Most people who are considering getting a hearing aid ask us, “which brand of hearing aid is best?” The answer to this question is not easy. Just as it is impossible to say which is the best cars for seniors with arthritis or best cell phones for seniors with dementia in the world, it is also impossible to say a specific name for the best hearing aid. Because each person needs a specific model according to their hearing loss, specific needs, lifestyle and budget.
There are many great brands in the world, including Oticon, Resound, Bernafon, Phonak, Signia (formerly Siemens), Widex, Unitron, Starkey, Beltone, Interton, and Sonic. But none of these brands can be said to be the “best hearing aid.”
Hearing aid technology has changed dramatically in the past five years, and this trend continues. They are much better for coping with hearing loss and isolation in seniors. The technology used in hearing aid brands varies somewhat, and each brand tries to introduce newer technology every few years. In this guide from the humanhealthmag website, we aim to provide you with the necessary information about the best hearing aid brands, so that you can make the right decision about your future hearing aid purchase.
Which Brand of Hearing Aid Is Best?
Which brand of hearing aid is best? As we said, choosing the best brand of hearing aid among all brands is a bit difficult and it is not possible to give a definite opinion on this matter. But you can review and compare the best and highest-quality hearing aids in each brand. Usually, the best types of hearing aids from each company use the latest technologies, and therefore it can be said that the best product from each brand is also the latest product from that company.
All the big brands make good hearing aids. Each one offers unique technology for people with hearing loss. Most audiologists agree that the quality of hearing aids produced by the big six is of a high standard. However, it is difficult to say which of these brands produces the best hearing aid brand. These six brands are; Oticon, Resound, Phonak, Widex, Signia and Starkey.
Oticon Hearing Aids
Which brand of hearing aid is best? A person named Hans Demant founded Oticon in 1904 in Denmark to help his wife who was hearing impaired. Years later, the management of Oticon Hearing Aids was handed over to Demant’s son, and now this large company is owned by the Demant Group. Today, the Demant Group is the largest and most reputable in the field of hearing health; The production of hearing aids, assistive listening devices, various types of hearing implants, diagnostic equipment, and smart audio solutions is the largest and most prestigious.
Oticon, a member of the Dement Group, is the world’s largest and most well-known hearing aid manufacturer, and its motto is “Life-Changing Technology.” This long-established company is also the world’s first manufacturer of digital hearing aids (Digifocus). With over a century of experience in the field of hearing aid and other hearing aids, Oticon is a leader. The reputable American Better Business Bureau has given this company an A+ rating.
Now, they are focusing on personalizing hearing aid prescriptions for each individual, making the sound more natural and requiring less listening effort. They have called this technology BrainHearing. The latest and greatest Oticon hearing aids are the Intent (2024), Real (2023), On (2022), and Zircon (2022). Oticon has developed these two new hearing aids using BrainHearing technology, a combination of Deep Neural Network and the new Polaris R and Polaris processors to support the natural functioning of the brain.
Also, with these two new hearing aids, direct connection to Android mobile phones is possible, all Oticon and More models are compatible with the new Audio Streaming Protocol for Hearing Aids (ASHA) and the old Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing aid protocol. This means that sound can be played directly from iPhones and selected Android mobile phones to Oticon and More hearing aids. With a direct Bluetooth connection, hearing aids function like hands-free devices. In addition to Oticon, the Bernafon, Sonic and Philips brands belong to the Dement Group.
ReSound Hearing Aids
Which brand of hearing aid is best? Resound was founded in 1943 in Denmark. The company is now owned by GN ReSound Group. Resound Hearing Aids is always a leader and innovator in the hearing aid industry. The brand was the first company to introduce the Wide Dynamic Range Compression (WDRC) processing system.
They were also the first company to introduce open-fitting hearing aids. In 2013, Resound introduced the first smart hearing aid made for iPhone (MFi) called LiNX² using wireless technology, revolutionizing the way hearing aids are connected to mobile phones.
The next-era and best ReSound hearing aid is the ReSound Nexia (2024), which connects to Android phones without the need for an adapter (streamer). In addition to Resound, Beltone hearing aids, Interton hearing aids, and the famous Jabra company, which is known for producing audio products (headsets, headphones, speakers, and microphones), belong to the GN Group.
