Hearing loss is an epidemic in Australia, with one in seven Australians being diagnosed with mild to profound hearing loss.
Although there’s no cure for hearing loss, hearing aids can help improve quality of life. However, if you don’t qualify for government assistance, it can be difficult to budget for hearing aids cost.
Making the right purchasing decision for hearing aids in Australia requires collaboration between you and a qualified hearing care specialist. It’s also important to research hearing aid brands to determine the best hearing aids for you.
This guide includes brands that garnered top reviews for a wide range of reasons – from ultimate comfort to high-tech options such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Best for comfort and quality products
Can be quite expensive
Specialized technology for children with severe-to-profound hearing loss
Choice of five primary product lines
Price range: $1,800 to $4,000
Select Features
Best warranty and easy online service and sign-up
GENIUS 3.0™ technology recognizes and prioritizes speech sounds
Choice of seven primary product lines
Price range: $1,500 to $3,100
Select Features
Rechargeable batteries
Leader in developing hearing solutions for children and classrooms
Choice of more than 20 different hearing aids
Price range: $1,100 to $3,000
Select Features
Best Apps
Partnered with the GN Group to develop first software-based hearing aids
Choice of three primary product lines
Price range: $1,350 to $3,500
Select Features
Best overall, sound, and smart hearing aid
First to introduce laser technology that enables customization to fit the user’s ear and hearing aid for babies
Choice of six primary product lines
Price range: $750 to $2,860
Select Features
There is no such thing as the “best” hearing aids. Everyone has different needs. It’s important to understand your needs and to discuss your hearing loss with a hearing care specialist.
At EarPros, you can book online a free hearing test. We help those suffering from hearing loss find the hearing aids that are right for them.
Different hearing aid brands offer different solutions at varying price points. Here are some of the most well-regarded hearing aid manufacturers.
Oticon is a Danish company established in 1904. It’s the world’s second-biggest hearing aid manufacturer. Its designs embrace cutting-edge technology to empower people living with hearing loss.
Its innovations are powered by its dedicated research facility, the Centre
for Audiology. This research centre has made significant steps forward in understanding how the brain reacts to and processes sound.
One of its most advanced models is the Oticon Opn. It’s powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), which means it can be connected with smart home devices, like thermostats, fire alarms, and smoke detectors.
Oticon’s flagship BrainHearing technology is dedicated to reducing listening effort and enhancing speech understanding in challenging environments.
Phonak is well-represented in the Australian market. The Swiss company has supplied more than 100 countries with top-quality hearing aids.
Now owned by Sonova, Phonak has utilised bionic systems to produce the world’s first biometric hearing aid. By taking into account the anatomy of the individual’s ear, hearing solutions are customised according to the wearer.
Its AutoSense OS technology has taken hearing solutions into the future by producing a hearing aid capable of automatically adapting to any environment without manual adjustment.
Phonak has also managed to create the Audeo B, which is the world’s first hearing aid to include a lithium-ion battery within the device. This enables a single charge to provide 24 hours of hearing, including media streaming.
Signia is a relative newcomer to the market after being launched in 2016 as a core part of the Sivantos Group.
Incorporating Siemens audio technologies, including the Binax system, the Primax is a hearing aid that includes acoustic-motion sensors while also being the world’s smallest hearing device.
Primax reduces listening effort and provides relief for tinnitus sufferers. The latest hearing aid reviews on Signia praise its products for boosting speech recognition and limiting background noise.
Starkey was launched in 1967 in the U.S. and has made its reputation through launching the In-the-Canal (ITC) style of hearing aid. Its fully programmable digital hearing aids are completely invisible.
This hearing device manufacturer has models to suit most types of hearing loss while providing maximum comfort and meeting the aesthetic expectations of its customers.
The 3 Series is Starkey’s most advanced hearing aid. These aids create a natural listening experience when making phone calls or streaming media through Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Its innovative hearing aids in Australia also utilise artificial intelligence and sensors to track the cognitive health of the wearer.
Widex was established in Denmark in 1956 and produces discreet and stylish hearing devices for the global market. They have become widely known for their tinnitus relief hearing solutions.
