Rechargeable batteries are officially mainstream from our phones to our AirPods and even our cars.
If you’ve had hearing aids for decades or are researching your first pair, you’re likely considering the pros and cons of rechargeable batteries.
You might also be searching for brands that offer the most extended battery life or the best recharging cases. In this guide, we’ll get to all of that and more. ⚡️
Prefer to watch?
Watch our quick breakdown of our rechargeable hearing aid research.
Let's start with some background.
Just 10 years ago, nearly all hearing aids were powered by disposable batteries.
This type of battery, typically zinc air, requires oxygen to become activated. Once the battery is powered up, it can offer a steady stream of power for 3-10 days (depending on battery size).
In the last few years, all leading hearing aid manufacturers have released devices with all-day rechargeable batteries. Today, most hearing aid wearers choose rechargeable when they purchase a new pair.
So is the decision clear-cut? Not necessarily.
Here are a few reasons that some hearing aid wearers still opt for disposable batteries.
Invisible hearing aids still use disposable batteries.
The first reason to choose disposable batteries is size. Most IIC and other small custom hearing aids do not come with rechargeable options at this time. However, Starkey has recently come out with
Disposable batteries give you more control.
I've had some patients who like to go camping regularly or desire reassurance that they'll have battery power in the middle of a Florida hurricane.
While most rechargeable batteries offer all-day power, If you forget to charge your device or run out of juice while away from home, you may have difficulty using it until you can re-access power.
Disposable batteries offer more straightforward repairs.
Suppose your rechargeable hearing aid loses battery capacity or needs a new battery for some reason. In that case, you'll likely need to ship your hearing aids off to the manufacturer and make do with a backup. Disposable battery-powered devices are less susceptible to these issues.
Rechargeable hearing aids are growing in popularity for some excellent reasons.
Rechargeable batteries have advanced in the last few years, with many holding a charge of 20 - 30 hours on a single charge. In addition, rechargeable batteries are easy to use, requiring only that they be placed in the charger each night. Recently, even superpower hearing aids have become available in rechargeable form.
Rechargeable hearing aids are now on the rise, providing numerous benefits that disposable batteries can't match.
Rechargeable batteries give access to more power.
Developments in artificial intelligence and sound processing technology have led to devices that require more battery power than ever before—making rechargeable forms much more efficient for long-lasting power.
Easy to use and better for dexterity challenges.
Modern rechargeable hearing aids are incredibly user-friendly, with the convenience of charging your device similar to that of charging a cell phone.
Dexterity is another essential consideration since rechargeable batteries require less fiddling with small parts.
Safer and better for the environment.
Rechargeable batteries reduce the number of hearing aid batteries that go to the landfill and can prevent dangerous ingestion of hearing aid batteries among pets and children.
Rechargeable batteries are more predictable.
Disposable batteries last 3-10 days, depending on their level of amplification, streaming, and use. They often give out in the middle of the day, leading to frustration and unpredictability. Rechargeable hearing aids return to the charger each night and offer full-day power each day.
What are the price differences between rechargeable and disposable batteries?
Generally speaking, rechargeable hearing aids cost $300-$600 more per pair. On the flip side, disposable batteries cost around $4-$5 per month.
Pros and Cons
The debate over rechargeable vs disposable batteries isn't going away anytime soon. Here's a summary of the pros and cons.
User Tips
If you choose disposable batteries:
If you opt for disposable batteries, you'll want to keep track of when you change your batteries. For example, note in your calendar when you expect a battery replacement. This way, you'll be prepared and not be out somewhere and suddenly lose battery power.
If you choose rechargeable batteries:
On the other hand, rechargeable devices typically come with lithium-ion batteries that last a full day on a single charge. If you forget to charge your device or run out of juice while away from home, you may have difficulty using it until you can access power again. Create a daily routine of charging your hearing aids and recharge case each night while you sleep. Double-check your battery levels on your smartphone app before you leave the house for critical engagements.
