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Best behind-the-ear, or BTE hearing aids, of 2024
Igor Alecsander via Getty Images
Picking out the right hearing aid for you can be tricky. Whether you’re following an audiologist’s recommendation to browse different prescription and over-the-counter, or OTC hearing aids, or you’re part of the 80% of U.S. adults who need hearing aids but don’t wear them, you may need some hearing aid help this summer.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are one of the most popular types of hearing aids out there today, but there are still plenty of brands and models to choose from.
Below, we highlight the best BTE hearing aids available today. Learn all about the best devices that are worth every penny, as well as everything you need to know — from prices to different hearing aid types — to choose the right hearing aid for you.
Best behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
Read through our pros, cons and reasons to invest for five of the best BTE hearing aids available today. Whether you’re looking for a high-quality prescription hearing aid or an OTC device you can buy online, we have the top picks for you below.
Prices listed for prescription hearing aids may differ from what you see when discussing hearing aids with your care team. That’s because different factors can affect costs such as charges for a professional fitting and programming services to get you all set up. Our prescription-grade hearing aid prices are calculated based on data from different healthcare providers and customer accounts.
Best overall: Phonak Audéo Lumity
Phonak
The latest flagship hearing aid from Phonak, the Audéo Lumity, comes with several new and impressive features over previous Phonak devices. This includes improved speech-focused technology: StereoZoom for front-facing conversations and SpeechSensor for improved hearing from the sides and back.
This BTE hearing aid also offers Bluetooth connectivity for both iOS and Android devices and fitness-tracking features like step counts (via the MyPhonak mobile app).
As a prescription hearing aid, the Phonak Lumity is available in four technology tiers, with more functionalities (and a higher price) tied to higher ones. These include L30 (essential), L50 (standard), L70 (advanced), and L90 (premium).
Prices start at around $1,800 for the lowest tier, the Lumity L30 hearing aid.
Pros:
- High-quality sound amplification from a trusted hearing aid brand.
- Multiple tech tiers can make it easy to find the right device for your needs (and your budget).
- Mobile app compatibility with iOS and Android devices.
Cons:
- MyPhonak app has conflicting reviews about user friendliness.
- Choosing the right tech tier can be overwhelming — consult with your audiologist to find the right fit for you.
Best prescription hearing aid: Oticon Real (BTE)
Oticon
Oticon hearing aids are known for putting quality above all else, which is why its BTE model, Oticon Real, made our list. Oticon hearing aids come with some serious tech power, such as the brand’s patented BrainHearing technology, which combines targeted hearing with adaptable background noise cancellation to make it easier than ever to hear and understand the world around you.
Features like Oticon’s BrainHearing and RealSound technology, which provides next-level sound clarity and environmental noise filtration, make this a great pick for anyone that doesn’t want to spend time fine-tuning and adjusting their hearing aid throughout the day.
There are several variations of the Real BTE model to choose from, including the miniBTE T, which relies on disposable batteries, and the rechargeable miniBTE R device.
Pros:
- Robust and adaptable hearing technology means less time spent adjusting your device manually throughout the week.
- Simple design makes for a comfortable fit.
- Great for slight to moderate hearing loss.
Cons:
- Most expensive on our list.
- As a prescription hearing aid, you’ll likely need to talk with your audiologist to find a provider that can get you set up with a professional fitting.
Best for mild to moderate hearing loss: Lexie Lumen OTC
Lexie via Amazon
The Lexie Lumen OTC hearing aid has standout features and a price tag that’s still half what you’d pay for quality prescription hearing aids, making this worth your consideration. While this isn’t the only BTE hearing aid on our list that’s suited to more mild cases of hearing loss, it provides the best balance between features and a price tag that’s much more forgiving than many other hearing aids out there today.
Perfect for mild to moderate hearing loss, the Lexie Lumen OTC hearing aid comes with multiple pre-programmable listening settings that can be matched with different environments and noise levels.
This hearing aid is also equipped with a telecoil setting that lets wearers bypass background noise and tap into nearby speakers — useful whether you’re at the movies, a museum, or a busy train station.
The Lexie Lumen OTC hearing aid is currently marked down $100 from its original price from Lexie, as well as other retailers like Amazon.
Pros:
- Good background noise cancellation.
- Custom features make this hearing aid useful for a variety of scenarios.
Cons:
- No Bluetooth connectivity.
Most affordable: MDHearing Air
MDHearing via Amazon
One of the most affordable hearing aids out there is the MDHearing Air model, the brand’s latest OTC hearing aid.
