January 31st 2026
By Ari Parker
Discover how noise cancelling hearing aids work to reduce background noise and improve speech clarity. Compare features, costs, and leading brands for clearer hearing.
By Ari Parker
Hearing loss is a common problem among older adults. For those experiencing hearing loss, wearing hearing aids can significantly improve communication, social interaction, and confidence, but not all hearing aids manage background noise in the same way.
Though no hearing aid is 100% “noise cancelling,” many models use technology to manage and reduce background noise to make it easier to listen to and engage in clear conversation in challenging environments.
In this article, we’ll cover how noise management in hearing aids work, which brands offer noise management and background noise control, and how much they cost.
Many hearing aids use directional microphones to manage background noise and improve speech clarity in busy environments.
Some brands of hearing aids that manage and reduce background noise include Phonak, ELEHEAR, ReSound, and Sony.
Original Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids, which is why it’s important to plan ahead before making this kind of purchase.
No two hearing aids work exactly the same way. Generally, there are three main styles of hearing aids:
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
In-the-ear (ITE)
Canal, including in-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC)
With most hearing aids, there are three central components: a microphone, amplifier, and a speaker. Essentially, the microphone picks up external sound waves which then get converted to electronic signals (either analog or digitally). Those signals are then sent to an amplifier, which increases the power of the signals, sending them to the ear via the speaker.
Hearing aids don’t offer 100% “noise-cancellation” because some noise is necessary for transmitting speech and communication.
However, there are some hearing aid models, particularly newer ones, with more effective noise management. These hearing aids use miniature directional microphones that can amplify sounds coming from a specific direction (for example, from the direction of a closeby speaker) but not the sounds coming from other directions, like background noises. These hearing aids can make it easier for people to hear a specific conversation, particularly in noisy or busy environments.
Other helpful features to reduce background noise include noise reduction and adaptive capabilities.
Below are some of the top brands and models of hearing aids that offer effective noise management and control.
Made by Phonak, a brand that has been voted top in its class by Fortune Magazine, Forbes Health, and the National Council on Aging, the Audeo Infinio (Ultra) R Hearing Aids offer precise AI adaptation to changing environments, dynamic noise cancellation, and speech enhancement with up to 31 hours of battery life.
These hearing aids are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They provide advanced AI noise reduction and feedback cancellation and are fast-charging (up to six hours of charge in just fifteen minutes).
ReSound’s Vivia’s hearing aids spotlights speech sound waves and minimizes distractions so that you can focus on the speaker or speakers in front of you. Additional features include an all-day battery, weatherproof nanocoating, and near-invisible style. Its bluetooth connectivity also allows you to easily connect to phone calls or other media whenever you choose.
Sony’s C20 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids promise prescription-grade sound quality with high-quality noise reduction and directionality to improve speech understanding in loud and noisy environments. Customizable settings allow you to select from predefined hearing profiles to find the best option for your needs.
Noise-reducing hearing aids can vary widely in cost depending on the brand, technology, and features.
Unfortunately, Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans do not cover the cost of hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans may help partially cover the cost of hearing aids, but coverage will depend on the specifics of your plan.
Understanding the cost range for these types of hearing aids can help you plan your budget for this purchase. Using our selections from above, you could pay anywhere between $400 to $7,000 on a pair of hearing aids:
Phonak Audeo Infinio (Ultra) R - between $3,000-$5,000
ELEHEAR Beyond - $431
ReSound Vivia - between $4,000-$7,000
Sony C20 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids - $999.99
In addition to cost, it’s important to consider hearing aid features and their potential impact on your quality of life.
Results from one longitudinal study spanning the years of 2006-2022 found that hearing aid use was linked to lower rates of depression in adults with hearing loss as well as a significantly higher quality of life and stronger overall social relationships.
For many seniors struggling with age-related hearing loss, hearing aids are a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. For some, spending a little more on their hearing aids is worth the reassurance that they’ll have the clearest and most reliable hearing experience, which can improve their mental health and well-being.
Background noise reduction hearing aids can help seniors with hearing loss to confidently participate in conversation, even in busy and loud environments.
Some of the best noise reduction hearing aids include Phonak’s Audeo Infinio (Ultra) R, ELEHEAR’s Beyond, ReSound’s Vivia, and Sony’s C20 Self-Fitting OTC hearing aids.
The cost of these types of hearing aids can vary anywhere between $400-$7,000. Because Medicare won’t cover the cost, it’s important to budget ahead and consider the features most important to your hearing needs before buying.
Hearing aids. (2022, October 11). NIDCD. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-aids
Lee, W., Chun, S., Son, K., Choi, H. S., & An, Y. Y. (2025). Impact of hearing aid use on depression and quality of life in older patients with age-related hearing loss: A focus on social relationships. SSM - Population Health, 101861. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2025.101861
