If you've recently undergone a hearing test and noticed some frequencies dipping into the moderate hearing loss range, it's likely you're missing out on a significant array of sounds in your daily life. The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) defines moderate hearing loss as the inability to hear sounds between 41 to 55 dB. This level of hearing loss may make it challenging to hear the TV at normal volumes, comprehend phone conversations, or detect softer sounds like coffee brewing or rain falling. Moderate hearing loss will almost certainly make communicating with family members in another room incredibly challenging.
The World Health Organization offers a basic framework to understand where moderate loss sits on the spectrum.
Not all moderate hearing loss is the same.
Understanding that not all moderate hearing losses are alike is crucial. Audiograms plot hearing ability from low to high frequencies, and a dip on the right side of the chart often means missing consonants, which are critical for clear speech. High-frequency hearing loss is especially common in age-related sensorineural hearing impairment. The chart below shows a common hearing loss shape with some frequencies in the mild range and others in the moderate range.
For those diagnosed with moderate hearing loss, hearing aids are not just a luxury but a necessity for navigating daily conversations, appointments, and noisy environments. Beyond immediate auditory benefits, hearing aids support brain health, potentially averting risks like falls or cognitive decline. Studies like this one from Johns Hopkins University highlight these long-term advantages.
Our Top Choice: Jabra Enhance Select 500
Our top recommendation for individuals with moderate hearing loss is the Jabra Enhance Select 500. Its balance of advanced technology and affordability sets the Jabra Enhance Select 500 apart. While it offers the same level of performance as prescription-grade hearing aids, its price point is more manageable than the industry average for prescription devices.
This makes it an accessible option for those seeking high-quality sound enhancement without breaking the bank. Jabra is unique among direct-to-consumer hearing aids in that one of their staffed hearing professionals will program your hearing aids for you instead of you self-fitting your devices.
Jabra Enhance Select
Jabra Enhance Select
- Bluetooth enabled and rechargeable
- 100-day risk-free trial
- Nearly invisible with a sleek design
Here’s why we picked the Jabra Enhance Select 500:
- Reliable Manufacturer: Built by ReSound, a global leader in hearing aids, offering top-tier sound processing and durability.
- Comfort and Convenience: Designed to be shipped directly to your home and programmed remotely, allowing for hassle-free use with a layer of professional support that self-fit OTC devices don't allow.
- Great Price: At $1,995, it’s about half the price of similar clinic-sold products while still providing professional-grade technology.
- User-Friendly App: The intuitive app allows for easy control of volume and settings, making it accessible for tech-savvy users.
The customer reviews for Jabra Enhance Select highlight satisfaction with the audiologist support, personalized programming, and excellent customer service, especially the 100-day return policy. Many customers feel the product offers great value for the price, with some noting that these hearing aids outperform older, more expensive models. The ease of fit, along with the risk-free trial, encourages users to take a chance on the product, resulting in a positive overall experience.
For more details, visit the Jabra Enhance Select page.
- One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
- Comes with a 100 day free-return period
- Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
- Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
- Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
- Jabra Enhance Select is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss and struggle with feedback (squealing) you may need a custom earmold (not available through Jabra Telehealth)
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for a high-powered BTE style hearing aid (note available through Jabra Telehealth)
- Jabra is a remote care brand that programs and delivers your hearing aids through Telehealth
- Take or submit a hearing test and a Jabra professional will program your hearing aids and ship them to your door
- Three years of unlimited support is included with every purchase
- Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids come with the capability for remote adjustments. This feature means you don't need to ship your hearing aids back to get program updates
- Jabra Enhance Select is manufactured by GN Hearing (the makers of ReSound hearing aids)
- Jabra devices come with a strong set of background noise handling features and app controls
- Jabra Enhance Select comes in a small and comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Jabra Enhance Select is comparable to ReSound hearing aids
- Choose between five colors including: Sparkling Silver, Champaign, Gold, Bronze and Warm Grey
- Jabra Enhance Select offers three levels of technology. Select 500 and Select 300 come with rechargeable batteries and as of May 2024, Select 50 also comes with rechargeable batteries
- 30 hours on a full charge
- Comes with a portable charger (does not need to be plugged in)
- All Jabra Enhance Select technology levels allow Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls.