These are our top 6 rechargeable hearing aids for power, price and convenience. 👇
#1. Starkey Genesis AI
At the time of this writing Starkey has an advantage when it comes to rechargeable batteries. Their behind-the-ear style device holds 51 hours of charge and their innovative in-ear custom device holds up to 36 hours of charge.
Starkey released a brand new family of hearing aids in late February of 2023. Starkey Genesis AI replaces Starkey's Evolv AI lineup which was intruduced just a year earlier. Genesis is re-built from the ground up with some mind-blowing features like live translation and fitness tracking.
Genesis boasts the longest-lasting rechargeable battery on the market, with up to 51 hours on a single charge. Most people are fine with 20 hours, but this extra battery life could mean a weekend camping trip without a charge.
- Overall Notes: Starkey Genesis AI has more tech features than any other brand of hearing aid. If you can afford the premium price and lead an active lifestyle, this product is a great choice.
- Price: The national average price for Starkey Genesis is $7,350 per pair. I found some national providers with prices as low as $3,598/pair. Click here for more on prices.
Features: Full range of styles and features including Bluetooth, rechargeability, and fitness tracking. - What audiologists say: “Starkey Genesis AI is a solid receiver-in-canal hearing aid option. It is jam-packed with technology; any techy or tinkerer would love it." - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Great features like AI
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Starkey Genesis AI Custom
Starkey Genesis AI Custom
Starkey is a U.S.-based manufacturer with a full line of hearing aids that includes behind the ear and in-the-ear styles. They make the list for their elite status in custom molded (nearly invisible products). If you can afford to pay medical-grade prices and want an invisible style, you won’t be disappointed by Starkey.
Starkey is known for intelligent features like fitness tracking, a virtual assistant, and the smallest Bluetooth hearing aid on the market.
- Overall Notes: Starkey Genesis AI is broadly considered the best for custom mold hearing aids. If you want a custom mold, and lead an active lifestyle, this product is a great choice.
- Price: The national average price for Starkey Genesis Custom hearing aids is $6,443 per pair. Our research indicates that you can get Starkey Custom devices for as low as $3,198 for a pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Full range of styles and features including Bluetooth, rechargeability, and fitness tracking for larger devices.
- What audiologists say: “Starkey has been making the smallest and best custom hearing aids for decades. Genesis AI is currently the smallest custom device on the market with Bluetooth streaming capabilities.” - Ramsay Poindexter, AuD
Smallest models are almost entirely invisible
Starkey is a leader in comfortable custom molded products
Larger sizes come with Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries
This is a premium device which costs $3,000-$7,000 per pair
Custom molds require additional lead time and replacement time
The smallest version of Starkey Genesis AI customs are not Bluetooth enabled or rechargeable
#2. Signia Charge&Go
Signia Charge&Go earns the runner up spot with 41 hours of nonstop charge. Signia has a sleek AirPod-style recharge case that many wearers love.
Signia Pure Charge&Go hearing aids were released in October 2023. They are among the smallest behind-the-ear devices on the market in 2023 and amazingly hold nearly 40 hours per charge (second only to Starkey Genesis AI). Signia is known for limiting background noise by using motion detection to gather information about your surroundings as you move from one space to the next. Their new IX line of devices uses updated beam-forming to track multiple conversations at once. The hearing aids automatically sense when you start walking or sit down and make intelligent decisions about where to focus.
- Overall notes: Signia Charge&Go IX is a hearing aid for someone on the go. It's the smallest, has the most extended battery life, and offers best-in-class motion-based adjustments.
- Price: The national average price for Signia 7IX hearing aids is around $7,400 per pair. We've found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth, Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Signia offers hands-free streaming (for iOS) and connectivity with their app. It is a solid device with impressive specs and design." - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Among the smallest body size on the market
Second longest battery with 40 hours per charge
Fully customizable with premium sound processing
Only sold through local clinics at $3,198 - $7,000 a pair
Does not include a Find My Hearing Aids feature
#3. ReSound NEXIA
ReSound NEXIA offers 30+ hours or battery power per charge and has a sleek conduction-charging case that we love.