Dubbed the Zen Tinnitus Management System, these hearing devices limit all kinds of tinnitus to produce a clearer, higher-quality sound experience.
As part of its commitment to producing better hearing solutions for all, Widex was responsible for producing the first listening device specifically for babies.
Hearing aids prices can act as a barrier to many Australians who want to reconnect with the beauty of sound.
If you’re ineligible for government Hearing Services Program assistance, they can cost as much as $12,000. Although this sounds like a lot, you need to remember that the best hearing aids in Australia can last as long as five years, or even longer.
So how much are hearing aids per month?
A premium $12,000 set of hearing aids in Australia will cost $200 a month. For the quality of life benefits, most people with hearing loss would agree it’s a price well worth paying.
The device itself isn’t the only thing included in the overall price. Prices usually include the following:
Of course, what’s included will vary depending on the supplier. It’s good practice to discuss what’s included in the price before committing to any purchase.
The prices typically don’t include any accessories, including charging ports and replaceable batteries. These are part of the ongoing costs of wearing hearing aids.
Many factors determine the overall cost of a hearing device. With so many options, you’re bound to find something to suit your budget.
Certain additional features are always going to increase the cost, however. Some of these features include:
Many of the additional features of state-of-the-art hearing devices are well worth paying for. It’s important to perform a hearing aid comparison before settling on a purchase.
Whether a feature is worth paying for depends on your lifestyle and the extent of your hearing loss. Speaking to an independent hearing specialist with EarPros can help you to determine which features are most important to you.
One of the most common questions we receive is whether paying for a warranty is worth the cost. The average hearing aid warranty has a duration of 1-3 years and may be included with your purchase.
Most warranties allow for one free replacement of a hearing aid and cover all repair work. Some hearing devices are small and easy to lose, whereas older, cheaper hearing aids in Australia may be less durable.
We highly recommend getting a warranty, even if it isn’t included with your initial purchase.
Buying a hearing aid online without the help of a hearing loss specialist is not recommended. If you’ve already made a hearing aid comparison, you’ve likely come across inexpensive sound amplification products known as Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs).
These are marketed as over-the-counter alternatives to hearing aids in countries outside of Australia, which ordinarily require a prescription. They are mainly aimed at people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
PSAPs have not been approved as hearing loss solutions and should be avoided.
Hearing aid reviews have examined PSAPs, and licensed professionals have commented that these devices:
Comprehensive hearing solutions must be customised according to the individual. Studies have shown PSAPs consistently fail to [SM2] optimise hearing and, at worst, may even cause further hearing damage.
While it may be tempting to save money on high hearing aids prices by investing in PSAPs, they will not provide you with the consistent, crystal clear hearing experience of a prescription hearing aid produced by a reputable manufacturer.
When buying a new pair of hearing aids in Australia, it’s important to make your decision carefully. This includes being aware of the different styles of hearing devices and ensuring they are the best solution for your type of hearing loss.
There’s a whole spectrum of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound. Not every type of hearing device is geared towards your needs.
For example, if you have single-sided deafness, you’ll need a different solution to someone who has moderate conductive hearing loss.
The answer is to consult a professional. Book your free hearing test with a qualified professional through EarPros.
At your hearing test, a professional will measure your level of hearing loss and make recommendations as to the correct type of hearing aid for you.
During your hearing test, you’ll be asked some basic lifestyle questions to ascertain when and where you most have trouble hearing. Other tests conducted include:
The results of your hearing test will distinguish between different types and extents of hearing loss. Using your results, a professional can then make recommendations for hearing devices that will best address your hearing problems.
There are several types of hearing aid to choose from. The right device for you depends on the extent of your hearing loss and your lifestyle.
Here’s a brief rundown of the different styles of hearing aid available in Australia right now.
A BTE hearing aid is visible and fits behind the outer ear. An ear mould fills the majority of the outer ear, with a small tube connecting the two.
These are the largest types of hearing aid and tend to come with more power and capacity. BTE hearing devices are better for people with severe and profound hearing loss.
RIC aids also sit behind the outer ear, but the speaker is placed within the ear. You’ll still need an ear mould customised to the size of your ear.
