2025 Top Hearing Aid Reviews

2025 Top Hearing Aid Reviews

This is a comprehensive review of the top three most popular hearing aids available for 2025. Although there are many different models and variations, this review focuses on those with a rechargeable battery, receiver in canal (RIC), and Bluetooth technology. Given that these devices are defined as medical equipment with evolving technology we will provide the most accurate information based on currently available knowledge at the time of this publication. Final consultations should always be done with an audiologist or hearing aid professional.


AVAILABILITY

Although these may be purchased through many independent audiologists, COSTCO is recognized as the largest nationwide distributor of Hearing Aids in the USA. Their high sales volume is a result of their amazing service and warranty plans (which are included), allowing them to offer substantial price discounts. While many audiologists sell these 2025 units at $4,000 to 6,000 per pair, Costco offers these very same models $1,599 a pair, which INCLUDES:

  1. Free Consultation and Real Ear Measurement Hearing Test
  2. Free Lifetime Cleaning and Adjustments
  3. 6-Month Trial with 100% Refund or Free Exchange
  4. 2-year protection against loss
  5. 3-year guarantee on all parts and labor


    TOP MODELS – In previous years Costco selected one brand and private Labeled it as their premier KS-SERIES, which sold alongside the 4 other top brands. The Kirkland Signature 10.0 (KS-10) was a wildly popular model a few years ago because it was one of the first to have all the features of the current models except Auracast, and included an additional built in mic for hands free telephone calls. It was essentially a private label version of the Phonak Paradise Level 9 technology, but was recently discontinued due to a few problems with battery charging or dropped calls on some units. Costco discontinued the private label KS-SERIES marketing after version 10.0 and now simply features 4 popular high performance models under their actual brand names.


    UNDERSTANDING LATEST HIGH-TECH FEATURES


    Bluetooth Low Energy LE Audio and Auracast

    Bluetooth LE Audio is a significant advancement over "Classic Audio" (the Bluetooth standard traditionally used for wireless headphones and streaming). It's designed to enhance audio performance and enable new use cases, particularly for small, power-constrained devices like hearing aids.


    Key Capabilities of Bluetooth LE Audio:

    LC3 Codec (Low Complexity Communication Codec): This is the cornerstone. The LC3 codec offers superior audio quality at the same bit rate as the older SBC codec, or comparable audio quality at a significantly lower bit rate. This translates to:


    • Better sound fidelity for music and voice.


    • Improved power efficiency, leading to longer battery life in hearing aids and other true wireless devices.


    • Lower Power Consumption: Specifically engineered for minimal energy use, which is critical for hearing aids that need to operate all day.


    • Multi-Stream Audio: This allows a source device (like a smartphone) to transmit multiple, independent, synchronized audio streams to one or more audio sink devices (like a pair of hearing aids). For hearing aids, this means true wireless stereo with separate, dedicated streams for the left and right ears, enhancing robustness and potentially improving sound quality and spatial perception.


    • Broadcast Audio (the foundation for Auracast™): LE Audio enables a single source device to broadcast one or more audio streams to an unlimited number of in-range Bluetooth audio sink devices. This is a game-changer for public audio accessibility.


    • Standardized Hearing Aid Support: LE Audio incorporates standardized support for hearing aids, aiming for broader compatibility and a more seamless user experience across different hearing aid brands and source devices (smartphones, tablets, computers).


    Current Bluetooth Version:

    As of mid-2024, the latest publicly adopted Bluetooth Core Specification is Bluetooth 5.4. The key features of LE Audio were introduced starting with Bluetooth 5.2. For a device (either the hearing aid or the source device like a phone) to utilize LE Audio, it must support Bluetooth 5.2 or higher and be specifically designed to implement LE Audio features. Some older Bluetooth 5.2 devices may require firmware updates to enable full LE Audio functionality if the hardware supports it.


