It can be difficult to compare hearing aid brands and models. This is because what works well for one person may not work for another and because professionals can fine tune them to meet each person’s specific needs. In addition, advances in technology mean brand make several changes to their products each year. It should also be noted that no hearing aid can restore your hearing to “normal”. That being said, there are still some hearing aids that come highly recommended.
Six leading brands
According to Everyday Hearing, hearing aid companies earn their reputation from four main areas. These are innovation that goes into their products to ensure they are of high quality; the training provided to healthcare professionals who recommend their products; ability to portray the philosophy of the company and the history of the business. They identify six of the most reputable companies as ReSound, Oticon, Phonak, Signia, Starkey, and Widex.
New Sound Hearing also named these as the six major brands using the criteria of technology, dependability and service and repair. Their clinician Ron Ragsdale said he preferred Starkey, its alternate brand Audibel and Phonak because he felt they made the best devices.Hearing professionals aren’t blindly brand loyal, though. They take budget, lifestyle and the patient’s particular type of hearing loss in consideration when fitting a hearing aid. The best hearing aid is, therefore, the one that’s best for you. You can also consider theselection of hearing aids from Miracle-Ear who offer very modern tech features.
Five popular models for five different situations
If your hearing loss is mild, the Oticon Opn is a great option. The sound quality is quite natural and some styles are small and discreet. This hearing aid will connect easily to your iPhone, iPad or iPod and it has a dual wireless system.
People with profound hearing loss need high-powered hearing aids which amplify sound more and recognize speech better. Phonak’s Naida V does just this, especially when paired with a Rogers wireless microphone. The technology makes it easier to follow conversations with multiple speakers. The wearer can also send calls directly to their hearing aids if they have a cordless telephone.
If you need a device no one will be able to see, consider the Audicus Uno, which will be hidden away inside your ear. It manages sound feedback well and has a noise control filter so you won’t be overwhelmed. This hearing aid is not waterproof so you will need to take it out when you shower or swim.
If you’re on a budget and you want a low-cost option, consider the Pro Ears Pro Hear IV. It is a behind-the-ear design so while it’s not invisible, it still keeps a low profile. This device cancels adaptive feedback and has a 10-channel noise-reduction microphone. Blue Angels Hearing is another company that offers small, discreet and comfortable hearing aids at an affordable price.
Many people with hearing loss are also affected by tinnitus or ringing in the ears. Many hearing aid providers offer some of form of technology to help reduce this. ReSound offers relief in the form of its app. It combined sound therapy and audio exercises to help distract the wearer. The soundscapes a can be personalized and they stream directly into the hearing aids.
There are many high-quality hearing aids on the market and there is no one device that is the best all-around. It simply depends on what your specific needs are. Your hearing professional will be able to guide you in the right direction.
