Millions of adults in the US suffer from at least some degree of hearing loss and may benefit from assistive tech like hearing aids. That said, shopping for hearing aids is no easy task, especially for those who may not have purchased them before. Before one starts using hearing aids, it’s best to consult a hearing care professional and undergo a hearing assessment. A specialist can help one pick the right type of hearing aid.
How to Choose Hearing Aids
It’s important to only buy hearing aids from manufacturers who have a good reputation. Hearing aids are, after all, medical devices that should meet the criteria set by the FDA. Below, we’ve made a list of some of the top hearing aids available in the market right now. Read on to know more.
Starkey Livio Edge AI
These tech-forward devices offer Bluetooth connectivity, as well as tons of other features. They are available in various styles, including in the ear, behind the ear, receiver in the canal, and in the canal. The company claims to use artificial intelligence to adapt to one’s environment and hearing aids via automatic adjustments that don’t require any manual input. These hearing aids also boost speech sounds and suppress background sounds, so wearers can follow conversations with ease. They’re also capable of detecting falls and can be programmed to let an emergency contact know.
Eargo Neo HiFi
This brand’s hearing aids are sold in pairs only, so the cost always represents two hearing aids, accessories, and a charger. The best part about Eargo’s hearing aids is that they don’t require a prescription from a licensed audiologist. The latest hearing aid developed by Eargo is the Neo HiFi. They’re essentially designed for people who suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss. Eargo’s hearing aid devices use a design called Flexi Tetrapalms, which allow them to float around in the ear canal — that’s the reason they are so discreet.
Phonak Lyric
These hearing aids can be placed directly into the ear canal near the eardrum, which makes them as close to invisible as possible. These aids use the natural shape of the ear to localize sounds. Wearers can leave these devices in their ears for months at a time. They also ease tinnitus symptoms. The price is based on a yearly subscription.
