6 Best Hearing Aids for Seniors for Everyday Use

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When looking for hearing aids for your parents, you would want to choose the ones with the best quality and performance possible. However, you may feel overwhelmed by the many types and brands of hearing aids available.

For your consideration, 12 Oaks has compiled a list of the top six hearing aids from various companies, all of which have unique styles, sound quality, and designs.

 

The Basics of Hearing Aids That You Need to Know

Essential Components of Hearing Aids

The three parts that make up a hearing aid are the microphone, the amplifier, and the speaker.

The microphone picks up sound, then transforms it into electrical impulses, and finally transmits them to the amplifier. The amplifier increases those signals before being sent to the ear via a speaker.

 

Styles of Hearing Aids

Behind-The-Ear (BTE).

This design consists of an earmold made of plastic that fits inside the outer ear and is attached to a hard plastic case worn behind the ear. The earmold serves as a conduit for the sound to enter the ear. Seniors of all ages with mild to severe hearing loss can use BTE devices.

 

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) is a new kind of BTE.

The primary distinction between RIC models and traditional BTEs is that users set the RIC receiver inside the dome or earmold instead of placing the receiver behind the ear. Thanks to this feature, the behind-the-ear portion will often be slightly smaller than that of traditional BTEs.

 

In-The-Ear (ITE).

This product is for mild to severe hearing loss. It fits inside the outer ear but does not enter the ear canal entirely.

Some ITE hearing aids may have additional features, such as a telecoil. A telecoil is a tiny magnetic coil that enables users to receive sound via the hearing aid’s electronics rather than through the microphone. This function allows seniors to hear conversations over the telephone with ease.

Different ITE hearing aids include traditional ITE, in-the-canal aids, completely-in-canal aids, and invisible-in-canal.

 

Additional Crucial Features

  • Programs. Different programs are set up for the best audio quality in various environments, such as restaurants, vehicles, or quiet areas. Our seniors can switch between programs using remote controls, physical buttons, or apps. Some modern hearing aids can recognize when your elderly family member needs to change programs and do it automatically.
  • Bluetooth. Your parents can connect their hearing aids via BlueTooth to a phone, smart TV, or other devices to receive high sound quality. Users may also have access to a program switcher app from the manufacturer by pairing their phone with Bluetooth.
  • Telecoil. This optional component uses electromagnetism to take in sound differently than a conventional microphone. Turning on the telecoil will allow our seniors to hear the sound without extra background noise.

 

Tips for Choosing the Best Hearing Aids for Seniors

Get Your Senior a Checkup

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Having a hearing professional examine your parents’ hearing will help rule out easily treatable reasons for hearing loss, such as earwax or an infection. An audiologist carries out a hearing test to determine the root causes and extent of hearing loss. After that, they will suggest the best hearing aid for your elderly family member.

 

Look for Companies With a Good Reputation for Quality

It’s vital to opt for a reputable company so your parents can stay away from low-quality products. Finding businesses with a good reputation may be simple, but selecting businesses online is more challenging. Select a hearing aid company that has attracted favorable publicity or mentions from professionals in the field. In this regard, you may want to avoid brands that seem new and lack reviews.

 

Check for a Trial Period

A hearing aid typically comes with a trial period. Our senior citizens might need time to acclimate to the device. Therefore, trial periods enable them to determine whether it’s the correct choice. Before starting the trial, asking what fees are nonrefundable if you ever choose to return the item is a good idea.

 

Consider the Future Needs of Your Parent

A hearing aid’s average lifespan is five years. Does your chosen hearing aid remain functional if the hearing loss of your parents worsens? If you are thinking long-term, it will help to look for upgradable devices.

 

Get Prepared for the Cost

Advanced technology is not cheap so be prepared for the cost. As most hearing aids are sold separately, you should remember to multiply the prices by two if your parents have hearing loss in both ears. A pair of hearing aids in 2022 ranges roughly from $1,200 to over $8,000.

 

The Best Hearing Aids for Seniors in 2022

MDHearingAid

The goal of MDHearingAid is to provide clients with affordable devices. All products have a 90-day warranty and a 45-day return policy- plus, they all cost less than $2,000 per set.

This brand is unique because you can take your hearing exam online, which is potentially time-saving. However, although the hearing test and product recommendations are free, they aren’t a substitute for a professional audiologist visit to address profound hearing loss.

 

Lively 2 Pro

The Lively 2 Pro offers the most immersive hearing experience because it has a music mode and streaming capabilities, which can enhance the sound of live music.

Lively provides free shipping and returns, a 3-year warranty, and a 100-day trial. However, one drawback is that it isn’t the most affordable product on today’s list. For example, each pair of the Lively 2 Plus model costs $1,595, while the Lively 2 Pro costs $1,995.

 

Eargo

One pair of Eargo hearing aids includes the devices, a charger, and additional accessories. Their equipment is designed for those who have mild to moderate hearing loss. Eargo’s hearing aids simultaneously minimize background noise and improve high frequencies, providing excellent sound quality.

Eargo offers four different hearing aid models: the Max, Neo HiFi, Eargo 5, and Eargo 6, of which prices range from $1,450 to $2,950. Eargo’s Max and Neo HiFi come with a 1-year warranty, while the other two models have a 2-year warranty.

 

Starkey

Starkey manufactures various hearing aids for persons with different hearing loss levels and those living and working in different hearing environments. Depending on the model, each Starkey hearing aid is stylish, well-fitting, and available in a choice of colors.

There are four models offered by Starkey, including:

  • Evolv AI (~$2,500 to $4,200 per pair)
  • Livio Edge AI (~$4,900 per pair)
  • Livio AI (~$2,500 to $4,000 per pair)
  • Livio (~$2,000 to $3,900 per pair)

 

The Starkey Livio Edge AI includes numerous unique features such as Bluetooth technology, fall detection, and language translation. In addition, the standard guarantee for Starkey hearing aids is three years – plus a one-time replacement for loss, theft, and damage.

 

Audicus

Audicus offers affordable hearing aids with ergonomic fittings. These small and nearly invisible devices help prevent earwax buildup around the unit. Unfortunately, their products only target mild to moderately severe hearing loss. They are not ideal for extreme to profound hearing loss.

According to SeniorLiving.org, Audicus hearing aids start at approximately $499 each, and customers may get a pair for about $1,000.

 

Signia

Your parents can conveniently charge the Styletto Connect – one model from Signia with a small, portable charger. Also, these hearing aids have a lithium-ion charging case that allows for four days of uninterrupted streaming.

According to the brand, they offer a natural hearing experience with clear sound quality. These devices double as high-tech earbuds enabling your seniors to stream TV and music and answer telephone calls.

Depending on the technology level and style, Signia’s products range in price from $700 to $2,290 for a single device.

For your parents to have the highest caliber and immersive experience possible, consider taking them to an audiologist for guidance. First, they will assess the underlying reasons for the hearing loss and its severity. Then, they can suggest the best hearing aid for your senior family member at a reasonable price.

 

If you have questions about hearing aids for seniors or any conditions discussed here, connect with us and learn more. 

At 12 Oaks, our team of caring professionals is dedicated to keeping residents safe, engaged, and connected to their families and friends while leading fulfilling lives. 12 Oaks communities are an ideal place to enjoy the encore season of life.

For questions or to book a scheduled personalized tour, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

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Are you searching for senior living help? At 12 Oaks Senior Living, we would love to learn more about your unique needs and the opportunity we may have to help you meet them. Our blog is one of the valuable resources we provide to inform and encourage seniors to lead fulfilling and thriving lives. Contact us today to schedule a virtual tour.

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