According
to the World Health Organization statistics, over 1.5 billion people
live with hearing loss across the world, and the number is expected to rise to
over 2.5 billion by 2030. People with hearing threshold of less than 20
dB have a hearing problem. Early onset childhood hearing loss, chronic
middle ear infections, noise-induced hearing loss, aging, ototoxic drugs are
some of the causes that can damage inner ear. Being hard on hearing can lead to
frustration, social isolation, depression, and speed cognitive decline. Hearing
aids serve as the perfect alternative to revitalize the lives of those with
hearing loss condition and may improve long-term cognition.
Hearing
aids do not look like big, bulky, beige, and prominent behind-the-ear models that
just sit uncomfortable around the ear anymore. They have evolved from being
chunky medical devices to very discreet devices, tuned specifically to one’s
hearing loss. Most of the advanced hearing aids available in the market today
consists of conveniences such as smartphone controls, Bluetooth connectivity,
rechargeability, background noise reduction, directional & open 3600
sound with movement, and many other impressive features. Since every individual
has different causes for hearing problems and requirements, they must choose
one that suits their hearing loss, lifestyle, how their brain process sounds,
and personal preferences.
Here
are some of the best hearing aid devices, designed to make life better for
people with hearing disabilities.
Phonak Audéo Paradise
Introduced
in 2020, Phonak Paradise is one of the best hearing aids available in the
market today. The latest offering boasts all new Processing Real-time
Intelligent Sound Management (PRISM), which provides more Bluetooth
connectivity options and power output than its predecessor models such as
Phonak Marvel range. The app allows users to manage the listening environment
such as volume, bass/treble balance, etc. and have a noise cancellation feature
as well. The hearing aid is equipped with motion sensors that allow better
hearing and sound directionality which help the wearer to have a conversation
while performing activities like running or walking. A simple double tap allows
the wearer to alleviate the annoyance of numerous buttons presses or activate
Voice Assistants such as Alexa, Siri or Google on your smartphone. Just like
previous versions like Phonak Belong and Marvel, the Paradise comes with
rechargeable feature and an impressive battery life. The wearer can get a minimum
of 16 hours use from charging the device for 8 hours. If you are looking for a
wholesome hearing experience that gives you more control, then Phonak Audeo
Paradise is the right choice for you.
- Ideal for Bluetooth and streaming
from all devices
- Speech enhancer to improve clarity in
quiet areas
- Tap control makes hearing aid easy to
use
- Best for people with mild and severe
hearing loss
- Rechargeable model that lasts up to
24 hours
- Dynamic noise cancellation
Oticon
More
In Jan 2021, Oticon released a range of hearing aids
named Oticon More, which has become the most popular hearing aids in the world
today. The Oticon More device looks pretty discreet and fits well on the ear of
the wearer. The hearing aid have a rocker type pushbutton that offers multiple
functions such as volume control, program changes, etc. Oticon More hearing aid
is rechargeable and offer users the flexibility for hands-free calling and audio
streaming. Oticon More has a 360 spherical microphone and leading artificial
intelligence features that can capture 12 million real-life situations, which
provides brain a fuller sound landscape. The wearer can also suppress
background noises and prioritize primarily voice with Oticon More for better
hearing in any kind of environment. Oticon More 3 hearing aids are equipped
with Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries. Oticon More 3 has all the core
features but its technology offers less programming customization and support
for background noise. If you are someone looking out for more precision in
sound processing and customization in background noises, then opt for Oticon
More 1. Oticon More 2 can be ideal for you if you spend more time at home or in
small groups as it offers less precision in sound processing and less
customization in background noises.
