Top 5 Hearing Aids on the Market: A Brief Overview
Until 2022, hearing aids were only available with a prescription and the average price of most of these devices was upwards of $3,000. However, with the introduction of over-the-counter hearing aids, we gained access to quality devices for one-third the cost.
hearing aidWhether you’re thinking of buying a prescription hearing aid or an OTC one, you will probably feel overwhelmed by the wide variety of devices. The first thing you should do is visit an audiologist who will be able to determine the severity of your hearing loss as well as help diagnose the underlying cause. The quality of hearing aids varies greatly, especially between prescription and OTC brands. A review of the top hearing aids by independent experts that covers both prescription and OTC devices will allow you to compare the pros and cons of each device to help you make a choice.
Top-5 Hearing Aids on the Market
1. Oticon Own
The Oticon Own has won multiple awards for its unparalleled sound technology. These hearing aids have a deep neural network or DNN which is machine learning that is similar to the way we learn. The way it works is that the Oticon Own DNN was provided with 12 million real-life sounds that it processed using algorithms in order to be able to classify the different sounds, recognize patterns, and make predictions. This means that the device can recognize sounds in the same way that our brain does. For example, if you are talking to your friend while seated at a noisy restaurant, the device will amplify your friend’s voice while reducing the background sound so that you can enjoy your conversation. There are various types available including completely-in-the-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) if you’re looking for a discrete hearing aid. The Oticon Own is a prescription hearing aid that has a price tag of $7,000 per pair; however, these devices are known to be hardy and last for years so it can be a good investment in the long run.
2. The Phonak Naída Paradise
The Phonak Naída Paradise is a behind-the-ear (BTE) type of prescription hearing aid. There are two models – the Phonak Naída P-PR (for mild to moderate hearing loss) and the Phonak Naída P-UP (severe to profound hearing loss). The “UP” in the Phonak Naída P-UP stands for ultra power and as the name suggests, this feature provides the most amplification of the sound frequencies that you need help hearing. It also automatically adjusts to the different sound environments you encounter which makes it an excellent choice for those with severe or profound hearing loss. The Phonak Naída Paradise can also be paired with up to eight Bluetooth-enabled devices so that you can easily switch between your devices whenever you need to. The cost of these hearing aids depends on the model but you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,400 to $7,000 for a pair.
3. Jabra Enhance
Jabra’s Enhance series are among the best OTC hearing aids and they come in a variety of types including in-the-ear and completely-in-canal for discretion. Their algorithms combined with the automatic adaptation of microphone directionality reduce background sounds and provide better speech audibility in a noisy environment. They offer a risk-free trial period of 45 days along with free shipping and returns as well as a one-year or three-year warranty depending on the model. They cost between $799 to $1,995 for a pair and are excellent value for money as they can last for a decade or more! While the sound quality is great for speech, one of the few downsides is that they are not particularly good for listening to music.
4. MDHearing
MDHearing has several behind-the-ear or in-the-ear types of OTC hearing aids – the most popular are the Neo and the Volt Max. The Volt Max has better sound quality, improved reduction and feedback cancellation but the downside is that it is not discrete as they have tubes that are very noticeable. The Neo is far more discrete as it fits inside the ear canal but the downside is that it has only one environment setting. However, if you are looking for hearing aids on a tight budget, then you should consider MDHearing as they offer the best sound in this price range – you can get a pair for under $300.
5. Widex Moment
Although hearing loss does not cause tinnitus, people who have hearing loss are far more likely to have tinnitus. It is estimated that ninety percent of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. Studies have found that customized sound therapy has a positive therapeutic effect on tinnitus as it can effectively suppress tinnitus, divert attention away from it and help to reduce tinnitus-associated stress. This is where the Windex Moment shines! The company has a large library of soothing sounds so that you can choose a background sound that will go directly to your hearing aid via Bluetooth. The battery life is also very impressive as it can last up to 24 hours with 8 hours of streaming. There are various models and types and the price range for a pair is between $2,798 and $7,500.
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