- Jabra Enhance Select 500 uses Bluetooth LE Audio (Auracast ready) and is handsfree for iPhone (11 and newer) and compatible Android models
- Jabra Enhance Select 300 allows iPhone users to take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio
- Jabra Enhance Select 300 uses Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth
- Jabra Enhance Select is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- If dexterity is a concern we recommend Select 300, which is larger and easier to grasp than the microRIE (Select 500)
- The Jabra Enhance Select charge case uses induction charging and is fairly easy to handle
- All levels of Jabra Enhance Select have an IP rating of 68
- These hearing aids can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Customization: Treble/bass, volume, microphone directionality
- Jabra Enhance Select includes Telehealth capabilities through the Jabra app
In-Clinic Leaders
If you prefer a local clinician's support, two products are especially well suited to those with moderate hearing loss. Widex makes this list for its natural sound (often preferred by those with some good hearing). ReSound makes the list for its intelligent features and easy-to-use app.
Widex SmartRIC
Widex SmartRIC
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- And last, but not least, we'll have a third button here
Here’s why we picked the Widex SmartRIC:
- Innovative Manufacturer: Backed by Widex’s long history of sound innovation, it’s a top choice for users seeking natural sound quality.
- Comfortable and Stylish: The smallest slim RIC design on the market with an L-shape for improved comfort and better sound in background noise.
- Extended Battery Life: Impressive 37-hour wear time on a full charge, with a quick charge option for busy days.
- Easy Bluetooth Streaming: Enjoy seamless music and phone call streaming with hands-free capabilities for iPhone users, making it a modern, connected option.
- Focused on sound quality, delivering clear sound with the lowest delay in the industry.
- Includes industry leading tinnitus features.
- Widex SmartRIC hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming capabilities.
- Smallest slim RIC design on the market.
- Enhanced battery life means battery won’t run out, even with constant streaming.
- No disposable battery option.
- Remote programming requires an accessory.
- Widex hearing aids are a premium product that may be out of the budget for some.
Other Over-The-Counter Contenders
Those with moderate hearing loss in some frequencies can benefit from the newest group of hearing aids on the market - sold over-the-counter. Over-the-counter devices are typically less expensive than prescription counterparts and have plenty of sound output for most cases of of moderate hearing loss. These are a few products to consider.
Sennheiser All Day Clear
Sennheiser All Day Clear
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- And last, but not least, we'll have a third button here
Here’s why we picked the Sennheiser All-Day Clear:
- Trusted Manufacturer: Developed by Sennheiser, a leader in audio, and backed by Sonova, the world's #1 hearing aid maker, ensuring high-quality sound and technology.
- Comfortable Design: Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear, available in both Slim and standard models to suit different preferences.
- Affordable Price: Offers premium sound quality and features typically found in prescription hearing aids, all for under $1,000.
- Easy App Control: The intuitive smartphone app allows for quick, user-friendly setup and self-programming, ideal for even mildly tech-savvy users.
- Premium technology for less than prescription channels
- Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calls (Android and iPhone)
- Comfortable all-day form factor
- Charger must be plugged in while charging
- Requires a smartphone for programming
- Does not include professional program (self-fit)
Note: Soundly customers get a complimentary guided setup call with an audiologist.
- All-Day Clear is an OTC product appropriate for mild-moderate hearing loss levels
- If you have more significant hearing loss you might consider local or Telehealth care. Read more about prescription Vs. OTC hearing aids here
- Available for purchase online via Soundly
- Does not require a prescription from a doctor
- Customize your hearing aids with the Sennheiser All-Day Clear app
- Soundly customers get a complimentary guided setup session
- Sennheiser offers impressive underlying background noise management technology
- We found this product performed at a similar level to top prescription brands
- Comfortable receiver-in-canal style is great for all day wear
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Sennheiser All-Day Clear is comparable to leading prescription hearing aids like Phonak Lumity
- Available in a dual-tone black and silver
- Choose between slim and non-slim versions (we recommend the non-slim option for most people)
- Sennheiser All-Day Clear comes with rechargeable batteries
- 16 hours of wear on a single charge
- Recharge case must be plugged into the wall while in use
- All-Day Clear streams to all devices including iPhone and Android
- All Day Clear allows hands free phone calls on both iPhone and Android
- Streaming quality is similar to the top prescription products on the market
- All-Day Clear is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- The All-Day Clear recharge case has ports that must be in contact for charging. This type of charger is more difficult than premium conduction chargers which do not require ports to be touching
- Sennheiser All-Day Clear hearing aids have an IP68 rating
- These devices can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage
- The Sennheiser All-Day Clear app enables setup and customization of your hearing aids
- The smartphone app allows on-the-go volume and sound quality adjustments
- The All-Day Clear app has a music and automatic program but does not offer Tinnitus masking, program creation or other advanced features
Our Top Choice: Jabra Enhance Select 500
Our top recommendation for individuals with moderate hearing loss is the Jabra Enhance Select 500. Its balance of advanced technology and affordability sets the Jabra Enhance Select 500 apart. While it offers the same level of performance as prescription-grade hearing aids, its price point is more manageable than the industry average for prescription devices.
