Ready to improve your hearing but not sure what type of hearing aid is best for you? You’ve come to the right place. On this page you will get an overview of:
Additionally, you are always welcome to visit one of our hearing centers, where we will be happy to show you some of the most popular hearing aid models available.
There are five types of in-the-ear hearing aids, ranging from the invisible-in-the-canal to the full shell in-the-ear hearing aid:
Find a hearing center with in-house hearing care professionals or specialists who provide counseling based on your specific needs. A specialized hearing center will have several hearing aid types and brands, allowing you to find the most optimal solution for you.
These types are the most popular hearing aids for people with hearing loss.
Modern hearing aids are more discreet than ever before. In fact, many hearing aids are practically invisible. Designed to be especially discreet, the smallest variants of in-the-ear hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal. Examples of these include:
These types are considered to be the most nearly invisible hearing aids available. Since they sit completely inside your ear canal, people are unlikely to notice them.
Several types of behind-the-ear hearing aids are also very discreet and will not be particularly noticeable when worn. Behind-the-ear hearing aids allow for more features and advantages, making them the preferred type of hearing aids for many wearers.
More about invisible hearing aids
Some hearing aids offer the convenience of rechargeable batteries. An easy overnight charge allows for hassle-free maintenance by eliminating the need to regularly replace batteries. Having rechargeable hearing aids removes the inconvenience of having to change batteries, which is a benefit to all, especially for those with dexterity challenges.
Learn more about rechargeable hearing aids
If you choose a hearing aid with Bluetooth® technology, you can connect it to your TV so that you can hear the audio directly in your hearing aid, making it easier to hear your favorite TV show.
It is also possible to connect a hearing aid to other Bluetooth® devices, such as mobile phones, computers, and tablets. If you have an iPhone®, then your Bluetooth® hearing aids can double as a wireless headset, allowing you to listen to music or make hands-free phone calls.
Find out more about Bluetooth® hearing aids
What are OTC hearing aids?
The FDA’s newly created Over-The-Counter (OTC) hearing aid category is designed to be sold directly to the consumer, over the age of 18, with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. While the intent was to provide access to hearing aids at a lower price, the actual cost in terms of safety, customization and support could make this a costly experience for some.
Your hearing is as unique as your fingerprint.
HearingLife proudly provides professionally fit hearing devices for all different budgets and offers flexible payment plans. We support our customers throughout their journey with personalized care for the life of the hearing aid, at no additional cost. You can be assured that our recommendations and individualized care result in better hearing and money well spent. Read more about OTC hearing aids at HearingLife.
| HearingLife Hearing Aids | Over-The-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids |
| Complete hearing assessment | No professional hearing evaluation; self-diagnosis |
| Medical concerns can be addressed | Medical concerns are left unchecked |
| Product selection based on hearing loss and lifestyle needs | No guidance for product selection |
| Solutions can be provided for all levels of hearing loss | Only address mild-to-moderate hearing loss |
| Custom fit hearing aids | Universal fit hearing aids, no customization |
| Hearing devices provide clearer hearing, with 360° of sound, and adjust to background noise | Hearing aid makes sound louder, not clearer |
| Hearing aids built on advanced platforms with the latest technology | Very limited, basic technology |
| Professional support, virtual or in-person, for hearing aid issues, problems, etc. | Minimal support |
| Fine-tuning and hearing aid adjustments as needed | Hearing aids not able to be professionally fine-tuned |
Choosing the right hearing aid type can be complicated. There are several factors to consider, and it is always best to receive advice from an expert. A hearing care professional has vast knowledge about the different types of hearing loss and is qualified to recommend the best hearing aid type for your individual hearing needs.
The process of choosing the right hearing aid starts with measuring your hearing loss by booking a hearing assessment.
Hearing aids with background noise reduction assist the user in noisy situations. They reduce the volume of loud background noises, making it easier for the user to hear important sounds (like speech).
All hearing aids have some amount of noise reduction available. The amount of noise reduction varies from model to model.
Hearing aid 'feedback' is an annoying, high-pitched sound. It can occur when sound coming from the hearing aid speaker goes back into the hearing aid microphone and is amplified again. This process causes feedback to occur. Historically, hearing aid users have suffered from these uncomfortable feedback noises. However, modern hearing aids have dramatically less feedback issues.
Hearing technology has developed dramatically in recent years. For example, Oticon’s latest hearing aids have changed the way hearing aids work to process sound. Instead of only picking up sound from straight ahead, the hearing aids deliver the entire 360-degree sound environment to your brain, thereby reducing the effort it takes you to listen (resulting in less mental fatigue).
You can speak to an hearing care professional who can take your personal hearing needs into account and provide the information you need to make the right decision for you.
If you suspect that you might have hearing loss, it’s a good idea to schedule a hearing test. A hearing assessment will reveal the severity of your hearing loss. During your appointment, your hearing care expert can also explain what types of hearing aids might suit your needs.
You are welcome to book an appointment at a hearing clinic near you. The hearing test takes approximately one hour, and you will have the chance to ask as many questions as you need. You will also have the opportunity to try out some of the latest hearing aid technology.
There are several factors that can determine which hearing aid is the right model for you. This 3-step guide will help you understand how to find the best hearing aid for you.