These are smaller and more lightweight than BTE hearing devices. Although they can still be seen, they are more discreet.
If you don’t require the power a BTE aid can offer, RIC hearing aids in Australia are the next best alternative.
ITE is an excellent choice of hearing aid because they offer a higher level of discretion. Since the main selling point of an ITE hearing device is discretion, these are available in various blended skin tones.
There are sub-styles of ITE hearing aids available, including:
Developing technology means this style of hearing aid is becoming increasingly available to people with more severe forms of hearing loss.
Finally, there is the Lyric hearing device. Manufactured by Phonak, hearing aid reviews on this device are glowing.
Lyric is designed to be worn 24/7, including when sleeping. They fit deep inside the ear and require no servicing, no adjustments, and no regular recharging for an average of two to three months. However, an audiologist will need to service your hearing aid a few times per year.
While these hearing aids are typically more expensive, if discrete, low-maintenance hearing solutions are important to you, Lyric is the future of hearing.
It's time to finally treat your hearing loss. Sign up for a free consultation with a licensed hearing care professional today to determine if you have hearing loss. It’s the start of your journey towards better hearing.
EarPros benefits:
The initial hearing aids cost rarely includes any additional features or extras. You will need to pay extra for certain convenience and quality of life features. However, for many sufferers of hearing loss, the additional cost is worth it.
Let’s examine some of the most common extras available for hearing aids in Australia.
One of the major downsides of being a hearing aid wearer is switching out the batteries. Due to the small size of the average hearing device, the hearing aid batteries are notoriously tiny and difficult to change. This is especially problematic for wearers with poor vision and limited dexterity.
Modern hearing solutions are commonly [SM1] utilising rechargeable batteries. To charge the batteries, simply place them on the charger, and they’ll be ready by the morning.
Bear in mind that BTE and RIC aids are currently the only styles that offer rechargeable batteries.
In the modern world, staying connected is increasingly important. Digital hearing devices with Bluetooth connectivity can be paired with smartphones, TVs, and even smart home appliances.
Smartphone connectivity is particularly important because it means you can adjust sound levels from your phone.
It also allows for mobile devices to transmit sound directly into your hearing aids. This can be helpful for media streaming and taking hands-free calls.
Microphone technology has seen dramatic advances in recent years. Standard microphones will pick up the sound in front and to the side of you. Older hearing devices wouldn’t register any sounds coming from behind the wearer.
Omnidirectional microphones use both hearing devices to provide full 360-degree sound. These microphones can be switched on and off at will, so if you’re listening to a speech or a movie at the cinema, you can prevent any background interference.
The best hearing aids in Australia are capable of automatic microphone switching. In other words, they will automatically detect noise levels and tune out background noise.
Also known as T-coils, this feature can be used together with a hearing loop. This means if you’re in an airport, theater, or auditorium, you’ll be able to pick up announcements and speeches without the background noise.
Since telecoils are customised according to the wearer, it will be necessary to consult with an audiologist to install this feature.
Do you suffer from tinnitus?
Using modern sound therapy techniques, many aids will play low-level white noise to drown out the worst of tinnitus symptoms.
The majority of hearing aids in Australia are manufactured using plastic. Plastic isn’t the most durable material in the world and also means that hearing devices are naturally bigger.
Most top manufacturers now have titanium alternatives for their most popular models. Titanium is lighter, more durable, and also enables the creation of smaller hearing devices.
Be aware that titanium hearing aids prices are higher.
Premium hearing aids come with additional features and accessories. These are designed for specific people with specific problems.
If you’re on a budget and can only afford a basic model, this doesn’t mean you’ll have a lesser hearing experience. It just means you may not be able to filter out background noise in crowded conference halls, or your hearing device may be slightly heavier because it’s made from plastic, not titanium.
For first-time wearers, it’s always recommended to start with a more basic model and to upgrade when needed.
Most of the top manufacturers of hearing aids in Australia make it easy for you to upgrade as and when needed.
Discuss your needs with a qualified hearing loss specialist and begin your journey to better hearing by booking a free hearing test with EarPros.
When searching for the best hearing aids on the market, it can be difficult to differentiate between manufacturers and models.
