Reading trustworthy research is a great starting point for choosing the best hearing aid to fit your hearing loss and lifestyle. Later in this guide, you’ll learn about other key factors to take into consideration when you’re in the market for hearing aids.
Being an informed consumer will help you make the right buying decision when you meet with a licensed hearing care professional.
If you’re thinking about getting your first pair of hearing aids or upgrading to a new set, you’re not the only one. Hearing loss is a common problem, especially among older adults. As such, many hearing aid choices are available for people with hearing loss. Of course, having such a wide array of options to choose from can be confusing. You can certainly ask friends or family members who already wear hearing aids for recommendations or look online for reviews.
The challenge is that it’s not always easy to know if the reviews and recommendations you’re reading are unbiased and from trusted sources. We’ve asked some of our experts and taken some of the guesswork out of the equation in this guide on best hearing aids.
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
Other brands
Owned by the same parent company as Phonak
User-centric design philosophy garnered five Red Dot design awards in three years
Choice of four primary product lines
Price range: $1,399 to $3,099
Select Features
Best mobile app and connectivity
Own Voice Processing™ technology and acoustic-motion sensors
Choice of three primary product lines
Price range: $1,200 to $2,000
Select Features
Best largest variety and tinnitus technology
First to introduce nanotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI)
Choice of 11 primary product lines
Price range: $1,500 to $3,100
Select Features
Best overall, design, and innovative
In-the-ear models feature soft silicone instead of rigid plastic for maximum comfort
Choice of three primary product lines
Eargo is ordered online without a fitting or hearing test
Price range: $1,650 to $2,750
Select Features
Sister company to Oticon
ChannelFree™, the world's first digitally programmable hearing instrument specifically created for playing and listening to music
Choice of five primary product lines
Price range: $1,500 to $3,200
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.
Your hearing care professional is a partner in this journey and will help you make the best decision based on a combination of all of these key factors.
Price: As you noticed, this top-brands roundup includes a hearing aid price comparison. Every person has a different financial situation, and for many, price is a serious factor when selecting hearing aids. Rest assured, reputable brands offer a wide range of price points, and many hearing aid centers offer free trial periods that enable you to try devices risk free. Your health insurance may cover the cost of hearing devices. Both Starkey and Miracle Ear offer free hearing aids to people in need through their respective foundations.
Degree and Type of Hearing Loss: When hearing loss is more severe, device amplification needs to be stronger and capable of producing higher sound levels. Moreover, if you have a specific problem that needs to be addressed, such as a frequent complex listening situation or difficulty hearing speech in noisy settings, specific models can remedy these issues.
Type: Modern hearing aids are wireless, and most offer smartphone connectivity. However, you’ll discover quite a few types from which to choose. These include Receiver-in-Canal (RIC), Behind-the-Ear (BTE), Completely-in-Canal (CIC), In-the-Canal (ITC), and Invisible in the Canal (IIC). Selecting the right style depends on the severity of your hearing loss, personal comfort, and desired features.
Features: While you may not require a top-of-the-line device with all the bells and whistles, you should ask your hearing care professional about these features:
Now that you know a little more about top brands and factors to consider, the next step is to compare hearing aids.
Continue your journey to better hearing – sign up for a free consultation with a licensed hearing care professional today.
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.
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.
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