- Optimal fitting
- Inbuilt Polaris
chip has 2X precision and speed than Velox chip in previous generations
- User develops
complete awareness of their environment
- Available in seven
different colors
- Built-in power
bank providing minimum of 3 hours of charging, when away from power source
- miniRITE T style
to suit clients who prefer disposable batteries
ReSound
ONE
The all-new ReSound ONE Behind-the-Ear hearing aids is
built with world-class technology to help people with moderate to severe
hearing loss deliver an outstanding sound quality. The powerful hearing aids have
best-in-class rechargeability and facilitate hands-free calling for iPhone and
iPad. The impressive ReSound ONE technology is designed to deliver excellent
sound quality with a truly individualized hearing experience, whether in a busy
restaurant or on a Facetime with a friend. ReSound One hearing aids support the
brain’s natural ability to hear and deliver sound adapting to individual’s
needs and create spatial awareness in all environments. The Behind-the-Ear
style in the ReSound ONE comes with a ground-breaking M&RIE (Microphone
& Receiver-In-Ear with extra microphone in the ear canal) that uses the
unique shape of every individual’s ear to collect sound. The natural
localization and noise-cancelling function eliminates trouble hearing in noisy
environments. Rechargeable batteries provide user power up to 30 hours on a three-hour
charge.
- Rechargeable and come with
traditional battery options as well
- Accommodate mild to profound hearing
loss
- Lightweight, comes in a range of
styles
- Stremlined fitting to ensure seamless
first fit
- Regular software updates for enhanced
customer satisfaction
- Connect to a range of wireless
accessories
- Available in 10 models
Starkey
Evolv AI
In
August 2021, Starkey introduced their latest hearing aid offering, Evolv AI that
comes in different range of styles and four different technology levels. Available
in rechargeable and standard battery options, Starkey’ Evolv AI hearing aid
helps to treat hearing loss, but also provide essential tools to the wearer for
meeting individual goals and perform social interactions. Evolv AI, like its
predecessors incorporates motion sensors that tracks physical movement and
detects falls. The Edge mode provides real-time and temporary adjustments to
your hearing aid’s settings with the intent of improving clarity and comfort. The
“optimized” setting remains until you choose to change them according to your
current listening environment. The Starkey smart phone app, Thrive Hearing
Control provides a wide array of controls such as program change, volume
changes, equalizer, TeleHear, hearing aid self-check, etc.
- Custom-fit wireless options
- Compatible with iOS and Android compatibility
- Available hands-free calling
- Select language of speaker for a translation of speech
- Rechargeable custom hearing instrument
- Mini Remote Mic and standard Remote Mic+ for improved
hearing in restaurants, lecture halls, etc.
WS
Audiology Widex MOMENT
With “ultrafast” ZeroDelay and
PureSound technologies, Widex MOMENT promises to deliver pure and natural sound.
The hearing aid device deliver sound to the eardrum faster by lowering the
chances for frequency interference in the earcanal. The signature True-Input
Technology of the Widex reduces peak-clipping and distortion. The MOMENT mRIC
is the smallest rechargeable lithium-ion RIC, which provides improved moisture
protection compared to the silver-zinc batteries used with disposable
batteries. SoundSense Learn machine learning technology builds the foundation
for the personalized sound enhancement which leads to greater listening comfort
and subjective sound quality. Widex offers the most comprehensive remote care,
which allows audiologist to make all of the same adjustments to your hearing
aids.
- High-fidelity sound quality
- Solid performance in noisy
environments
- Ideal for people with one-sided
deafness
- Offers a range of 30 hearing aid
models and 15 accessories
- Best brands for musicians
- Smallest rechargeable lithium-ion RIC
hearing aid
- Optimizes sound settings in real-time
- Available with disposable batteries
and rechargeable option
According to TechSci Research
report on “Hearing Aid Devices
Market – Global Industry Size,
Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2017-2027 Segmented By Type
(Prescription-Based v/s Over-the-Counter), By Type (Hearing Aid Devices,
Hearing Implants), By style (Behind-the-ear-aids, In-the-ear-aids,
In-the-canal-aids, and On-the-ear-aids), By types of hearing loss
(Sensorineural v/s Conductive), By Product type (wireless v/s wired), by
technology type (digital v/s analog), By patient type (adult v/s pediatric), By
Distribution Channel (offline v/s online), By Region, By Company”, the global hearing aid
devices market is expected to reach a market value of USD18.72 billion in 2021,
registering a steady CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. The market growth
can be attributed to the rising prevalence of hearing loss and increasing
geriatric population. Besides, growing technological advancements and introduction
of aesthetically appealing hearing aid devices.