Give Yourself Time To Adjust To Your New Hearing Aids
Getting hearing aids for the first time is a significant adjustment and usually involves short-term discomfort. If youve been missing some tone ranges, gaining them back may be jarring. In addition, having hard plastic in your ears can make them feel plugged up. You might even have difficulty putting on your hearing aids or understanding how to switch settings, change or charge batteries, use the app, or physically manipulate the controls.
Its common for first-time hearing aid users to experience discomfort and confusion, so tell your doctor about your experience and ask your loved ones for help.
Tips for Adjusting to Your Hearing Aids:
- Explore: Take time reading the manual and viewing informational videos. Explore all settings, troubleshoot, and get comfortable using any purchased accessories. Your hearing aids could have beneficial features you dont know about.
- Ease Into It: Some people who get new hearing aids start by wearing them a few hours at a time in the first week or so. Consult with your audiologist to make sure this is an acceptable way for you to adjust. Easing into using hearing aids could help you stick with it in the long run.
- Make Changes: If your hearing aids sound quality seems poor or is persistently bothering you, you might need to have your programs adjusted and/or checked for accuracy using a real ear test in the office. If your earpiece is uncomfortable, then the audiologist might give you a different sized dome or might adjust your mold.
What Is The Best Hearing Aid For The Lowest Price
While there is no single best hearing aid, some affordable models with lower prices include Audien and Jabra Enhance. But the ultimate answer to this question depends on several factors, including your:
- Degree of hearing loss
Unfortunately, Medicare doesnt cover hearing aids in 2023, although NCOA advocates for Medicare coverage of hearing aids.
Runner Up: Oticon More
More is the latest hearing aid from Danish company Oticon. More is in the second tier of rechargeable hearing aids when it comes to battery life, comparable to brands like Phonak and Starkey which offer 24 hours on a full charge. While Oticon does not offer a portable charger , Oticon does provide something unique your hearing aids wont need to be sent back to the manufacturer when its time to replace the built-in lithium-ion batteries. We want to encourage more manufacturers to follow suit!
*Via Made For iPhone and Android ASHA protocols on select smartphones.**According to research from Oticon
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Best Receiver In Canal Hearing Aid
Receiver in the Canal hearing aids are the most popular hearing aids. Though they tend to sit on the ear, the device is very small and the wire into the ear is very thin and therefore unnoticeable. They are also very light and comfortable to wear.
Unitron has just released the latest version of their popular Discover Range. It is called Unitron Discover Next. Available in 3 levels of technology 5, 7 and 9. The technology level you choose will depend on your lifestyle and budget.
At Soundhearing.org Unitron hearing aids are available on a free trial basis. During the trial, Sound Hearing will monitor your progress and if, for example, you decide to trial level 5 technology but find it is not sufficient, an audiologist would be able to upgrade the hearing aid to level 7 or 9 depending on your needs.
How Are Hearing Aids Different From Sound
Personal sound-amplification products, or PSAPs, are not considered alternatives to hearing aids. According to the FDA, hearing aids and PSAPs are intended for different purposes.
Both devices amplify sound for users. Hearing aids are medical devices used to improve impaired hearing. PSAPs are considered consumer devices for people with normal hearing to use in certain situations. PSAPs are sold over the counter.
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Make A Purchase Based On Your Individual Hearing Needs
Once youve decided whether youll purchase online or in person, and after youve had your hearing tested , its time to choose a hearing aid and any accessories. You may not go with the recommended brand, but you should pay attention to the style of hearing aids and the specific recommended features. The world of hearing aids is quite complex, so it is best to ask for a recommendation from an audiologist.
Questions to Ask an Audiologist About Your Hearing Needs:
- What fits are appropriate for my level of hearing loss?
- Whats the minimum number of programs I should have, and should I look for specific types of programs or a specific number of channels?
- Should I get a premium-level set of hearing aids, or will I do well with a relatively low number of programs and less technology?
- Do you think I should use a hearing aid with a telecoil and/or Bluetooth streaming?
- Do you think I need a particular kind of external microphone accessory?
If youre unclear on hearing aid design features, review the Basics section at the beginning of this article and make a list of any additional questions you have. If you decide to work with an online hearing aid company instead of a local audiologist, its best to speak with experts from multiple companies at length. Talk with them about the most popular features and which designs and features have notable limits. Request user manuals as well, primarily if youre proceeding without the advice of an audiologist.
Other Types Of Hearing Devices For Seniors
In addition to prescription hearing aids, seniors have access to several different products and procedures that can help restore hearing function. Some seniors may require additional devices to get the most out of their hearing aid, while others may require surgery to help correct extensive hearing loss.