This makes it an accessible option for those seeking high-quality sound enhancement without breaking the bank. Jabra is unique among direct-to-consumer hearing aids in that one of their staffed hearing professionals will program your hearing aids for you instead of you self-fitting your devices.
Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids are made by the world's 4th largest hearing aid manufacturer (ReSound). Jabra Enhance (originally called Lively) made a name for itself by recreating the full-service audiology service online.
Instead of requiring you to come into their office, Jabra reduces the cost by programming remotely and shipping to your home.
All Jabra products come with a 100-day return policy and 3 years of unlimited remote care. You can find the same product for sale at a local clinic for around $4,500.
Get started by filling out Jabra's online survey via the right-hand corner of their website.
- Overall notes: If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, are on a budget, and want a hearing professional to program your hearing aids to match your hearing loss, this is one of the most compelling products on the market.
- Price: $1,395 for a pair of battery-powered - $1,695 for a pair of rechargeable, $1,995 for enhanced sound quality
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth (not hands-free), Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Their audiologists can personalize and program Jabra hearing aids in real-time; highlighting the benefits of telehealth and competent professionals.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
Comes with a 100 day free-return period
Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
In-Clinic Leaders
If you prefer a local clinician's support, two products are especially well suited to those with moderate hearing loss. Widex makes this list for its natural sound (often preferred by those with some good hearing). ReSound makes the list for its intelligent features and easy-to-use app.
Widex hearing aids are popular among musicians, those with tinnitus, and anyone who appreciate natural sound quality. The Widex SmartRIC integrates the performance of the Widex Moment chip, known for its ability to produce incredibly natural sound, with a discreet and stylish design that appeals to today's fashion-conscious users. While other brands offer a similar slim design, such as Phonak and Signia, Widex has a slight advantage in design. The stylish, L-design is the shortest of its kind on the market, according to Widex.
The Widex SmartRIC distinguishes itself with a unique microphone placement that differs from traditional Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) devices, offering wearers more effective support in background noise. This thoughtful design means that the directional microphones are more in the horizontal plane, and better able to pick up on your conversation partner thanks to the L-shaped 20 degree curve at the top of the hearing aid.
Widex Moment Sheer is also often considered the leader among receiver-in-canal hearing aids for tinnitus. The brand's SoundRelax program streams fractal sounds into your hearing aids to reduce buzzing and ringing.
- Overall notes: Widex SmartRIC goes toe-to-toe with prescription leaders in the category. The perfect candidate for Widex wants care through a local hearing professional, natural external music quality, tinnitus masking and natural sound.
- Price: The national average price for Widex hearing aids is around $7,200 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
Focused on sound quality, delivering clear sound with the lowest delay in the industry.
Includes industry leading tinnitus features.
Widex Moment Sheer hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming capabilities.
Only sold through local clinics.
Remote adjustments require an additional accessory.
Widex offers a premium product at a premium price that may be out of budget for some.
Other Over-The-Counter Contenders
Those with moderate hearing loss in some frequencies can benefit from the newest group of hearing aids on the market - sold over-the-counter. Over-the-counter devices are typically less expensive than prescription counterparts and have plenty of sound output for most cases of of moderate hearing loss. These are a few products to consider.
