Best Hearing Aids in 2020
Our experts have researched 19 hearing aid companies and recommend 10 of the best options for seniors.
Updated January 17, 2020
| The 3 Best Brands |  |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Accolades | Best Overall | Best Connectivity | Best Design |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Low Profile | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| How to Order |
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Top Hearing Aids for the Elderly
Here are the Best Hearing Aids for 2020
- Widex - Best Overall Hearing Aid
- Signia - Best Connectivity
- Eargo - Best Designed Hearing Aid
- ZipHearing - Most Affordable Hearing Aids
- MDHearingAid - Best BTC Hearing Aids
- Phonak - Best Rechargeable Batteries
- Starkey - Best for Tinnitus
- Miracle-Ear - Best Warranty
- ReSound - Best Apps
- Hear.com - Best Customer Service
How We Chose Our Top List
There are a lot of hearing aids on the market and they probably all sound like a great choice. With that being said, making a decision can be difficult. The great news is that we got you covered! We have gone through the 19 biggest hearing aid brands and have narrowed it down to our top 10. See which hearing aids we crowned as our favorites.
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1. Widex
Overview
Widex, a family-owned company founded in Denmark in 1956, has a reputation for delivering the brightest, highest quality sound, emphasizing what the wearer wants to hear rather than simply amplifying all available sounds. Their hearing aids easily distinguish between conversations and background noise, effectively block wind noise and other background noise sources. Widex is one of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturers, supplying hearing aids to more than 100 countries.
Widex has consistently been an industry leader in innovation, for both technology and design. They developed the first in-the-ear hearing aid in 1985, the world’s first fully digital in-the-ear hearing aid in 1995, introduced the world’s smallest receiver-in-canal hearing aid in 2008, introduced the first hearing aid specifically designed for babies in 2010 and, in 2018, they pioneered the world’s first hearing aid with real-time, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence technology.
Pros
- Widely available
- Free, no-obligation trial
- Water resistant
- Technologically advanced
Cons
- Variable pricing depending on hearing clinic distributor pricing
Pricing
Widex offers more than seven hearing aid models through hearing professionals and licensed audiologists. Because of this, prices may vary. Average prices range between $750 and $3,000 depending upon which model you choose, and which features are installed in that model.
The Bottom Line
Understanding that hearing aids are not one-size-fits-all, Widex offers a strong repertoire of features with a broad price range, including both budget and premium options. Lots of helpful information is available on their website. Due to the company’s technological advances, Widex provides some of the best hearing aids you can buy and has one of the more transparent warranty programs in the business.
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2. Signia
Overview
The Signia hearing aid brand was introduced in January 2016 by Sivantos Group after their purchase of Siemens in 2015. Although the Siemens company developed the first behind-the-ear hearing device in 1959, they are best known for the release of the first wireless hearing aid, the first digital hearing aid that has two directional microphones and the first waterproof digital hearing aid.
Siemens, the product from which Signia is founded, has a reputation for design and engineering. Signia offers a wide range of products, many containing high-end features. They offer a large number of hearing aids that are compatible with various external devices. Some of the features they offer include tinnitus maskers, Bluetooth & internet connectivity, directional microphones, digital noise & feedback reduction and many others. Sivantos group, a company that owns a number of hearing aid companies, describes Signia as their premium brand.
Pros
- Broad range of products with abundant features
- Online hearing test
Cons
- Variable pricing depending on hearing clinic distributor pricing
- No published info on product support
Pricing
Signia only offers their wide range of hearing products through hearing professionals and licensed audiologists. Because of this, prices may vary. Average prices range between $1,200 and $2,000 per unit depending upon which model you choose, and which features are installed in that model.
The Bottom Line
Being the new kid on the block, Signia has had little time to establish a reputation. But with their products based on the Siemens brand, consumers can be “cautiously confident” in the company’s ability to deliver a high-tech quality product. Signia’s strength lies in their broad range of products and the amazing amount of features they put in their hearing aids. Any information you need about financing and trial periods may be obtained from a hearing professional. Read our full review of Signia hearing aids here.
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3. Eargo
Overview
Eargo offers cutting-edge products in design and function, making the embarrassment of wearing a hearing aid no longer an issue. These hearing aids are FDA-registered Class 1 medical devices, made available to consumers without a hearing test. All orders ship with fast, free delivery.
The sleeker design of Eargo products provides a virtually invisible and comfortable experience. The patented silicone Flexis allow for a more secure, breathable fit and the devices are all rechargeable, meaning no more changing batteries. Eargo and their line of products have been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and Engadget.
