The Best Hearing Aids for Background Noise Reduction 2025
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March 11, 2025
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After testing dozens of hearing aids in challenging environments like busy restaurants and outdoor venues, we've identified the models that truly excel at reducing background noise. The Jabra Enhance Select 500 leads our list, offering exceptional noise reduction while keeping speech clear and natural through its advanced SoundScape technology and sophisticated directional microphones.
For those prioritizing discretion, the nearly invisible Eargo 7 delivers impressive noise management in a tiny in-canal design. For budget-conscious buyers, the MDHearing VOLT MAX offers effective noise reduction at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. Whether your top priority is top-tier technology, invisible design, or affordable solutions, our comprehensive tests will help you find the right hearing aid for navigating noisy environments.
Key Findings
- Our tests revealed that Jabra Enhance Select 500 hearing aids performed the best in terms of background noise reduction.
- Eargo 7's Sound Adjust+ technology with Clarity Mode effectively isolates speech from ambient sounds and allows the hearing aids to adjust automatically based on surroundings.
- MDHearing's Volt Max provides impressive noise reduction capabilities at a budget-friendly price.
Pro Tip: Looking to compare our top-rated hearing aid brands? Read our full guide to this year's best overall hearing aids.
Our Methodology
When evaluating hearing aids for background noise reduction, we tested each brand based on the following:
- Noise reduction capability: We assessed how well each device filtered out unwanted background noise while preserving speech clarity.
- Automatic environment adjustment: We gave extra points to devices that automatically adapted to a user’s environment, allowing you to seamlessly move between a quiet home and a crowded cafe.
- Speech enhancement: We tested each device's ability to enhance speech while suppressing background noise.
- Smartphone app functionality: We tested app-based controls for adjusting noise reduction settings.
- Real-world performance: We assessed each device in various noisy environments such as restaurants, outdoor spaces, and crowded venues.
- Pricing: Studies consistently find that cost represents a key barrier to people purchasing hearing aids, so we looked for devices that cost $3,000 or less.
FYI: Need help choosing the right hearing aid? Check out our Hearing Aid Buyers’ Guide.
The Best Hearing Aids for Background Noise Reduction
- Jabra Enhance Select 500 : Best Overall for Noise Reduction
- Eargo 7 : Best for Discreet Wear
- MDHearing VOLT MAX : Best Budget Option
Hearing Aid Brands Compared
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Jabra Enhance Select 500
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Eargo 7
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MDHearing VOLT MAX
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|---|---|---|---|
| Rating out of 5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.1 |
| Price for a pair | $1,795-$1,995 |
$2,699 |
$597-$797 |
| Purchasing option | Online |
Online |
Online |
| Standout features |
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| Smartphone app | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Bluetooth streaming | Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Read More | Eargo 7 Review |
1. Jabra Enhance Select 500 - Best Overall for Noise Reduction
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Links to Jabra Enhance
What We Like Most:
- Advanced SoundScape technology
- Multidirectional microphone system
- Customizable noise reduction settings
- Prices from $1,795
Overview
Cost: $1,795-$1,995 per pair
Jabra Enhance hearing aids have long been among our favorite OTC brands, and the company’s latest model, the Enhance Select 500, demonstrated the best noise reduction of any OTC device we’ve tested.
>>Read more: The Best OTC Hearing Aids
Throughout our extensive testing process, the Jabra Enhance Select 500 consistently demonstrated superior performance in mitigating background noise, regardless of the environment. At a crowded gym, the Enhance Select 500’s SoundScape technology proved remarkably effective at isolating speech from a workout partner while drowning out the music and ambient noise of the room. During our restaurant testing, these hearing aids successfully reduced the clatter of dishes and room chatter while keeping the wearer’s conversations clear and natural.
What particularly impressed us was the device’s ability to adjust to different environments automatically. When moving from a quiet office to a busy street, the hearing aids smoothly transitioned between settings without requiring manual adjustments. The multidirectional microphone system showed exceptional performance in group settings, helping users focus on the speaker while maintaining awareness of other sounds in their surroundings.
The Jabra Enhance app provides intuitive control over noise reduction settings. During our testing, we found the app’s interface particularly user-friendly, allowing quick adjustments to noise reduction levels based on the environment. The ability to create and save custom programs for different situations (such as restaurants, outdoor spaces, and group settings) adds valuable flexibility.
Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids start at $995 for their most basic model; however, we recommend spending extra for the Enhance Select 500, which exhibits far superior sound quality. Additionally, for an extra $200, you can expand the included one-year warranty to three years. This extra $200 will also provide you with three years of professional remote care from Jabra’s hearing specialists.
To learn more about our experience with Jabra Enhance support, read our full Jabra Enhance hearing aids review.
Pros
- Exceptional speech clarity in noisy environments
- Seamless automatic environment adaptation
- User-friendly smartphone app
- Bluetooth streaming of calls and music
- Comprehensive remote support included
Cons
- Extra charges for remote support
- Extra charge for extended warranty
2. Eargo 7 - Best for Discreet Wear
What We Like Most:
- Sound Adjust+ technology with Clarity Mode
- Nearly invisible in-canal design
- Advanced noise reduction algorithms
- Innovative charging case
Overview
Cost: $2,699 per pair
The Eargo 7 impressed us with its Sound Adjust+ technology and Clarity Mode, which work together to reduce noise in a virtually invisible package. During our testing, the devices consistently detected and adjusted to different sound environments while remaining completely hidden in the ear canal.
>> Read more: The Best Invisible Hearing Aids
The Clarity Mode proved particularly effective in challenging listening situations. When we tested the devices in a crowded coffee shop, they successfully reduced the background noise of coffee grinders and customer chatter while maintaining the clarity of one-on-one conversations. The automatic sound adjustment feature responded quickly to changing environments, although the transitions were slightly less smooth than those of the Jabra Enhance.
One standout feature is the device’s ability to reduce wind noise, which performed exceptionally well in our outdoor testing scenarios. The proprietary noise reduction algorithm showed impressive results in reducing steady-state noise (such as air conditioning) and irregular background sounds (like silverware clattering).
The companion app offers reasonable control over noise reduction settings, though we found it slightly less intuitive than Jabra’s interface. However, the small form factor does come with some notable trade-offs, such as the lack of Bluetooth streaming capabilities. While the Eargo 7 has Bluetooth capabilities, which allow it to pair with a smartphone, you can’t actually stream music or calls from your phone.
Eargo hearing aid costs start at $799 for the Eargo LINK, but if you want the best sound performance, we recommend the Eargo 7, which costs $2,699 for a pair. Luckily, this purchase includes a two-year warranty and lifetime remote support from Eargo’s hearing specialists.
To learn more about this device, read our full Eargo 7 review, as well as our full Eargo hearing aids review.
Pros
- Excellent noise reduction in a tiny package
- Effective wind-noise reduction
- Quick environmental sound adaptation
- Completely invisible wear
- Innovative charging solution
- Two-year minimum warranty
Cons
- Higher price point
- No Bluetooth streaming
- Limited battery life compared to larger devices
Pro Tip: Want to learn more about Oticon’s unique features and pricing? Read our latest Oticon Hearing Aid Cost and Pricing article.
3. MDHearing VOLT MAX - Best Budget Option
What We Like Most:
- Intelligent noise reduction system
- Dual-directional microphones
- Affordable price point
- Easy-to-use controls
Overview
Cost: $597-$797 per pair
The MDHearing VOLT MAX surprised us with its effective noise reduction capabilities at a budget-friendly price point. While not as sophisticated as our top picks – no Bluetooth streaming or discreet design here – the intelligent noise reduction system performed admirably in moderately noisy environments. During our testing in various settings, the device showed particular strength in reducing steady background noise while maintaining speech clarity.
>> Read more: The Best Affordable Hearing Aids
The dual-directional microphones proved effective in helping users focus on conversations in front of them while reducing noise from other directions. In our restaurant testing, the devices performed well at reducing ambient noise, though they required more manual adjustments compared to our premium picks. But unlike other MDHearing devices, the VOLT MAX is compatible with a smartphone app, which allows you to toggle between hearing aid settings without having to manually adjust your hearing aids.
We found the smartphone app to be straightforward and functional, offering basic control over noise reduction settings. While it lacks some of the advanced features of premium brands, it provides essential adjustments that most users need daily. Creating custom programs for different environments adds valuable flexibility at this price.
The feedback cancellation system worked effectively in most situations, though we noticed occasional whistling when using phones or moving close to speakers, something we did not experience with our top picks.
The MDHearing VOLT MAX costs $597 for a pair; however, we recommend paying the extra $200 for VIP CARE, which extends the warranty to two years and includes a priority customer care line.
To learn more about our experience with MDHearing, read our full MDHearing hearing aid review.
