There are several factors that can determine which hearing aids are the most suitable for you. By considering the following factors, you will be able to find the best hearing aid for your budget and audiological requirements:
Guide to selecting the best hearing aid for you
*Choosing a hearing aid and having it fitted to your hearing needs can have a big impact on your quality of life. Therefore, we also recommend that you get advice from one of our professional hearing care experts when choosing the best hearing aid for you.
Step 1. Compare the available hearing aid styles
Start out by using the overview below to understand the differences between each type of hearing aid.
The overview will prepare you for Step 2 of the guide, where we will explain the 6 important factors that you should consider when choosing hearing aids.
 Invisible-in-the-canal |
 Completely-in-the-canal |
 In-the-canal |
 Half/Full shell in-the-ear |
 miniRITE (Receiver-in-the-ear) |
miniRITE R (Receiver-in-the-ear) |
 Behind-the-ear Plus Power |
Behind-the-ear Ultra Power |
|
| Most discreet | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth connectivity | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Long battery life | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Easy to adjust volume and programmes | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Exchangeable battery | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rechargeable battery | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mild to moderate hearing loss | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Severe hearing loss | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Profound hearing loss | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
*the above hearing aids represent different types of Oticon models.
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Step 2. Consider these six factors when choosing a hearing aid
In this step we will describe 6 different factors that you should consider when choosing the best hearing aid for you.
- Your level of hearing loss
- Hearing aid technology
- Comfort
- Price and quality
- Style
- Lifestyle
Factor 1 - Your level of hearing loss
The severity of your hearing loss has an impact on the types of hearing aids that you can choose from. Therefore, getting your hearing tested and knowing your level of hearing loss will help you to understand what hearing aid types will be best suited to accommodate your needs.
The 5 categories of hearing loss are:
- Normal hearing (≤25 dB)
- Mild hearing loss (26-40 dB): Quiet and soft conversations - or situations with only some background noise - may become difficult to understand.
- Moderate hearing loss (41-60 dB): Higher volume levels are required for radio and TV, and conversations accompanied by background noise become difficult to understand.
- Severe hearing loss (61-80 dB): Difficulties with speech and group conversations in both quiet and noisy environments. Comprehension is impossible without amplification.
- Profound hearing loss (greater than ≥80 dB): Difficult or impossible to hear and understand amplified devices or speech in all environments.
So what hearing aids are available for each level of hearing loss?
Mild to moderate hearing loss:
Choose any type of hearing aid (or all the types represented in Step 1).
Severe hearing loss:
Choose between selected types of hearing aids, such as “miniRITE”, or “plus power behind-the-ear”.
Profound hearing loss:
In terms of hearing aids, choosing the “plus power behind-the-ear” hearing aid will probably be the right solution for you. In cases of very profound hearing loss, ‘cochlear implants’ might be an option for those who are interested in a more permanent solution (as surgery is required.)¹
Mild to moderate hearing loss:
Choose any type of hearing aid (or all the types represented in Step 1).
Severe hearing loss:
Choose between selected types of hearing aids, such as “miniRITE”, or “plus power behind-the-ear”.
Profound hearing loss:
In terms of hearing aids, choosing the “plus power behind-the-ear” hearing aid will probably be the right solution for you. In cases of very profound hearing loss, ‘cochlear implants’ might be an option for those who are interested in a more permanent solution (as surgery is required.)¹
What are the best hearing aids in the world?
Oticon – the best hearing aids in the world?
Oticon is a leading manufacturer of hearing care solutions, enabling people to live the life they want with the hearing they have. Oticon aims to supply the most sophisticated technology and audiology based on the needs and wishes of the hearing impaired and to offer a full range of the best hearing aids and fitting systems on the market.
Oticon hearing aids contain groundbreaking technology and facilitate people’s lives by providing the following unique features:
Bluetooth technology - The Oticon More includes Bluetooth connectivity, meaning that you can pair your hearing aid to your iPhone, iPad or Android smartphone and hear sound directly through your hearing aids. Listen to your favourite romantic ballads or hear video chat conversations with family and friends directly in your ears.