ReSound unveiled NEXIA in October 2023. If you’ve read our past reviews, you might know that ReSound is a regular innovator in the hearing category.
The brand was the first to partner with Apple for Bluetooth streaming back in 2013. In 2022, ReSound released an impressive algorithm update with improved beam-forming tech that boasted a 150% improvement in background noise.
ReSound is also the only manufacturer that places a microphone inside the ear to use the natural shape of the pinna to sort out background noise. Those popular features will remain with ReSound NEXIA with some exciting additions.
The first is a visible reduction in size. Impressively, NEXIA maintains a 30-hour battery life while cutting 25% off the overall size—big thumbs up from us.
The second big announcement is that NEXIA has an updated Bluetooth capability that allows Auracast streaming in public places. If you aren’t familiar with Auracast, check out our guide to the topic here.
ReSound is among the best in the industry at separating speech and noise in a background situation. Our lead audiologist recently put NEXIA in a test box and found the hearing aids could consistently provide up to 8-10 dB of background noise reduction.
ReSound NEXIA is on most of our shortlists for the best premium, receiver-in-canal hearing aids on the market.
- Overall notes: ReSound NEXIA is an all around excellent product with an innovative approach to microphones and one of the smallest form factors in the industry. ReSound NEXIA has strong Bluetooth connection that now boasts Auracast compatibility.
- Price: The national average price for ReSound NEXIA is $7,410 per pair. In our price research we've found some national providers with prices as low as $3,198/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth with hands-free calling for iPhone and iPad, Small behind the ear style
- What audiologists say: “ReSound offers elegant design and good (if not elite) sound quality. These hearing aids are high quality and reliable.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Great for background noise management
Auracast compatible
Small form factor and an optional 3rd microphone in the ear
More expensive compared to direct to consumer and OTC options
NEXIA's in-ear M&RIE microphone is a bit larger and can be uncomfortable for some
#4. Eargo 7
Eargo offers the smallest rechargeable hearing aid on the market - it's not even that close. Each charge holds 16 hours of power, and Eargo's sleek induction charging case holds another two charges for on-the-go use.
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Eargo is the disruptor in hearing health. Their product is rechargeable, invisible, and designed with a patented tip that allows your ears to breathe.
Eargo 7 was released in 2023 with new features that adapt to your environment as you move through your day. Eargo has raised hundreds of millions to design their product from scratch and what they've pulled off is impressive.
Think of this product as the Tesla of hearing health. Eargo is best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you want to try something new, this is a great option.
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Eargo online or over the phone (or get a free sample product here).
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you’ll receive instructions to download the app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ If you need further adjustments, Eargo has a team of licensed professionals who can make remote updates or provide advice.
- Overall notes: Eargo stands out for its design, innovation, size, and telecare team. The price is a bit higher than other OTC options but still lower than the national average.
- Price: $2,950 for Eargo’s newest product (currently on sale)
- Features: Invisible, self-programmed, rechargeable
- What audiologists say: “If you are looking for invisible devices Eargo is one of the best options on the market.” - Ramsay Poindexter
Eargo is a tiny device that sits entirely inside the ear
Eargo is more affordable then custom mold hearing aids
Eargo is self fit using an app
Only appropriate for those with mild to moderate hearing loss
Requires some tinkering to fine tune the product
Eargo is not Bluetooth enabled due to the tiny size
#5. Lexie B2 Powered By Bose
Bose rechargeable hearing aids offer a remarkable value at just $999 per pair. The devices are self-fit using the Lexie app.
In July 2022 Bose formed a strategic partnership with Lexie (a well respected hearing healthcare company) to release Lexie B1 hearing aids. In October they released a second model with rechargeable batteries. Then in May 2023 they added Bluetooth streaming capabilities for iPhone users. In January 2024 Lexie released a new and improved charger. Constant improvement on an already great product - we love to see it.
