As an audiologist with experience fitting a wide range of hearing aids, open fit hearing aids are one tool in the toolbox. These hearing aids are very popular among patients with normal low frequency hearing and patients on the lower end of the hearing loss spectrum.
However, they're not the right option for everyone and come with their own list of pros and cons. In this article, I will explain what open-fit hearing aids are, their pros and cons, and the different styles that exist.
What is an Open Fit Hearing Aid?
An open-fit hearing aid is a type of receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) or behind-the-ear hearing aid that is fit with an open-style dome tip.
The difference is in where the speaker (or receiver) is located. A RIC hearing aid places the receiver directly in the ear, while a BTE attaches to the hearing aid and funnels the sound through a slim tube and dome tip. What sets it apart is its unique design that permits a certain amount of low-frequency sound to leak out. This feature minimizes the occlusion effect, a common problem associated with more closed-fit hearing aids where users with normal low-frequency hearing may hear their own voice as overly loud or distorted. Primarily, this style of hearing aid caters to individuals with normal low-frequency hearing but require some degree of amplification in the high frequencies. Thus, open-fit hearing aids offer a more natural listening experience, especially for those whose hearing loss is predominantly in the higher frequency range.
Open dome tips will look slightly different depending on the manufacturer but have vents or holds in the dome that allow sound through. Read more about earmolds and domes here.
Best Hearing Aids With Open Fit Options
Open-fit hearing aids are available in different styles to suit the aesthetic preferences of the wearer. Let's look at some of the most popular options today:
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
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Read more about our company, services and process here.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
Featured in this article
1) ReSound Nexia: Provides a sleek, modern design with wireless connectivity to Smartphones and other devices. ReSound's Auracast-compatible device offers the latest technology and can be set up with an open fit.
ReSound Vivia
ReSound Vivia
- One of the most advanced AI-powered hearing aids available
- Compact receiver-in-canal design
- Auracast-ready with next-generation Bluetooth support
ReSound Vivia is built for users who prioritize advanced sound processing and future-ready connectivity. It’s one of the most innovative devices in the prescription category today.
In-Clinic Fitting
These hearing aids are fit and tuned by a professional, allowing for precise customization based on your hearing profile.
Rechargeable with Bluetooth
Vivia supports next-gen Bluetooth, including Auracast, and offers reliable all-day battery life.
App Programming
ReSound’s app provides a strong mix of user controls and professional adjustments, making it easy to fine-tune settings as needed.
Sound Quality
Vivia performs especially well in dynamic environments, using AI to adapt to changing sound conditions and improve speech clarity.
Notes & Watchouts
- Availability of Auracast features may vary
- Includes an in-person hearing test at a local clinic
Bottom line: ReSound Vivia is a great option for users who want advanced AI sound processing and future-ready connectivity.
- Great for background noise management
- Auracast compatible
- Small form factor and an optional 3rd microphone in the ear
- 30-hours of battery life
- More expensive compared to direct to consumer and OTC options
- Vivia's in-ear M&RIE microphone is a bit larger and can be uncomfortable for some
- ReSound Vivia is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for individuals with hearing loss in the mild to severe range. Custom earmolds may be recommended for severe hearing loss to provide superior comfort, improved sound quality, and reduced feedback.
- ReSound Vivia combines discreet design with exceptional comfort, making it a good choice for many patients. For those with smaller ear canals, your hearing care professional can easily switch from a M&RIE (Microphone in Receiver) to a standard receiver, ensuring a more comfortable fit without compromising performance.
- ReSound Vivia is a prescription device that is fitted and programmed by a Hearing Care Professional (HCP).
- After initial fitting, you can choose to connect with your HCP remotely through the ReSound app.
- ReSound Vivia is an excellent choice for background noise management. The new onboard AI chip is focused on increasing clarity and the ability to focus on what matters most in challenging listening environments.
- Vivia uses a combination of beam forming microphone technology and noise reduction algorithms to single out speech in complex noise environments.
- ReSound Vivia is a discreet and comfortable hearing aid for most patients. While some patients with smaller ear canals may find the M&RIE uncomfortable in their ears, the M&RIE can easily be changed to the standard receiver by your hearing healthcare provider.
- ReSound Vivia hearing aids fit behind the ear.
- Vivia is among the smallest behind-the-ear devices on the market. Its compact design is especially impressive given the advanced dual-chip architecture and robust battery life, engineered for all-day wear.
- Vivia is offered in a wide range of colors, including new Navy Blue and Red options.