In August 2023, Sennheiser unveiled a new OTC hearing aid expected to compete with industry leaders like Bose, Sony, and Jabra. Sennheiser All-Day Clear is a full-featured hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming, hands-free calls (both Android and iPhone, an onboard hearing test, and easy to use app.
Our team tested All-Day Clear and compared it with Sonova's flagship brands - Phonak and Unitron. Our verdict? All-Day Clear has a few missing bells and whistles, but the differences are not dealbreakers. The perfect candidate for All-Day Clear has mild-to-moderate hearing loss, is comfortable using a smartphone, and wants Sonova-made technology for a budget price.
How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Sennheiser here at Soundly
✔️ 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, Sennheiser's technical team and give you some technical advice, but is not highly trained in hearing health matters.
- Overall notes: Based on our reviews, this hearing aid is the most complete offering in the over-the-counter market so far.
- Price: $999 for All-Day Clear with complimentary setup care through Soundly
- Features: Rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth Streaming for iPhone and Android users, Excellent Programming app, Behind-The-Ear Style
Underlying technology and sound-processing from Sonova (top global manufacturer)
Self-fitting using the Sennheiser app
Bluetooth streaming for iPhone and Android
Customer support is limited to tech troubleshooting Vs. remote programming
Only comes in one color scheme
More expensive than some other OTC competitors
Final Thoughts
Moderate hearing loss should not be underestimated, as it significantly impacts one's quality of life. With the advancements in hearing aid technology and the availability of OTC options, there's never been a better time to address your hearing needs.
Whether you opt for a discreet in-ear device or a more sophisticated behind-the-ear model, the goal is to enhance your hearing in a way that feels natural and supports your lifestyle. Remember, taking action now can not only improve your daily interactions but also protect your cognitive health in the long run.
Frequently asked questions
Jabra Enhance Select
Jabra Enhance Select
- Bluetooth enabled and rechargeable
- 100-day risk-free trial
- Nearly invisible with a sleek design
Here’s why we picked the Jabra Enhance Select 500:
- Reliable Manufacturer: Built by ReSound, a global leader in hearing aids, offering top-tier sound processing and durability.
- Comfort and Convenience: Designed to be shipped directly to your home and programmed remotely, allowing for hassle-free use with a layer of professional support that self-fit OTC devices don't allow.
- Great Price: At $1,995, it’s about half the price of similar clinic-sold products while still providing professional-grade technology.
- User-Friendly App: The intuitive app allows for easy control of volume and settings, making it accessible for tech-savvy users.
The customer reviews for Jabra Enhance Select highlight satisfaction with the audiologist support, personalized programming, and excellent customer service, especially the 100-day return policy. Many customers feel the product offers great value for the price, with some noting that these hearing aids outperform older, more expensive models. The ease of fit, along with the risk-free trial, encourages users to take a chance on the product, resulting in a positive overall experience.
For more details, visit the Jabra Enhance Select page.
- One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
- Comes with a 100 day free-return period
- Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
- Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
- Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
- Jabra Enhance Select is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss and struggle with feedback (squealing) you may need a custom earmold (not available through Jabra Telehealth)
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for a high-powered BTE style hearing aid (note available through Jabra Telehealth)
- Jabra is a remote care brand that programs and delivers your hearing aids through Telehealth
- Take or submit a hearing test and a Jabra professional will program your hearing aids and ship them to your door
- Three years of unlimited support is included with every purchase
- Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids come with the capability for remote adjustments. This feature means you don't need to ship your hearing aids back to get program updates
- Jabra Enhance Select is manufactured by GN Hearing (the makers of ReSound hearing aids)
- Jabra devices come with a strong set of background noise handling features and app controls
- Jabra Enhance Select comes in a small and comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Jabra Enhance Select is comparable to ReSound hearing aids
- Choose between five colors including: Sparkling Silver, Champaign, Gold, Bronze and Warm Grey
- Jabra Enhance Select offers three levels of technology. Select 500 and Select 300 come with rechargeable batteries and as of May 2024, Select 50 also comes with rechargeable batteries
- 30 hours on a full charge
- Comes with a portable charger (does not need to be plugged in)
- All Jabra Enhance Select technology levels allow Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls.