Lexie B1 and Lexie B2+ hearing aids are self-fit using an innovative app that allows hearing aid wearers to fit, program, and control their hearing aids with clinically proven, audiologist-quality results. Purchase B1 hearing aids for $849 or rechargeable B2+ hearing aids for $999 (compare models here).
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Bose online or at a local retailer
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you'll download the app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ If you need further adjustments, Lexie has a team of licensed professionals who can make remote updates or provide technical advice.
- Overall notes: If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, are comfortable with smartphone tech, and are on a budget, Bose is one of the most compelling products available.
- Price: $849 for a pair of B1 hearing aids or $999 for a pair of B2+ hearing aids
- Features: Rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth Streaming for iPhone users, Programming app, Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “One of the simplest to use OTC hearing aids, at a very competitive price. A solid option for those who want to self-manage their mild to moderate hearing loss.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Strong underlying technology
Self-fitting using the Lexie app
Affordable and rechargeable
Bluetooth for iPhone only
Only comes in one color
Costs $150 more than disposable battery version
#6. Jabra Enhance Select
Jabra Enhance Select doesn't have the most extended battery life on this list (still a respectable 30 hours), but they make the list for their overall value, which we think is among the best in the category.
Side-By-Side Comparison
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Some background on the raging debate between disposable and rechargeable batteries along with our guide to the best rechargeable products on the market at this time.
Frequently asked questions
Rechargeable hearing aids have a non-removable battery embedded inside the device's body (much like your phone). Typically you will place your hearing aids in a particular charging case overnight to fully recharge the devices.
Rechargeable hearing aids can be an excellent choice for seniors who don't want to bother with regular battery changes. Disposable hearing aid batteries are tiny and difficult to replace for anyone with dexterity challenges.
Seniors with dexterity challenges should look for rechargeable hearing aids with a conduction charger versus a case with charging ports. Conduction charging means electric ports do not need to be connected in any particular fashion. ReSound, and Signia have great conduction chargers.
Most leading prescription hearing aids now have both rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth. Lucid Engage and Sony CRE-E10 are the only major OTC hearing aids with rechargeability and Bluetooth streaming. Jabra Enhance Select is prescribed through telehealth and also offers both features.
This is one clear drawback of rechargeable hearing aids. If your rechargeable hearing aid battery stops working, you'll need to work with your hearing professional to send it back to the manufacturer. Most manufacturer warranties will cover hearing aid batteries for three years, but waiting for the repair and return can be frustrating. In this area, disposable batteries have an edge.
Rechargeable hearing aids usually cost anywhere from $200-$400 more per pair. Disposable batteries typically cost $5-$7 per month. Over a three-year lifespan, rechargeable batteries pretty much pay for themselves. Read our full guide on the topic here.
Each hearing aid manufacturer has their charging case (they are not interchangeable between brands). There are a few things to look for in a hearing aid charge case:
- Some cases must be plugged into the wall while they give your devices a charge. Others can hold a few charges portably before they need to be plugged back in (Starkey, ReSound, and Signia offer this option).
- As mentioned above, some chargers require the hearing aids to be "locked" in with little metal pieces in direct contact with the charger. More advanced models use conductive charging, which does not require direct contact with a metal piece. Conductive charging cases typically result in fewer failed charging sessions.
- Some brands like Starkey offer a "turbo charging" case which gives you a few extra hours of power with only a few minutes on the charging doc.
Hearing aids can support those with tinnitus by adding missing sounds and offering full-day masking sounds. Widex and ReSound are leaders in tinnitus management. Read our complete guide to tinnitus masking hearing aids here.
Costco currently offers three brands in their in-club clinics. All three products come standard with rechargeable batteries. Read our complete guide to Costco hearing aids here.
Many rechargeable hearing aids have an IP68 rating. This means they can take a quick dip without a problem. It is not recommended that you swim in hearing aids or keep them submerged for long periods of time regardless of their batter. Read more about waterproof hearing aids here.
