5 Hearing Aid Technology Trends for 2023

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that around 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.¹ Fortunately, improvements in hearing aid technology are benefiting more hearing aid users than ever before — from additional features to better control, comfort and customization options.

Bluetooth hearing aids allow you to customize how you talk on the phone or listen to music or television. Over-the-counter hearing aids can be purchased without a prescription. These two options are just a sampling of what's available.

Let's take a closer look at all the new technologies in hearing aids that will be available in 2023.

1. FDA-Approved Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

On the recommendation of hearing health experts to make hearing aids more accessible, the FDA approved some hearing aids for sale over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. As of August 2022, OTC hearing aids can be purchased in-store or online without a medical exam, or by fitting with an audiologist for adults over the age of 18 who believe they have mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

You might have mild-to-moderate hearing loss if sounds and speech seem muffled, if you have trouble hearing on the phone or in noisy surroundings, or if you have to turn up the volume louder than others when listening to music or watching TV.

Before buying an OTC hearing aid, it may be worth seeing a hearing specialist to rule out underlying medical conditions that can affect hearing. A hearing health professional can also help you determine if your hearing loss requires a more powerful hearing device.²

2. Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Bluetooth hearing aids let you connect remotely to TVs, smartphones and other devices. The audio from your device is streamed to your Bluetooth hearing aid, acting as a wireless headset. This provides better sound quality than listening through your device's speaker. Another perk of Bluetooth hearing aids is that you can enjoy watching programs at the volume you want while others watching with you can do so at the volume they want.

Bluetooth hearing aids can be used with both Apple and Android devices. For Apple users, made-for-iPhone hearing aids are designed to connect directly with Apple devices. For Android users, you'll need to download an app to connect your Bluetooth hearing aid to your phone or tablet.

There are a number of apps available to help you connect your Bluetooth hearing aids to other smart devices in your home. They also use special features, such as preset programs and a hearing aid locator.³

3. Background Noise Reduction Capabilities

In many environments, excessive background noise is an unwelcome side effect for hearing aid users. While some people refer to these as noise-canceling hearing aids, they don't actually cancel out noise.

New noise-reduction features suppress background noise so you're better able to hear in noisy environments. For example, if you're dining in a restaurant, the technology can work to soften the sound of silverware tapping against a plate, allowing you to better focus on listening to the person sitting across from you. In addition, wind-reduction features provide added comfort for those who enjoy outdoor hobbies like golf, fishing and boating.⁴

4. Invisible Hearing Aids

Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are a newer style of hearing aid that provides the most discreet option. These practically invisible hearing aids are tiny and once in place, are almost completely hidden in the ear canal. They can be used for those who have mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

Due to their small size, they're not recommended for young children. The size also limits space for batteries or additional technology, in turn limiting volume and power, which is why they're not recommended for people with severe to profound hearing loss.⁵

5. Additional Channels

Traditional hearing aids generally include two channels while more advanced versions may have eight or more. Channels affect the way sound is processed by the hearing aid. Having additional channels isn't necessary to hear with a hearing aid, but more channels may be especially beneficial for some people, depending on their type of hearing loss.⁶

Keep in mind that some of these features can be used to address specific hearing issues, in addition to providing a more comfortable and user-friendly experience. To get the most from the latest hearing aid technology features, talk to your hearing care provider to learn more about how these advanced features can work with your specific type of hearing loss.

CareCredit Financing for Hearing Aids

The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for hearing care, including regular hearing tests, screenings and more.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a hearing specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue to invest in your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today, and more.