- Jabra Enhance Select 500 uses Bluetooth LE Audio (Auracast ready) and is handsfree for iPhone (11 and newer) and compatible Android models
- Jabra Enhance Select 300 allows iPhone users to take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio
- Jabra Enhance Select 300 uses Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth
- Jabra Enhance Select is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- If dexterity is a concern we recommend Select 300, which is larger and easier to grasp than the microRIE (Select 500)
- The Jabra Enhance Select charge case uses induction charging and is fairly easy to handle
- All levels of Jabra Enhance Select have an IP rating of 68
- These hearing aids can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Customization: Treble/bass, volume, microphone directionality
- Jabra Enhance Select includes Telehealth capabilities through the Jabra app
Widex SmartRIC
Widex SmartRIC
- Bullet one will go here
- The second item is going to go here
- And last, but not least, we'll have a third button here
Here’s why we picked the Widex SmartRIC:
- Innovative Manufacturer: Backed by Widex’s long history of sound innovation, it’s a top choice for users seeking natural sound quality.
- Comfortable and Stylish: The smallest slim RIC design on the market with an L-shape for improved comfort and better sound in background noise.
- Extended Battery Life: Impressive 37-hour wear time on a full charge, with a quick charge option for busy days.
- Easy Bluetooth Streaming: Enjoy seamless music and phone call streaming with hands-free capabilities for iPhone users, making it a modern, connected option.
- Focused on sound quality, delivering clear sound with the lowest delay in the industry.
- Includes industry leading tinnitus features.
- Widex SmartRIC hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming capabilities.
- Smallest slim RIC design on the market.
- Enhanced battery life means battery won’t run out, even with constant streaming.
- No disposable battery option.
- Remote programming requires an accessory.
- Widex hearing aids are a premium product that may be out of the budget for some.
Sennheiser All Day Clear
Sennheiser All Day Clear
- Bullet one will go here
- The second item is going to go here
- And last, but not least, we'll have a third button here
Here’s why we picked the Sennheiser All-Day Clear:
- Trusted Manufacturer: Developed by Sennheiser, a leader in audio, and backed by Sonova, the world's #1 hearing aid maker, ensuring high-quality sound and technology.
- Comfortable Design: Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear, available in both Slim and standard models to suit different preferences.
- Affordable Price: Offers premium sound quality and features typically found in prescription hearing aids, all for under $1,000.
- Easy App Control: The intuitive smartphone app allows for quick, user-friendly setup and self-programming, ideal for even mildly tech-savvy users.
- Premium technology for less than prescription channels
- Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calls (Android and iPhone)
- Comfortable all-day form factor
- Charger must be plugged in while charging
- Requires a smartphone for programming
- Does not include professional program (self-fit)
Note: Soundly customers get a complimentary guided setup call with an audiologist.
- All-Day Clear is an OTC product appropriate for mild-moderate hearing loss levels
- If you have more significant hearing loss you might consider local or Telehealth care. Read more about prescription Vs. OTC hearing aids here
- Available for purchase online via Soundly
- Does not require a prescription from a doctor
- Customize your hearing aids with the Sennheiser All-Day Clear app
- Soundly customers get a complimentary guided setup session
- Sennheiser offers impressive underlying background noise management technology
- We found this product performed at a similar level to top prescription brands
- Comfortable receiver-in-canal style is great for all day wear
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Sennheiser All-Day Clear is comparable to leading prescription hearing aids like Phonak Lumity
- Available in a dual-tone black and silver
- Choose between slim and non-slim versions (we recommend the non-slim option for most people)
- Sennheiser All-Day Clear comes with rechargeable batteries
- 16 hours of wear on a single charge
- Recharge case must be plugged into the wall while in use
- All-Day Clear streams to all devices including iPhone and Android
- All Day Clear allows hands free phone calls on both iPhone and Android
- Streaming quality is similar to the top prescription products on the market
- All-Day Clear is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- The All-Day Clear recharge case has ports that must be in contact for charging. This type of charger is more difficult than premium conduction chargers which do not require ports to be touching
- Sennheiser All-Day Clear hearing aids have an IP68 rating
- These devices can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage
- The Sennheiser All-Day Clear app enables setup and customization of your hearing aids
- The smartphone app allows on-the-go volume and sound quality adjustments
- The All-Day Clear app has a music and automatic program but does not offer Tinnitus masking, program creation or other advanced features