The Eargo Neo features a crisper, sleeker design in a state-of-the-art hearing aid that helps provide outstanding sound fidelity. It works with the Eargo app. Customize settings on this device to your preferences and lifestyle. The Eargo Neo is for mild to moderate hearing loss.
The Eargo Max is the mid-level Eargo model. Experience improved noise reduction, feedback cancellation, and better sound quality. The Eargo Max received the Edison award for Product Design. TIME Magazine included the Eargo Max in its ‘Best Inventions 2018’ list.
Are you purchasing a hearing device for the first time, or prefer a more basic design? Seniors with mild to moderate hearing loss who want an affordable hearing aid may want to consider the Eargo Max. This model offers excellent sound quality and noise reduction at a great value.
Pros
- Award-winning design
- Provides lifetime, unlimited support
- Affordable hearing aids and accessories
- Rechargeable
- Costs are 100% covered by federal benefits
Cons
- Not for seniors with severe hearing loss
- Limited number of models
- Can only be bought in pairs
Pricing
Eargo hearing aids range in price from $1,850 to $2,950. The Eargo Max costs $1,850, the Eargo Neo model costs $2,350 and the Eargo Neo HiFi model costs $2,950.
The Bottom Line
Eargo offers multiple hearing aid products, with exceptional features, award-winning design, and cutting edge technology. All devices arrive ready to use, so you can hear right out of the box. Each purchase of their modern hearing aids grants clients access to Eargo’s team of audiologists and licensed hearing professionals, who provide lifetime support to help you determine whether Eargo is right for your mild to moderate, high-frequency hearing loss. Read our Eargo review to learn more about this top rated hearing aid company.
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4. ZipHearing
Overview
ZipHearing is a discount supplier of hearing aids that offers competitive prices. The company provides nationwide coverage and support, and offers a ‘comprehensive local service package.’
The company is an authorized retailer of all hearing aids that they sell. They sell and endorse brands that are recognized brands in the industry and that are not from ‘start-up’ brands. Every ZipHearing provider is a properly trained and licensed Audiologist or Hearing Instruments Specialist.
The company provides an outstanding selection of name-brand hearing aids, allowing seniors the opportunity to see each brand, and choose the ideal option for their needs and lifestyle.
ZipHearing indicates that customers potentially save up to 30 percent on the cost of their hearing aids at ZipHearing. Choose an affordable hearing aid product from ZipHearing and receive hearing aids with modern technology and design.
Choose from in-the-ear or behind the ear options. Are you a tech-savvy senior? There are options with Smartphone integration, tinnitus therapy, and Bluetooth and Internet connectivity.
If you have a favorite brand, there is a strong possibility that it is available through ZipHearing. Choose from Siemens, Phonak, Starkey, and other brands.
How do you make your ZipHearing purchase once you find your favorite brand with the features that you need? Seniors call ZipHearing and speak to a professional company representative. The representative lets you know who your local ZipHearing provider is in your area. You call that provider and make an appointment for your consultation. The provider submits your hearing aids order to ZipHearing.
Once the company receives your order, a ZipHearing representative calls you to arrange for payment and delivery of your new hearing aid. There is no need to worry about fit when making an online purchase from ZipHearing. Once your provider receives your hearing aids, the local provider calls you to come in for proper fittings.
Pros
- Offers warranty
- Network of local providers
- Features 45-day trial offer
- Transparent, competitive pricing
Cons
- May have to make multiple visits to local provider for proper fit
- Must wait for shipment of hearing aids from manufacturer to local provider
Pricing
ZipHearing offers a wide variety of hearing aids from several manufacturers. The company offers discounts on hearing aids, compared to pricing offered by some other hearing aid companies or providers because ZipHearing works directly with manufacturers.
The price of hearing aids depends on which model you choose and from which company. Another factor possibly affecting pricing is your specific hearing aid needs.
The Bottom Line
ZipHearing offers a variety of affordable hearing aids, including products from well-known manufacturers. Seniors save when shopping online at ZipHearing because there is no mark-up of products typically seen when dealing with a middleman.
ZipHearing has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, with dozens of positive reviews. The warranty and free trial offer is another reason that some seniors likely choose ZipHearing.
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5. MDHearingAid
Overview
Founded by an ear, nose and throat doctor who grew frustrated seeing patients go without hearing because they couldn’t afford hearing aids, MDHearingAid makes hearing affordable. Their goal is to provide the best hearing technology at the best price by cutting out the middleman. Ten years and 500,000 hearing aids later, MDHearingAid has totally changed the way hearing aids are sold.
MDHearingAid offers four hearing aid models and additional accessories. Depending upon which model you choose, features vary but may include dual directional microphones, adaptive technology and be smartphone compatible. All models come with digital sound processing, noise reduction, feedback cancellation and between three or four sound environment settings.
