You may wish you never had to read an article about the best hearing aids, but let’s face it, as we age, hearing loss does begin to creep into our lives and become more apparent, forcing us to take action.
Quite honestly, you’ll be happy you did it. The hearing aids available today can do amazing things, are incredibly discreet, and to top, it all, give you crystal clear hearing.
No matter which hearing aid you end up with, it needs to perform well; often, choosing the best hearing aid perfect for you can be challenging with so many options. In our buyer’s guide on hearing aids, we’ll get down to the nitty-gritty, starting by explaining types of hearing aids available, the best hearing aid brands, our Top 10 hearing aids reviews of hearing aids, and a detailed guide to what you should look for before purchasing.
Stay tuned for our FAQ, where we’ll answer some key questions, provide information throughout the article on hearing aid comparison & price evaluations to show you which hearing aid is best for you.
Types of Hearing Aids Available
I’m sure when you think hearing aid, your mind instantly goes to the massive behind the ear hearing aids your grandparents used to wear. Although these models exist, they’ve come leaps and bounds over the years and are not the horrible old age things we once knew. Still not convinced? There are other options available.
The majority of hearing aids share the same electrical components; they differ in design, hearing aid technology used (analog or digital) and additional features they offer. All of these things also effect how much hearing aids cost.
For this guide, we will go through the conventional hearing aids rather than those required for individuals who cannot wear traditional pieces and must go with options such as a BAHA (bone-anchored hearing aids) or similar.
We have reviewed the best hearing aids for seniors here too.
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
The most common and well-known design. The microphone and other small components are contained in a case that goes behind the ear. An earmold or earpiece inside the ear connects to this case through a piece of clear tubing. Easy to clean, operate, and durable, the behind-the-ear model is not only for the elderly; it is also ideal for children. When a child ages and requires a different hearing aid size, it’s much more cost-effective when you can replace earmolds rather than needing to change the entire device completely.
Similar to the BTE are the Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. In these hearing aids, the earmold has been replaced by an open dome that doesn’t block the ear canal completely. In this design, the speaker is situated closer to the eardrum, and the microphone and processor of the hearing aid are contained behind the ear case.
The recent development of the open style is RIC, where the receiver (the speaker) is situated in the ear canal. These hearing aids are also highly cosmetic, often being much less visible than a custom aid. For a smaller option to the behind the ear, the Mini BTE is one of the newest designs on the market. The tube that usually connects the hearing aid to the ear is thinner on this design and virtually invisible. If you’re concerned with the look of bulky behind-the-ear hearing aid, then the Mini BTE is an excellent option.
Like BTE hearing aids, a less expensive option is hearing amplifiers that you can use as an alternative.
In-the-ear (ITE) - In The Ear Hearing Aids Review
Within this model, you will notice that the microphone and all other components are housed within the molded earpiece, which sits inside the outer part of the ear. The ITE is slightly more discreet than the BTE however is larger and holds more functions than the in-the-canal or fully-in-the-canal models. Therefore, this full shell model is best for use with individuals requiring more power in a device.
The In-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) aids have all their electrical parts in small cases that fit partway or completely into the ear canal. Slightly tricky to handle due to their size, these hearing aids are the smallest available on the market. The ITC, known as the half-shell model, is more suited to those with slight to moderate hearing loss.
Brands
There are plenty of hearing aid manufacturers out there to buy from, making the search for a hearing aid that much more difficult. While some focus more on research & development, others manufacture for the budget-minded consumer or simply for individuals looking for a discreet product that’s more suited to their cosmetic preference. Take a look below at a few of the best hearing aid brands, two of which happen to be from businesses created or based out of Denmark.
Philips & Costco
You can access many hearing aid options from retail centers like Costco or Sam’s Club.
At these retailers, they offer various brands, like Rexton hearing aids, that are all good quality at different price points. One example is Philips hearing aids or Lucid Audio.
MDHearing
MD Hearing is a direct-to-consumer brand which provides high quality, low cost hearing aids. They are manufactured in the United States. MDHearing offers a free online hearing test. Check out our article on all of the MDHearing Hearing Aid Reviews.
ReSound
Founded in 1943, ReSound is owned by the GN ReSound Group. Their headquarters based in Denmark were the first large hearing company to introduce open-fit hearing devices. In addition, they have been credited with creating a new sound processing system; with this and their many advancements and innovations, they are a company that’s at the top of their game. Most recently, they have come out with their iPhone-compatible hearing device!
