Hearing Aids Drop to $100 After FDA Opens Market in 2022

Millions of Americans with hearing loss no longer need to choose between financial hardship and better hearing, thanks to a game-changing FDA decision that's saving people thousands of dollars.

In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter hearing aids, ending decades of expensive, doctor-only access to these life-changing devices. Before this shift, patients faced a brutal gauntlet of audiologist visits, custom fittings, and maintenance costs that could easily hit $4,000 or more per device.

The transformation has been remarkable. Modern hearing aids now come in sleek designs that look more like wireless earbuds than the bulky beige devices of the past. Some models hide completely inside the ear canal, while others pack sophisticated technology into behind-the-ear designs barely larger than a fingernail.

Independent testing of 45 different models over four years reveals the good news keeps getting better. The Jabra Enhance Select 300, priced at $1,695, earned top marks overall. But budget shoppers can celebrate too: the Sony CRE-C20 performed impressively at just $698, and even $100 models showed real benefits for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Apple joined the revolution with AirPods Pro 3, which now include hearing aid functionality. This move brings assistive hearing technology to mainstream consumers who might never have considered traditional devices.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond individual wallets. Nearly 10 million Americans under age 60 experience hearing loss, but many avoided treatment due to cost and stigma. The new affordable, stylish options are breaking down both barriers simultaneously.

Younger users particularly benefit from modern in-the-ear designs that look indistinguishable from popular earbuds. This shift is quietly eroding the outdated stereotypes that kept people from seeking help in the first place.

Trial periods now standard across most brands let buyers test devices at home for weeks before committing. If the fit isn't right, returns come with no penalty. This risk-free approach has opened doors for people who previously assumed hearing aids were out of reach.

The technology keeps improving too, with 2026 bringing new models like the Oticon Zeal and Phonak Audeo Infinio Ultra Sphere that pack more features into smaller packages at competitive prices.

One crucial note: while app-based hearing tests offer a starting point, professionals still recommend in-office audiograms for the most precise fitting. Many over-the-counter models now include self-fitting technology that adjusts to your specific hearing profile, making professional visits optional for those with straightforward needs.

The days of expensive, one-size-fits-all hearing solutions are over, replaced by a thriving market that treats better hearing as an accessible right rather than a luxury purchase.