For years, MDHearingAid was the #1 rated and top selling hearing aid sold on Amazon.com. In 2013 Amazon made the decision to stop selling hearing aids. MDHearingAid only sells medical grade hearing aids and can no longer be purchased through Amazon.com.
Of all the top-rated hearing aids on our list, MDHearingAids are the only brand that can be purchased from their website. MDHearingAids are designed and programmed for patients with mild to moderately-severe hearing loss. This means they don’t need to be fitted by a hearing aid professional, but arrive ready for use and are able to assist over 94% of Americans. All MDHearingAid customers are provided ongoing customer support, online and over the phone, at no extra charge. They have an in-house audiologist who offers email support and recommendations based on your hearing test. You can email audiologist with future questions as well. MDHearingAid also offers free one-on-one phone support with their customer care team.
Pros
- Cost
- 45-day risk-free 100% money back guarantee
- Convenient – no office visits required
- Simple – ready right out of the box
Cons
- Few models and features
- Short, 90-day warranty
Pricing
MDHearingAid hearing aids start under $200 and go as high as $800 per device. Of all the top rated brands we have evaluated, MDHearingAid offers substantially lower prices for all their hearing aid models.
The Bottom Line
MDHearingAid delivers FDA-registered hearing aids right to your door. By selling directly to the consumer, they’ve made the hearing aid buying process quicker and easier without sacrificing hearing device quality and customer service. Their warranty is short compared to other brands and you make adjustments to hearing aids yourself which may be difficult for someone with limited dexterity.
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6. Phonak
Overview
Phonak’s mission is to help people with hearing loss to interact freely, communicate with confidence and live without limits. Having developed the Roger Pen and in-classroom radio FM technology, Phonak is a leader in the development of hearing solutions for children.
Phonak is an industry leader when it comes to being able to offer technologically advanced hearing aids for all ages. Offering more than 20 hearing aids, their products have a variety of features that are sure to satisfy specific customer needs. The operation system of all Phonak hearing aids automatically adapts to its surroundings. Phonak offers a variety of wireless accessories to further enhance performance.
Phonak is proud to be able to offer the popular extended-wear Lyric hearing aid. They also offer a wide range of rechargeable hearing aids. Phonak and another popular hearing aid brand in the United States, Unitron, are owned by the Sonova Holding AG company. Phonak enjoys an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Pros
- More than 20 hearing aids
- iOS and Android compatibility
- 30-day trial offer (LyricTM model only)
Cons
- No lower price range models
- No pricing on their website
Pricing
Phonak only makes their more than twenty hearing devices with a variety of unique features available through hearing professionals and licensed audiologists. Because of this, prices may vary. Average prices range between $1,500 and $3,000 per unit depending upon which model you choose, and which features are installed in that model.
The Bottom Line
Phonak is an industry leader and one of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in the world. They are recognized as a premium brand hearing aid manufacturer and renowned for their high-quality hearing aids. Additionally, they are regarded as an industry leader in pediatric hearing care. They offer a wide range of hearing aid products with more than 20 models to choose from; however, they may be most widely known for their LyricTM model – the first 100% invisible hearing aid that can be worn for months, 24/7. Unlike some of their competitors, Phonak does not offer lower price range models. They prefer to sell their products through hearing health professional and licensed audiologists only.
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7. Starkey
Overview
Located in Minnesota, Starkey is an American-owned company. Starkey is credited with the creation of the first custom digital invisible hearing aid and the first in-canal hearing aid. Recently, they were also one of the first companies to release a hearing aid made for the iPhone, the Halo. Additionally, they were the first to introduce nanotechnology in hearing aids. This technology protects hearing aids from naturally-occurring oils in the ear and makes them water-proof. Some of the other features they offer include directional microphones, digital feedback reduction, Bluetooth & internet connectivity and tinnitus maskers.
Starkey offers a broad range of products with a wide range of features. Although not a true hearing aid, they also offer a personal sound amplifier which may help those on an extremely limited budget and/or those who are unsure about the advantages of audio technology.
Several other hearing aid brands – All American Hearing, Audibel, NuEar and Microtech – are subsidiaries of Starkey.
Starkey lives out their philosophy, “Hearing is our concern,” giving a donation to the Starkey Hearing Foundation for every hearing aid sold. The Starkey Hearing Foundation has given away more than one million hearing aids to people all around the world.
Pros
- Broad selection of hearing aids
- Wide variety of features
- 30-day trial
- Online hearing test
Cons
- Basic – no exotic technology
- No prices on their website
- No warranty details on their website
Pricing
Starkey only offers their hearing products through hearing professionals and licensed audiologists. Because of this, prices may vary. Average prices range between $1,500 and $3,100 per unit depending upon which model you choose, and which features are installed in that model.