If you’d prefer larger hearing aids, which can be easier to configure with bigger buttons and less prone to getting lost, consider this BTE design by MDHearing. This hearing aid sits snugly around and behind the ear for easy access.
This budget hearing aid offers impressive features like background noise reduction and omnidirectional sound amplification.
This hearing aid brand offers some of the lowest prices on our list, with the price of a pair of MDHearing Air devices sitting at just $297.
Pros:
- Super affordable for anyone uninterested or unable to consider prescription hearing aids.
- Excellent customer support according to customer reviews.
- Free shipping, free lifetime support, a one-year warranty, and a 45-day risk-free trial make this one of the best and safest purchases you can make when shopping for new hearing aids.
Cons:
- Limited tech capabilities when compared to other, more expensive devices.
- Behind-the-ear design can be more noticeable than other in-the-ear hearing aids.
Lightweight design: Go Hearing Ultra OTC
Go Hearing
This BTE hearing aid comes with several standout features, such as Bluetooth streaming capability, hands-free calls, and a whopping 20-hour battery life, that make it a great tool for older adults — or anyone tired of having to manually handle or adjust their hearing aid every so often.
Thanks to its flexibility and included measuring tool, this hearing aid is easily fitted and configured on your own — no visits to an audiologist or specialist required if you’d prefer to get situated from the comfort of home.
Pros:
- Comfortable and lightweight, especially for behind-the-ear hearing aids, which can sometimes be on the bulkier side.
- Impressive battery life, even for most BTE hearing aids.
Cons:
- Sound performance isn’t as impressive as other hearing aids.
- No mobile app, so adjustments are limited to the device’s buttons.
Are behind-the-ear hearing aids better than in-the-ear devices?
Your biggest question while browsing different hearing aid brands and styles is probably this: what makes BTE hearing aids better than other types of hearing aids?
There are actually a few reasons to consider BTE hearing aids over your other options. First and foremost, they tend to be easier to handle and adjust throughout the day thanks to a larger casing. Tinier devices such as those that sit in your ear can be more difficult to fine tune and may even require you to download a mobile app for manual adjustments.
Think of it in terms of wireless earbuds; if you’ve ever worn a pair of tiny earbuds and felt frustration over how they fit or how complicated they are for simple tasks like volume adjustment, you probably want to avoid ITE hearing aids and go with the more manageable BTE devices.
Other common benefits of BTE hearing aids include:
- Comfort: BTE hearing aids tend to sit comfortably around the ear. Unlike ITE hearing aids, you won’t have to worry about devices that may come loose or fall out during the day. ITE hearing aids may also be much easier to lose, especially when taking them out at the end of the night.
- Technology. BTE hearing aids simply have more room in the outer casing that sits behind the ear than other hearing aid types, which means you’re likely to find better audio quality and additional features like Bluetooth capabilities in these versus other types.
- Durability. With BTE hearing aids, you’re less likely to have to worry about dropping, breaking or damaging your device. This is because most of the important tech is housed in the casing that sits outside your ear, away from potentially damaging ear wax and moisture.
Are there other types of hearing aids?
BTE hearing aids and ITE hearing aids are arguably the two most common types of hearing devices out there today. If you think you’re set knowing these two acronyms only, however, you may be confused when you browse hearing aids online and see something different.
In reality, there are several variations of BTE and ITE hearing aids out there. Different styles may come with slight variations in how they look, feel and function, so it can be worth it to read up on the full glossary of hearing aid types out there.
Aside from BTE and ITE hearing aids, the most common variations you might come across include:
- Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC): A variation of the BTE hearing aid design, RIC hearing aids (as well as the smaller receiver-in-the-ear, or RITE, devices) come with a connecting wire in place of the traditional BTE’s earmold. This gives the ear canal more room and typically results in a more comfortable fit.
- Completely-in-the-canal (CIC): A variation of ITE devices, CIC hearing aids have the smallest design. They have a custom-built shell that fits in the ear canal. These are the least noticeable, but don’t offer many features or the most powerful sound amplification.
- Open fit: A variation of a BTE, an open-fit hearing aid has an over-the-ear design with an open dome in the canal instead of a tube or mold. This keeps the ear canal open for natural sound to enter the ear as well – ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss.
How much do hearing aids cost?
When it comes to hearing aid prices, there are two groups to consider: prescription hearing aids and over-the-counter, or OTC hearing aids.