Oticon
Today is known as the William Demant Holding Group; Oticon, a Danish company, was created by Hans Demant and his wife in 1904. Their philosophy from the begging was ”People First” and, together with their vision to create the best hearing aid, came out with the first digital hearing device the world had seen, called the Digifocus. Nowadays, they focus on their BrainHearing technology, a fascinating and incredible innovation that is quickly gaining popularity.
Embrace Hearing
For anyone who could never afford a hearing aid before, Embrace hearing is the answer to the prayers of many individuals suffering from hearing loss. This recently launched startup has come out with three lines of hearing aids, priced from between $300 and $700; incredible value considering the average price of a hearing aid only starts at $1000. So why have they been able to offer such low prices? The fact that this company’s German manufacturer has only just entered the market and isn’t yet tied to any exclusive partnerships.
Other notable brands with solid reputations include Miracle, Starkey, Phonak, Unitron, Signia, Eargo and Wide.
Overview of the Top 5 Product Models - The Very Best Hearing Aids
| Title | Image | Feature | Purchase |
Oticon – Opn BTE 13 Plus Power *Best Value
|  | Oticon/ RITE | VIEW PRICES |
Embrace Hearing H-700 * Most Economical |  | Multiple directional microphones | VIEW PRICES |
*Best Performance & Quality |  | HD binaural | VIEW PRICES |
*Best For Severe Hearing Loss
|  | ReSound Smart 3D app | VIEW PRICES |
*Most Innovative
|  | Robust high-tech composite material | VIEW PRICES |
*Best For Basic Use |  | Advanced noise reduction technology | VIEW PRICES |
*Multiple Features |  | Advanced nr technology | VIEW PRICES |
*Best For Speech Understanding |  | Advanced nr technology | VIEW PRICES |
*Best For Discreteness |  | Advanced nr technology | VIEW PRICES |
*Best In Sound Technology |  | Advanced nr technology | VIEW PRICES |
What makes a top model hearing aid? In our list of considerations, following the top products we review, we’ll go more in detail; however, what you need to know right now is that a top model must show consistency in performance. In plenty of hearing aid reviews, all of the top 5 product models we have below do just that and are proven to be worth their money.
Oticon - Opn BTE 13 Plus Power - Best Hearing Aids Reviews
As you age, not only does your hearing generally worsen, but so does your memory. Topping our list at #1, the Oticon-Opn helps you understand conversations with less effort. This incredible device is the first hearing aid that has been released which is proven to work with the brain to help you hear better and remember more of the conversations your ears take in.
A winner of many awards such as the Red Dot Design and the CES Innovation award won in 2017; the Opn BTE 13 comes out on top for its performance, reliability, and superior features. Designed and created with forward-thinking concepts, this device is the world’s first internet-connected hearing aid. Customers commenting on hearing aid reviews love this new option to stay connected and comment on the 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity reliability.
What makes this device so great?
- Maximizes the benefits of open sound technology to those with significant levels of hearing loss.
- User-friendly capabilities
- Able to be powered by either standard batteries or as a rechargeable hearing aid.
- Boasts a long battery life
- Has LED indicator lights
- It features a telecoil and is compact.
These are the best hearing aids for tinnitus because they also feature Tinnitus SoundSupport™, which helps you manage tinnitus symptoms and allows you to experience the full benefits of open sound.
Buy Direct – From $1600
Embrace Hearing Aid Reviews
If you haven’t yet heard of this hearing aid, you’re going to want to check it out. We’ve put the H-700 from Embrace Hearing at #2 for its high quality at an affordable price. Praised by hundreds of users, this BTE RIC hearing aid is one of the most economical options on the market.
Its features include:
- Wind-blocking capabilities
- Directional microphones
- Custom programming
- Bluetooth enabled
- Covered under a 2-year warranty
- Available in 7 colors
- Highly customizable with options to add more features
The superior feature of this device is that in addition to the excellent live program optimization, there is the option to add Speechbeam, which uses a binaural signal processing technology. Speechbeam works by leveraging four additional sound processing channels to identify the direction of speech, offering the user 360-degree hearing. For an additional $300 per ear, this technology is available to you.
Buy Direct – $949
Pure 13BT Primax Signia
For revolutionized precise hearing, we introduce you to the world’s first earring aid that offers audiological benefits through the use of Bluetooth. The data collected from this feature provides an overview of the user’s specific acoustic environment, enabling the highest level of hearing while on the move.