The Bottom Line
Starkey offers a wealth of hearing aid choices and packs them with technology. Like most other top brands, Starkey hearing aids are sold only through hearing professionals and licensed audiologists. Starkey has a solid reputation and is proud to be the only American-owned and operated hearing aid company. If you want to buy American, Starkey is the hearing aid brand for you. They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. After more than 50 years of service, they have not had any product recalls, have not been the subject of any regulatory actions and there has been no reported consumer litigation.
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8. Miracle-Ear
Overview
Miracle-Ear is one of the best-known and oldest hearing aid brands on the market. The company began in 1948 with a single hearing aid. Early in the 1950s, they incorporated transistor technology, cutting edge technology at that time, into their products. By the early 2000s, all Miracle-Ear products were digitally based. They have continued to revolutionize the industry by improving hearing aid function and by the development of advanced digital noise reduction capabilities, proprietary Speech Isolation and integration of smartphone app functionality. For example, their GENIUSTM technology recognizes speech sounds and gives preference to them, filtering out all other sounds to provide a better listening experience.
Now a global company, Miracle-Ear is based in Minnesota and currently owned by the Amplifon family of companies. One of a few direct-to-consumer hearing aid companies, their certified representatives offer sales and service to its customers through an extensive network of local stores.
The company-run Miracle-Ear Foundation supports the hearing-impaired community by supplying free hearing aids to those who lack the financial means, insurance or government support to obtain them.
Pros
- Seventy years of service
- A wide range of products
- Lifetime customer service
- Foundation to help those in need
- Online hearing test
Cons
- Cost
- No prices on their website
- Store locations may be far from consumers
Pricing
Miracle-Ear offers hearing products through hearing professionals and licensed audiologists. Because of this, prices may vary. Average prices range between $1,500 and $3,100 per unit depending upon which model you choose, and which features are installed in that model. Miracle-Ear offers lifetime services, including regular cleaning and adjustments, making them even more affordable when many of their competitors charge extra for service plans and additional warranties.
The Bottom Line
Being one of the oldest and best-known manufacturers in the industry, Miracle-Ear has patented some of the most technologically advanced hearing aids available today. Miracle-Ear designs and creates hearing aid technology that has evolving features, setting their products apart from many of their competitors. With their long history of service, hearing aid technology and extensive store network, Miracle-Ear offers both quality and support.
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9. ReSound
Overview
Located in Denmark and founded in 1943, ReSound has been in the business of hearing for more than 70 years and is responsible for a number of hearing aid industry firsts. ReSound was the first major hearing aid manufacturer to introduce the open-fit hearing device. They are also responsible for creating a sound processing system with wide dynamic range compression. More recently, ReSound is credited with the release of a hearing aid platform -LiNX – made for iPhones and iPads.
ReSound strives to create better solutions to help people hear, enabling them to live rich, active and fulfilling lives. To this end, in addition to their regular line of products, they also offer a budget-friendly line of hearing aids – Enya, available in a variety of styles and a couple of different technology levels. They also offer pediatric hearing aids with features that are important to children and teens and extra powerful hearing aids for those with severe or profound hearing loss.
ReSound is a part of the GN ReSound Group, joining Beltone and Interton as subsidiaries of the GN ReSound Group. Between 2013 to 2016, GN ReSound was the supplier of Costco’s Kirkland Signature hearing aids.
Pros
- 147 years of innovation
- Innovative hearing solutions
- Online hearing test
Cons
- No prices on their website
Pricing
ReSound offers hearing products through hearing professionals and licensed audiologists. Because of this, prices may vary. Average prices range between $1,200 and $3,000 per unit depending upon which model you choose, which technology level you choose, and which features are installed.
The Bottom Line
The GN ReSound Group builds on 147 years of expertise to become a global leader in intelligent audio solutions. ReSound is committed to the process of making continuous advancements in the audiology industry. Along with their sister group, Jabra, ReSound is a worldwide distributor of hearing products. They offer a full range of hearing aid styles and technology levels to fit every need including pediatric and profound hearing loss.
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10. Hear.com
Overview
Visit the Hear.com website and receive a 45-day risk free hearing aid trial. The company works with more than 1,600 licensed hearing specialists and audiologist partner providers across the United States. Receive a free consultation after contacting Hear.com for the location of your local partner provider.
The company recognizes that every customer has unique hearing aid needs, that hearing aids are not a one-size-fits-all solution. When you go to your appointment, you receive hearing aid recommendations based on your hearing loss, your personal preferences, and lifestyle.