Prices for hearing aids can vary widely, especially between prescription hearing aids and their (typically) more affordable counterparts, over-the-counter, or OTC hearing aids. One 2018 survey that looked at hearing aid purchases from more than 2,000 adults found the average price for a good-quality prescription-grade device to be around $4,600. With so many options out there to choose from, however, you may find the ideal device with costs anywhere from $1,000 to over $8,000 per hearing aid.
OTC hearing aids are a relatively new category where customers can get their hands on decent devices for much lower costs — less than $1,000 a pair. These typically come with less robust tech features (making them ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss) and none of the complex extras that you get with a prescription hearing aid.
How we chose the best BTE hearing aids of 2024
For a closer look at how we rate products, here is what we prioritized while putting together our list of the best BTE hearing aids you can buy today:
- Usability: A good BTE hearing aid is easy to set up, remove and adjust on the fly, so that’s what we prioritized while reviewing and selecting hearing aids.
- Sound technology: We looked for important features like background noise cancellation and speech amplification, something that isn’t always guaranteed in BTE or other types of hearing aids.
- Affordability: We looked at both prescription hearing aids and the more budget-friendly OTC devices to make sure we highlight high quality hearing aids of all price points.
- Customer reviews: All of our hearing devices hold a four-star review or higher from happy customers just like you.
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U.S. Air Force gives update on new B-21 stealth bomber: “Nobody on the planet can do what we’re doing”
Air Force leaders gave an update on the B-21 Raider, a futuristic aircraft that is expected to become the United States’ next nuclear stealth bomber.
The aircraft can deliver both “conventional and nuclear munitions,” according to a news release from the Air Force, but will be “critical to deterring conflict” around the world. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, said the stealth bomber will help the United States keep pace with threats worldwide.
“We are the free world’s only bomber force. … Nobody on the planet can do what we’re doing right now,” Bussiere said, adding that there will likely be an increased demand for the support the stealth bomber can provide in the coming years.
Air Force Global Strike Command
Currently, the stealth bomber remains in the test flight stage, and is doing two such flights a week, according to Thomas Jones, the Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector president. A photo shared by the Air Force shows one of the bombers during flight testing.
“We’re really starting to strike up quite a cadence … when we started this journey, we made a vow that we were going to design this system to be a daily flyer,” Jones said, according to the release. “It’s been a phenomenal year of progress, and we hope to continue that through the next year.”
A recent notable test confirmed the stealth bomber’s structural design and integrity, according to officials. The plane is now going through a fatigue testing campaign.
Once the planes are tested, some of the aircraft will be delivered to the Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to help train Air Force squadrons on the stealth bomber. When the B-21 enters the service, this site will be the main operating base for the stealth bomber.
Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri will be a secondary base, and Dyess Air Force Base in Texas a third.
The stealth bomber is set to replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers in the Air Force’s fleet.
Getty Images
Whether you’re barreling down a mountainside or taking a leisurely ride along your local trail, a great mountain bike is key. But what exactly does a great mountain bike look like, in terms of features? It depends on the kind of terrain and riding style you do.
The best mountain bike for long, cross-country rides will have very different specs than a downhill bike. Some offer full suspension for a smooth ride on bumpy trails. Some have wider tires that are better at gripping wet or sandy terrain. Some are designed for maximum pedaling efficiency and serious stopping power so you can climb steep mountainsides without wearing yourself out. No matter where you and your new bike are headed this fall, we’ve rounded up the best mountain bikes for every rider and every terrain in 2024. Don’t forget to strap on your bike helmet.
Best mountain bike for beginners: Giant Talon 29 1
Mike’s Bikes
The Giant Talon 29 1 is a solid entry-level mountain bike at a reasonable price point. With its balanced frame geometry and high-traction tires, it’s great for a comfortable, stable ride on most trails. While that means it’s not specialized for uphill climbs or cross-country speed, the balanced design is great for beginners or casual riders who aren’t planning to tackle those more challenging technical trails just yet.
With 80mm to 100mm of suspension travel, this hardtail mountain bike strikes that perfect balance of pedaling efficiency and shock absorption.
Riders can also adjust the suspension within that range by adjusting the air spring and the rebound damping. That gives you improved steering precision and a better ride feel since you can tailor it to your needs. If you’re a beginner, it may take some trial and error to fine-tune those settings, but playing around with them is a great way to learn how suspension impacts your ride.
Get this reliable entry-level mountain bike at Mike’s Bikes for $950.
