SINCE OVER-THE-COUNTER hearing aids were approved and hit the market in 2022, some manufacturers have added features including the ability to double as earbuds. What to consider:

Battery life: Streaming audio increases the device’s power usage. Rechargeable hearing aids are typically charged at night, but with music streaming, that might not be enough. You could be missing out on some conversations later, when your batteries are dead.

Sound quality: “Hearing aids are designed primarily to improve speech understanding, so there is more of an emphasis on high-frequency sound,” says Heather Andrews, a doctor of audiology and licensed audiologist with Zepp Clarity. “This can result in some users feeling music sounds less rich or natural compared to traditional headphones or speakers.” Look for a brand with a music program in its accompanying smartphone app that’s designed to improve the sound of the music when streaming. —Chris Morris