Rechargeable - The fully rechargeable Oticon More means you never have to fuss with batteries again! Just 3 hours charge gives you a full day's power. The recharging station is simple to use and you can save money on batteries over time.
Artificial intelligence - The Oticon More uses artificial intelligence to increase speech understanding, balancing speech and background noise and allowing you to hear better than ever before. These advancements will help you to focus more easily, reduce the effort it takes to listen and improve your memory recall.
Oticon app - Connect to the app and adjust the volume level on your hearing aids, check your battery level or even find your hearing aids!
Oticon’s parent company Demant is the only company in the world that covers all areas of hearing healthcare; from hearing devices and hearing implants to diagnostic equipment and professional hearing care. Demant have been providing hearing care solutions since 1904.
What are the best hearing aids for severe hearing loss?
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are a comfortable solution for anyone who is dealing with severe hearing loss and suit better than in-the-ear hearing aids for this level of hearing difficulty. These hearing aids have become much more discreet down through the years and they are more technologically advanced than they were previously. Most devices can now be paired with smart devices to allow in-ear streaming of phone calls and tv shows. They are also mostly rechargeable too.
What are the best hearing aids for mild hearing loss?
An invisible hearing aid is a good solution in cases of mild hearing loss. These tiny hearing devices can fit on the tip of your finger and can be inserted easily into the ear canal. All the necessary technology is contained within the shell that sits inside the ear and sound is amplified by these discreet devices. These hearing aids are almost completely invisible to the naked eye, so no one will know that you're wearing hearing aids.
Conclusion:
Knowing your level of hearing loss is the first step to understanding what might qualify as the best hearing aid for you. No matter your level of hearing loss, there are options available to suit your specific needs.
Do you know the level of your hearing loss?
In order to know your level of hearing loss, we advise you to book a free hearing test in one of our hearing clinics near you. Slight rephrase of the above: The consultation includes: discussing your medical history and hearing needs (case history), receiving a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of your hearing, reviewing your results, and discussing your hearing needs and potential solutions with a hearing care expert.
Today’s advanced technology provides a more natural sound experience by allowing you to experience an open, 360-degree sound experience, all while providing higher sound clarity with less effort. Tinnitus support settings are also new features which benefit users. Hearing aids today can also reduce feedback (or the “whistling sound” that some hearing aid users can experience). It is also possible to connect modern hearing aids to your smart devices and TV, so that you can hear your smart device and/or TV sounds directly through your hearing aids.
360-degree sound experience:
Some modern hearing aids (such as the Oticon Opn S) have the technology to provide you with a “360-degree sound experience” so that you can focus mostly on the sounds directly around you or in front of you. These advancements provide higher sound clarity with less effort and allow you to understand speech better in all settings.
Learn more about what the Oticon technology can do for you:
Oticon BrainHearing™
This technology is based on the fact that we hear through our brains, and our ears are merely responsible for picking up the soundwaves. BrainHearing™ by Oticon supports the brain’s natural process of making sense of sound by allowing the brain to hear in the most natural way possible, thereby reducing fatigue. BrainHearing™ technology provides the following benefits: open access to all speakers, background noise reduction, speech clarity, sound localisation for improving focus, and personalised programming settings.
Feedback reduction
Feedback (which is often experienced as a whistling sound) can occur when acoustic signals escape the ear canal and hit the microphone on the hearing aid, producing a whistling sound. However, feedback in modern hearing aids is much less common due to new technology supporting the prevention of the feedback sound.
Tinnitus support
Many of those with hearing loss also experience symptoms of tinnitus. Recent technology allows users to listen to relief sounds through their hearing aids which help to sooth and decrease the annoyance of tinnitus.
Oticon offers a specific programme called Tinnitus SoundSupport™. You can also choose to simply stream your favourite sounds from your smartphone into your hearing aids as a way to relieve tinnitus symptoms.
