Best Hearing Aids of 2025: A Doctor's Opinion

Part of welcoming a new year is discovering all the new and improved technology, and hearing aid advancements are no exception. As an audiologist at Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how each year brings exciting advancements in hearing technology.

This year has been particularly impressive—we've seen the bar truly raised across the board for hearing aid performance. The innovations in speech clarity, connectivity, and user experience have made significant leaps forward, making this an ideal time for anyone who's been postponing their hearing treatment while waiting for better technology.

Today, I'm sharing my top five picks for receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids in 2025. These selections aren't ranked in any particular order because hearing needs are highly individual—what works perfectly for one person might not be the ideal solution for another. My goal is to help you understand the unique strengths of each option so you can make an informed decision with your hearing care professional.

1. Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio

The Phonak Sphere Infinio has created unprecedented demand among patients. Many were eager to upgrade based on early marketing alone, and these devices have thoroughly delivered on their promises.

Technology Levels: Available in two technology levels—90 (premium) and 70. This differs from Phonak's traditional four-level launches. Their standard Audeo Infinio model (without the "Sphere") comes in levels 90, 70, 50, and 30, and offers CROS compatibility for single-sided deafness.

Features and Performance: Currently only available as rechargeable, with a new charger featuring an internal battery for on-the-go charging. It has an IP68 rating for excellent water resistance.

The real game-changer is the Deep Sonic Chip using a deep neural network trained on over 22 million sound samples to accurately separate speech from noise. This achieves a 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement—an exceptional feat. In my seven years fitting hearing aids, I've never heard patients praise background noise performance as enthusiastically as with the Sphere.

Connectivity: Phonak uses Bluetooth Classic, connecting to nearly any Bluetooth-enabled device with support for eight different connections and two active pairings simultaneously. The upgrade to Bluetooth 5.3 improves latency, reduces battery drain, and increases transmission distance. Future firmware updates will add Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast compatibility for receiving broadcast audio from public venues.

App and Accessories: The improved My Phonak app offers volume and program adjustments, background noise reduction control, speech focus settings, and a new Find My Hearing Aids feature. My favorite capability is the integrated remote care, allowing video calls with your hearing care professional for adjustments without office visits.

Compatible accessories include the TV connector, Partner Mic, and Roger devices for improved clarity in challenging listening situations.

2. Starkey Edge AI

Technology Levels: Available in three technology levels—24 (premium), 20, and 16.

Design Options: Comes in rechargeable standard and mini sizes, plus a disposable battery option using a size 312 battery. Battery life is impressive at 41 hours for the mini RIC and 51 hours for the standard RIC (which includes a telecoil). Both rechargeable models exceed the standard IP68 waterproof rating. Starkey also offers rechargeable and disposable battery CROS transmitters for single-sided deafness.

Performance Features: Includes a deep neural network embedded in the processing chip, providing 13+ decibels of signal-to-noise ratio improvement without reducing battery life when using Edge Mode Plus. This mode can be activated with a double tap or through the app, offering options to enhance sound, speech, or reduce noise.

App Features: The My Starkey app offers unique features like fall detection alerts, a hearing aid self-test for troubleshooting, and real-time translation for dozens of languages.

The Starkey Edge AI utilizes Bluetooth LE Audio and is Auracast compatible without requiring a future firmware update.

3. Signia Pure Charge & Go IX

Technology Levels: Available in five technology levels—7 (premium), 5, 3, 2, and 1.

Design Options: Currently only available as rechargeable, with options for models with or without a telecoil. Multiple charging options include a desktop charger, portable charger, and a dry and clean charger that helps with moisture and uses UV light for sanitization—especially beneficial for those prone to outer ear infections.

Performance Features: Uses dual processing chips—one for speech and one for background noise—making a significant difference in noisy environments. According to a recent white paper, 95% of users performed better on complex listening tasks.

The Own Voice Processing feature trains your hearing aids to reduce the amplification of your own voice without compromising others' voices, helping with adjustment to hearing treatment.

Connectivity: Connects with Apple and selected Android devices via Bluetooth, with Bluetooth LE Audio capability. Auracast broadcast audio compatibility will come with a future firmware update.

App Features: The Signia app allows volume and program changes, microphone directionality adjustments, and remote care sessions with your hearing care professional.

Signia also offers the Styletto IX model with similar features but a completely different shape for those seeking a distinctive style.

4. Oticon Intent

Technology Levels: Available in four technology levels—1 (premium), 2, 3, and 4.

Design Options: Currently only available as rechargeable, with two charging options: a desktop charger or a smart charger with an internal power bank for on-the-go charging.

Performance Features: Oticon pioneered the use of deep neural networks in hearing aids, training their system on 12 million sound samples. The upgraded Deep Neural Network 2.0 processes speech from background noise while maintaining environmental awareness.

A standout innovation is the 4D motion sensors that adapt directionality based on motion and head position changes. This improves speech clarity when the person you want to hear isn't directly in front of you—such as when leaning to one side during dinner or walking while talking.

Oticon's excellent feedback management system works well with high-frequency hearing losses even when using non-custom rubber domes, making it ideal for age-related and noise-induced hearing loss.

Connectivity: Connects with iPhones and ASHA-compatible Android devices for streaming music, calls, podcasts, and more. Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast access will come with a future firmware update.

App Features: The Oticon Companion app integrates hearing aid controls and remote care visits, includes a Find My Hearing Aid feature, and is available on Apple Watch for quick adjustments.

5. Widex Moment SmartRIC

Technology Levels: Available in four technology levels—440 (premium), 330, 220, and 110.

Design Options: Only available as rechargeable, with an impressive 37 hours of battery life per charge. The portable charger holds five additional charges without power connection.

Performance Features: Features a completely redesigned shape with a more horizontal angle between microphones, improving timing differences for better directional processing. This provides about 5 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement.

The redesigned microphone covers reduce wind noise by up to 20 dB and hair noise by up to 88%. Widex maintains its popularity with musicians thanks to high input dynamic range and incredibly fast processing—less than 0.5 milliseconds compared to the typical 4-8 milliseconds of most manufacturers. This minimal delay creates clearer, more natural sound quality.

App Features: The Moment app offers extensive customization, allowing you to create your own programs and use the My Sound AI tool to train your hearing aids for different listening situations.

For tinnitus sufferers, the Zen Therapy feature offers fractal tones that never repeat, providing relief beyond standard amplification.

Connectivity: Compatible with Apple devices and many Android phones, though it's currently the only device in this lineup without current or planned Bluetooth LE Audio capability.

The Importance of Best Practices

To get the maximum benefit from any of these advanced hearing aids, working with a hearing care professional who follows comprehensive best practices is crucial. These practices include specific procedures, verifications, and measurements that ensure optimal performance.

Unfortunately, less than 30% of providers follow these comprehensive best practices. To find a professional in your area who does, visit HearingUp.com to locate a HearingUp network member near you.

Final Thoughts

Hearing aid technology made remarkable strides in 2024, making 2025 the best year ever to treat your hearing loss. Whether you prioritize sound quality, connectivity, battery life, or specialized features, there's a hearing aid on this list that can meet your needs and transform your hearing experience.