Top features of the Giant Talon 29 1:
- Grippy tires offer great traction in any trail conditions.
- The balanced frame geometry makes this a comfortable bike for most riders.
- The adjustable suspension fork allows you to fine-tune this mountain bike for your needs.
Best trail bike: Santa Cruz Tallboy C R
Backcountry
A full-suspension mountain bike with 120mm and 130mm suspension travel on the rear and front, respectively, it doesn’t get cushier than the Santa Cruz Tallboy C R (at least, not at this price point). Built for cross-country or trail riding, this bike’s design allows you to glide through rocky terrain almost as if you were just cruising on a paved road. That suspension also helps cushion the impact on pops and short drops so you can build up speed while navigating the trail with confidence.
With that said, it can be a little sluggish on uphill climbs. But if you typically stick to more straightforward trails, you won’t have to deal with that issue. For those just-for-fun weekend trail rides, this is the mountain bike you want.
Get this comfortable, agile trail bike at Backcountry while it’s on sale for $3,849 (reduced from $4,799).
Top features of the Santa Cruz Tallboy C R:
- Boasting full suspension, this mountain bike is a comfy ride no matter how bumpy the terrain.
- The carbon C frame is both lightweight and stiff for better control and improved agility.
- The four-piston brakes offer excellent stopping power.
Best fat tire mountain bike: State 6061 Trail+
State Bicycle Co.
For wet or sandy trails, traction is everything, which means you need a fat tire bike like the State 6061 Trail+. With 4.5-inch wide tires that can handle running even at low PSI, this mountain bike can grip the trail no matter how loose or slippery.
Whether you want to cruise along sandy beaches or power through snowy mountain trails, the stability of this fat tire bike is the key to doing so safely and confidently. You won’t be building up much speed, but you’ll have a lot of fun plowing through trails that a standard trail bike couldn’t even touch.
Get this fat tire bike directly from State Bicycle Co. for $1,000.
Top features of the State 6061 Trail+:
- Thick 4.5-inch tires provide extra grip for wet or loose terrain like snow, sand and mud.
- With low PSI capabilities, you can lower the tire pressure to widen the surface area even further to maximize your grip on soft, slippery trails.
- The alloy frame is stiff and strong without adding any more bulk than necessary.
Best mountain bike under $500: Huffy Stone Mountain
Amazon
The Huffy Stone Mountain is a hardtail mountain bike that is lightweight and offers good traction for navigating trails. The budget-friendly bike is missing a lot of the features you’ll find on the more advanced mountain bikes listed above. However, if you’re just starting out and just want to get out on a trail to see if you like mountain biking, this is a good bike to start with.
While you can’t take it on any serious trails, it’s got the basics you need for easy local bike trails. Use it to get a feel for the sport and then upgrade to a mountain bike better suited to the kind of trails you want to tackle. Then, pass this Huffy Stone Mountain on to a friend or teen who’s curious about mountain biking.
A bestseller on Amazon, this budget mountain bike is available for as low as $200.
Top features of the Huffy Stone Mountain:
- This budget entry-level bike is great for casual rides on easy bike trails.
- A wide variety of frame and wheel sizes allows you to get the right fit for your height.
- The lightweight, high-traction design is just enough to let you get a feel for mountain biking before committing to a higher-priced mountain bike with more advanced features and customizability.
Shop more top-rated mountain bikes:
What type of mountain bike should a beginner get?
The best mountain bike for a beginner is a balanced, versatile one. Since you’re probably not tackling steep inclines and declines yet, opt for a trail bike that offers great traction, strong brakes and easy maneuverability along bumpy, muddy trails. That means grippy tires and responsive steering so you can confidently control your bike over tree roots, up hills and on descents.
If the trails you’re eager to go on are largely uphill, look for a bike that’s lightweight with a firmer pedaling platform. Those two features will improve climb efficiency so you’re not wearing yourself out on those uphill stretches.
Do I need a full-suspension mountain bike?
You don’t need a full-suspension mountain bike, but they are nice to have. Unlike hardtail mountain bikes, which only have suspension in the front, full-suspension mountain bikes have suspension in both the front and rear. That extra suspension helps absorb shock, cushioning the impact as you hop over bumps or navigate downhill jumps and drops.
That cushier feel can be nice even on milder trail rides, but they tend to be significantly more expensive and require more maintenance than a hardtail mountain bike. So it might not be worth the extra expense and care if you don’t usually do technical trails or downhill riding.
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