Hearing aids reviews can be extremely helpful but time-consuming to sift through. Using hearing aid reviews and the technical specifications from the most popular models on the market, here are some of the best hearing aids 2021 all wearers should consider.
The Oticon Opn S1 has been marketed as the first piece of wearable technology for sufferers of hearing loss.
Easily connect to your mobile devices for full media streaming directly into your ears. Together with the ConnectClip remote microphone, you can overcome difficult listening environments by filtering out background noise.
Hearing aid reviews praise the Oticon Opn S1 for all but eliminating feedback and providing a more natural hearing experience.
Oticon has also released a fully rechargeable version of its Opn range, so no more fiddling around with awkward batteries. Remote charging accessories enable you to fast charge on the go for 24/7 hearing.
Since its release in 2016, the Opn S1 is considered one of the best hearing aids for seniors.
If you’re a hearing aid wearer who values discretion above all else, the Signia Silk 7nx could be the ideal hearing aid for you. This In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aid is practically invisible once inserted.
Unlike other ITC hearing aids, the Signia is so small that it can be fitted inside a soft silicone sleeve and inserted into the ear for a comfortable, secure fit. No custom earmolds required.
Signia’s state-of-the-art hearing technology improves speech quality and filters out background noise. The touchControl app can be used to personalize your listening profile and for automatic adjustments as you enter different hearing environments.
What’s more, if you suffer from tinnitus, Signia hearing aids come with tinnitus therapy to limit frustrating symptoms. This hearing aid is perfect for those with mild to severe hearing loss.
Starkey’s range of hearing aids is truly world-class and has been praised for turning hearing aids into so much more than hearing devices.
The Starkey Livio i2400 utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to tailor the hearing experience to the wearer. Fully Bluetooth-compatible, this hearing aid can perform a wide range of other functions, including:
Together with the Thrive Hearing app, Starkey hearing aids go beyond what you would ordinarily expect from your hearing aids. These are entirely remote controlled and, once fitted, can be remotely serviced. With all its other functions, this is not just a hearing aid — it’s a medical device designed to keep you in good health. According to most hearing aids reviews, this is the future of hearing aids.
The Widex Evoke 440 Passion aims to provide the clearest quality sounds while incorporating wireless technology into the listening experience. The standout feature of the Evoke 440 Passion hearing aids is how they adapt to changes in your environment. They are customized according to the wearer and will automatically adjust whenever you enter a new listening environment. Together with modern power-saving technology, there are 15 different processing channels to help you hear better. This model of Widex hearing aids even filters out wind noises while enhancing speech to isolate voices.
If you’re searching for the best-rated hearing aids that require no manual adjustment when you enter a room, consider purchasing Widex Evoke 440 Passion hearing aids.
The M90 2.0 is an upgrade to Phonak’s previous hearing aid models. This update encompasses the latest in hearing aid technology. These hearing aids can be simultaneously paired with two separate Bluetooth devices for full media streaming.
At the same time, Phonak Marvel is now compatible with RogerDirect devices, which are universally known as the gold standard of hearing aid accessories.
While many hearing aids lack the functionality for those suffering from severe to profound hearing loss, Phonak Marvel M90 2.0 hearing aids come with accessories to aid high-degree hearing loss.
Phonak also provides rechargeable models that are designed to last for a full day of hearing. Furthermore, hearing aids reviews have shown that these hearing aids can last the whole day, even when indulging in regular media streaming and hands-free calling.
If you’re looking for hearing aids for seniors, you have everything you need to begin looking for your next set of hearing devices. But did you know that 60% of people waited at least two years after detecting a decline in their hearing to purchase a set of hearing aids? Most people cited cost as the main obstacle.
If you’re worried about the cost of the best hearing aids, follow these tips to get a great deal.
You may have heard of PSA devices as a cheap alternative to hearing aids. While some customers with mild to moderate hearing loss note improvements when using these devices, they are not hearing aids.
PSA devices are unregulated and don’t come with the personalized care you receive when investing in actual hearing aids. For this reason, we don’t recommend opting for PSA devices. In some cases, their unregulated nature could mean inadvertently causing further damage to your hearing because they aren’t tailored to the wearer.