    Auracast™ Broadcast Audio:

    Auracast™ is a broadcast audio capability built upon the Bluetooth LE Audio standard. It allows an Auracast™ transmitter (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, TV, or a public address system in a venue) to broadcast audio to an unlimited number of nearby Auracast™-enabled Bluetooth receivers (such as hearing aids, earbuds, or headphones).


    Capabilities of Auracast™:

    • Public Audio Sharing/Assistive Listening: This is a primary use case. Imagine:


    • Silent TVs: Tuning into airport, gym, or bar TVs directly through your hearing aids.


    • Public Announcements: Receiving clear announcements in transit hubs, museums, or conference centers.


    • Enhanced Venue Experiences: Listening directly to performances, lectures, or religious services in theaters or places of worship. This can potentially replace or augment traditional hearing loop systems.


    • Personal Audio Sharing: Easily share audio from your smartphone or tablet with multiple friends who also have Auracast™-enabled devices (e.g., watching a movie together on one device, each with their own headphones/hearing aids).


    • Multilingual Support: Venues could broadcast audio in several languages simultaneously, and users could select their preferred language.


    • Improved Accessibility: Greatly enhances the experience for people with hearing loss by providing direct, high-quality audio feeds in many situations where it was previously difficult to hear.


    • Ease of Use: Users will be able to scan for available Auracast™ broadcasts (similar to scanning for Wi-Fi networks) using their smartphone or directly through their hearing device interface and select the audio stream they want to join.


    For individuals with hearing loss, Auracast™ promises a new era of audio accessibility, making it easier to connect to the world around them.


    DETAILED HEARING AID COMPARISONS

    Please note that pricing is approximate and can change. Features listed are based on general knowledge of these platforms; specific configurations at Costco should always be confirmed.


    1. KS-10 (Discontinued) ($1399 pair) - USED AS A BASELINE EXAMPLE


    Main Points & Features (Historical): The Kirkland Signature 10.0 (KS-10), manufactured by Sonova (the parent company of Phonak), was essentially a re-branded Phonak Paradise P90. It was a Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aid highly sought after for offering premium features at Costco's significantly lower price point. It provided excellent sound quality suitable for moderate to severe hearing loss, including high-frequency losses. Key features included:


    • Connectivity: Direct Bluetooth streaming for both iOS (MFi - Made for iPhone) and Android (ASHA - Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids). It could maintain multiple Bluetooth connections (e.g., phone and computer).


    • Hands-free Calling: Used the hearing aid microphones to pick up the wearer's voice for true hands-free calls with compatible smartphones.


    • Tap Control: Allowed users to answer/end calls or control streaming with a simple tap on the hearing aid.


    • Automatic Program Switching (Automa): Featured Phonak's "AutoSense OS," which automatically analyzed the listening environment and adjusted the hearing aid settings accordingly for optimal hearing in various situations (quiet, noise, speech in noise, music).


    • User App (Easy Line Remote, based on myPhonak app): The app allowed for volume control, program selection, fine-tuning of sound (e.g., equalizer, noise reduction, speech focus), checking battery status, and accessing remote support features.


    Pros (Historical): Top-tier Phonak technology at a budget-friendly price, robust universal Bluetooth connectivity, excellent automatic sound processing, hands-free calls.


    Cons (Historical): Discontinued, so no longer available for new purchase or direct comparison for current buyers. Some users experienced occasional Bluetooth stability issues, which is not uncommon with any wireless technology. Being a Costco-exclusive, service was tied to Costco.


    General User Ratings (Historical): Overwhelmingly positive. Users consistently praised its performance, features, and especially its value. It was often cited as one of an best hearing aids on the market relative to its cost.



    2. Sennheiser (e.g., Sonite R LI or similar, currently $1599 at Costco) Formerly Phonak-platform based

    Main Points & Features: Sennheiser hearing aids at Costco are manufactured by Sonova, leveraging Phonak technology, similar to the KS-10 but from a more recent platform (often compared to Phonak Lumity). They are RIC models designed for various degrees of hearing loss, including moderate to severe with high-frequency emphasis.