The 13BT Primax is packed full of great features and characteristics, some of which include:
- Built-in microphones (directional capabilities)
- TeleCare 2.0
- iPhone motion sensory
- lP67 waterproof rating
- Exchangeable housing for changing out the color (11 available options)
In addition to all of the superior characteristics of this product, it is being labeled as a ‘smart device’ on many reviews of hearing aids. One of the unique features offered in this device is its ability to track your sound profile over time based on exposure, similar to how you track your activity on a Fitbit. This feature allows you to be more aware of your daily exposure to dangerous sounds and helps you protect your hearing from deteriorating further. So what else makes this a ‘smart device’ for reviewers? The Bluetooth connectivity, tinnitus therapy, and HD e2e all contribute to giving the 13BT the label of ‘smart device.’
Want to know more about the connective capability of this device? Take a look at this video.
Buy Direct - From $3,500
ReSound Enzo 3D
With unmatched sound quality and a highly developed fine-tuning comprehension, users of the Resound Enzo 3D can easily see the benefit to their hearing ability with the use of these hearing aids. Best for individuals with severe to extreme hearing loss. The groundbreaking feature of this hearing aid is ReSound Assist, which allows users to communicate with their hearing care professionals at any moment on the go. There is no need to schedule an appointment to review the latest information on your hearing when you have everything at the touch of a button. ReSound Assist can be accessed by the app, ReSound Smart 3D™, available from the App Store & Google Play.
This 3rd generation binaural quality hearing aid is the smallest and most powerful on the market, commonly referred to as a Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing solution. In addition, this model is known for having the highest amplification in the industry without feedback. The ReSound Enzo 3D comes in 2 BTE styles and is available in 10 different colors.
Buy Direct – From $1500
Phonak Brio 2 Reviews
Listening is made easy thanks to the Brio 2 from Phonak. With the ability to automatically blend the best programs in real-time to match your sound environment, you’ll be guaranteed high-quality performance suited to your needs and environment. Exclusively sold under the Kirkland brand, you can purchase your set of Phonak Brio 2 at Costco. Read our Costco hearing aid reviews here.
One of the most remarkable features by reviewers is what is called Phonak ComPilot Air. Essentially this is a clip-on streamer that offers excellent stereo sound quality while allowing you to enjoy your music in high-quality sound. As with most of these hearing devices, their top features can be controlled by an app. Install the Phonak Remote Control App to access the Phonak ComPilot Air feature.
What are some extra features of the Phonak?
- Bluetooth hearing aids connectivity
- Available in 8 colors to suit any style
- Dust and water-resistant
- Designed to be slim and lightweight.
Remaining 5 of the Top 10 Hearing Aids
Not quite making the top 5, these next 5 hearing aids will do the job just fine.
Starkey Muse i2400 – $1,700, Buy Direct
Unitron Stride M – $1,899, Buy Direct
LiNX 3D – $1,200, Buy Direct
Vitro B Titanium by Phonak – $ 2,235, Buy Direct
Siemens Pure RIC – $1,299, Buy Direct
Buying Considerations
The best hearing aid for you is one the fits your lifestyle and needs. There are many things to consider when looking to purchase a hearing aid which is why we’ve summed it all up for you in our list of considerations.
Hearing Aid Prices:
Hearing aids cost anywhere from $1000 – $5000. Before you buy, find out exactly what this includes (i.e. Fitting, warranty).
Type:
The type of your hearing aid will be determined by how severe your hearing loss is. The greater the hearing loss you have, the more power you will require, therefore as an example, the hearing aids best suited for you would be behind-the-ear models or receiver-in-canal aids. Check invisible hearing aid reviews for more information.
Hearing Aid Quality:
The best way to measure quality in a hearing aid is by looking at consistency. Therefore, finding a model which offers this consistency should be one of your greatest concerns. Examples of superior, consistent quality would be high fidelity with fine-tuning and an absence of feedback.
Format:
A hearing aid can either be analog or digital. The analog models will be more basic and serve the main function of amplifying sounds. Digital devices will analyze sounds using a processor or microchip. The function of these chips is to enhance sound and work with the output to suit your specific hearing needs.
Telecoil:
Some models come with this feature, making it easier to talk on the telephone (must be hearing-aid-compatible). With a built-in small copper coil, any background noise that enters the speaker is filtered out, and only the sounds of the telephone receiver being picked up. Some models have a feature that automatically switches to this setting when you pick up the phone. Others work by transmitting the signal over to your other ear and allowing you to talk using one hearing aid while hearing the receiver sounds in both ears.
Maintenance:
Some models will require more consistent maintenance than others. Make sure you select a manufacture with high integrity and level of customer service to assist you when you require maintenance. You can also get one of the best hearing aid dryers to dehumidify your unit; this will extend the life of your hearing aid.