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What You Should Know About Over
With the rise of telehealth and online shopping, there are many companies from which you can now buy a hearing aid online rather than by visiting an audiologist. However, valid concerns have been raised by hearing care professionals that these direct-to-consumer hearing products can potentially harm wearers. If not programmed correctly by a specialist, there is a risk that the sound will amplify too much and be too loud, further damaging the wearers hearing and ears.
Still, that is not to say that all hearing aids you can buy online or over the counter are unsafe. Its important to understand the difference between over-the-counter sound amplifiers, direct-to-consumer hearing aids, and FDA-approved hearing aids so you can make the most informed choice when choosing a device for yourself or a loved one.
Best Overall Hearing Aid
Choosing a top overall hearing aid may differ from user to user. Keep in mind that the best hearing aid for you will depend on your personal preferences.
However, we feel the new Widex Moment range is a universally excellent hearing aid for most users. Widex Moment comes in 4 technology levels. The entry-level Widex Moment 110 is packed with new technology and is at an excellent price for brand new Tech! Widex Moment is available in RIC, CIC, ITC and ITE. The new RIC rechargeable version is, at time of release, the smallest rechargeable RIC hearing aid on the market. The RIC 10 is the smallest RIC new hearing instrument on the market.
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Choosing The Right Hearing Aid For Your Needs
With so many fantastic hearing aid options, it can feel overwhelming to make a final choice. In my opinion, its best to make a decision based on the device that will address most, if not all, of your hearing health goals.
Lets take a look at the most common needs for those with hearing loss. Harvard Health recommends considering the nature of your hearing loss, its cause, and its severity.4 Ill guide you through some of the best hearing aid options that match each goal in the chart below.
Pro Tip: Our hearing aid buyers guide provides several hearing aid tools and resources so that you can make an educated purchase.
Want more help choosing hearing aids? Watch the video below with audiologist Brad Ingrao for more tips.
What Are Otc Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can make a world of difference in the quality of life for people with hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation, and it has been associated with serious conditions such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, dementia, reduced mobility, and falls.3
Unfortunately, conventional hearing aids can be very costly, and not everyone can afford the doctor visit, let alone the devices. This is where the FDAs OTC hearing aids may come into play. OTC hearing aids are for individuals aged 18 and over who suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss. These self-fitting hearing aids dont require a hearing exam, an audiologists review, or approval from a medical practitioner, resulting in a more affordable price point.
In the video below, Jeff Hoyt, editor-in-chief of SeniorLiving.org, speaks with Dr. Ruth Reisman, a licensed audiologist and hearing aid dispenser, about the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act and how it could help millions of Americans.
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Best For Downloading Soundscapes: Oticon More Hearing Aid
- Features: This hearing aid has built-in tinnitus support sounds, such as white noise.
- Pro: People can download their own tinnitus relief sounds through the Oticon ON app.
- Con: The Oticon More Hearing Aid is only available through hearing healthcare professionals.
The More Hearing Aid from Oticon offers built-in tinnitus support. It allows a person to customize and choose from various sounds, such as the ocean or white noise.
The Oticon More is only available to individuals through authorized Oticon professionals, so cost varies by provider and location.
Individuals can choose which sounds they hear through Oticons ON app, available for iPhone and Android. People can also stream their own tinnitus relief audio options, such as music, audiobooks, podcasts, and relaxation guides.
Other features of the Oticon More Hearing Aid include:
- Bluetooth connectivity
Things To Keep In Mind About Online Hearing Aids
- No in-person assistance
- No pre-purchase hearing health examination
- Not suitable for severe or profound hearing loss
- Lack of verification and validation measures, which can result in an improper fitting
- Problems with self-tuning
- Serious hearing loss conditions or diseases cannot be identified online
- Website research and navigation not ideal for tech-challenged seniors
- Ear pieces are not customized generic fits may not work well for all patients
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How To Choose The Right Hearing Aid For You
The best hearing aid for you depends on your level of hearing loss, your lifestyle and your fit preferences. First, consult a hearing health professional, such as an audiologist, for a hearing examination to determine your level of hearing loss. From there, they can help you review specific hearing aid models most appropriate for your situation and pick the one youd like to try.
What Is The Easiest Hearing Aid To Use
The easiest hearing aid to use depends on a persons degree of hearing loss, communication needs, lifestyle, dexterity, vision, cognition, comfort with technology and personal preferences. By sharing such information with your hearing health professional, you can better determine which hearing aid will feel the least cumbersome to use on a daily basis.
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My Pick: Phonak Virto M Titanium Iic
Phonak started manufacturing 3D-printed titanium hearing aids back in 2017 with Virto B. My mind was blown at the time, because I didnt even know it was possible to print metal. Apparently printed metal is a thing, and Phonak saw an opportunity to bring the technology into the hearing aid manufacturing process.
