What Are The Best Hearing Aids on The Market?
As has been our custom over the last couple of years, we thought it was about time that we started detailing the best hearing aids available for 2018. This article, like the ones that have preceded it, will be a living document that is constantly updated. Already this year we have seen some exciting announcements about new hearing aid technology from Starkey. Elsewhere on the blog, I have discussed hearing aid innovations in 2018 that I think will change everything. Here though, I think my job is to keep you abreast of the very latest and best hearing aids available from the big hearing aid brands.
This article will change as time goes by and more stuff is introduced this year. Initially, I will detail the latest platforms available from each manufacturer. Then, as announcements are made about new introductions they will be added to the top of the article. So, here we go, let's take a look at the top rated hearing aids for 2018.
Top Rated Hearing Aids
Phonak
Audeo Marvel Hearing Aids
Made For Any Phone Hearing Aids
Phonak introduced Marvel to the world at EUHA 2018 and it is a pretty amazing hearing aid range. The Marvel isn't just a Made For iPhone, it is a Made For Any Phone hearing aid. It is a true Bluetooth hearing aid in all that the concept is. Initially, the new Marvel range will be available in the Audeo type which is Phonak's Receiver In Canal style of hearing aids. However, they will expand the range as time passes. Their initial offering is a Lithium-Ion powered rechargeable hearing aid version and a traditional size 312 Zinc-Air version. My advice would be to go for the rechargeable version because I think these things are going to be power hungry.
While Phonak had introduced the concept of Made For Any Phone with the Audeo B-Direct, that device was a compromise. It connected to phones but only allowed you to hear the call in one ear. It also didn't stream audio from your phone. The Marvel hearing device is a hugely multi-functional and feature-rich hearing aid which streams audio to both ears. There is actually a huge amount to talk about with the Marvel platform, almost so much that you wonder where to start. The Marvel contains probably every single one of the current headline features in the hearing aid world, and they have even thrown in some new ones, here’s the quick list:
- Stereo Bluetooth streaming: Stereo streaming from any Bluetooth enabled device, that means iPhone, iPad, laptops, computers, Macs, Android phones, Windows phones, hell any Bluetooth-enabled phone.
- Real Hands-free calling in stereo: Like the Audeo B-direct, the Marvel offers true hands-free calling from Bluetooth-enabled phones and VOIP services like Skype, except, to both hearing aids.
- TV Streaming: Marvel can stream directly from Bluetooth-enabled TVs, and can also stream from the Phonak TV Connector accessory.
- Rechargeability: They say both Marvel rechargeables will deliver a full day of hearing aid use from a single charge.
- Remote adjustments: Marvel hearing aids can be adjusted remotely by your hearing expert.
- New App Eco-System: Brand new apps to make life easier and engage the consumer in the process.
- RogerDirect: This is really fascinating, for the first time, users will be able to stream from Roger devices directly to their hearing aids.
- Full Phonak Feature Set: Unlike the Audeo B-direct, the Marvel devices will not be hobbled, they will offer full and up to date inter-ear features.
Audeo Marvel Hearing Aid Prices
We would expect the Audeo Marvel range to be sold at prices from £800.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1000.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1000.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
Four Levels of Technology
The Audeo Marvel will be available in four levels of technology when they are released. It appears that only the Audeo M-R and the Audeo M-312 will be released initially but we are unsure of the release date. From what I can see, the rechargeable hearing aid model will be available at all four levels of technology which is good. Originally it was only available in the top three of the Belong range.
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Find Out MoreResound LiNX Quattro
Resound are introducing a new hearing device that they are calling a premium plus device. The devices should be available in September and they look more than interesting. The Quattro range is made up of two different hearing aids, a rechargeable Receiver In Canal and a standard powered RIC. The rechargeable RIC is a Lithium-Ion powered hearing aid and it offers amazing performance for its size. They say it will deliver 24 hours of use even if you are streaming for 50% of the time.
If you don't stream, it will provide 30 hours of use, in essence for most users that is two days. The rechargeable device comes in its own charger case which provides an extra three charges. So if you go away for a long weekend and forget your plug, you should have no problems. It is a completely new chipset for Resound and they have done an amazing amount of re-design in their software and features.
You can read more about the LiNX Quattro here.
Starkey Livio AI
The much anticipated Livio AI from Starkey has now been launched and there has been a huge buzz about them in the tech world. We will see how that buzz transfers to consumers over the next couple of months. I think that the premise of the Livio AI opens up an entirely new use case for hearing aids and may well make the devices far more attractive to new consumers.
