Leading Hearing Aid Brands of 2020

Phonak's CROS B-R are helpful for those with single-sided deafness.

With so many selections of hearing aid models and brands that have different features, it might be tough to choose the ones that work best for you. Pure Sound is here to guide you through these decisions, and program the devices to suit your personal hearing needs.

A hearing aid is mainly composed of an amplifier, a microphone and a speaker. Advanced technology has made modern hearing aids smaller or nearly invisible to others, by resting deep inside the ear canal. A smaller hearing aid is not always the right option for everyone. Here’s a basic guideline for selecting hearing aids that fit with your specific needs and lifestyle. 

Hearing Aid Brands   

Oticon

The Oticon hearing aids are known to enhance speech comprehension, improve memory, and reduce fatigue when you struggle to listen. At Pure Sound we offer the Oticon’s Alta 2, Oticon’s Dynamo, Oticon's Opn and the Oticon’s Siya. 

Phonak

Phonak’s hearing aids are one of the most popular brands. Not only do they feature an array of styles, including behind-the-ear (BTE), 
CROS and receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) but they also utilize great quality Bluetooth connection to other frequently used devices.

Starkey    

Starkey is a leader in amazing innovations to the hearing aid world. Their latest devices validate this. Starkey’s Livio AI is not simply a well-crafted hearing aid, but it can also translate 27 languages, features a fall detection, measures your heart rate/keeps track of how often you engage in physical activities/exercises, connects with the Amazon Alexa, features Voice-to-Text Transcription, and more.  

Widex

Widex hearing aid devices have been celebrated for their excellent quality in sound. After proper programming, they will automatically adjust to the noise levels in your environment. This model is available in the BTE (behind-the-ear) and ITE (in-the-ear) styles. Here at Pure Sound we offer the Widex Custom hearing aid, Widex Dream, Widex Evoke and Widex Super.  

Selecting the Right Hearing Aids

Get the best hearing aids based on their structure, style, and compatibility with your hearing needs, comfort of the fit and lifestyle. 

BTE (Behind-The-Ear): This style is subtle in visibility. The body (the largest part of the device that rests behind the ear and holds the battery, amplifier, microphone, wires, and other components) is connected to the earpiece (dome) with a thin transparent tube.    

CIC (Completely-In-Canal): This hearing device is placed inside the ear canal, making it invisible to others.

ITC (In-The-Canal): This device is almost invisible from an outsider’s perspective. It can only be seen if you look closely. 

RITE (Receiver-In-The-Ear): A clear tube curves over the ear and goes into the ear canal, making them nearly invisible. Mini-RITEs are available.

You might initially choose the CIC style because of the small size and lack of visibility. You don’t need a hidden style to prevent embarrassment or possible social stigma. The other hearing aids can pass as earbuds, which are so commonly used by everyone these days that nobody really notices what you are wearing in your ears. 

The buttons on the BTE styles are easier to switch on or off, as opposed to the smaller or in-the-ear models. This is useful when you need to make adjustments while wearing them. Users of the BTE styles tend to notice that the device stays in place while wearing them. 

8 Things to Take into Consideration

Type of Hearing Loss

Your specific type of hearing loss and how severe the loss is, will be factored into the hearing aid type and style. 

Comfort

Adapting to new hearing aids takes time and patience, especially if the device is shaped differently than your previous hearing aids. Make sure that the device that you choose feels comfortable to wear in the long-term. They won’t be useful to you if you’re not wearing them and getting your brain used to hearing sounds again. 

Size

As previously mentioned, even though the smallest size may be your first choice, it would be more sensible if you got a hearing aid that you could easily handle, adjust various control options and insert batteries or domes.

Lifestyle

Choose your hearing aids based on your personal lifestyle. How and where do you usually spend your time? What type of activities do you engage in? Do you practice sports or play a musical instrument? Are you frequently in crowds or do you talk to people one-on-one? Your hearing aid provider will be familiar with the latest models and can give you insight on their patients’ experiences.

Source of Power

Prevent future worries or frustrations by investing in a device that easily recharges and/or has batteries that can easily be switched out.

Reducing Feedback Noise 

Sometimes hearing aids create a loud whistling sound. That’s known as feedback noise. This indicates that the devices are not properly fit for your ears, or the space that you occupy at the time is not the ideal area to be, like when using a phone. Discuss these issues with your hearing instrument specialist. They will work with you to find a solution to this problem. 

Warranty

Hearing aids are an investment that’s worth taking care of. They improve your overall health, communication and cognitive function. Get a trusted brand that comes with a good warranty.

Service Centers

If you frequently travel, you may want to select a well-known brand that can be repaired or replaced anywhere.

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss and would like to learn more about hearing aids that would suit your personal needs, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. 

Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag.  We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.  

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