With hundreds of millions of cases of untreated hearing loss around the world, hearing aid technology has advanced to prevent social isolation and enable those who suffer from hearing loss to live full and active lives.
But with so many options out there, what is the best hearing aid on the market right now?
The best hearing aids for you depend on your needs, your degree of hearing loss, and what you want to accomplish. Using some of the top hearing aid reviews and in-depth research, the following guide reveals the leading hearing aid models available now.
The best hearing aids of first half of 2022 all encompass the latest technology. Starkey Livio Edge AI utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to adapt your hearing aids to any listening environment.
Artificial intelligence removes the need for constant manual adjustments, making it easier than ever to customize your hearing aids via an app.
These rank highly for hearing aids for elderly users, boosting speech and eliminating background noise. They also suppress feedback, allowing for crystal clear and uninterrupted sound. Unlike other hearing aid brands, Starkey has added one-of-a-kind features, including conversation transcription and foreign language translation.
Starkey hearing aids come with automatic fall detection to keep you safe and provide your loved ones with the peace of mind they deserve.
Starkey Livio hearing aids are available in multiple styles, including Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and In-the-Ear (ITE).
Phonak Lyric hearing aids are considered to be some of the best invisible hearing aids in the world today. They fit directly inside your ear canal, next to the eardrum.
These are some of the best hearing aids because they’re 100% invisible and can remain within the ear canal for months before requiring maintenance.
In addition to the crystal clear sound quality you would expect from any Phonak hearing aid, Lyric hearing aids provide the ultimate level of discretion while also providing relief from tinnitus symptoms.
When asking, “Which brand of hearing aid is best?” it’s vital that you compare hearing aids based on what matters to you the most.
For those who prioritize natural sound above all else, consider Widex Moment.
These hearing aids process sound in real-time and eliminates sounds that are either distorted or metallic. As a result, low-level noise is not amplified beyond what is natural.
Widex Moment hearing aids feature a water-resistant coating that protects these ITE hearing aids from moisture and extends their lifespan.
Unfortunately, Widex Moment hearing aids are not available in BTE styles.
People living with severe hearing loss often find that many of the more advanced models are not suited for them. Oticon Xceed is designed to be one of the top hearing aids for people who struggle to hear anything at all.
Oticon Xceed isolates sound and focuses on the person or sounds right in front of you. These rank as one of the best hearing aids because they eliminate background noise and differentiate between conversation and ambient sounds.
Using original BrainHearing technology, these hearing aids constantly scan your listening environment to make hearing easier while maximizing clarity.
Oticon Xceed also features direct media streaming and Bluetooth pairing technology.
ReSound One hearing aids are BTE hearing aids wielding three different microphones. One is positioned at the opening to your ear canal, and the other two are affixed to the hearing aid itself.
These advanced hearing aids pinpoint and localize sound to mimic the organic hearing process. Sound is funneled directly into the ear canal to replicate natural sounds and offer a more natural hearing experience.
ReSound One hearing aids are available with both disposable batteries as well as a rechargeable version.
Choosing between the various hearing aid brands will depend on what you want from your hearing aids. In order to buy the right hearing aids for you, it’s important to compare the major players and what they bring to the table.
Oticon remains one of the oldest hearing aid brands in the world, established in Denmark in 1904. Using advancements made by its own audiology research center, it’s grown to become the world’s second-largest manufacturer of hearing aids.
Some of its notable designs include the Oticon Opn, which utilizes the Internet of Things (IoT) and BrainHearing platform.
Oticon hearing aids are known for reducing listening effort and enhancing speech clarity in any environment. They also offer biometric calibration, wind control, and tinnitus masking technology.
Signia has broken new ground during its short five-year history. Launched as an integral part of the Sivantos Group, they launched the first-ever hearing aid with acoustic-motion sensors.
The Signia Silk Nx Range are also the world’s smallest hearing aids, perfect for those who prioritize discretion above all else.
Furthermore, the best hearing aid reviews rave about its advanced binax system, developed by Siemens.
Using the myControl App, you can enjoy 360-degree microphone steering for a better hearing experience.
Starkey is a U.S. manufacturer launched in 1967. It became the first manufacturer to create In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids, as well as ITC hearing aids that are entirely digital and fully programmable.
These are among the best hearing aids on the market because they encompass artificial intelligence to create a fully automatic, near-sentient set of hearing aids.
With rechargeable hearing aids available, these highly adaptable models are perfect for the elderly and those with limited dexterity.
On top of these useful features, Starkey’s advanced hearing aids monitor brain and body health, as well as include automatic fall detection for more vulnerable wearers.
Widex are less well-known in the world of hearing aids, but they have a long and prestigious history of delivering better hearing for millions of users around the world.
Founded in 1956, this Danish manufacturer creates stylish and discreet hearing aids emphasizing a more natural hearing experience.
Widex is perfect for those who suffer from tinnitus, as they are the industry leader in tinnitus sound therapy. The Zen tinnitus management system all but eliminates the frustrating symptoms.
Despite their focus on tinnitus, Widex hearing aids are equipped to compete with the big players when it comes to producing a crystal clear hearing experience.
ReSound is yet another Danish hearing aid brand. Its mission is to empower people living with hearing loss and enable them to forget they need hearing aids at all.
The common theme throughout ReSound hearing aid reviews is that all their models seek to replicate the natural hearing experience. The way their microphones are positioned eliminate metallic and distorted sounds.