I think they point the way towards the future of hearing aids as an integrated health device. It will be very interesting to see how consumers receive them. I think they will be well received by both older users and younger users, while many think older users aren't as techy, there are still features here that will excite them.
I think younger users will be excited by the entire package and what it represents. The premise of the devices represents a great leap forward for hearing aid technology in general. Starkey says, welcome to the revolution, and for once, that actually isn't quite marketing fluff.
The Big News A Hearing Aid That's a Health Tracker and More
The Livio AI is truly a multifunctional device that combines features from wireless headsets, fitness trackers and health apps, and finally, language translation programs. All of that, and it appears to be a very interesting hearing aid as well. The keys to all of this are a brand new chipset, an embedded sensor on the chipset and 2.4Ghz communication between the hearing aid and a smartphone. This allows the monitoring of movement and a deeper instantaneous communication between the hearing aids and a smartphone which has been leveraged to deliver real user benefits.
You really should read more about this interesting new hearing aid here
Signia Styletto
Signia is introducing a new Lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid they are calling the Styletto (pronounced Style-Etto). The devices are a break from the nor with a completely new form factor design. Signia decided to design something that would be very different from anything else and they have succeeded. They are very different from anything that has come before.
A New Form Factor
Firstly, the new devices will be available on the Nx platform and they will be available in the three levels of technology. They will also have the Own Voice feature that has been pretty successful for Signia. The devices will be suitable for mild to moderate hearing losses mainly. They will not be Made For iPhone enabled, however, they will have the Signia wireless protocol. As you can see the devices are unlike anything that is currently available.
You can read much more about the Signia Styletto and my experience with them here
Bernafon Zerena Custom Made For iPhone Hearing Aids
Initially and like Oticon, Bernafon offered the Zerena in behind the ear type devices only. I have worn a set for a while now and I have to say I have been impressed with them. Now they are ready to release their In The Ear range and they have started to publicise the devices. They have also introduced two new lower-end technology levels to the Zerena platform the Zerena 3 and the Zerena 1. You can see the feature overviews below, click on the image to show a larger image for easier reading.
Five Zerena Custom Hearing Aid Types
The new Zerena customs will be available in five different In The Ear models at five different technology levels. That's an IIC. a CIC, an ITC, a Half Shell ITE and a Full Shell ITE. The last three in that list will be Made For iPhone hearing aids which will make many people happy. It makes Bernafon the joint second hearing aid brand with Oticon to offer Made For iPhone custom hearing aids.
You can read more about the Zerena Custom Made For iPhone Hearing Aids Here
Oticon Opn Custom Hearing Aids
Oticon has just announced the introduction of Opn custom hearing aid types at one of their big events. They say that they will be launched in quarter four this year. The launch will complete the Opn range which will then consist of a complete range of hearing aid types.
Custom Made For iPhone Hearing Aids
Most of the new Opn custom hearing aids will be Made For iPhone enabled which means direct streaming to most Apple devices. Oticon is just the second brand to introduce in the ear hearing aids that are Made For iPhone enabled.
Oticon is keeping the details of the custom range very tight at this stage, however, we do know what styles will be offered. As we get a clearer idea about the full details, we will update this piece. The Opn customs will be available from full shell all the way down to invisible in the canal. However, they will not all be Made For iPhone which is pretty much in line with what is on offer from the only other brand in this market sector. The line up is as follows:
- ITE Full Shell (Made For iPhone)
- ITE Half Shell (Made For iPhone)
- ITC In The Canal (Made For iPhone)
- CIC Completely In Canal (Not Made For iPhone but is wireless)
- IIC Invisible In Canal (Not Made For iPhone, not wireless)
You can read more about the Oticon Opn Custom Hearing Aids here
Bernafon Zerena 9
Bernafon is a brand that we have just begun to take notice off. They are a Swiss brand that have been around for a long time, however, for a couple of reasons I explained in the article Bernafon and why I was wrong about them we have begun to become interested in what they are doing. I have actually been wearing a set of the Zerena 9 MiniRITEs and using them with their remote mic. I have been impressed and you can see the review of the Bernafon Zerena 9 here.
Made For iPhone Hearing Aids
The Zerena 9 range are all Made For iPhone enabled which allows direct connection to Apple products. The Zerena will also connect to a host of wireless accessories, one of which is the Soundclip-A. The device is a small and attractive multi-functional accessory that acts as a streamer for audio from Android phones, a remote control and finally a remote microphone for use in difficult sound situations.