In a press release, Phonak stated that their titanium shells were 15x stronger and 50% thinner than traditional acrylic hearing aid shells. This meant deeper placement in the ear canal and a more discreet fit. In 2022, Phonak is still ahead of the pack when it comes to hearing aid visibility no other manufacturer is producing printed-titanium shells that compete on size or invisibility.
In terms of comfort, the new Virto M is about as comfortable as any other invisible in canal hearing aid on the market which is to say, pretty comfortable for most people. Most people prefer open-fitting hearing aids over custom-fitted in-canal style hearing aids.
In terms of reliability, the Virto M Titanium is as reliable as any IIC can be. Its the only one that Im aware of that has an IP68 for moisture and dust protection. Having said that, ear canals are a hostile environment for even the most robust of hearing aids, so if you are someone who perspires a lot or produces a lot of wax, you might want to consider going with a thin-tube style hearing aid that doesnt put any electronic components deep in your ear.
Presbycusis: The Best Hearing Aids For The Elderly
One of the most frequent problems among the elderly is presbycusis, which is a particular form of age-related hearing loss, whose effects on the quality of life can also be very impactful. It is possible to treat presbycusis by resorting to hearing aids: fundamental aids to regain the ability to hear. Here is a series of tips for juggling the hearing aid models on the market, identifying the most suitable for treating hearing loss in the elderly.
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Best For Tinnitus: Widex Moment
- List price: no information available
- Type: BTE, RIC, and ITE
This hearing aid is available in three styles and up to 13 colors.
The company states that this device has a water-resistant nano-coating to help resist moisture and corrosion. Additionally, Widex claims that people will not experience listening delays and artificial sounds while using this hearing aid.
Pros and cons
This hearing aid has Bluetooth connectivity and in-built Android and iOS device streaming capabilities. Additionally, the battery is rechargeable and offers up to 37 hours of battery life for each charge.
However, people cannot purchase this hearing aid from the manufacturer. Prices and guarantees may vary depending on where a person purchases this device.
Otc Vs Online Hearing Aids
The FDAs OTC hearing aid category aims to make hearing aids more accessible and affordable. However, there are a few important considerations to be aware of, as you would most likely be responsible for:
- Determining the level of your hearing loss and your hearing needs
- Selecting and purchasing your hearing aid
- Setting up and programming your hearing aid
- Troubleshooting your hearing aid should it malfunction
Both OTC and online hearing aids dont require a visit to the doctor or a prescription to purchase. However, online hearing aids differ from OTC, as online aids are dispensed through audiologists. When purchasing online hearing aids, youre not receiving just a hearing aid. Youll receive services like:
- An online hearing test
- Personalized programming based on test results
- Telehealth support with an audiology team
- Remote adjustments
- Financing options
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Does Medicare Pay For Hearing Aids
If your doctor orders a hearing exam to determine whether you have hearing loss, the exam will be covered by Medicare Part B. This hearing test will help you figure out whether you need a hearing aid. However, neither Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B will cover the cost of your hearing aids. Original Medicare also doesnt provide coverage for routine hearing tests, fittings, or adjustments.
Although Medicare Part D doesnt cover the cost of hearing aids, some Medicare Advantage plans do provide partial coverage. If youre not familiar with Medicare Advantage plans, these are alternate ways of receiving Medicare coverage through private insurance companies, in place of Medicare Part A and B.
While Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional services, such as vision, dental, or hearing coverage, you might be restricted to a local coverage area. Its important to understand what the Medicare Advantage plans cover and dont cover before you make a decision during the Medicare open enrollment period.
For more help navigating Medicare, see the Medicare Guidance section of NCOAs Age Well Planner. With in-depth information on Medicare basics, coverage, costs, and more, its a great resource for getting the most benefits out of your Medicare plan.
Returns Cancellations And Refunds Policies
It is a very important part to know when buying items online. Its good to know how the company handles returns or cancellations of items and whether there would be any refunds in any case. Purchasing online will always be risky because we usually cannot verify the quality of the items. Therefore, having the knowledge if there would be a refund will be a great point to consider if the items wont be the same as expected.
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Best For An App: Resound Relief
- Features: This app offers several features, such as meditation and sound therapy, which stream directly into a persons hearing aids.
- Pro: This app is free and compatible with six of ReSounds devices.
- Con: This app is not compatible with all of ReSounds devices.
ReSounds offers an app called Relief, which provides tinnitus relief.
The app offers a mix of sound therapy, relaxation exercises, meditation, and guidance, while the audio streams into a persons hearing aid.
Resound Relief is compatible with six of ReSounds devices. It is free to download and available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The company states that hearing aid users can customize their soundscape by choosing between their library of sounds and balancing the sound between both ears. This may mask the tinnitus and, over time, help people manage the symptom.
While ReSound provides their app free of charge, they only provide their hearing aid products through hearing healthcare professionals. The cost of a ReSound device will vary by provider and location.