    • Sound Processing: Features advanced sound processing designed to enhance speech clarity, especially in noisy environments, and provide a comfortable listening experience.


    • Connectivity: Direct Bluetooth streaming for iOS (MFi) and Android (ASHA) devices for calls and media. They typically support pairing with multiple Bluetooth devices.


    • Hands-free Calling: Allows for hands-free calls with compatible smartphones, using the hearing aid microphones.


    • Automatic Program Switching (Automa): Incorporates an automatic system, likely Sonova's AutoSense OS or a similar iteration, that adapts the hearing aids to different soundscapes.


    • User App (Sennheiser or a Sonova-based app, e.g., similar to Easy Line Remote or myPhonak): The app provides control over volume, program selection (e.g., quiet, restaurant, music), sound adjustments (like an equalizer), and potentially features for managing noise reduction or speech focus. Battery status and remote fitting support are usually included.


    • Pros: Utilizes proven Sonova/Phonak technology known for good sound quality and performance in noise. Universal Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free calling are significant benefits. The Sennheiser brand name carries a reputation for audio quality. Likely a solid choice for those with moderate to severe high-frequency loss.


    • Cons: As it's based on a licensed platform, it might not always have every single cutting-edge feature of Phonak's absolute latest flagship model at any given moment, but it will be very close. Performance can vary by individual hearing loss and fitting.


    • General User Ratings: Generally positive. Users often appreciate the sound quality, especially in challenging listening situations. They are seen as a good alternative now that the KS line has moved away from Sonova for its latest iteration (KS11 if any in the future, will be made by a different manufacturer).


    3. Rexton Reach (e.g., Reach R-Li T, currently $1599 at Costco)

    Main Points & Features: Rexton is a brand under WSAudiology (which also owns Signia and Widex). Rexton hearing aids at Costco often parallel Signia's technology. The Reach platform is one of their newer offerings.


    • Sound Processing: Focuses on providing clear speech understanding, even in complex environments with multiple speakers ("Multi-Voice Focus"). It employs advanced noise reduction and directional microphone technology.


    • Connectivity: Offers direct Bluetooth streaming for iOS (MFi) and Android (ASHA). Importantly, Rexton Reach is Bluetooth LE Audio ready and advertised as Auracast-ready, making it future-proof (full Auracast functionality may depend on phone compatibility and firmware updates).


    • Hands-free Calling: Supported for compatible iPhones and Android phones that support LE Audio for hands-free. For other Androids, calls are streamed to the aids, but the phone's microphone is used.


    • Battery Life: Known for excellent battery life, often quoted up to 39 hours on a single charge for the R-Li T model (less with extensive streaming).


    • Automatic Program Switching (Automa): Features an automatic program ("SoundPro 3.0" or similar) that analyzes the environment and adjusts settings for optimal hearing.


    • User App (Rexton App): A comprehensive app allowing users to control volume, select programs, adjust directional hearing (e.g., focus forward), activate features like "Mask Mode," monitor battery, and use remote support.


    Pros: Excellent battery life. Strong performance in noisy group conversations due to features like Multi-Voice Focus. Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast readiness offer significant future-proofing. High IP68 rating for durability.


    Cons: Music streaming quality might not be as rich as dedicated high-fidelity earbuds for some users, though speech streaming is typically clear. Full hands-free calling for Android is dependent on the phone supporting the necessary Bluetooth LE Audio protocols.


    General User Ratings: Very positive. Users and audiologists often highlight its robust performance in noise, long battery life, and the value for advanced features including LE Audio. HearingTracker.com lab tests have shown strong performance.