The Models
There are three models available in the range at the moment and one of them has a rechargeable option. The custom in the ear hearing aids from this range are to be released this year some time. No word on whether they will be Made For iPhone though.
miniRITE Hearing Aid
The minRITE is a small receiver in the ear hearing aid that is suitable for hearing losses from the mild to severe. It can use four different speakers which means it is suitable for most hearing losses. As with the rest of the range, it has twin radios, one which is a Bluetooth radio and the other which is a proprietary Bernafon radio. The Bluetooth radio makes these hearing aids Made For iPhone, the proprietary radio is used for communication between the hearing aids which ensures settings and features are co-ordinated and act in a more effective manner. The hearing aid works on a 312 battery and it comes with a programme button.
miniRITE Rechargeable Hearing Aid
The minRITE rechargeable hearing aid is exactly the same as the miniRITE with the exception of rechargeability. It uses a ZPower silver Zinc rechargeable system which delivers a full day of use on an overnight charge. The ZPower system is such that if you forget to charge your hearing aids or if something happens, you can switch to normal hearing aid batteries without any issues.
miniRITE T Hearing Aid
The minRITE T is again small receiver in the ear hearing aid that is suitable for hearing losses from the mild to severe. It can also use four different speakers which means it is suitable for most hearing losses. This hearing aid has three radios, one which is a Bluetooth radio, the proprietary Bernafon radio and a Tele-coil. The Bluetooth radio makes these hearing aids Made For iPhone, the proprietary radio is used for communication between the hearing aids which ensures settings and features are co-ordinated and act in a more effective manner and the Tele-coil receives broadcasts from a loop system (very handy). The hearing aid works on a 312 battery and it comes with a multi-functional button that also acts as a volume control.
BTE 105
The BTE 105 is a traditional behind the ear hearing aid that is suitable for hearing losses from the mild to severe. It can be used with a slim tube or a traditional tube and mould. This hearing aid has three radios, one which is a Bluetooth radio, the proprietary Bernafon radio and a Tele-coil. The Bluetooth radio makes these hearing aids Made For iPhone, the proprietary radio is used for communication between the hearing aids which ensures settings and features are co-ordinated and act in a more effective manner and the Tele-coil receives broadcasts from a loop system (very handy). The hearing aid works on a 13 battery and it comes with a multi-functional button that also acts as a volume control.
In general, I have been really happy with the hearing aids and absolutely ecstatic with the Soundclip-A and I would recommend them to you.
Unitron Moxi All
In late February Unitron announced the introduction of the Moxi All, a new Made For Any Phone hearing aid on the Tempus platform. The hearing aid is very interesting, not only is it a Made For All, it is also a rechargeable hearing aid. I think that this move by Unitron is a little stroke of genius, the Bluetooth protocol that is used to provide the connection to any Bluetooth enabled mobile phone is quite power hungry. Using a rechargeable system to power the aids means that users won't have any issues with power consumption and short-lived traditional hearing aid batteries.
A Headset Approach
The main pro here apart from the fact that it will connect to any phone is that the Moxi All will act just like a Bluetooth headset. They have been designed to allow you to both answer and refuse phone calls with a touch of the button on the hearing aids. They will also act to stream the call to the aids and to stream your voice back to the caller. Simply put, as with the Audeo B-Direct, you won't need to touch your phone, it could be twenty feet away and you can still take a call and speak to the caller without ever needing to look for it.
No Streaming Music From Your Phone
Unfortunately, the Moxi All will not allow you to stream music or audiobooks from your phone. While for some this won't be an issue, for others it might. Otherwise, the Moxi All looks like a really solid device that will be available at a range of price points.
I have worn the Moxi All myself and you can see my review of the Moxi All devices here.
Phonak Naida Belong
In February, Phonak introduced the Naida Belong hearing aid range. The much-awaited upgrade of their hearing aid range for profound hearing loss. I have heard elsewhere the Naida described as a Dynasty. I thought to myself that is a good description. The new range comes in three models, two traditional BTE devices and a rechargeable Reciever In Canal model. That is the first ever rechargeable hearing aid in this niche offering. The Naida has been the go-to hearing aid for people with severe to profound hearing loss for many years. This latest upgrade looks sure to ensure that remains so.
Three Models, Four Levels of Tech, All The Latest Features
There are three hearing aid models, two of them come across the four levels of tech while the Rechargeable Naida is only available in the top three levels. They have all of the latest features from the Belong range but offer a new proprietary fitting formula called Adaptive Phonak Digital Contrast. Phonak say that the new formula offers real benefits to some people who have real difficulty with hearing speech sounds. In essence, the formula should really contrast the consonant sounds from the vowel sounds in speech to allow better understanding.