Join the free Hearing Success Program, and receive a 30-day hearing training guide, which the company says helps customers get the most out of their new hearing aids. Hear.com indicates that the company guarantees better hearing within 30 days or the customer receives a refund, available to Hearing Success Program members.
Choose from basic technology hearing aids, mid-range technology hearing aids, or premium technology hearing aids. Each technology level offers a variety of features, making it easy for seniors to choose the best technology level for their needs, lifestyle and price range.
Choose from the top hearing aid manufacturers, including Widex, Starkey, Octicon, and other options.
Pros
- Offers risk-free trial period
- Works with major manufacturers
- Large network of partner providers
Cons
- Provides general pricing, no exact pricing on website
- Better Business Bureau gives company an A- rating
Pricing
Pricing varies according to the hearing aid manufacturer and the technology level chosen by the consumer. The cost of hearing aids from Hear.com depends on these factors.
The Bottom Line
Hear.com offers an alternative to the high costs of hearing aids by providing products from some of the best names in hearing aids available online at savings over the expected cost.
The company recognizes that individual customers have individual hearing aid needs and strives to provide a variety of state-of-the-art options for customers. The risk-free trial and large network of providers are potentially appealing to seniors that need hearing aids.
What Seniors Should Know About Hearing Aids
It’s estimated that 48 million Americans have some form of hearing loss. Thirty-three percent of individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 report hearing difficulties. By the age of 75, approximately half of all seniors report hearing loss according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Hearing loss is serious and can have serious repercussions. There is mounting evidence that hearing loss, left untreated, is linked to depression and a decline in memory and concentration, and perhaps even dementia.
How to Pick the Best Hearing Aid
With so many brands of hearing aids, and each brand offering sometimes more than 20 models, it can be difficult to determine which hearing aid is best for you.
Here are a few factors you may want to consider when it’s comes time to purchase a hearing aid.
- Brand accessibility – Your options may be limited if certain brands aren’t accessible in your area.
- Hearing loss severity – The hearing aid you choose should be able to provide adequate amplification. If your hearing loss is severe, you need one that can produce higher sound levels.
- Lifestyle – If your lifestyle frequently takes you to more complex listening environments, you may need to purchase a hearing aid that has higher technology levels. Advanced hearing aids are designed to meet the needs of those who have a more active lifestyle.
- Ability to hear speech in noise – Hearing aids are likely to help you in noisy environments if you perform well with speech in noise testing with amplification. This testing should be performed at every hearing evaluation.
- Important features – After discussing your listening needs and concerns, your hearing health professional should be able to help you find the hearing aid that has the features that will provide you with the greatest benefit and most satisfaction.
- Best practices – Unless your hearing care professional provides real ear measurement testing, it’s unlikely that you’ll receive the most from your hearing aid, any hearing aid, even if it’s top-of-the-line.
Keep in mind that your hearing professional has been trained to help you better understand the options that are available to you.
How Hearing Aids Work
Although it can’t reverse hearing loss, a hearing aid can drastically improve your hearing by amplifying sounds and reducing background noise. A hearing aid is composed of three parts – a microphone, an amplifier and a speaker.
Hearing aids work by collecting sound, analyzing and adjusting it to accommodate factors like levels of hearing loss, surrounding sound levels and listening requirements. Then it delivers the adapted sound back to the ears. Hearing aids have a learning curve when it comes to learning how to use them and acclimating to the way noises sound, but the payoffs can be significant.
The most common types of hearing aids and common abbreviations include:
- Open fit
- BTE – behind-the-ear
- RITA – receiver-in-the-aid
- RITE – receiver-in-the-ear
- RIC – receiver-in-canal
- ITC – in-the-canal
- ITE – in-the-ear
- CIC – completely-in-the-canal
- CRT canal receiver technology
Each type has clear-cut advantages and disadvantages. For example, smaller hearing aids may be less noticeable and enable the consumer to feel less self-conscious, but they often lack advanced functionality, such as volume control or directional mics. Additionally, seniors who have problems with fine motor skills experience difficulties changing the small batteries they require.
There are two types of hearing aids – analog and digital – and each of them works differently.
Analog Hearing Aids
With analog hearing aids, sound waves are converted into electrical signals that are then amplified. Analog/adjustable are personalized to satisfy the specific requirements of each customer. It’s programmed by the manufacturer to the audiologist’s recommended specifications. Analog/programmable hearing aids have more than one program or setting. Using a computer, the audiologist programs the device. Analog/programmable hearing aids enable you to change the program for different listening environments, quickly and easily. Analog hearing aids are typically less expensive than digital hearing aids.