- Vivia is available in three styles, the micro RIE rechargeable, and two disposable battery styles sizes 13 and 312.
- Vivia also offers a CROS (single-sided deafness) compatible rechargeable device.
- Vivia is one of the first hearing aids on the market to release Auracast-compatible hearing aids. Auracast™ allows users to stream public announcements, movies, and other shared audio experiences directly to their hearing aids.
- Vivia also allows standardBluetooth streaming from Apple iOS® and Android™ devices. iPhone users can take calls hands-free. Hands-free mode means that during a call, bi-directional streaming allows the hearing aid user to both hear the call through their hearing aids and use the hearing aid microphones to transmit their voice to the caller.
- Media streaming, however, is one-way only. As long as the phone is compatible, users can stream audio. For FaceTime or Teams calls, streaming is bi-directional.
- Vivia uses Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth.
- Vivia offers a straightforward experience and, like all behind-the-ear styles, simply requires placing the hearing aid comfortably behind the ear and inserting the receiver or custom earmold into the ear.
- Vivia's recharging cases use magnetic charging, which is easier to insert or remove the device from the charger and creates a more consistent charging experience.
- The ReSound Smart 3D app has a feature that uses your phone camera to check that the hearing aids are in the ear properly.
- ReSound Vivia is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Remote care: After an in-office activation and patient accepts the remote care option then remote adjusts could be available between provider and patientvia the app
- Customization: Volume control, treble/bass, streaming treble/bass, programs
- Tinnitus masking: Customizable programs with a hearing care professional or use the Resound Relief app to experiment with masking noise
- Find my hearing aid: This feature is included in the app
- Check my fit: An app feature from Resound to check the hearing aids are in the ear properly
Read our full review of the ReSound App here.
2) Phonak Infinio: Offers improved speech understanding in noise and allows for hands-free phone calls through Bluetooth technology.
Phonak Sphere Infinio
Phonak Sphere Infinio
- Flagship device from the world’s top hearing aid manufacturer
- Industry-leading onboard AI processing with advanced Spheric mode for enhanced clarity
- Best-in-class Bluetooth streaming, compatible with both Android and iPhone
Phonak’s Infinio and Infinio Sphere models, released in mid-2024, quickly caught industry attention with groundbreaking features:
- Real-Time AI Processing: Phonak leads in AI innovation with its dual-chip architecture, powering real-time adjustments that make listening easier in complex, dynamic environments. This level of AI-driven sound processing sets Infinio Sphere apart as a top choice for clarity and adaptability.
- Extended Bluetooth Range: Enjoy hands-free streaming and calls with 2x the Bluetooth range, making Phonak an ideal pick for both iOS and Android users who value reliable connectivity.
- Waterproof and Durable Design: Built with an IP68 rating, Infinio Sphere withstands water exposure and daily wear, appealing to users with active lifestyles who want durability alongside performance.
Phonak’s Infinio line combines onboard AI with practical, user-focused features, making it an excellent choice for those seeking top-of-the-line performance and versatility in hearing aids.
Phonak Infinio Sphere receives highly positive reviews, with many users noting significant improvements over previous Phonak models and competing brands. Wearers praise its sound quality and robust Bluetooth streaming. The main complaints we found relate to the larger size and occasional automatic mode switching. Some highlights from our partners at ZipHearing.
- "Wearing these new Phonak Sphere Hearing Aids has been very comfortable and an easy adjustment for me. These are my first hearing aids and the sound with them on sounds very natural. I've been able to understand my friends in a crowded restaurant and have been able to turn off the closed captioning on my TV. The Bluetooth feature has worked well for both streaming music and phone calls. I haven't found any drawbacks yet!" - Eileen
- "I have been wearing hearing aids for 6 years. I started my journey with ReSound which lasted nearly 5 years. I then went to Costco and discovered Costco aids are fine for people with modest hearing loss, but I needed more. I then went with Phonak Sphere and have been very happy. I am active and discovered early on the aids I had purchased were being negatively impacted by sweat. Phonak replaced them with water resistant aids for a very small charge. I am very pleased with my new aids." - David
- "Sound quality is excellent. Definitely an improvement over previous HA. Still trying it out in noisy environments but I definitely see an improvement when in noisy situations in understanding speech." - Ken
- "I am currently wearing the Phonak Audio Sphere 90 hearing aids. Had them about two weeks now and the sound quality is very good. I am a bit frustrated with the Automatic program selection as it does not really seem to pick the correct program for the situation. I have not noted the sphere function working as of yet, even though I have been in a few very noisy situations. They are comfortable and only took a few days to adapt to the thicker design of the body. The battery life is exceptional. After wearing them for 15 to 16 hours they still have 45 percent batter life. The only other complaint is the charger case. It is not easy to get they in and almost kink the wires to the domes. I wish they were bigger like my previous Marvels." - Brian
- Top of the line sound processing (thanks in part to onboard AI)
- Best-in-class Bluetooth connection
- Highly water-resistant option available for active lifestyles
- Sphere is a premium product with an average price of $4,598 per pair.