Learn to get relief from tinnitus
Device connectivity
Another popular feature is connecting your hearing aids to mobile phones or tablets so that phone conversations, music, or video calls can be heard directly through the hearing aids. This allows you to experience clear, high quality sounds. It is also possible to connect your hearing aids to your television. You can then customise the volume of the programme so that it can be as loud (or as quiet) as you want; meanwhile, your family members can enjoy the TV at their own volume of choice.
Rechargeable batteries
Some modern hearing aids can be powered by rechargeable batteries. 3 hours of charge will provide a full day of power (including the power needed for wireless connections and streaming).
Rechargeable batteries are economical in the long-term and typically only require replacement every 3-5 years.
Learn more about hearing aids with rechargeable batteries:
Conclusion:
Modern hearing aids have different capabilities; some have more premium technology, which provides an advanced and seamless sound experience. For instance, hearing aids can provide a 360° sound experience, allowing you to focus on the sounds that matter most - with less effort. Modern technology also allows hearing aids to connect wirelessly to smart devices and connect to TV audio. Keeping up to date with the latest technologies can help you to choose the best hearing aids for your lifestyle.
Would you like to try a modern hearing aid?
By booking an appointment in one of our clinics, you can experience some of the latest technologies.
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Factor 3 - Comfort
When you’re looking for the best hearing aids for you, it’s important to consider how comfortable they will be for you to wear.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids
What characterises behind-the-ear hearing aids?
- The main body of the hearing aids is placed behind the ear.
- Has a clear tube or wire connecting it to an earmould or dome placed inside the ear canal.
- Most people find behind-the-ear styles to be more comfortable than in-the-ear styles.
- Examples of behind-the-ear instruments are BTE and miniRITE.
In-the-ear hearing aids
What characterises in-the-ear hearing aids?
- It is custom-made to fit the shape of your ear canal.
- Is made of a hard material that sits inside the ear canal.
- The size and shape of your ear canal determines if it is possible for you to have in-the-ear hearing aids.
Conclusion:
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are typically known for being the most comfortable, while in-the-ear hearing aids have the benefit of being slightly more discreet. In-the-ear hearing aids are custom-made to fit your unique ear canal shape.
Our hearing care experts can increase your comfort
Comfort is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting hearing aids. Wearing hearing aids should never be uncomfortable.
Our hearing care experts are trained to help you find the most comfortable hearing aids for you. We will ensure that you are satisfied and that you find the best hearing aids for your needs.
Factor 4 - Price and quality
The styles represented in Step 1 are available in multiple price ranges – in order to meet all budget needs.
The price of your hearing aid can depend on the number of benefits you are hoping to get out of your new hearing aid. Such benefits can include automatic volume adjustment and wireless connectivity. Depending on your needs, these additional benefits can have a noticeable impact on the overall experience. Read further to learn more about the benefits provided by hearing aids today.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids have higher tech capabilities
Due to their larger size, behind-the-ear hearing aids provide the broadest selection of potential technological upgrades. However, the larger in-the-ear styles such as half-shell-in-the-ear and full-shell-in-the-ear styles do have the capacity for larger batteries and high technological capabilities as well.
Benefits available in hearing aids on the market today:
- Wireless connectivity to smart devices.
- 360-degree sound (allowing a more “natural” hearing experience).
- BrainHearing™ technology by Oticon (allows your brain to do less work to process the sound).
- Automatic adjustment for different sound settings.
- Rechargeable battery option.
- Telecoil option provides sound access in theatres and churches.
Benefits available in hearing aids on the market today
Wireless connectivity to smart devices
360° sound (allowing a more “natural” hearing experience)
BrainHearing™ technology by Oticon (allows your brain to do less work to process the sound)
Automatic adjustment for different sound settings
Rechargeable battery option
Telecoil option provides sound access in theatres and churches
You can enjoy a high-quality sound experience, as the newest hearing aids deliver more sound to the brain, increase speech understanding, and provide a clearer sound scene.
Conclusion:
The more sophisticated features offered, the higher the price of the hearing aids. Such features can include (but are not limited to): automatic volume adjustment, wireless connection to smart devices, and a 360° natural sound experience.