Battery Type:
Some hearing aids will use a larger battery which will allow them to last longer. However, if your hearing loss is advanced and your hearing aids work harder, the battery will drain faster. Considering the size of the battery the hearing aid uses is an important aspect because it directly affects the duration of use. Read our hearing aid battery reviews for more information.
Additional Features:
Although these aren’t the features that will directly lead to a purchase decision between one product or the other, they are still important.
- Directional microphones (allows for better situational awareness)
- Direct audio input or Wireless connectivity
- Ability to synchronize your pair
- IP rating (Ingres protection refers to the degree the hearing aid is protected against dust and wind)
- Automatic noise level adjustment
- Multiple program settings
- Feedback reduction
- Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) - blocks out background noise
- Low battery indicator sounds
- Wax guards
FAQ
There exist many programs such as ones offered in the United States, often under the name of something along the lines of vocational rehabilitation. For example, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers individuals a discount. Most insurance plans do not offer full coverage for hearing aids however consultations and initial purchases are often offered at a reduced cost. Check here for more information on insurance coverage for hearing aids.
The best way to know how to care for your hearing aid is by referring to the manual that comes with your device. Typically it is recommended that you keep up with daily maintenance by cleaning your hearing piece with a soft dry cloth. On occasion you will need to take your hearing aid into a hearing health profession for a deep cleaning, these are most often offered free of charge.
Yes. Most hearing aids have several of the same electronic components; these include, a microphone, amplifier circuitry, and a small loudspeaker (receiver) which delivers the sound that has been amplified into the ear canal.
No. Hearing amplifiers amplify sound to make it louder whereas hearing aids are programmed in a way to make sounds louder while also differentiating noises. Hearing amplifiers should be worn with caution as they can lead to damage of hearing due to excessive amplification.
Many hearing aid brands claim to be the best, But, to be honest, the best entirely depends on you three main things: your level of hearing loss, your budget, and your lifestyle. Some brands only produce one kind of hearing aid, which means that for one person, a certain brand may not be the best, while for another, one brand solves all their hearing problems.
Overall, if you choose a hearing aid from either ReSound or Oticon, you are pretty well guaranteed the best quality, performance, and value, all wrapped up into one.
If you go for the proper hearing test and your provider says that you are eligible for the available hearing aids at Costco, you’re in luck! ReSound and the Kirkland Signature brands are sold at Costco and discounts are common. The typical hearing aid cost starts at around 1000 dollars and can be upwards of 5000 dollars depending on your requirements.
So, where can you find cheap hearing aids you may ask?
According to the best hearing aids reviews, Embrace Hearing (one of the best hearing aid brands), offers an array of options for as low as 300-700 dollars! Keep an eye out for this hearing aid brand, among others, which do offer huge discounts from time to time.
The way to secure the top price on a hearing device is by reading through the best hearing aids reviews.
The best hearing aids for profound hearing loss, are the ReSound Enzo 3D model. With cutting edge hearing aid technology these aids, let the user communicate directly with their hearing care provider. The Enzo 3D are also the smallest on the market, which also makes them incredibly discreet!
For the best bang for your buck, the Oticon Opn BTE 13 Plus Power tops our list! This model wins out for it’s high performance and reliability.
Some HCR 3 hearing aid reviews (HearClear) also comment that these are the best, while other people praise the Phonak hearing aid prices and product performance capabilities. There are mixed reviews for the Siemens hearing aids.
A hearing aid is simply an advanced customized sound amplification device which is used to help individuals with hearing impairments hear better. They have a microphone which picks up the sound, an amplifier that increases the volume of sounds, and a receiver which acts to send the sound into the ear canal. In many new modern hearing aids, the microphones transmit sound to a computer chip; through this the volume is adjusted and the sound frequencies are amplified making is easier for you to hear.
Conclusion
Not everyone will require the same type of hearing aid, even if they are in the same hearing loss category. Therefore, you can adapt the best hearing aid to your needs to gain the most benefit from your device. There is no denying that the cost of a hearing aid can feel like a small fortune; however, if you have a hearing impairment, you must invest in your health and quality of life by investing in the best hearing aid device.
Best Performance & Quality: If money is no option and you seek the highest quality, then the Pure 13BT Primax Signia will be a great choice
Best Value: Oticon Opn BTE 13 Power Plus.
Before you go ahead and purchase a hearing aid, it’s essential to do a hearing aid comparison & price evaluations of multiple models to make sure that you’re investing in the best hearing aids for your lifestyle and needs.
Also, check