An Overview of the Best Hearing Aid Brands in 2023
Every year there are new hearing aids coming on the market. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. I’m Dr. Amy, an expert on hearing healthcare, and I’m happy to help with recommendations to treat your hearing loss. So which is the best hearing aid brand and which one do you choose? As an audiologist, I’ve had this question many times. So let’s get right to it. In this article, I’ll go over the top hearing aid brands and options available in 2023.
Background on Hearing Aid Manufacturers
The best place to start is by talking about which options to choose from. Here I’m talking specifically about prescription hearing aids and not OTC hearing aids. There are six top manufacturers, and each of them has great options and can work for a variety of hearing loss and lifestyles.
Additionally, each one has strengths and weaknesses. I’ve seen firsthand that certain manufacturers work better for certain individuals. Wearing hearing aids is a very individual experience. Hearing aid users have specific preferences based on their needs, lifestyle, and hearing loss. Each manufacturer has a wide portfolio of hearing aid styles, such as RIC hearing aids, behind the ear hearing aids, or custom hearing aids. Let’s go over the most important features so you can pick the right option for you.
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GN Resound
In my opinion, GN ReSound makes one of the best hearing aids. ReSound offers rechargeable hearing aids with sophisticated noise reduction technology for improved sound quality and speech clarity. Their newest, Omnia Mini RIC is a smaller, more streamlined device while still packing the powerful noise reduction of its larger version. The company also provides wireless connectivity options for connecting to compatible Android phones or other devices for hands-free operation. Their sleek new mini RIC release is a fantastic option:
Here are some highlights:
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Great sound quality, especially their M&RIE receiver
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Excellent support in background noise
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Seamless accessories: TV Streamer, Multi Mic, and more
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Made for iPhone and compatible with Android
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Intuitive app for those who like to make adjustments
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Compatible with Cochlear Americas cochlear implants
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Great options for tinnitus programs
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No CROS options for single-sided deafness
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Not the best option if you’re looking for a small custom hearing aid (IIC or CIC)
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Android users may experience glitches on the app or phone connectivity
Phonak
Phonak is one of my favorites. They have amazing products! Patients love the sound quality of these devices, and I’ve had great success with their custom earmolds and custom hearing aids getting the fit right on the initial fit. Phonak has a wide range of options with a portfolio that includes, invisible hearing aids, CROS devices for unilateral or asymmetric hearing loss, BTE power options, fun pediatric color choices, and amazing connectivity for any type of phone or Bluetooth device. The Phonak Audeo Lumity is a great choice:
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Product portfolio includes options for virtually every type of hearing loss
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Bluetooth Classic allows you to connect to any Bluetooth device for amazing connectivity
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Phonak Lyric and Titanium hearing aids are some of the best invisible and IIC options on the market
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Handsfree phone calls and a tap control feature to answer phone calls
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Compatible with Advanced Bionics cochlear implants
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Durable options for active people (Lumity Life) and desiccant beads in the charging case
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One caveat with connectivity: even when your phone is silenced you’ll hear notifications in your hearing aid
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Tap control can glitch if you don’t hit it correctly
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If you create custom programs they will disappear after your audiologist connects your hearing aids to the software
Oticon
Oticon is another great option. Oticon utilizes a deep neural network to provide a natural listening experience. I love their charger, especially for patients with dexterity concerns as it’s very easy to use. Their Made for iPhone technology will also work with some compatible Android devices. Oticon’s app is intuitive and easy to use. The Oticon Real is one of the best hearing aids.
Let’s look at the highlights:
- Natural sound quality
- Options for CROS hearing aids, pediatric patients, and the Xceed BTE is great for power users
- Convenient charger is easy to handle for patients with dexterity concerns
- Rechargeable batteries can be changed directly in your hearing aid clinic (meaning no need to wait for it to come back from repair)
- Popular among musicians or music lovers
- New update allows for handsfree phone calls (iPhone 11 and up)
- App is easy to use and has a “find my hearing aid” feature
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BTE option and ITE are not yet rechargeable
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While Oticon has great sound quality, the software does not allow for as much customization as other hearing aid manufacturers
Signia
Signia was formerly Siemens and is known for their high quality products for even profound hearing loss. Their hearing aids offer fantastic sound quality and processing in a variety of convenient form factors. Their advanced noise reduction technology and comfort settings tailored specifically to each user’s individual needs. Signia also offers amazing charging options to make using a hearing device easier and more convenient. Their Charge & Go hearing aids are a flexible option that patients love.