Would you like more details about hearing aid prices?
You are welcome to visit one of our clinics, and we can show you the available hearing aids and what they cost.
View a hearing aid price comparison table:
Factor 5 - Style
Some appearance factors to consider are:
Size
Is long battery life or discreetness most important to you?
Larger hearing aids (behind-the-ear or full-shell in-the-ear hearing aids) could be the best hearing aid for you if you are looking for larger batteries with high-tech capabilities and a longer battery life while small, in-the-ear hearing aids could be the solution for someone with mild to moderate hearing loss who is most interested in discreet, nearly invisible hearing aids.
Colour
Did you know that hearing aids are available in different colours? You have the option of finding hearing aids that blend with the colour of your hair or skin tone – or just choosing a colour that appeals to you.
Ear canal shape determines hearing aid size
The shape of your ear canal can also have an influence on the best hearing aid for you; since in-the-ear hearing aids are placed in the ear canal, a mould of your ear canal is taken, and the hearing aids are personalised to your unique ear canal shape.
As represented in Step 1, the invisible-in-the-canal and in-the-canal hearing aids are the smallest and most invisible hearing aids and are suitable for most ear canals. If you’re interested in an in-the-ear hearing aid style, your audiologist will make a mould of your ear canal and determine which hearing aid style makes the most sense for you.
Conclusion:
Both behind-the-ear and in-the-ear styles come in various sizes and colours. When it comes to in-the-ear styles, the shape of your ear canal can influence whether this particular style would be the best hearing aid for you (since this style must sit properly inside the ear). Degree of hearing loss and dexterity issues are also factors to consider.
Would you like to see what styles of hearing aids are available?
You are welcome to book an appointment or visit one of our clinics to see the different hearing aids that are available.Book an appointment
Factor 6 - Lifestyle
Whether you enjoy spending time at home or out of the house at restaurants or social events, the best hearing aid for you will be one that matches your level of social engagement. The more active you are socially, the more “advanced features” you may want to look out for, and the less socially engaged you are, the more basic your hearing aids may be.
When considering which type of hearing aid will best fit into your lifestyle, your hearing care expert will most likely ask you about the activities you enjoy in your everyday life. It can be beneficial to explain to your hearing care expert which situations you look forward to hearing better in so that they can help you find the best hearing aid solution for your needs.
Hearing aids can improve your quality of life, and because everyone’s hobbies and social preferences are unique, it is a good idea to have this lifestyle discussion with your hearing care expert so that you can find the hearing aid that will help you get the most out of your everyday life.
Conclusion:
Those who are highly socially engaged will want to consider hearing aids that can provide more advanced technological features, while those who engage in less social activities will have more basic needs when it comes to choosing the best hearing aid for you.
Learn more about the different types of hearing aids
Read an in-depth overview of the different types of hearing aids:
Step 3. Trial hearing aids at a hearing clinic
The knowledge that you have obtained in this guide can help you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid
The next steps in the process are the following:
- Book a hearing test at a hearing clinic.
- Discuss your preferences and any questions you might have with your hearing care expert.
- Trial a hearing aid in your local clinic - with the opportunity of trying another model if the first model does not suit your needs.
- Take the hearing aids home and wear them as a part of your everyday routine to determine if they are the right hearing aids for you. We offer all our customers a 90-day return policy (money back guarantee) on their hearing aid purchase. If you feel that your hearing aids are not suitable, you can simply return them.
Make an appointment with a hearing aid audiologist, who can help you understand how you get the:
- Best sound quality
- Best value for your money
FAQ
Sources
- Santurette, S., Ng, E. H. N., Juul Jensen, J., & Man K. L., B. (2020). Oticon More clinical evidence. Oticon Whitepaper.
- EEG testing with MoreSound Intelligence in on vs off setting, from Santurette et al.
- https://www.oticon.com/solutions/more-hearing-aids
- MarkeTrak 10, Marketing Research, Inc.