ReSound hearing aids consolidate the best of advanced hearing technologies for hearing aid wearers, such as ReSound Relief for tinnitus, to create a completely natural hearing experience.
Canadian hearing aid manufacturer Unitron is owned by the same parent company as Phonak. These state-of-the-art hearing aids look to provide a higher quality of life for those suffering from hearing loss.
Its key dynamic and personal spatial awareness features contribute to a superior hearing experience, utilizing top-of-the-range speech comprehension technology.
Unitron hearing aids are uncompromising when it comes to differentiating between natural speech and ambient noise.
In recognition of its work with hearing aids, Unitron’s user-centric design has won five Red Dot Design awards in less than three years.
Swiss manufacturer Phonak, incorporated in 1947, broke new ground by releasing the world’s first lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids.
It’s one of the world’s most recognizable hearing aid brands and is now owned by Sonova. In 2004, Phonak launched the world’s first hearing aids to include bionic systems. It also has AutoSense OS technology to analyze different environments automatically.
The Audeo B Phonak hearing aid also includes a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which is not available anywhere else. This guarantees a full day of hearing on a single charge.
Rexton is one of the lesser-known hearing aid brands, but they’ve been providing cutting-edge hearing solutions for the past 50 years.
These hearing aids distinguish themselves from the others thanks to their high quality and durability. They also feature a compact design for increased comfort. Rexton prides itself on its high-quality hearing aids that are tailored to the needs of the customer.
Also known as Costco hearing aids, Kirkland Signature is the unique brand of hearing aid launched by Costco.
Kirkland Signatures are the best hearing aids for those who prioritize budget with a high-quality hearing experience. They include direct media streaming, Bluetooth capabilities and are compatible with the gold standard of hearing aid accessories, such as Roger.
Beltone is one of the strongest hearing aid brands in North America, with more than 1,500 hearing centers across the continent.
Its latest model, the Beltone Imagine, includes an advanced chip processing platform, which doubles both the capacity and the processing power of the hearing aid. Not only does this offer a stronger level of sound processing, but it allows for a longer, stronger hearing experience.
Beamforming directionality from the latest Beltone hearing aid models better segregates speech from background sounds, including in noisy environments.
Jabra, primarily recognised for its noise-cancelling headphones and call centre headsets, is also a key player in the hearing aid industry through its affiliation with GN Hearing, the world's fourth-largest hearing aid manufacturer. Under the umbrella of GN Hearing, Jabra has introduced the Jabra Enhance range, catering to different user needs. A standout in this line is the Jabra Enhance Plus, a novel product that bridges the gap between hearing aids and headphones. Targeted at adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, it amplifies environmental sounds and delivers superior audio quality for music and podcasts. This over-the-counter device can be customised to individual hearing profiles via the Jabra Enhance Plus app, which features an in-app hearing test, eliminating the need for a professional consultation.
Amplifon, a prominent hearing aid retailer and manufacturer in the UK, boasts over 200 branches and hearing-care centres nationwide. Known for a wide range of hearing aids, including digital and invisible models, Amplifon hearing aids are designed to meet diverse hearing needs and preferences. These hearing aids are tailored for auditory clarity, comfort, and adaptability to different environments, featuring advanced functionalities like noise suppression, wireless connectivity, and rechargeability. The company, which made a significant leap in 1996 by launching fully digital hearing aids, continues to lead in the hearing care sector with its commitment to innovative technology and customised hearing solutions. Amplifon's approach focuses on personalising hearing aids to fit individual lifestyles and budgets, ensuring users receive the most effective and comfortable hearing support. With a global presence in 22 countries, including the US, India, and the UK, and around 8,600 points of sale, Amplifon stands out as a key player in the global hearing health market.
When deciding on which brand of hearing aid is best, you need to consider several key factors.
Make sure you speak to a licensed hearing care professional through EarPros. Not only can they give you a free hearing test, but they can also make informed recommendations based on your lifestyle.
There’s no denying that the best hearing aids are expensive. When you compare hearing aids, you need to consider your budget and the different financing options at your disposal.
Even top hearing aid brands have models at different price points to increase accessibility. If you cannot purchase state-of-the-art models, more economical hearing aids can still change your life.
Different levels of hearing loss require alternative hearing solutions. This is why before you compare hearing aids, you need to undergo a comprehensive hearing test through EarPros to better understand your hearing loss.
Those who suffer severe to profound hearing loss will require hearing aids that offer extra sound amplification. If you suffer from other conditions like tinnitus, you may need a more custom solution.
All modern hearing aids are both digital and wireless. Most of them offer full Bluetooth pairing capabilities, enabling you to stream smartphone and computer content directly into your hearing aids.
There are also several styles for you to choose from, including powerful, visible BTE hearing aids or Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) hearing aids.
Choosing the right style for you depends on a range of factors, such as:
With so much competition in the industry, there will always be a hearing aid model and brand for you.
Most manufacturers have free trial periods lasting between 30 and 60 days. It’s strongly recommended that you take advantage of them, as it can take a few weeks to get used to a new set of hearing aids.
Everyone has different needs and a different lifestyle. With hearing aids being relatively costly, you should only pay for the features you need. State-of-the-art features can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of any hearing aids.
If you don’t need a feature, it makes no sense to pay for it.
Speak to a hearing care professional regarding the different features available, such as:
Not all brands and styles of hearing aids will contain the same features. As a general rule of thumb, you may want to consider trying out different hearing aid features before deciding whether you need them.
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