Eargo’s earbuds are small and discreet, with users in verified reviews saying they forget the devices are in their ears. In addition, they have a unique silicone tips that resemble flowers, palm trees or fishing flies for a comfortable fit.
Other important features to consider include telecoil support, Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music or hands-free calls and a Tinnitus Sound Generator that can drown out tinnitus. You should also consider technology levels and warranty duration when comparing prices.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) devices
BTE devices sit behind your ear and connect to the ear canal via a clear tube. They are usually the smallest hearing aid style, and are suitable for most people. They have more space for features than smaller styles, like directional microphones that help you better hear in noisy environments. Their larger size also allows them to hold bigger batteries, which can last longer so you don't have to replace them as often.
While many of the hearing aids we tested are BTE models, it’s important to take into consideration the type and severity of your hearing loss and what you’ll need from a device. Some manufacturers offer a BTE with additional features like directional microphones for noise reduction, and others have a model that’s more suited to people with high-frequency hearing loss or who need a boost in their lower range of sounds.
Some BTEs are available in open-fit styles, which leave the ear canal completely open and allow low frequencies to enter naturally while enhancing higher ones. This can make them appropriate for some people with mild to moderate low-frequency hearing loss.
In general, BTE devices are among the most reliable on the market because the microphones and controls are encased in their main body, so they're less likely to fail because of moisture or wax build-up. They are also easier to handle and fit in your ear, making them a good choice for people with limited dexterity.
Considering that most hearing aids can be returned within a specific time frame, it’s a smart idea to read over your device’s return policy to make sure you understand what the process is and what your options are for getting a new pair if the first one doesn't work out. For example, the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose has a generous 45-day trial, one-year warranty, and ongoing lifetime support. best hearing aids
Another option for a return-friendly pair is the Eargo 6. The company’s audiologists will talk you through your individualized audiogram, and if you have one, you can upload it to the app to get a baseline. Then, you can use the audiologist's recommendations for adjustments in the Eargo 6 to improve your listening experience.
In-the-ear (ITE) devices
A popular choice, in-the-ear (ITE) devices sit comfortably in the outer ear. They are larger than IIC and CIC styles, which allows them to house more power for amplification and to include features like directional microphones to improve sound pickup in noisy environments. The size also means that they’re easier to handle and clean, which is a plus for users with dexterity issues who may find smaller models difficult to manage.
In-the-ear hearing aids can be custom-made for each user to fit the curves of their ear, which adds a level of comfort that you might not experience with off-the-shelf models. ITE hearing aids are a good choice for anyone with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Some ITE models, such as the Jabra Enhance Select 100 and 200 and the ReSound Omnia, are rechargeable for added convenience. These devices are IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, meaning they can be submerged in up to a meter of water without damage. They can also be synced to smartphones for hands-free calls and streaming of music and TV shows.
Other ITE hearing aids, such as the Oticon Own and ReSound Inspire Q, are compatible with a wide range of accessories that can enhance their capabilities. The Oticon Own, for example, can connect to smart home systems for automated functions like turning on lights and locking the door. The ReSound Inspire Q, on the other hand, can connect to your mobile phone for hands-free calling and stream audio directly from your smartphone.
Whether you choose an ITE device or one of the other options listed, it’s important to consult your audiologist before making a purchase. Audiologists deal with hearing loss patients on a daily basis and can help you weigh your options to find a solution that meets your needs and budget.
In addition to helping you find the right type of hearing aid for your needs, your audiologist can educate you on how to best use it and keep it in optimal condition. For instance, if you choose an OTC model such as the Eargo 6 that is designed to be completely wireless and easy to use, your audiologist can talk you through how to properly position it in your ears and how to clean it without damaging it.
Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) devices
RIC devices are a great choice for people who want a discreet device that can provide excellent sound quality. They are smaller and more comfortable than many other styles, but they are still powerful enough to treat most types of hearing loss. They can be customized to your specific needs and are available in a variety of colors. They also have a longer battery life than some other devices, and they can be worn while swimming or playing sports.
The Oticon More is a highly-rated RIC hearing aid that offers world-class technology with a slim, stylish fit. It can improve speech understanding by up to 150%, and it can reduce background noise, making it a good choice for people who spend a lot of time in noisy environments. It’s also easy to use, and it provides a range of additional features, including automatic speech enhancement, CROS transmission, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Phonak Audeo Lumity is another RIC device with an impressive feature set. It can detect your environment, and it will automatically adjust your settings based on noise levels and other factors. It can even help you locate a lost phone or find your way out of a darkened building by using its built-in GPS function to pinpoint where you are in the room.
These devices are suitable for most people who need a hearing aid, but they’re not an ideal option for people with permanent perforations in the eardrum or mastoid bone, or those who produce a lot of earwax. These conditions can lead to a buildup of wax and blockage in the receiver, which will cause the hearing aid to stop working properly.
If you’re in the market for a new hearing aid, it’s important to take the time to choose the right style. Consider the various benefits and drawbacks of different options before you make your decision. Talk to your audiologist for more information about different devices and their features. They’ll be able to advise you on the best type of hearing aid for your lifestyle and budget. Best of all, they can help you get the most out of your new hearing aids and enjoy your life to the fullest.
Mini CIC devices
Mini CIC devices are the smallest hearing aids, and they fit snugly inside the ear canal to give you the best sound quality. They're completely hidden, with only a small removal tab visible in the outer ear, so they're discreet and nearly invisible for anyone but you. They're also lightweight and comfortable to wear, which is important if you'll be wearing them for long periods of time.
A great feature of CIC hearing aids is that they don't obstruct the outer ear, so sounds collect in your outer ear and funnel to the device in a way that feels natural to you. And since they sit further down in your ear canal, they tend to pick up less wind noise than other types of hearing aids.
Another big plus of CIC devices is that you can still use your hands to hold things like a drink or book, and they're safe to wear while doing sports or taking part in other activities. This makes them perfect for active lifestyles, and the fact that they're easy to handle is a big selling point for many people who are considering purchasing them.
Our panelists spent a week with each pair of hearing aids and wore them throughout their everyday lives. They used them while doing Pilates, visiting grandchildren, and chatting on the phone, and they reported back with detailed notes about how comfortable and functional they were in different environments. Some models whose tiny buttons or charging issues frustrated them were disqualified early on, but others proved to be a good fit and earned a spot in our top picks.
If you're interested in finding out if you're a candidate for mini CICs, we encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment with one of our hearing care professionals near you. They can help you determine your hearing loss and help you find the perfect set of hearing aids to meet your needs. You can also browse our selection of mini CIC models and other hearing aid types online to get a feel for what's available.