- Shorter than average battery life of 16 hours per charge
- Phonak Sphere is larger than most hearing aids on the market (due to a larger battery and two onboard chips)
- Audéo Infinio (Ultra) Sphere™ is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss.
- Custom earmolds are often recommended for severe hearing loss to provide superior comfort, improved sound quality, and reduced feedback.
- Audéo Infinio (Ultra) Sphere™ is a prescription device that is fitted and programmed by a Hearing Care Professional (HCP).
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with HCP remotely through the myPhonak app.
- Audéo Infinio (Ultra) Sphere™ provides automatic and precise AI adaptation to surroundings, to reduce listening efforts by separating speech in noisy environments.
- The device uses a first-to-market onboard AI processing chip which makes up to 7 million adjustments per second.
- Infinio Sphere comes in in a comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day.
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that extends into the ear canal.
- Audéo Infinio Sphere™ offers a rounded, modern form factor and a comparable size to other leading devices.
- Choose from a variety of colors including chestnut, sandalwood, sand beige, silver gray, graphite gray, velvet black, beige, champagne.
- Infinio comes with rechargeable batteries only.
- 24 hours on a 3-hour charge (including 80 min of streaming); 30-minute quick charge provides 6 hours battery life
- The standard charger uses inductive charges.
- Pairs with up to 8 Bluetooth devices, with the flexibility to have 2 simultaneously connected.
- Allows hands-free calling for both Apple iOS® and Android™ devices
- Users can use tap control where they tap their hearing aid to answer and end phone calls.
- Infinio Sphere uses universal connectivity or the Bluetooth Classic Protocol for all Bluetooth devices.
- Infinio Sphere offers 2X the Bluetooth range (distance from your device) compared to older Phonak models.
- Infinio Sphere is designed for ease of use and intuitive handling. Like all behind-the-ear (BTE) styles, it requires the wearer to position the hearing aid comfortably behind the ear and insert the receiver into the ear canal.
- Infinio Sphere devices come with an onboard toggle switch for volume and program changes.
- Infinio Sphere is water resistant with a rating of IP68.
- Infinio Sphere has more robust waterproofing than previous Phonak models. This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Remote care: Available through the Phonak app in coordination with your provider
- Customization: Volume, treble/bass, adjustable custom programs in the app
- Tinnitus masking: Available through your HCP
- Find my hearing aid: Available
- Health tracking: Tracks length of wear time and step count
3) Widex SmartRIC: Utilizes AI and machine learning to provide a personalized listening experience in real-time. It also offers the option for wireless streaming and hands-free calling.
Widex Allure
Widex Allure
- Known for one of the most natural sound profiles in the industry
- Advanced sound personalization with AI-driven adjustments
- Available in discreet RIC and custom in-ear styles
Widex Allure is widely recognized for delivering one of the most natural, lifelike sound experiences in the prescription category. In both lab testing and real-world use, it consistently ranks among the top-performing devices for sound clarity and listening comfort.
Widex has long focused on preserving natural sound, and the Allure platform continues that legacy with modern AI-driven personalization.
In-Clinic Fitting
Widex Allure devices are professionally fit and fine-tuned by a hearing care provider, ensuring sound is customized to your exact hearing profile and preferences.
Rechargeable with Bluetooth
Allure supports Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free streaming, with rechargeable options and a range of form factors including RIC, BTE, and custom in-ear styles.
App Programming
Widex’s SoundSense Learn technology uses real-time feedback and AI to adjust sound preferences, allowing users to personalize their listening experience beyond standard presets.
Sound Quality
This is where Widex stands out most. Sound is extremely natural and balanced, with less “processed” feel compared to some competitors. It performs especially well in music and conversational environments.
Notes & Watchouts
- Less aggressive noise reduction than some competitors (more natural vs. filtered sound)
- Performance in very noisy environments may not be as strong as AI-heavy competitors
- Includes an in-person hearing test at a local clinic
Bottom line: Widex Allure is ideal for users who prioritize natural, lifelike sound quality and personalization over heavy noise filtering or automation.