The majority of private health insurance policies will not cover hearing aids. Certain plans may provide limited coverage for hearing aids, particularly if you work in the public sector or have an exceptionally low income.
Even if your insurance policy does cover hearing aids, you may find there’s a high deductible attached. Factor this into your budget before you start shopping around for hearing aids. If you have an FSA fund, you may be able to use this to help you cover the cost of hearing aids.
Whenever you buy hearing aids, you’ll have a contract detailing your rights and what the manufacturer will cover. Make sure the written contract contains the following:
Remember, cheaper hearing aids may not include free returns or regular maintenance. This all has to be factored in when finding the best hearing aids for you.
It’s easy to get carried away with all the additional features and accessories that come with state-of-the-art hearing aids. Simple add-ons like Bluetooth capabilities can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a single hearing aid.
Consider your lifestyle and your needs. It doesn’t make sense to have Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids if you don’t use Bluetooth devices regularly. Likewise, why would you need automatic fall detection if you’re otherwise in perfect health? Some hearing aids even offer foreign language translation, but why pay extra for this feature if you won’t use it?
Economy hearing aids often offer many of the same basic features and comparable hearing performance. When shopping, test out both premium hearing aids and their economic equivalents. You could potentially save thousands in the long term by purchasing a more economic hearing aid.
Most hearing aid wearers are unaware of the fact that it’s possible to negotiate a price break. The prices of hearing aids are not always fixed, especially when purchasing through independent vendors. If you’re determined to bargain, you may be able to get either a lower sales price or some extra features thrown in for free.
The easiest way to increase your chances of getting a price break is to approach audiologists that carry multiple brands. These vendors offer greater scope for negotiation and may also sell more economical options.
There are bargains to be found when shopping for hearing aids. Costco, for example, is notorious for offering extremely competitive pricing on hearing aids. At select locations, Costco is also known to offer free screenings.
You can also get a free hearing test through EarPros if there are no free hearing test providers in your local area. We can schedule your free test with a licensed hearing care specialist to help you begin your journey to better hearing.
It’s possible to purchase your hearing aids online from select brands. However, you must be prepared to perform all the necessary tests at home, which could necessitate returning your hearing aids if they’re not quite right for you.
We highly recommend scheduling an in-person appointment to test different hearing aid models with a local hearing specialist.
Hearing aid technology advances at an extremely fast pace. Newer models may contain artificial intelligence and machine learning. Naturally, this adds hundreds, if not thousands, to the overall cost of your hearing aids.
A simple tip for getting a better deal on hearing aids is to look at some older models. Many of the models introduced five or ten years ago still offer crystal-clear sound quality while being compatible with many of the latest accessories. Dig into the major brands’ back catalogs and, with the help of your audiologist, hone in on the hearing aids that not only meet your needs but meet your budget.
What if you don’t have a lump sum to pay for your hearing aids out-of-pocket? Or what if your insurance policy doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids?
There are organizations dedicated to assisting ordinary people in securing the hearing loss treatments they deserve. From Lion’s Clubs to Federal, state, and local assistance, you may be eligible for financial help. There may also be specialist help if you work for the Federal government or you’re a veteran, so take the time to explore all avenues.
Financial assistance is designed to make sure you don’t need to suffer in silence.
Although hearing aids are more advanced than ever before, they all work in roughly the same way. With chronic hearing loss, it means cells in the inner ear are dead. As of this writing, medical technology has yet to find a way to restore these cells. This is where hearing aids come in.
All hearing aids contain a microphone to detect external sounds, an amplifier to increase the volume of these sounds, and a receiver that transmits the signal into the ear canal. The best hearing aids are digital and use computer chips to adjust volume and frequencies to filter out unwanted sounds and reduce listening effort.
When buying hearing aids for the first time, a hearing professional will help you calibrate your hearing aid. This can take some time as everyone has a different hearing profile. Once calibrated, advanced models can take hands-free calls, stream media through your mobile devices, and even be serviced remotely through special apps.
Now has never been a better time to start looking at the top-rated hearing aids. Start your journey to better hearing by scheduling an appointment with a hearing professional through EarPros today.