    4. Jabra Enhance Pro 30 (currently $1599 at Costco)

    Main Points & Features: Jabra Enhance Pro 30 hearing aids are manufactured by GN Hearing (parent company of ReSound and Beltone). The Enhance Pro 30 is Costco's version of a premium GN Hearing product, likely sharing core technology with ReSound's recent platforms (e.g., Nexia or OMNIA).


    • Sound Processing: Known for a natural sound quality and advanced noise reduction, often using AI or Deep Neural Networks (DNN) for better speech-in-noise performance ("Intelligence Augmented").


    • Connectivity: Offers direct Bluetooth streaming for compatible iOS and Android devices. It supports Bluetooth LE Audio and is Auracast-enabled out of the box.


    • Hands-free Calling: Provides hands-free calling with compatible smartphones.


    • M&RIE Option: Some models may offer M&RIE (Microphone & Receiver-in-Ear), which places an additional microphone in the ear canal (on the receiver unit) to help provide more natural sound localization and wind noise reduction. This is a unique feature of GN Hearing aids

    .

    • Automatic Program Switching (Automa): Features an intelligent automatic system that analyzes the sound environment and adjusts the hearing aids for optimal clarity and comfort.


    • Discreet Design: Often praised for its small and comfortable RIC designs.


    • User App (Jabra Enhance Pro app): A highly-rated and intuitive app offering extensive control over volume, programs (e.g., All-Around, Restaurant, Music, Outdoor), sound equalization, noise reduction levels, and an "Auracast Assistant" for finding and connecting to Auracast broadcasts. Remote care and features like "Check My Fit" are also included.


    Pros: Advanced AI-driven sound processing for excellent performance in noise. Very small and discreet RIC models. Fully Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast enabled. The M&RIE option can offer a more natural sound experience for suitable candidates. Highly functional user app.


    Cons: The M&RIE feature isn't suitable for all ear canals or all types of hearing loss. While competitively priced at Costco, it's still a premium product. Battery life, while good, might be slightly impacted by continuous use of the most advanced processing features.


    General User Ratings: Very positive. Users often commend the clarity of speech in challenging environments, the natural sound quality (especially with M&RIE), the discreet design, and the comprehensive app. The inclusion of Auracast is a significant plus for future usability.


    2025 Side-by-Side Hearing Aid Feature Comparison


    Recommendations for Specific Needs (Moderate to Severe High-Frequency Loss):

    • All three current models (Sennheiser, Rexton Reach, Jabra Enhance Pro 30) are well-suited for moderate to severe high-frequency hearing loss. They all offer powerful amplification and advanced frequency response shaping.


    • Custom Earmolds: For your level of hearing loss, custom earmolds (rather than standard domes) will likely be recommended by the Costco audiologist. These provide a better seal, prevent feedback (whistling), and allow for more precise delivery of sound, especially the necessary high-frequency amplification.


    • Noise Reduction: All three boast sophisticated noise reduction systems. The Rexton Reach with its "Multi-Voice Focus" and the Jabra Enhance Pro 30 with its AI-driven system are particularly strong contenders for understanding speech in complex noisy environments, which is often a major challenge with high-frequency loss.


    • Future-Proofing: If being on the cutting edge of connectivity is important, the Rexton Reach and Jabra Enhance Pro 30, with their Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast capabilities, are the more future-proof options.


    • Trial Period: The most crucial step is to utilize Costco's 180-day trial period. Hearing is subjective, and what works best for one person might not for another. Try one (or even two, if possible, by returning one and trialing another within the period) to see which one provides the best clarity, comfort, and ease of use for your specific hearing loss and lifestyle.
    • Professional Fitting: Regardless of the model chosen, the skill of the Costco Hearing Aid Specialist in programming and fine-tuning the aids to your specific audiogram and listening needs is paramount.


    When will the NEXT Rexton Reach and Jabra Enhance Pro 30 be expected to be released?