Phonak Hearing Aids
Which brand of hearing aid is best? The company’s motto is “Life is On”, meaning that Phonak aims to help people with hearing loss communicate easily and confidently and live without limitations. Phonak Hearing Aids was founded in 1947 in Zurich, Switzerland. The brand is now owned by Sonova Holding AG. Phonak Hearing Aids is a leader in the production of hearing aids for children with hearing loss, especially high-power behind-the-ear hearing aids such as Naida and FM technology used in classrooms.
The latest Phonak hearing aids are the Audeo Luminity (2022) and Audeo Life (2021). The Audeo Life Paradise hearing aid is the world’s first rechargeable waterproof hearing aid. Cross hearing aids are also new products of this company. In addition to Phonak, Unitron hearing aids and Hansaton hearing aids and Advanced Bionics cochlear implants belong to the Sonova Group.
Signia Hearing Aids
Which brand of hearing aid is best? The foundation of Signia hearing aids begins with Siemens. Werner von Siemens founded Siemens in 1878 after he developed a telephone for the hearing impaired to better understand telephone conversations. In 1959, Siemens developed and marketed the first behind-the-ear hearing aid, the Siemens Auriculette. Siemens is known in the hearing aid industry for producing the first digital hearing aid with two microphones (directional microphones) and the first wireless hearing aid.
In January 2015, Siemens Hearing Aids was sold to the Sivantos Group. In January 2016, the Sivantos Group, headquartered in Singapore, replaced Siemens with the Signia brand in the hearing aid industry. Signia hearing aids are now manufactured in Singapore and are owned by the Sivantus Group. In addition to Signia, the Sivantus Group also owns Rexton, A&M, and Audio Service.
Starkey Hearing Aids
Which brand of hearing aid is best? Starkey was founded by Austin in 1971 in Minnesota, USA. The company’s motto is “Hearing is our concern”. Starkey is a firm believer in charitable work, and when a Starkey hearing aid is purchased, a donation is made to the Starkey Hearing Foundation. The Starkey Foundation has donated over a million hearing aids to hearing-impaired people around the world. Starkey Hearing Aids is the world’s first manufacturer of in-the-ear hearing aids and digital invisible hearing aids.
Starkey was also one of the first companies to introduce the Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing aid called Halo. The latest and greatest Starkey hearing aid is the Genesis AI (2023), which features real and significant advancements in what Starkey calls Ear-Brain Technology. In addition to Starkey, the company also owns the Microtech, Audibel, and NuEar brands.
Widex Hearing Aids
Which brand of hearing aid is best? Widex is the sixth largest hearing aid manufacturer in the world. The company was founded in 1956 in Denmark. The company is now owned by the Tofhelm and Westerman families. Widex hearing aids are known for their sound quality in the hearing aid industry. This innovative company is also the first manufacturer of digital in-ear hearing aids.
The latest hearing aid from Widex is called Moment Sheer (2022). This hearing aid uses machine learning technology. Some models of Moment hearing aids have Made for iPhone (MFi) technology. The Coselgi hearing aid is also owned by Widex.
Why Is It Difficult to Choose the Best Hearing Aids Brand?
As we said in the discussion which brand of hearing aid is best? There is no definitive and final option. Because a hearing aid is a hearing solution and each person needs a specific solution and method according to their problem. Although using hearing aids like glasses is not yet common among people, fortunately, the culture of using hearing aids and their use is increasing.
The production of smart wireless headphones such as AirPods by Apple and innovation in the production of compatible hearing aids (More, ONE, Paradise) with iOS and Android operating systems has greatly reduced the boundary between hearing aids and wireless headphones.
A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Hearing Aids
Personal factors such as the type and degree of hearing loss, presbycusis in the elderly, and the ability to understand speech in noise can greatly affect the level of satisfaction with a hearing aid. Also, the sound of hearing aids from different manufacturers is slightly different based on the technology inside the hearing aid, the algorithm used by the company, and how the audiologist prescribes and adjusts the hearing aid for you.
Two people with the same degree of hearing loss and a similar audiogram may each prefer the sound of a hearing aid from a specific company. This is because “hearing loss” is complex and, like a “fingerprint”, is different from person to person. You may buy the most advanced hearing aid, but because your hearing care professional lacks the necessary skills in selecting and prescribing hearing aids or is not familiar with the features and software program for adjusting hearing aids, the hearing aid may not work for you.
