With age, hearing becomes worse, people try to keep it for many years, but various procedures, even the most effective at first, gradually weaken their effect. In this case, you have to resort to technological advances, fortunately, there are quite a lot of them now. Hearing aids can significantly improve hearing, making it as sharp as in youth.
The choice of such products today is very large, so choosing the right design is not so easy, especially since they may differ, including in terms of the principle of operation. Let’s try today to sort out the assortment available on the shelves — we will do this with the help of our rating of the best hearing aids of the year. Here we will analyze in detail the performance characteristics of the most popular designs and provide some useful tips for choosing these devices.
How to choose the right hearing aid?
You can choose and purchase such a product on your own, without resorting to the services of specialists. It is only important to take into account some rules and features related to the specifics of the device. First of all, you need to pay attention to the method of mounting the device. If the person is elderly, and fine motor skills already have noticeable impairments, then the simplest options should be purchased.
Many modern products are equipped with a whole range of additional features. These hearing aids will prove to be very useful for older people who prefer to lead an active lifestyle. If a person plans to use the device only for short communication, listening to radio programs and watching TV, then an analog device is quite suitable for him, which, by the way, is not too expensive.
The type of power element should be especially considered when an elderly person lives alone. In this case, you will need to pay attention to battery designs that can work stably for three weeks. The dimensions of the product also play an important role, but many advise buying medium-sized devices. It will be convenient for an elderly person to hold it in his hands and fix it on his ear.
One of the key indicators is the power of the device. It is best to buy a design with a certain margin of this parameter: if a person’s hearing continues to deteriorate, then it will only be possible to reconfigure this device, and not go to the store for a new one. The frequency range in which the model you like is able to work is also important. Each product comes with detailed instructions describing all the features and settings of the hearing aid. Before direct use, it must be carefully studied.
When choosing models to include in our ranking of the best hearing aids, we were guided by all the points described above. However, some other factors were taken into account — value for money, and user reviews were also analyzed. We tried not to include the most expensive devices in the review so that each of our readers could afford such a purchase.
Intracanal
4. Siemens Intuis CIC
The product is a digital type device that has a wide range of capabilities. It is perfect for people who have first or second degree hearing loss. Products are characterized by carefully thought-out ergonomics and attractive appearance. It has extremely compact overall dimensions, so it is placed in the ear canal discreetly, does not irritate it and does not cause discomfort. The case is made of plastic with a soft-touch coating, there is also an additional nano-coating that protects against moisture, dust and all sorts of ear secretions.
The equipment functions stably and reliably, regardless of temperature and weather conditions. The anti-phase feedback suppression technology is used, due to which the quality of the sound stream becomes much higher. The device has a four-channel compression, so you can, if necessary, fine-tune all sounds, from quiet to very loud. The design has a well-thought-out noise reduction system.
Advantages:
- Excellent quality;
- Long service life;
- Works from batteries within five days without interruption;
- Ample opportunities in terms of customization;
- Use of modern technologies in production.
Flaws:
- Noise canceling sometimes fails;
- It will be problematic for an elderly person to program on their own.
Siemens Intuis CIC
3. Phonak Virto Q50-10 NW
This product is ideal for those who like to talk on the phone for a long time. The dialogue is heard excellently, no distortions and extraneous noises are observed. The signal is transmitted immediately to both ears, the frequency range is very wide, even high ones are clearly audible. A person will quickly return to his former social activity and sociability, it will be easy for him to orient himself in the acoustic environment that surrounds him and at the same time is constantly changing.
This 12-channel hearing aid is manufactured using the latest UltraZoom technology. It helps to instantly distinguish a person’s speech from background noise. Feedback is not observed here, but an active noise reduction system is provided, there is also a ventilation system. There is also a QuickSync system here — by clicking on the corresponding button, you can set the same settings on another device.
Advantages:
- A person can regain his former social activity;
- By production the most modern technologies are used;
- High build quality;
- Long operating time from one battery;
- There is ventilation.
Flaws:
- Very high price.
Phonak Virto Q50-10 NW
2 Phonak OK! M 050-0900-01
The excellent quality of this device is due to the unique technology of its production. In particular, the integrated AudioSet sound quality amplification system is involved here. Due to this approach, it was possible to provide an excellent effect of perception of surround sound. In addition, this hearing aid has active noise cancellation technology, feedback is not allowed. It is quite easy to use such equipment, but the device is characterized by decent overall dimensions, which makes it quite noticeable.
The case is made of original plastic, which is pleasantly attached to the skin and after a couple of minutes a person ceases to feel it at all. The device works from an ordinary tablet-sized battery, and its resource lasts for a long time — approximately three to four weeks.
Advantages:
- The device is developed on the basis of unique technologies;
- There is an active noise suppression system;
- Feedback is completely absent;
- The case is characterized by excellent assembly;
- Hearing improves several times.
Flaws:
- Decent overall dimensions;
- Too noticeable to others.
Phonak OK! M 050-0900-01
1.AXON V-185
It cannot be said that this gadget is quite powerful, but it has very good functionality and an acceptable cost. Attaches to the ear securely, the surrounding people almost do not notice it. This device comes with three pairs of soft earbuds, which are also quite easy to handle and care for. A microphone is provided in the transitional part of the product. With its help, it is possible to achieve optimal perception of sounds not only indoors, but also outdoors. This hearing aid even allows you to comfortably talk on the phone, but in this case you will need to select the optimal distance. If this is not done, extraneous noises or whistles may occur.
On the behind-the-ear panel is the control unit, where there is a volume control. There is also a slider on / off the device, with which you can save the charge of the power supply. In addition, the device is lightweight.
