommodate different earpieces and fitting styles, making them suitable for a wide range of ear sizes.
More room for features: The larger housing can accommodate more advanced technology such as directional microphones, noise reduction, longer-lasting rechargeable batteries, and wireless connectivity, depending on the model.
Comfortable for everyday wear: Some BTE styles use an open fit that can help reduce the plugged-up feeling some people experience with in-the-ear hearing aids.
A practical balance: BTEs can provide useful features and ease of use while remaining relatively discreet behind the ear.
The smallest hearing aid isn't necessarily the best choice. When comparing hearing aids, consider comfort, ease of use, maintenance, fit, and features—not just appearance.
Why Is Hearing Aid Maintenance Important?
Like any everyday device, hearing aids perform best when they are properly cared for. Regular at-home maintenance can help keep them working properly and prevent avoidable issues. The good news is that OTC hearing aids can typically be cleaned and maintained at home, so routine care does not require regular cleaning appointments at a clinic.
A few simple maintenance habits can make a difference:
Clean your hearing aids regularly: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove earwax, dust, and other buildup.
Replace components as needed: Wax guard filters, domes, tubing, and other replaceable accessories may need to be changed periodically depending on the device and how often you wear it.
Keep them dry: Avoid exposing hearing aids to excessive moisture and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for storage and care.
Check them regularly: If sound quality changes or the device seems less effective, cleaning or replacing a component may resolve the issue.
Consider a care plan: MDHearing Care Plans can provide ongoing maintenance supplies and additional protection, with quarterly accessory shipments delivered automatically, so you can keep the supplies you need on hand.
Routine care is a simple part of owning hearing aids and can help you get the most from your investment over time.
Are OTC Hearing Aids as Good as Prescription Hearing Aids?
OTC hearing aids aren't simply "better" or "worse" than prescription hearing aids. They are different options designed for different needs.
The FDA created the OTC hearing aid category for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. These devices can be purchased directly by consumers without a prescription or medical examination.
Prescription hearing aids may be appropriate for people with more severe hearing loss and are obtained through a hearing healthcare professional, who can program the device to the individual's hearing needs.
For adults considering OTC devices, relevant OTC hearing aid features may include:
User-adjustable settings
Preset listening programs
Wireless technology
Smartphone compatibility
Self-fitting or personalization tools
Rechargeable power
The right option depends on your hearing needs, lifestyle, and the level of professional support you want.
What Should I Consider Before Buying Hearing Aids?
Features are important, but they shouldn't be the only factor in your decision.
Before purchasing hearing aids, consider:
Your Hearing Needs
Understanding the type and degree of your hearing loss can help you determine which features are appropriate.
Your Lifestyle
Think about where you spend the most time and the situations where hearing is most difficult.
Ease of Use
A hearing aid should be simple enough for you to operate comfortably.
Cost
Consider the total cost, including accessories, replacement components, and any ongoing service.
Trial Period
A trial or adjustment period can give you time to determine whether the hearing aids work well in your everyday environments. The FDA recommends considering whether a manufacturer offers a trial or adjustment period before purchasing.
Warranty Period
Look at what's covered under the warranty and whether maintenance or repairs are included.
Professional Support
Consider whether you'll have access to licensed hearing professionals if you need help adjusting to your hearing aids, troubleshooting, or have any questions.
What Features Does MDHearing Offer?
MDHearing offers OTC hearing aids in both in-the-ear and behind-the-ear styles, with different combinations of features designed to accommodate different preferences and listening needs.
The current lineup includes in-the-ear models—NEO XS and NEO XS PRO—and behind-the-ear models—AIR 3, VOLT 4, and VOLT MAX 2. Features vary by model and can include rechargeable power, noise reduction, feedback cancellation, adjustable settings, environmental programs, directional microphones, personalization, and smartphone compatibility.
Not every MDHearing device has every feature, so it's important to compare individual models based on the features that matter most to you.
Find the Hearing Aid Features That Fit Your Life
Whether you need better speech understanding in noisy environments, want the convenience of rechargeable hearing aids, or prefer the connectivity of smart hearing aids, understanding your options can help you make a more confident decision.
For example, the MDHearing VOLT 4 and VOLT MAX 2 both feature directional microphones for clearer speech in background noise, however the VOLT MAX 2 is also smartphone-compatible, allowing you to personalize the hearing aids for your specific hearing loss and control the sound settings with a smartphone app.
At MDHearing, you can explore OTC hearing aids designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and compare models based on the features that matter most to you.
CHOOSE THE BEST MODEL FOR YOUR NEEDS
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aid Features
What features should I look for in hearing aids?
Look for features that address your specific hearing needs and lifestyle. Common options include sound processing, noise reduction, directional microphones, feedback cancellation, adjustable settings, rechargeable batteries, and wireless connectivity.
Are rechargeable hearing aids better?
Rechargeable hearing aids aren't universally better, but they can be more convenient if you don't want to replace disposable batteries regularly or have dexterity challenges. Consider battery life, charging time, and whether a portable charging case fits your routine.
Do hearing aids reduce background noise?
Many hearing aids include noise reduction technology designed to reduce certain background sounds. However, hearing aids do not eliminate all background noise.
What hearing aid features help with speech clarity?
Sound processing, noise reduction, and directional microphones can all play a role in making speech easier to follow, particularly in challenging listening environments. Directional microphones can focus more strongly on sound coming from a particular direction.
What should I consider before buying hearing aids?
Consider your hearing needs, lifestyle, listening environments, preferred features, comfort, ease of use, total cost, trial period, warranty, and available support. The FDA specifically recommends considering these factors when choosing hearing aids.