Digital Hearing Aids
Digital hearing aids transform sound waves into numerical codes (kind of like a computer’s binary code) before amplifying them. Using the information contained in the code, the hearing aid is programmed to intensify some frequencies such as loudness and pitch. A hearing professional can adjust the hearing aid’s digital circuitry to accommodate certain listening environments and to further adapt the device to the consumer’s needs.
Digital Hearing Aid Styles
In a 2018 survey, 71% of Consumer Reports members said they wore the mini-behind-the-ear style. Digital hearing aids come in five common styles.
mBTE (Mini-Behind-the-Ear) Hearing Aid
The mBTE includes various types of hearing aids including RIC, RITE, RITA and CRT. With these devices, the receiver (the speaker that transfers sound to the inner ear) is located in the ear canal. These devices are attached to the ear with a thin wire and an earmold (soft material that fits snugly in the ear and channels sound) that is custom-made or with a non-custom-made dome-style ear-canal piece.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Discrete
- Larger styles are easier to insert
- Prevents plugged-up feeling
Cons
- Doesn’t permit significant amplification, particularly in low frequencies
- Moisture buildup (such as sweat) and wax can limit the life of the receiver
BTE (Behind-the-Ear) Hearing Aid
With traditional BTE hearing aids, all electronic components reside in a plastic case situated behind the ear. Sound is transmitted through tubing that connects a custom earmold located in the ear canal and its receiver to the plastic case.
Pros
- Effective for severe hearing loss
- Accommodates larger batteries for more power
- Flexible features
- Significant low- and high-frequency amplification
- Controls are easier to manipulate on larger models
- Custom-made earmold is easily cleaned
- Due to a snug fit, feedback is rare
Cons
- Vulnerable to moisture (such as sweat) and wax buildup
- Some molds are visible
- Can cause a plugged-up feeling
ITE (In-the-Ear) Hearing Aid
All electronic components reside inside the case that rests in the bowl of the outer ear.
Pros
- Fairly easy to insert
- More room for features
- Less plugged-up feeling when the device is vented
Cons
- Devices may be more visible
- Telecoil may not be as powerful (compared to BTE hearing aids)
CIC (Completely-in-the-Canal) Hearing Aid
The entire device is located deep inside the ear canal and is removed with a removal string.
Pros
- Low visibility
- Fits deep and tight in the ear canal
- When used with a phone, provides minimal feedback
- Less sensitive to wind noise
Cons
- Vulnerable to moisture and wax buildup
- Too small for a directional microphone
- May cause a plugged-up feeling, unless vented
- Small battery with short battery life
- Small size can make it hard to handle and adjust
ITC (In-the-Canal) Hearing Aid
Although not as discrete at the CIC hearing aid, the ITC hearing aid remains barely visible.
Pros
- Barely visible
- Less plugged-up feeling than CIC hearing aid
- Larger devices may include directional microphones
Cons
- Some people experience discomfort
- Vulnerable to moisture (such as sweat) and wax buildup
- May cause a plugged-up feeling, unless vented
- Small battery with short battery life
- Small size can make it difficult to handle and adjust
Adjusting to the Hearing Aid
When you first begin to wear a hearing aid, noises can sound strange to you. Remember to give yourself time to adjust to your hearing aid. In the long run, it will be worth it. Do everyday activities as you adjust to your new hearing aid. Some sounds might seem loud at first because your brain is processing sounds it hasn’t heard in a while. If you’re not sure your hearing aid is working as well as it should, consider taking it in for an adjustment. This is especially important if your ear feels clogged or your voice sounds strange.
Hearing Aid Care and Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance is required to keep your hearing aids working at the levels they are intended. Make sure to select a hearing aid company that backs their products, provides customer support, offers ongoing service and provides a warranty or guarantee. Ongoing service ensures your hearing aids will better deliver the sounds you need to hear.
Proper care and maintenance will extend the life of your hearing aid; therefore, you should make a habit to:
- Clean hearing aids as instructed on a daily basis
- Turn hearing aids off when not in use
- Keep hearing aids away from moisture and heat
- Don’t use hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing aids
- Immediately replace dead batteries
- Keep hearing aids and their batteries away from pets and children
Approximately every seven to ten years, your hearing may change. This means that your hearing aids may need to be reprogrammed to continue providing the best hearing experience.
Top Features of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids no longer have to be clunky devices that whistle, pop and distort the sound of your voice. If you haven’t looked at hearing aids recently, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that modern hearing aids have many incredible features, and with some models, someone may not be aware that you’re even wearing one. Today’s hearing aid is smaller and more user-friendly than ever before.