Advantages:
- Quite affordable cost;
- The kit includes a convenient mini-case for transporting the device;
- A volume control is provided;
- Skin color makes the hearing aid almost invisible.
Flaws:
- When talking on the phone, you will need to choose the optimal distance, otherwise there may be various extraneous sounds such as whistles, wheezing and noises.
AXON V-185
Behind the ear devices
3. «Istok-Audio» «Vityaz»
The products are manufactured exclusively at Russian enterprises, due to which the overall quality and durability of the devices are at a very high level. The owners of such products, especially those with very serious hearing impairment, note the small mass of the gadget and its decent power. The product is very easy to use and maintain. It uses analog audio transmission technology. No feedback is observed here, the sound signal is well detailed. You can adjust the volume level if necessary.
The maximum sound amplification reaches 81 dB, if necessary, the battery can be changed within a few seconds. Engineers did a good job on the dimensions and appearance of the device. The case is ergonomically well thought out and painted in flesh color, so it is completely unobtrusive. The sound-conducting tube is transparent, there are as many as three modes of operation.
Advantages:
- Excellent quality and good assembly of the device;
- If necessary, the battery is changed very quickly;
- The appearance of the device makes it almost invisible;
- The volume modes are switched.
Flaws:
- For a behind-the-ear device, the product is quite expensive.
Istok-Audio Vityaz
2.Siemens Digitrim 12XP
Among such gadgets, this device is one of the best. The only thing that kept it from being in first place in this section of our ranking is the price, although it fully justifies itself. With the help of the product, it is possible to compensate for hearing loss of the third and even fourth degree. If we talk about the purity of sound, then here the device is able to compete quite adequately with elite models that cost several times more. The level of extraneous interference is brought to a minimum degree.
You will have to configure the product manually, you will not have to resort to using third-party software or gadgets (smartphones, tablets or laptops). The system of active noise suppression is very well thought out here.
Advantages:
- Excellent noise reduction system;
- Manual configuration does not require the use of third-party devices;
- Good production quality;
- Allows you to minimize even very serious hearing impairment.
Flaws:
- Pretty fragile case — you have to handle it very carefully;
- It is quite expensive for devices of this type.
Siemens Digitrim 12XP
1. Sound amplifier Xingma XM 999E
This is not so much a behind-the-ear as a pocket hearing aid, in which the outer unit looks more like an ordinary earpiece. This device is perfect for an elderly person who leads a not too active lifestyle. The external unit, which is somewhat reminiscent of a cassette audio player, has small overall dimensions: it is thin and has no sharp corners. The case is made of flexible, but quite durable plastic, it is pleasant to the touch. All keys, buttons and control rockers are located on it.
The ear tips are quite soft, there are several of them included, so you can choose the most suitable one for a particular ear canal. They are fastened securely, no discomfort occurs during movements. There is a remote receiver, active noise reduction system, original volume control. The speaker, if necessary, can be adjusted to a specific frequency range.
Advantages:
- Compact outer case size;
- Great for the elderly;
- Easy to set up and manage;
- The earphone is well fixed, does not fall out even when walking fast.
Flaws:
- The case is a bit flimsy;
- Batteries not included.
Xingma XM 999E
In-the-ear hearing aids
3. Phonak Virto Q70-13
This is the first digital model in our roundup of the best hearing aids. The product is characterized by compact overall dimensions, which allows it to be perfectly combined with the diameter and individual characteristics of the auditory canals, and it also has excellent functionality. In the manufacture, original technologies were involved that allow you to block wind noise, as well as almost instantly adjust to changing sound conditions.
The device has a modern navigation system ZoomControl, due to which the device easily tracks the direction of the sound source. This helps to transfer it to the auditory canal without the slightest distortion. Feedback is suppressed completely, for example, even without increasing the volume, you can hear the voice of the interlocutor even in the crowd.
Advantages:
- Suitable for all people with hearing impairment, regardless of age and individual characteristics;
- The most modern technologies are involved in the manufacture;
- The ear quickly gets used to the device;
- There is no discomfort during use.
Flaws:
- It is very expensive.
Phonak Virto Q70-13
2. Oticon Opn 1 312 2.4G NFM 85
Processes sound in real time, has a very powerful system for suppressing extraneous noise. With the help of special technologies, it was possible to provide an improved perception of whispers and quiet speech.
The developers even took care of protection against too loud sounds. An audible indication is provided that will notify the user in a timely manner when the battery is running out, although it is designed for approximately 60 hours of continuous operation. If necessary, the device can be controlled through a special application installed on a smartphone or tablet.
Advantages:
- You can control the capabilities of the device from your smartphone;
- There is a system of protection against very loud sounds;
- The device will promptly notify the user about a low battery;
- Carefully thought-out ergonomics.
Flaws:
In-the-ear hearing aids Oticon Opn 1 312 2.4G NFM 85
1. «Assistant RM-505»
The device of domestic production has a carefully thought-out design: it does not cause irritation in the ear canals. The case is made of high-strength materials, so it is not afraid of physical impact and damage.
The kit comes with a decent selection of earbuds. The device has a built-in battery, which is designed for 45 hours of continuous use. There is also a toggle switch on the case that is responsible for the operating mode of the device, a volume control is provided.
Advantages:
- Perfect for people who wear glasses;
- There are five inserts of different sizes in the set;
- Integrated battery;
- Pretty cheap;
- A cleaning kit is provided.
Flaws:
- Charger dependent.
Assistant RM-505
In conclusion, a useful video
Our review of hearing aids has come to an end. If you still have some questions about the model you like, ask us in the comments to this article. We are always ready to provide you with additional information.