- Focused on sound quality, delivering clear sound with the lowest delay in the industry.
- Includes industry leading tinnitus features.
- Widex Allure 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.
- Less advanced smartphone app
- Widex Allure is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss.
- Custom earmolds are often recommended for severe hearing loss to provide superior comfort, improved sound quality, and reduced feedback.
- Widex Allure is a prescription device that is fitted and programmed by a Hearing Care Professional (HCP).
- Widex Allure allows for remote follow-up programming
- Widex has the fastest processing time among all major hearing aid manufacturers.
- Widex is a popular choice for musicians and audiophiles.
- Allure includes new sound-processing features to improve background noise performance.
- Widex Allure comes in three styles: Receiver-in-canal (RIC), Behind-the-ear (BTE), and Custom.
- Widex Allure is one of the smallest RIC devices on the market.
- The hearing instrument sits behind the ear, and a receiver (speaker) extends from the hearing aid into the ear canal.
- Choose between ten color options, including neutral colors (black, grey, silver, various skin-tone shades)
- Widex Allure comes with rechargeable batteries only.
- BTE style provides 32 hours full charge with 5 hours of streaming. Custom style provides 19 hours with 5 hours of streaming.
- Allure RIC style provides 27 hours on a 4-hour full charge (without streaming).
- Widex Allure supports Bluetooth LE Audio for next-gen streaming and improved battery performance.
- AppleiOS® and Android™ users can enjoy hands-free calling.
- Streaming is more stable thanks to a dedicated compressor that separates media and environmental sounds.
- Allureis Auracast-ready in all styles, pending a future firmware update.
- Widex Allure is designed for ease of use, though like all behind-the-ear styles, it requires placing the device behind the ear and inserting the receiver or the custom earmold into the ear canal.
- Allure features a redesigned push button for convenient volume and program adjustments on the go.
- Widex Allure is water resistant with a rating of IP68.
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Remote care: Allure hearing aid fittings and adjustments must be performed in-person by a hearing care professional. Fittings and adjustments must be done in-person or using a special neck loop necessary.
- Customization: Adjust volume, programs, directionality, and sound profile using the Allure app; includes AI Quick and Sound Assistants
- Tinnitus masking: Available through your hearing care professional
- Find my hearing aid: Yes – built-in app feature shows last known location and Bluetooth proximity
- Health tracking: Not available
4) Oticon Intent: Uses a deep neural network algorithm and 4D sensors to constantly monitor and adapt to the environment, providing natural sound quality and speech understanding.
Oticon Intent
Oticon Intent
- Best prescription hearing aids for adaptive sound
- Uses motion sensors to optimize listening
- Advanced environmental awareness
Oticon Intent introduces a new level of smart listening. With built-in motion sensors, these hearing aids adjust based on your movement and environment.
In testing, this results in more natural sound transitions and improved focus in conversations.
In-Clinic Fitting
Oticon Intent devices are professionally fit and fine-tuned by a hearing care provider, ensuring sound is customized to your exact hearing profile and preferences.
Rechargeable with Bluetooth
The Oticon Intent uses a newly designed lithium-ion battery built for greater efficiency. If you’re short on time, a 30-minute charge delivers up to eight hours of wear. With a full charge, Intent provides up to 20 hours of battery life. That’s slightly less than some industry leaders, but more than enough for most everyday users. Oticon Intent now offers Bluetooth LE Audio which future-proofs the devices for new audio experiences like Auracast that will roll out in phones, TVs, and public spaces in the next two years.
App Programming
The Oticon app allows for easy adjustments while supporting professional fine-tuning when needed.
Sound Quality
Excellent clarity with dynamic adjustments in real time. Oticon is an excellent choice for people who want leading-edge technology and prefer a more open, natural sound.
Notes & Watchouts
- Advanced features may require adjustment period
- Slightly less app customization
- Includes an in-person hearing test at a local clinic
Bottom line: A top-tier option for users who want the latest adaptive hearing technology.
- Well balanced and intuitive sound processing
- Bluetooth streaming from Android and Apple devices
- Offered with both rechargeable and disposable batteries
- Oticon Intent hearing aids start at $2,898 and can cost as much as $7,000 with walk in care
- Oticon Intent hearing aids require a visit to an in person audiologist and are not sold online
- Oticon Intent is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss.