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Signia’s split processing has great sound quality and background noise reduction
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Some Signia models boast 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, and their BTE gets 60 (!) hours of battery life.
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Portfolio includes digital hearing aids for mild to severe hearing loss and also profound hearing loss
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Chargers come in convenient travel options or chargers that also disinfect or dehumidify.
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Their rechargeable custom hearing aids are convenient and easy to charge even for those with dexterity concerns.
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Their award-winning, aesthetically appealing Styletto is a unique and popular option for a hearing aid.
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In my experience, the TruHearing Signia devices are of lower quality and more prone to repairs than the standard Signia devices.
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No handsfree calls or tap control
Widex
Widex manufactures high quality hearing aids and is known as one of the best hearing aids for their tinnitus options in particular. Widex makes one of the smallest rechargeable lithium-ion RICs on the market. ZEN therapy features soothing options for tinnitus, featuring fractal tones (think wind chimes). Another great option for musicians, Widex is a solid choice in a hearing device. Check out the Widex MOMENT
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Natural sound quality that musicians especially love
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One of the smallest RIC options
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ZEN therapy is great for tinnitus management
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No handsfree phone calls for streaming calls with Android phones
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No options for remote programming in the app
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Not the best option for custom hearing aids
Starkey
Starkey is another popular hearing aid devices manufacturer with many popular, innovative features. At CES this year, Starkey won awards due to their innovative technology. With motion sensors that detect falls, an app that shares important information with a companion, and an impressive range of customizable features, Starkey is a strong choice for hearing aids. Their portfolio includes invisible in the canal (IIC) hearing aids, rechargeable custom hearing aids, and great RIC and BTE options as well. Take a look at the Evolv AI:
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Great features include fall detection, audible reminders (i.e. medications), and self check
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Bluetooth low energy (LE) streaming
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Handsfree phone calls and tap control
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Table mic is a great option for background noise, especially for those who opt for a more discrete CIC hearing aid
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Magnetic charger is fantastic option for on the go
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The app is great for those who like more personalization
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Android connectivity with the app has been known to glitch
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Starkey offers a limited warranty on their devices
Which hearing aid should you pick? Which are the best hearing aid brands?
Ultimately, the answer to this question will vary based on the individual. There are certain features that may work better for one person than for another. The audiologist or hearing care professional that you work with is another important factor in your hearing aid success and outcome with hearing aids. Not every audiologist works regularly with all six manufacturers, and that person’s expertise and extensive knowledge of a brand is another important factor. Your audiologist can maximize what the hearing aid can do for you, based on their experience and skill.
What do hearing aids cost?
Most prescription hearing aids cost between $3500 – $7000 (for a pair) when purchased from a local clinic. It’s important to keep in mind that this price includes follow up visits, warranty coverage, cleanings, and other expenses. However, OTC hearing aids will cost less, running somewhere between $800 – $2000 depending on the brand. The good news is that there are affordable hearing aids for every budget.
OTC Hearing Aids
If you’re considering OTC, there are several OTC hearing aids that I can recommend based on my experience with the brands and products.
Eargo Hearing Aids
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, Eargo hearing aids are a great option. You’ll take their online hearing test and then place these discreet, nearly invisible hearing aids in your ear canal. The nice thing about Eargo is that you can adjust the devices yourself or work with a hearing professional to make more adjustments, if you need them.
Bose Lexie B2 Hearing Aids
For a BTE hearing aid that you can purchase over the counter, Bose Lexie B2 is a very nice option. These hearing aids come in a convenient charging case and the app includes useful instructions to guide you through the process step-by-step. I was really impressed with both the look and performance of these over the counter hearing aids.
Bose Lexie B2 hearing aids are a high quality OTC hearing aid option with a user friendly Smartphone app and great sound quality.
The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Hearing Aids
Best Hearing Aid Brand – Conclusion:
Whether you choose a prescription hearing aid model from Phonak, GN ReSound, Oticon, Signia, Widex, or Starkey, you can be sure that you will be getting an excellent product made by experienced professionals who understand your needs when it comes to finding a suitable solution for your particular type of hearing loss. Not all hearing aids have every feature you’re looking for, so it’s worth looking more specifically at brands for the ones that are most important for you (e.g., Bluetooth, Smartphone app connectivity, etc.).
There are even some great OTC products that you can purchase, if you’re not yet ready for the prescription level care. With so many different options on the market today it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you but hopefully this overview has given you an idea of what each brand has to offer so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase your next set of hearing aids!