Fifty-three percent of people who wear hearing aids indicate that rechargeable batteries are most important to them when looking for a new hearing aid. Forty-two percent indicate that automatic noise level adjustment is important. Forty-three percent felt that tinnitus masking or smartphone capabilities are very important. Multiple program settings were important to 41%. Thirty-seven said wireless connectivity to other devices was important to them.
Let’s look at some of the top features that make wearing a hearing aid so much more different than it was just a few years ago, then you decide which is most important to you.
Digital Noise / Feedback Reduction
Provides a crisp, natural listening experience. Filters out background noise from speech and the environment, preventing communication issues while also providing the rich sounds of nature.
Directional Microphones
Directional microphones make the person talking right (the audio signal) in front of you louder than noises coming from your rear or sides. They work best when you’re near the sound source. With directional mics you can tune out the noise around you, isolating the sound of the person you are talking to. Advanced models can focus behind and to your sides as well. Directional mics come with a negative – they’re prone to pick up wind noise.
Multiple Channels
Hearing aids featuring multiple channels allow you to customize the equalizer in the hearing aid for peak listening quality in a particular environment. After saving the setting for later use, you simply return to the saved channel when you find yourself in the same or a similar environment. This reduces the time you find yourself adjusting your hearing aids in public.
Bluetooth Streaming
These features allow you to connect to countless audio sources with the push of a button, causing high-quality audio to be streamed directly into your ear. This is accomplished by pairing your hearing aids with a smartphone, television, laptop or other device using built-in Bluetooth technology.
Telecoil / T-Switch
The Telecoil / T-Switch feature enables you to connect to an audio induction loop, or hearing loop, in places of worship, museums, sporting arenas, concert halls, conference rooms, taxis, subway trains and more. Consider asking for a manual T-switch which will enable a seamless connection to loop systems.
The Assisted Listening Device Locator provides a list of locations in the United States that offers hearing loops.
Automatic Programming
Automatic programming allows your hearing aid to analyze the acoustics of an environment and make automatic adjustments. With the help of AI (Artificial Intelligence), your hearing aid learns your lifestyle and listening habits, then makes automatic adjustments for you, providing crystal-clear sound. Automatic Programming is currently only available on higher-end devices.
Binaural Processing
When you’re fitted with two hearing aids, binaural processing causes both devices to communicate and synchronize their settings with each other. For example, if the wind is blowing in your left ear, both hearing aids will mirror the clearer audio signal of the right ear into both devices.
Feedback Suppression
Feedback suppression, also referred to as digital feedback reduction, helps to suppress high-pitched whistling sounds. Most modern devices have this feature, but it’s more effective for some devices than others. It helps to minimize feedback when your device is slightly dislodged when you move your jaw or when close to a telephone. Some users experience greater comfort, better sound and more venting. A properly fitted hearing aid is less likely to have feedback.
Digital Noise Reduction
Digital Noise Reduction blocks out some background noise in noisy environments. It doesn’t work in all situations.
Costs and Paying for Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are a serious investment, some costing as much as $10,000 and more per pair depending upon which brand, device and features you choose. The overall average price paid for a single hearing aid is around $2,300. That’s $4,600 for a pair. Most people require a pair.
Be sure to also look for hidden costs. When comparing hearing aids and their brands, check out the following to make sure you understand the real cost:
- Warranties – what is covered and length of coverage
- Trial periods
- Cost of ongoing office visits and services
- Features
Be sure to ask about bundled services. It might save you some money.
Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of any hearing aid devices. They do, however, cover the cost of diagnostic evaluations for specific diagnostic purposes if they’re ordered by a doctor to assist in the development of a treatment plan. Some Medicare supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans do offer limited hearing aid benefits. Additionally, some states provide medical assistance for hearing aids and veterans may be eligible to receive hearing aids free of charge.
Some organizations, such as the Miracle-Ear Foundation and the Starkey Hearing Foundation, provide hearing aids to those who cannot financially afford the cost of the devices. Other nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance in the purchase of hearing aids. And others may provide refurbished or used devices.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) Information Clearinghouse provides information and resources, including financial assistance for hearing aids.
FAQs About Hearing Aids
Here’s a look at some of the most common questions and answers relating to hearing aids. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you when shopping for hearing aids as well as when deciding whether to repair or replace a hearing aid device.
Hearing loss often takes place because of an obstruction in the canal of the ear. This can come about as a result of ear infections in which the canal experiences swelling. It’s also not uncommon for benign tumors to cause hearing loss. The good news is, an obstruction in the ear canal can often be removed by a professional hearing specialist. Once removed, your hearing may return to normal without any need for a hearing aid.