    • Rexton Reach: The Rexton Reach platform was launched in Europe in February 2024, came to the US in March 2024, and was available at Costco in June 2024. This is a very recent release. Hearing aid manufacturers typically follow a 2-3 year cycle for major platform updates. Therefore, a next-generation Rexton hearing aid beyond "Reach" would likely not appear until late 2026 or 2027. In a 7 day test we found excellent clarity and battery life.


    • Jabra Enhance Pro 30: The Jabra Enhance Pro 30 is also a very recent release, having debuted at Costco in May 2025. It features significant advancements, including a new AI-powered Deep Neural Network (DNN) chip. Similar to Rexton, a full next-generation Jabra Enhance Pro model (e.g., "Jabra Enhance Pro 40") would typically not be expected until 2027 or even 2028.


    Conclusion for 2025: You shouldn't expect entirely new generations of Rexton Reach or Jabra Enhance Pro 30 within the remainder of 2025. Any updates would likely be firmware enhancements to the existing models.


    Hearing Aid Accessories: General Features

    Hearing aid accessories enhance the functionality of your hearing aids beyond basic amplification. They often aim to improve sound clarity in challenging environments, facilitate phone calls, or stream audio from various devices. Common features include:


    • Improved Speech Understanding: Direct streaming of voices in noisy situations.


    • TV and Audio Streaming: Sending sound from televisions, computers, or other audio devices directly to your hearing aids.


    • Hands-Free Calling: Enabling phone conversations to be heard directly in your hearing aids.


    • Remote Control: Adjusting volume or program settings without using a smartphone app or manipulating the hearing aids directly.


    • Portability and Convenience: Providing on-the-go charging or secure storage.

    Rexton Reach Hearing Aid Accessories


    Smart Transmitter 2.4 (TV Streamer)


    • Features: Streams audio from your TV, computer, or other audio sources directly to your Rexton Reach hearing aids. It uses standard audio connections like TOSLINK (optical), RCA (analog), and mini-jack.


    • Product Model Number/SKU: Item #1230845 (Costco) or sometimes seen as TV03 or 10944650.


    • Cost: Typically ranges from $160 - $250.


    Smart Mic

    • Features: This is a versatile accessory that functions as a remote microphone, a hands-free phone call device, and a streaming device for music or other audio from Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, PCs, or laptops. It can also act as a remote control for your hearing aids.


    • Product Model Number/SKU: Item #1230854 (Costco) or Model 10945102.


    • Cost: Approximately $200 - $380.


    Charging Station Travel Charger


    • Features: An optional portable charging case with an internal power bank, providing multiple full charges for your hearing aids on the go without needing a power outlet. It usually indicates charging status with LED lights and offers quick-charge capabilities (e.g., 30 minutes for 6 hours of wear time).


    • Product Model Number/SKU: Item #1555205 (Costco) or Model 10993133.


    • Cost: Around $180 - $300, depending on the specific model and features.


    • Does a basic charger case or charger case with battery come with the units?
    • For rechargeable Rexton Reach models, a basic charging case is typically included with the purchase of the hearing aids. This "basic" charger often refers to a stationary charger that needs to be plugged in. However, models like the Rexton Reach inoX-CIC Li are sometimes described as having a case that functions as a power bank. The "Travel Charger" described above is an enhanced portable charging option with a power bank, which is often purchased separately. Some Rexton models also come with a "Charging+ Station" (Item #1531504 at Costco) which includes UV sanitizing and drying functions.


    Remember however, that regular Charger Cases use a USB-C port to charge from a 110v outlet, so you can easily avoid this cost by using a low-cost $20 Power Bank to power any standard battery case, and use it just as easily as a battery-powered Travel Case.



    Jabra Enhance Pro 30 Hearing Aid Accessories


    Premium Charger


    • Features: This is a portable charging case for rechargeable Jabra Enhance Pro 30 Micro RIE hearing aids. It offers quick-charging capabilities (e.g., 3-hour charge for all-day power, 1-hour charge for 15 hours of power) and has a built-in battery that can hold up to three full charges for on-the-go convenience. It also doubles as a protective case.