You can read more about the Naida Belong range here
Starkey Muse iQR
In january, Starkey announced the introduction of a new addition to their Muse iQ range of hearing aids. They said that they were introducing a brand new rechargeable hearing aid to the range and that it would be available from February.
First Rechargeable CROS Hearing Aid
The Muse iQR hearing aids are now available, they are built on Starkey’s latest Synergy® platform and Acuity™ OS operating system. They are a Lithium-Ion based rechargeable hearing aid device and they will offer 30 hours of use with streaming, full-day charging in less than three hours, a portable charging case for rapid 15-minute and “weekend” charges, a telecoil and finally, a CROS rechargeable system for individuals with a single-sided hearing loss.
20% Longer, The Smallest, First CROS
Starkey says that the aids have 20% more power than their competitors offering longer run time than anyone else. They also say that the Muse iQR is the smallest rechargeable hearing aid on the market, whether that is the smallest Lithium-Ion rechargeable or just the smallest rechargeable, I am unsure. This is also the first rechargeable CROS device suitable for people with single-sided deafness.
Signia Nx Hearing Aids
Signia introduced their new hearing aid platform the Nx in late 2018. The latest platform from Signia has three hearing aid models at three levels of technology. They are all behind the ear type models with two RICs and one traditional BTE, they are all also Made For iPhone hearing aids. Signia is just introducing a multi-functional streamer that will allow streaming from Android phones.
Three Models, Three Levels of Tech
As I said, there are three models initially available across three levels of technology. As is the norm with their tech levels naming system, the levels are the premium 7, the mid-range 5 and the entry level 3. The models themselves are two Receiver In Canal devices and a BTE. Unfortunately, they have not released either a rechargeable version of this new technology nor have they introduced custom in the ear devices.
Signa Px Hearing Aids
The Primax from Signia is still available and it offers a full range of hearing aid types. However, it is an older hearing aid platform and while an excellent offering, If I were you, I would choose the Nx every time. It is a superior offering and it provides the very best features and technology that Signia has to offer.
Telecare
The Nx also offers the most in-depth remote care system available on the market right now. It allows real-time updates of your hearing aids while you are talking to your professional via video call. No one else is offering this yet.
Accompanying App
Signia has also offered an accompanying app called myControl which gives the user deeper control over the hearing aids. The app might not be for everyone, however, it will be a welcome addition for those that like the idea.
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Oticon Opn Hearing Aids
Oticon has slowly introduced the Opn range to the market over the last year and it now stands at three models, one of which is a rechargeable hearing aid. Again, this is a Made For iPhone hearing aid range and they have introduced a cool little multi-functional streamer called the Connect-Clip which allows streaming from Android phones. When Oticon introduced this range, it was obvious from what they were saying that it was different than anything they had introduced before.
They have spoken about the old closed world of hearing aids and how the new devices will open your world. Having worn them, I think they are different from anything that has come before. The directionality system that Oticon uses with the Opn is fantastic and it offers excellent performance in noisy situations. Their Open Sound Navigator system really seems to offer a different experience than any I have ever tried. I think it will take experienced users a little time to get used, new users will know no better.
Three Levels of Technology
The range currently comes in three levels of technology, the premium Opn 1, the mid-level Opn 2 and the entry level Opn 3. The devices are also suitable for multiple hearing losses from mild all the way to severe to profound. As I think you can guess, the Opn range has no custom in the ear hearing aids available. I believe they are coming in 2018.
Accompanying App
Oticon has also offered an accompanying app called the Oticon On app which gives the user deeper control over the hearing aids. Again, apps might not be for everyone, however, it will be a welcome addition for those that like the idea of having more power over the hearing.
There are custom hearing aids available on the older platform from Oticon, but as I have said already if I was you, I would simply swallow my pride and go for one of the new Opns. You will not be sorry.
Resound 3D Hearing Aids
In 2017 GN Resound introduced their latest Made For iPhone hearing aid platform 3D. They first introduced the LiNX 3D range which is a full line up of hearing aids including RIC, BTE and ITE hearing aid models. I have worn the devices and been exceptionally impressed with them. They quickly followed with the launch of their Enzo 3D range which is aimed at people with severe to profound hearing loss. The Enzo 3D has two power BTE models to choose from.