That is why we believe that the most important factor in a successful prescription is the knowledge and skill of the person prescribing the hearing aid to you – even more important than the hearing aid itself and its technology – so to choose the best hearing aid, you should see the best audiologist. The main purpose of using hearing aids is to make it easier and clearer for you to hear sounds. However, other factors play a role in determining the shape, size and satisfaction of the hearing aid.
For people with very little residual hearing, we need stronger hearing aids to provide more amplification. More powerful hearing aids usually require a larger battery, so the size of the hearing aid becomes slightly larger to accommodate the hearing aid battery. You may prefer invisible hearing aids that are smaller in size, but you may need to use larger hearing aids depending on the type and severity of your hearing loss.
Which Hearing Aids Is Best for Me?
Choosing the best hearing aid for you depends on several factors, such as the shape and size of your ear canal, the type and severity of your hearing loss, and your hearing needs, as well as your taste, lifestyle, and budget. Even the amount of earwax secretion and other factors may be effective in choosing the best hearing aid.
Buying hearing aids should be done carefully, because there are many choices and many factors to consider in this choice. To determine exactly what hearing aid you need and what type and model is right for you, it is best to read the following questions and share the answers with your audiologist.
What types of activities do you do daily?
When buying hearing aids, lifestyle is one of the most important factors; Do you watch TV most of the time? Do you like walking and swimming? Do you talk on the phone a lot? Do you often go to restaurants? To help you and your audiologist determine what you need to hear and where you need to hear it.
What is your work environment like?
Your occupation is another factor in choosing a hearing aid. For example, musicians need to hear high notes and harmonies, while people who work in noisy environments may need a hearing aid that reduces background noise.
How skilled are you with your hands?
Invisible hearing aids, in-the-ear hearing aids, and hearing aids that use size 10 batteries (the smallest size hearing aid battery) are only recommended for people with good manual dexterity. If you don’t have good manual dexterity and can’t do delicate tasks, behind-the-ear hearing aids are a better choice for you. In general, the best hearing aids for seniors are behind-the-ear hearing aids.
Is it necessary for you to use the latest technology?
New hearing aids have many features and capabilities, but not all of them may work for you and may even be difficult to use. Consider what you need to hear and what accessories you need for your hearing aid to achieve this. Do you need a remote control, a mobile interface (streamer), a TV interface, etc.
Do you have a history of using hearing aids?
If you have used hearing aids before, consider your experience with your previous hearing aid. What features did you like and dislike about your previous hearing aid? What features would you like to see changed? You can discuss these questions with your audiologist so that the best hearing aid can be selected and prescribed for you, based on your lifestyle and other factors assessed by the audiologist.
Concluding Remarks
According to the explanations given about which brand of hearing aid is best? Experts believe that the most expensive ones are not always the best when it comes to prescribing hearing aids. The hearing aids produced by the 6 major hearing aid brands introduced in this article are of good quality, and each hearing aid is a masterpiece of design and technology. However, each brand has its strengths and weaknesses.
For example, hearing aids from one company may have very good sound quality, but they may have a low protection (IP) rating in terms of resistance to dust and water penetration and are very prone to damage. Or a company may produce very good hearing aids for infants and children and be the best choice for this age group, but the hearing aids it produces for adults are not the best choice and hearing aids from other brands are a better choice for adults.
The after-sales service and warranty of most hearing aid brands are good and acceptable. In some brands, all parts are covered by the warranty, but in others, parts such as the hook and the hearing aid battery may not be covered by the warranty. The most important factor to consider when choosing and prescribing hearing aids from these brands is that hearing loss, as we said, is different for each person, like a fingerprint. As a result, each person has their own special and unique hearing aid, depending on the type and degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.
We’ve shared our thoughts and now it’s YOUR turn! Please share your insights in the comments, and let’s start a meaningful discussion that will help others, too!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hearing aid for me?
This is a somewhat easier question to answer. In order to answer this question correctly, we need a lot of information about the shape and size of your ear canal, the type and severity of your hearing loss, and your hearing needs, as well as information about your taste, lifestyle, and budget for hearing aids.
How much does the best hearing aid cost?
The price of a hearing aid is determined by its technology and design. The best and most advanced devices always have a higher price. However, it should be taken into account that, unlike other electronic devices, a hearing aid is a medical product and must be prescribed according to the type and degree of hearing loss and hearing needs. Therefore, the best hearing aid and its price may differ from person to person.