A hearing aid is not just a hearing aid. That is to say, there are more options to choose from than you might have initially thought. There are numerous styles, ranging from the traditional Behind the Ear (BTE) to Open eat (no earmold, with only a ting tube and dome). Not to mention the array of colors you have to choose from.
With all these options, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on what’s out there and who makes it. For starters, there are two basic types of aids: digital and analog. Most hearing aid companies make digital hearing aids that convert sound into computer data. A few still make analog aids that simply make sounds louder. Added features to both kinds include aids that are resistant to water and sweat.
The list below gives you some additional information on the top four hearing aid manufacturers.
Siemens
Tradition. It’s not surprising to find a company that’s been in the business for at least a century in a list of the top four manufacturers. Siemens has been producing hearing aids for both children and adults since 1910.
Aesthetics. Siemens offers a line of itty bitty, rechargeable receiver in the canal BTE hearing aids, in multiple colors. Siemens knows how to please the artist in us all by offering stylish designs as well.
Features. Advancements in hearing aid technology allow the user to “train” the hearing aid to meet his or her needs. Other features include wireless connectivity, an infant line with dirt and grease resistant coating, extended frequency range for older children, and a direct audio connection to FM transmitters.
Phonak
Affordability and affluence. Phonak’s wide range of hearing aid styles takes into consideration the purse strings of the buyer. Options begin with a basic model that includes feedback blocking and the ability to block background noise. Their most elite model includes advanced features such as the ability to manage sound distortion and the ability to reduce wind noise.
Lifestyle. Do you have an active lifestyle? Are you mostly indoors or do your hearing needs come mostly in an outdoor setting? Or would you just rather not be bothered with putting on and taking off your aid due to your activity choice? Phonak’s “invisible” in-the-canal hearing aid, Lyric, includes a soft exterior that can be worn for extended periods of time without having to take it out. It does not need to be taken out to shower or sleep, but if you’re swimming you need to leave the aid on the sidelines.
Convenience. The Lyric hearing aid can stay hidden in the canal for as long as 120 days per fitting. Of course, if you need to take it out, a removal tool is all you’ll need. It only needs to be replaced about six times a year. This aid is also convenient for your wallet; it is sold on a subscription basis, with customers paying for a full year’s worth of hearing aids at a time.
Age appropriate. Phonak also has a complete line of hearing aids for children and teenagers, with child-friendly designs.
Widex
High Tech. The digital hearing aids manufactured by Widex come with wireless capabilities that allow them to communicate with each other as well as with other devices.
Cataloged. If you are interested in their product line, know that the models are listed in order of production. In other words, the newest models are listed first, and older models bring up the end of the presentation.
Stylistic variety. Widex offers four styles of hearing aids: behind the ear, in the ear, receiver in canal, and completely in the canal. If you’re shopping for a younger wearer, it’s nice to know that their pediatric line of hearing aids comes in light pastel colors.
Starkey
Innovation. Starkey is well known in hearing aid innovation. They were the first to make hearing aids virtually feedback-free. Starkey envisioned and engendered the industry’s first in-canal hearing aid and the first custom, digital and fully programmable invisible hearing aid. Starkey first used nanotechnology in hearing aids, brought touch technology to hearing aids, and made hearing aids waterproof.
Features. Starkey’s hearing aid line offers the following features (among others): noise reduction, feedback cancellation, and automatic telephone listening. Their website is easily navigated, with search options by style or by technology.
Styles. Starkey offers a full range of hearing aid styles with a wide choice of colors and designs. Their pediatric line even features characters from Nickelodeon.