Telecare
The 3D also offers an in-depth remote care system, it will allow you to request changes from your app and your professional can make changes and send them back to your hearing aid. Your professional can make really in-depth changes to your hearing aids and it could be used as a real-time system. However, it isn't as functional as the Signia system.
Resound Enzo 3D Super Power Made For iPhone Hearing Aid Range
Resound introduced their Made For iPhone Super Power range the Enzo 3D in 2017. The technology within the range is based on their fantastic LiNX 3D range and they will offer all of the features and the benefits of that platform including the latest features and their telecare system.
Resound Enzo 3D Hearing Aids
They have updated the Enzo Made For iPhone (MFI) hearing aids with their new 3D platform which brings the benefits of that system to people with severe and profound hearing loss. Those benefits include better spatial awareness and much better speech understanding in noise. With Made for iPhone® technology, you can stream phone calls, music and more from your iPhone, iPad® or iPod touch® directly to your hearing aids. If you have an Android or any Bluetooth-enabled phone, you can still stream calls, music and more with a discreet ReSound Phone Clip+ wireless accessory.
Vibrant and crystal clear sound
Like the LiNX 3D range from ReSound, Enzo 3D hearing aids come with the superior sound quality of Surround Sound by ReSound. They work together, continuously exchanging data about your sound environment for optimized performance. There are two hearing aid models available in three levels of technology, the top of the range 9, the 7 and the 5.
We would expect the range to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1400.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1400.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.
Resound
LiNX 3D Hearing Aids
GN Resound finally updated it's Made For iPhone hearing aids by introducing the new LiNX 3D hearing Aid range in 2017. The new range is just that, a full line up of models (twelve) including a rechargeable RIC hearing aid, in three levels of technology. Both I and Steve (Co-Writer here) have worn them and I have to say that both of us like them a lot.
We would expect the range to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1400.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1400.00 to $3200.00 in the USA. Just to be clear, we don't set prices here and they differ from Practice to Practice across the World so our expectations aren't binding, they are just a guess and some research. Always remember, we all like to shop around, but always be clear about what is being delivered. You will need care and support, make sure you will get it. You will also need your hearing aid validated or verified to get the best experience, paying a little more to ensure your experience is good, is not wasted money. That's our price rant for the day over, let's talk about the devices.
The App, Resound Smart 3D
The accompanying app for both the Enzo and the LiNX 3D ranges allows you personalise your hearing experience in a deeper way. It has been re-designed to be more intuitive and easier to use and it offers real control. While this might not be for everyone, for those who want it, it will enrich their experience.
You can read more about the LiNX 3D models in our article LiNX 3D, The Models & Features You Can Expect From The Latest GN Resound Made For iPhone Range and you can take a fuller look at the plain language explanations of the features at The LiNX 3D, The Latest Made For iPhone Hearing Aid Technology.
Confused About The Right Hearing Aid For You?
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Phonak Belong Hearing Aids
Phonak introduced the full Belong range last year, it is their latest hearing aid platform and it replaces the Venture range. The Belong range is a full line of hearing aids with RICs, BTEs and ITEs. It includes two types of rechargeable hearing aids, a rechargeable RIC and a rechargeable BTE. It is also the only hearing aid platform with a titanium hearing aid and a Made For Any Phone hearing aid. The Belong range is available in four levels of technology the B90, the B70, the B50 and the entry level B30, and they have all been well received. Let's take a look at them.
Audeo Belong Hearing Aids
The Audeo is the name Phonak uses as the designation for their Reciever In Canal hearing aids. The range was originally made up of five hearing aids which included a Lithium-Ion powered rechargeable hearing aid. With the addition of the newer Audeo Belong-Direct, the new Made For Any Phone hearing aid it is now six. While the Audeo range is available across four levels of technology, the rechargeable and the Made For Any Phone devices are only available across the top three levels of technology.
Virto Belong Hearing Aids
Virto is the name that Phonak uses to designate their in the ear hearing aids. The range is made up of seven custom hearing aids if you include the Virto B Titanium. The devices are available across the four levels of technology with the exception of the Titanium which is only available in the top two levels of technology.
Bolero Belong Hearing Aids
Bolero is the name that Phonak uses as a designation for their behind the ear hearing aids. The Bolero range is a full model line up with four models. They include the B-M, the B-P, the B-SP, and the rechargeable B-PR. The Bolero range is available across four levels of technology, however, the rechargeable Bolero is only available across the top three levels of technology.
As I said, the Belong range has been well received and I have found it to be excellent. I have one or two customers using Audeo B50 hearing aids and I am exceptionally impressed with their function.