If you experience hearing loss because of inner ear damage that impacts your sensory hair cells, you will most likely need a hearing aid to improve your hearing. Such hearing loss is often caused by medications, being exposed to loud noises for extended periods of time, illnesses, injuries, or age.
Important to note is that it is completely normal for you to experience hearing loss as you age. This is known as presbycusis hearing loss. You can improve this type of hearing loss with the use of one or more hearing aids.
Before shopping for a hearing aid, you should ask yourself if your hearing loss is impacting your daily life. Are you able to keep up with your regular lifestyle? Can you communicate well with others? Do your family members notice that you aren’t hearing as well as you used to? Your answers to these questions will directly impact whether you need a hearing aid. You can also have an audiologist check your hearing to see whether your hearing loss needs treatment through the use of hearing aids.
The severity of your hearing loss combined with the type of hearing aid you choose to wear will impact how long it takes you to adjust to wearing a hearing aid. And while it is the ear that collects the noises going on around you, it is your brain that translates those sounds into something that you recognize. If you don’t treat hearing loss, it may become worse and can lead to atrophy in the auditory part of your brain. It is always important to wear your hearing aids as described by your doctor as this will improve the odds of the device being able to improve your hearing loss.
Hearing aids available on the market today come with either disposable (button) or rechargeable batteries. Devices with disposable batteries tend to be the most popular, however, many manufacturers are starting to produce more hearing aids with rechargeable battery options.
Hearing aid devices that are rechargeable have the batteries built directly into them. The batteries recharge by docking the hearing aid on a charging dock, much the same as charging a smartphone. If you opt for a hearing aid with disposable batteries, you will have to replace the batteries when they go dead. You may think you can simply switch out disposable batteries for rechargeable ones, but there’s a chance your hearing aid device isn’t compatible with a charging station. If you want a hearing aid device that comes with rechargeable batteries, make sure to purchase one that is specifically designed to work with charging stations.
In most cases, it’s better to wear two hearing aids. This is especially of benefit if you find yourself in noisy environments a lot. With two hearing aids, the signal reaching your ears will arrive at slightly different times, which helps the brain more easily process the speech signal. Plus, if you wear only one hearing aid and sound is coming to you from the other side, then much of the speech signal is lost once it reaches the ear without the hearing aid. This means you may hear two different things. And lastly, with only one hearing aid, you may have a difficult time determining sources of sound, which can alter your sense of direction.
Hearing aids differ in prices, with much of the cost being determined by the technology used in each device. A hearing aid that boasts some of today’s most advanced technology and features will, of course, cost more than a device that only makes use of basic hearing aid technology. On average, though, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 per hearing aid device. If you need a pair of hearing aids, you should plan to spend $3,000 to $7,000.
Living with Tinnitus can greatly hinder your quality of life, particularly when it comes to enjoying your surroundings and being fully aware of all the sounds around you. Many people with Tinnitus wear hearing aids because they suffer from hearing loss, and lots of them notice improvements in their symptoms. The devices allow them to hear sounds they miss due to the Tinnitus ringing. And because of the ability to better hear all sounds going on around them, this minimizes Tinnitus symptoms.
You have several options to check into when paying for hearing aids. If you have Medicare, the only way it will cover hearing aid-related expenses is if you have Medicare Part B and your doctor makes you go through a diagnostic hearing exam that indicates you need a hearing aid. And still yet, Medicare Part B is only going to cover about 80% of your exam and test costs. It will not cover the cost of the hearing aid device.
You can, however, possibly tap into financial assistance for a hearing aid if you have Medicare Advantage. It is very important to understand your policy to determine whether it will help with the cost of hearing aids, including the tests, exams, and devices. When you buy a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure to speak with an insurance specialist to ensure you pick a plan that will help cover the cost of your hearing aids. And once you plan to use the insurance for hearing aids, make sure to use an in-network doctor as this will help keep your out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum.
If you’re a veteran, you may be able to get the entire cost of your hearing aids covered through the Veteran’s Administration. You can go by one your local VA Medical Facility to register with the VA as well as to speak with a representative about whether your VA coverage applies to hearing aids.
Most hearing aids last anywhere from four to 10 years. However, just because you purchase a hearing aid with a 10-year expected lifespan doesn’t necessarily mean you will want to use it for that long. About every five years, hearing aid technology becomes much more advanced. This is why a lot of people get new hearing aids every five years.
A hearing aid may or may not come with a trial period. You should shop for ones that do because during the trial period, you can make a decision for yourself as to whether or not you want to return the hearing aid. You should ask yourself whether the hearing aid helps or hurts your hearing loss. If it hurts it, then return the hearing aid device before the trial is over.