HearingAidMatch

By severity

Hearing aids by severity of hearing loss

Severity is the single biggest input into the right hearing aid for you. The FDA's OTC self-fit rule (21 CFR 800.30) is targeted at "perceived mild-to-moderate" hearing loss (PTA ≤ 55 dB). Above that, you need Costco prescription fitting or an audiologist.

Not sure of your severity? Use the Audiogram Interpreter — it computes your Pure Tone Average and classifies severity per NIDCD bands.

Mild hearing loss

PTA 26–40 dB HL

Soft speech and conversations in noisy environments may be difficult. OTC self-fit hearing aids are FDA-cleared for perceived mild-to-moderate loss.

Prevalence: 25.4M AmericansRecommended: OTC self-fit

Mild-to-moderate hearing loss

PTA 35–50 dB HL

The FDA OTC rule (21 CFR 800.30) is targeted at this range — 'perceived mild-to-moderate.' OTC self-fit is appropriate; Costco prescription is also a strong fit at this severity.

Recommended: OTC self-fit, Costco

Moderate hearing loss

PTA 41–55 dB HL

OTC self-fit hearing aids remain appropriate at the upper end of FDA OTC scope. Costco prescription fitting may provide better speech-in-noise performance.

Prevalence: 10.7M AmericansRecommended: OTC self-fit, Costco

Moderately severe hearing loss

PTA 56–70 dB HL

Above the FDA OTC scope. Costco prescription (Rexton Reach, Jabra Enhance Pro 30, Sennheiser Sonite R) or audiologist-dispensed prescription is recommended.

Recommended: Costco, Audiologist

Severe hearing loss

PTA 71–90 dB HL

Audiologist-dispensed prescription hearing aids required. OTC and Costco do not provide sufficient gain. Consider BTE or Power BTE form factors.

Prevalence: 1.8M AmericansRecommended: Audiologist

Profound hearing loss

PTA 91–120 dB HL

Beyond hearing aid range for most users. Cochlear implants may be appropriate — consult an ENT and audiologist. Power BTE hearing aids may help select users.

Prevalence: 0.4M AmericansRecommended: Audiologist

Most popular picks (mild-to-moderate)

The majority of buyers fall in the mild-to-moderate range covered by the FDA OTC rule. These are our standing picks for that range — click into a specific severity above for matches tuned to your exact PTA.

Best entry point

At $199 with FDA-cleared hearing aid software (DEN230081), the AirPods Pro 2 turn an iPhone you may already own into a legitimate mild-to-moderate hearing aid. Lowest-risk way to start.

Best dedicated OTC value

Bose-tuned, rechargeable, self-fitting via the Lexie app, with a 45-day trial. $899 — a fraction of the audiologist price for the same mild-to-moderate range.

Best premium OTC

Built by Sonova (the company behind Phonak), the All-Day Clear is a true QUH self-fit hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming and a 2-year warranty — around $949 street.

Picks are based on FDA regulatory pathway, price, and severity fit from our verified product database — not on which brand pays the most. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.