    • Product Model Number/SKU: Item #1782595 (Costco) or Model C-1.


    • Cost: Typically around $250 if purchased separately.


    Multi Mic (or Multi-Mic+)

    • Features: A small, portable microphone that streams sound directly to your hearing aids. You can clip it onto a speaker's clothing or place it on a table to pick up multiple voices in challenging listening environments. It often includes a mini-jack for connecting to computers or tablets for streaming audio, and some versions have a built-in telecoil for use with teleloop systems.
    • Product Model Number/SKU: Item #1089510 (Costco) or Model SM-2P.
    • Cost: Approximately $275.
    • TV Streamer (or TV-Streamer+)
    • Features: Connects to your TV's audio output and wirelessly sends the sound directly to your Jabra Enhance Pro 30 hearing aids, essentially turning them into wireless TV headphones. You can often mix the TV audio with surrounding sounds or focus solely on the streamed audio.
    • Product Model Number/SKU: Item #1831979 (Costco) or Model SAS-4.
    • Cost: Around $299.


    • Does a basic charger case or charger case with battery come with the units?


    • Yes, for rechargeable Jabra Enhance Pro 30 models, a Premium portable charger case is included with the hearing aids. This charger case, which is the "Premium Charger" described above (Model C-1), has a built-in lithium-ion battery, allowing for charging on the go without being plugged into a wall outlet.


    COMPATIBLE SMARTPHONES

    While many smartphones are compatible, here is a side-by-side comparison of the popular Samsung models and the latest top iPhone (as of June 2025, this would be the iPhone 16 Pro Max, released around September 2024), focusing specifically on the Bluetooth features. Important Notes:


    • Specifications for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are expected/rumored as it would typically be released in early 2025, and official full details might still be emerging or unconfirmed by your current date.


    • ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids) is an Android-specific protocol. iPhones use MFi (Made for iPhone hearing devices) and increasingly, the universal Bluetooth LE Audio standard for hearing aid connectivity.


    • Support for LE Audio inherently means support for the LC3 codec.


    • Auracast functionality requires both the transmitting device (the phone) and the receiving device (e.g., headphones, hearing aids) to support the feature.


    2025 TOP COMPATIBLE SMARTPHONES

    RECOMMENDATIONS


    Bluetooth and Rechargeable - Users should strongly consider a full featured hearing aid that is rechargeable for ease of use, and has the latest Bluetooth features of BT 5.2 or higher to allow for hands-free calling, and direct in-the-ear video for listening to TV, music, and playing YouTube Videos, or listening to Webinars on a phone or computer silently without disturbing anyone around them


    Consider COSTCO – Who handles the same major brands as most independent audiologists, but at a much lower cost and with many more warranty benefits. Over a three year period we examined the testing and service quality at three nearby Costco Hearing Aid Centers in Ft Myers FL, Sarasota FL, and their new store in Northport FL. We found that each one had both Audiologists and Hearing Aid Specialists available that provided extensive consultations, real ear measurements, and follow-up adjustments on an equal level as a separate independent Audiologist Office that we also reviewed during the same period. In all cases it was easier and quicker to schedule an appointment at COSTCO, and in the case of their Northport Center, they provided both superior service, as well as the best over-all knowledge of the features of each hearing aids, including the interfaces and suitability for Samsung and Apple Smartphones.


    For help in selecting the best model for your needs. we strongly recommend scheduling a consultation at a Costco Hearing Aid Center. You can discuss your specific hearing test results, your lifestyle needs, and potentially trial different models to see which one feels and sounds best to you. The 180-day trial period is a significant benefit, allowing you ample time to assess their performance in your everyday environments. Best of all, after the initial fitting, your charts are kept online, and you can go to any Costco Center nationwide for adjustments and servicing. They can also remotely fine tune these premium hearing aids by phone in a 15-20 minute teleconference session.


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