- Custom earmolds are often recommended for severe hearing loss to provide superior comfort, improved sound quality, and reduced feedback.
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for Oticon Xceed.
- Oticon Intent is a prescription device that is fit and programmed by a Hearing Care Professional (HCP).
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with your HCP remotely through the Oticon app.
- Oticon Intent comes with a new, intuitive operating system. Intent uses Oticon's Deep Neural Network to sort background noise from speech. Many users describe Oticon's sound quality as"relaxed", "natural" and "comfortable."
- The new 4D sensors give a customized listening experience for the user, and potentially enhanced clarity and balance.
- Using BrainHearing™ technology, it automatically adjusts for the best sound experience. With enhanced speech clarity, reduced listening effort, and seamless connectivity.
- Oticon Intent is a very comfortable product with a wide variety of possible custom earmolds, domes, and hearing aid styles.
- Oticon Intent hearing aids come in two styles: behind the ear and receiver in the canal.
- Intent is Oticon's smallest RIC hearing aid to date.
- Intent comes in 9 colors including chroma beige, silver grey, silver, terracotta, chestnut brown, steel grey, diamond black, olive green, and sky blue.
- Intent is available in rechargeable models.
- The rechargeable version of Oticon Intent gets 20 hours of power on a single 2-hour charge, including streaming.
- Oticon Intent allows Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls across all models. Users can enjoy hands-free calls with Apple iOS® or Android™ phones.
- Oticon Intent uses Bluetooth LE and is Auracast™-capable.
- Oticon Intent is designed for ease of use and, like all behind-the-ear styles, simply involves placing the hearing aid comfortably behind the ear and inserting the receiver into the ear.
- Oticon Intent is water resistant with an IP rating of IP68.
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Remote care: Included in the new Oticon Companion app
- Customization: Volume, program change, streaming sound quality(treble/bass), SpeechBooster
- Tinnitus masking: Your hearing provider can create a tinnitus masking program
- Find my hearing aid: Available in the app
Pros of Open Fit Hearing Aids
- Natural sound quality: As mentioned before, open-fit hearing aids allow for a more natural listening experience by reducing the occlusion effect.
- Discreet design: Open-fit hearing aids are usually small in size and have a sleek design that makes them less noticeable when worn.
- Comfortable fit: The open dome tip provides good ventilation and prevents the feeling of fullness in the ear, making it more comfortable for extended wear.
- Immediate fit: There is no need to wait for a custom earmold to come back, as dome tips offer an immediate fit and come in a range of sizes.
- Cost savings: some clinics may charge an additional fee for an earmold.
Cons of Open Fit Hearing Aids
Despite their many advantages, open-fit hearing aids are not suitable for everyone. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Insufficient Amplification: Patients with a steep sloping loss, flat hearing loss, or more than a mild hearing loss may find that open-fit hearing aids do not provide enough amplification. This means that they might struggle to hear clearly, especially in environments with a lot of background noise.
- Limited Directional Microphone Control: Open fit hearing aids naturally allow more outside sound into your ear canal which gives the device less control over what you hear.
- Less Comfort and Retention: An earmold will always provide a more customized fit than a dome tip. An earmold has the best retention options and can be comfortably fit to the shape of your ear. While the different size dome tips work for most ears, they aren't the right fit for everyone.
Consult a Hearing Care Professional
If you're unsure whether open-fit hearing aids are the right solution for your hearing loss, consulting with a hearing care professional can be of immense help. They have the expertise to assess your hearing condition and lifestyle, and can provide more detailed information on the suitability of open-fit hearing aids based on your specific needs.
They can also guide you through other potential hearing aid options and assist in making an informed decision about your hearing care. Always remember, the best hearing aid for you is the one that meets your hearing needs, fits your lifestyle, and is comfortable to wear.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, finding the right hearing aid can feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially with the array of options available. Open-fit hearing aids stand out for their unique design and the natural sound quality they offer, making them a popular choice among individuals with normal low-frequency hearing but require some degree of amplification in the high frequencies. However, these devices are certainly not a one-size-fits-all solution.
They come with their limitations, making them unsuitable for some people. Hence, it's crucial to consult with a hearing care professional who can provide expert advice tailored to your specific hearing situation and lifestyle needs. Remember, the goal is to find a hearing aid that not only enhances your hearing but also aligns with your lifestyle and comfort.
Various styles of open fit hearing aids are available in the market, each with their unique features catering to different preferences. Whether you need an immediate fit, a discreet design, or a device capable of connecting to your Smartphone, there is something for everyone.