Pros
- Good noise reduction at an affordable price
- Effective directional microphones
- User-friendly app interface
- Bluetooth streaming capability
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Less automatic adaptation
- Basic app features
- May require more manual adjustments
Honorable Mentions
While these hearing aid brands didn’t make our final list, they’re certainly worth a look, especially if you have moderate-to-profound hearing loss:
- Phonak: Phonak’s Paradise platform offers excellent noise reduction capabilities through their AutoSense OS. While they didn’t make our top three, Phonak's devices performed admirably in our background noise tests. Read our Phonak review to learn more about their noise-management features.
- Widex: The PureSound technology in Widex devices provides impressive noise reduction, particularly in dynamic environments. Their Moment platform showed strong performance in our testing, especially for music and variable noise environments. Check out our Widex review for more details.
- Signia: Their Own Voice Processing (OVP) technology, combined with sophisticated noise reduction algorithms, makes them a strong contender in the hearing aid market. While they didn't make our top three, their devices performed particularly well in our restaurant testing scenarios. Read our full Signia review to learn more.
How to Choose a Hearing Aid for Noise Reduction
Since every hearing aid brand has proprietary terminology to refer to noise reduction tech, it can be difficult to discern the differences. When choosing a hearing aid for noise reduction, you’ll want to look for the following:
- Advanced Signal Processing: Modern hearing aids use sophisticated algorithms to process sound. Look for devices that offer real-time noise reduction, multiple channels for processing different frequencies, and speech-enhancement capabilities.
- Deep Neural Network Noise Reduction: One study found that hearing aids with deep neural network (DNN)-based noise reduction are more effective.
- Directional Microphones: A hearing aid’s microphone system significantly impacts noise reduction effectiveness. In most cases, you’ll want to find dual-microphone systems that can automatically adjust to sound sources.
- Smartphone Apps: If a hearing aid has a compatible smartphone app, you’ll most likely be able to adjust noise reduction levels right from your smartphone.
>> Read more: The Best iPhone Hearing Aids
Tips for Maximizing Noise Reduction Features
Program optimization plays a crucial role in maximizing your hearing aid performance. We recommend taking time to create specific programs for environments you frequently encounter, such as your favorite restaurants or friends' homes. Most modern hearing aids come with smartphone apps that allow you to fine-tune these settings, and we've found it particularly helpful to save successful adjustments for future use. Be sure to label them accordingly!
Another way to improve background noise is to consider your position. Ideally, facing the primary speaker while maintaining some distance from significant noise sources, such as kitchen doors in restaurants or HVAC systems in offices, can dramatically improve your listening experience. This positioning works in tandem with your hearing aids' directional microphone capabilities, allowing the technology to work at its optimal level.
Regular maintenance is another critical factor that many users overlook. Through our testing, we've observed that keeping microphone ports clean and replacing wax guards, as recommended by the manufacturer, can significantly impact noise reduction performance. We also recommend staying current with device firmware updates, as these often include improvements to noise reduction algorithms and overall performance.
>> Read more: Guide to Hearing Aid Maintenance
Making full use of your hearing aids' additional features can also enhance their noise-reduction capabilities. We've found that combining noise reduction with speech enhancement features often provides the best results in challenging environments. For particularly noisy situations, such as large gatherings or conferences, consider using companion microphones if your device supports them. Many modern hearing aids also offer automatic program switching, which can be helpful in maintaining optimal performance as you move between different environments throughout your day.
Bottom Line
While no hearing aid can completely eliminate background noise, today's advanced devices offer impressive noise reduction capabilities. Our top picks – the Jabra Enhance Select 500, Eargo 7, and MDHearing VOLT MAX – each provide effective solutions at different price points and with different features. The key is finding the right balance of features, comfort, and price for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can hearing aids completely eliminate background noise?
No hearing aid can completely eliminate background noise while preserving desired sounds. However, modern devices can significantly reduce unwanted noise while maintaining speech clarity.
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Which hearing aid is best for restaurant noise?
Based on our testing, the Jabra Enhance Select 500 performed best in restaurant environments, though individual results may vary depending on the specific user.
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Do more expensive hearing aids have better noise reduction?
While premium devices often offer more sophisticated noise reduction features, we found that mid-range options like the Jabra Enhance Select 500 can provide effective noise reduction at a lower price.
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Can I control noise reduction settings myself?
Yes, most modern hearing aids offer app-based controls for adjusting noise reduction settings.
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Do noise reduction features affect battery life?
Advanced noise reduction features can impact battery life, but most modern rechargeable hearing aids still provide full-day use even with these features activated.