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HEARING AID FEATURES GUIDE: Prices, Reviews, Types, Features

on July 31, 2020

Which Features Should I Consider? Compare Hearing Aid Brands In This Best Features Guide

Compare Open-Fit, Behind-the-Ear, Digital, Adjustable, Invisible, In-the-Canal

There are so many great features to consider in today's hearing aids. Discover the top hearing aid features and which brands have all that you're looking for.

Phonak Audéo Marvel 

Phonak Marvel instruments were the first to allow direct-streaming from any Bluetooth®-enabled audio device, not just Apple products!

Phonak Marvel includes:

  • Offered in rechargeable and non-rechargeable versions
  • Features like onboard EQ and directional focus adjustments in myPhonak app
  • Connect remotely with your hearing care professional through myPhonak app
  • Automatic sound optimization for typical listening environments
  • Picks up phone calls by tapping a button on your hearing aids
  • Hands-free calling, without the need for an accessory microphone
  • Connection to all of Phonak’s latest wireless Roger sound pickup devices for better hearing in background noise
  • Telecoil-enabled models enable audio streaming from hearing loops in public spaces.

 

Signia Pure Charge & Go

Signia's Pure Charge & Go hearing aids use acoustic motion sensors to guide the directionality of the hearing aids microphones. Signia claims that this functionality leads to better hearing in background noise.

Signia Pure Charge & Go features include:

New inductive charging case “with a lid this time”
Acoustic motion sensors for better hearing on the go
20% better battery life than previous generation
New rocker switch for easier program and volume changes, “without having to break out your iPhone”
“Direct access to audio from any Apple product”
Hearing aids are 16% smaller
Improvements to the app

 

Widex Moment (formerly The Evoke)

In March 2020 The Widex MOMENT was released with a refreshed lineup of RIC-style hearing aids.

The Widex MOMENT hearing aids include:

  • An automatic sound classification that optimizes sound for 11 environments
  • Machine-learning enables hearing aids to learn your listening preferences to “optimize your hearing ability and satisfaction”
  • Zen tinnitus program offers fractal tones to combat tinnitus. Zen sounds may be played while hearing aids are being used to hear better.
  • Telecoil available for use in public venues
  • The linear input range of 113 dB helps when listening to music or when trying to understand speech in a noisy situation
  • Addition of ZeroDelay™ and PureSound™ technology for improved sound quality, which is most noticeable for people with milder forms of hearing loss.

 

Starkey Livio AI

 

These instruments offer the following features:

  • First hearing aids to use motion sensors to track a users activity level. This permits the hearing aid to be used as a Fit-Bit.
  • Fall detection is a must-have for many seniors. The Livio is the only instrument to offer this unique feature.
  • Thrive app provides “body score” based on motion sensor activity and “brain score” based on the social engagement (assumed when human speech is detected).
  • Thrive app scores provide encouragement to become more mentally and physically active, which should correlate well with improvements in overall health

These hearing aids are easily controled in Thrive app
Plus they offer Direct streaming for Apple devices and select Android phones (call for details).

 

ReSound LiNX Quattro

For ReSound, the LiNX Quattro hearing aids, because they were the first to allow direct audio streaming from Android devices. While this is not technically true—due to the delay on the release of Android were the first hearing aids to offer direct audio streaming over Bluetooth Low Energy from Android devices.

Reasons for selecting the LiNX Quattro hearing aids from ReSound include:

Direct audio streaming from Google Pixel 3 and iPhone
More Android options on the way with Android 10 and Bluetooth 5.0+
Rechargeable options and portable charger available
There are plenty of controls for the hearing aids, and the app allows you to connect remotely with your hearing care provider
Availability of accessories, with Multi Mic being his favorite for giving rechargeable LiNX users access to a telecoil

 

Oticon Opn S


Oticon’s latest OPN uses a unique “Opn” approach to processing sound in noise. With Opn, the hearing aids leave “the listening landscape open when in background noise, giving you better sound awareness in noisy situations, while still being able to selectively identify and amplify important speech.”

The Oticon OPN includes:

Next gen Velox chip provides 15% better speech understanding, 10% reduced listening effort, and 10% better memory recall
OpenSound Optimizer yields improved feedback cancellation
Made for iPhone, but requires mic for hands-free use
App used for adjustments is now more user-friendly
Telecoil and rechargeable options, but there may be trade-offs

Unitron Moxi Jump R


Unitron hearing aids are similar to the Phonak Marvel hearing aids. Phonak and Unitron are both manufactured by parent company Sonova.

The Moxi Jump R has all of the same great features as the Marvel, but is a little thicker and offers about half the battery life as the Marvel. Another limitation is that the Moxi Jump R is not able to connect directly to the Roger remote microphones. Do consider that Unitron offers the FLEX:UPGRADE™ program that allows consumers to upgrade their hearing aid technology without purchasing new physical devices.

 

The Hearing Aids--LET’S FIND THE RIGHT ONES FOR YOU!

 

There is no doubt that hearing aids help people get back in touch with their friends and family and that they help with hearing better in their social environments.  But did you know hearing aids are programmed specifically for each user based on their needs?  When selecting a hearing aid, your specialist will consider your hearing loss, lifestyle, and of course your budget.

 

Here are some of the most popular hearing aid manufacturers:

Starkey  

 

Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Starkey was founded in 1967 and is an American manufacturer of hearing aids.  With a long history of innovation, Starkey has been the leader in new technology including the first in-the-ear fully programmable hearing aid.  Starkey has recently been recognized for its latest Artificial Intelligent hearing aid, Livio AI which is a revolutionary multi-purpose hearing aid designed to deliver superior sound quality and clarity.  It also has the ability to set body and brain health goals with the new Thrive app.  It will stream your phone calls and music from your smartphone directly to your hearing aids.  

 

Resound

 

A Danish manufacturer of hearing aids who is committed to helping people rediscover their hearing so they can live a rich-fulfilled life.  They were first in the industry to produce Wide Dynamic Range Compression (WDRC) and Digital Feedback Suppression (DFS).  Resound prides themselves with helping their wearers hear naturally with clear sound and comfortable listening experiences.  

 

Phonak

 

One of the leading hearing aid manufacturers, Phonak, has had many innovations over the years including Sound Recover.  They are the leader in pediatric fittings and their CROS system.  They were the first to come out with the new lithium-ion rechargeable hearing system, B-R series, which holds a charge to give 24 hours of use.  

 

Oticon 

 

Known for its exceptional sound quality, Oticon offers the new OPN hearing aid which is based on their proprietary wireless platform, Velox.  These offer a number of features including the first internet-connected hearing aids.  This allows providers to make changes over the internet while users are traveling.  These revolutionary hearing aids are available behind the ear and now also in custom.  

 

Widex

Widex is known for its superior sound quality.  The new Evoke keeps up with you everywhere--mapping your environment and making adjustments accordingly.  It has a built-in controller that sets the optimal sound for different environments.  Now you can experience what is happening in each real-life moment and never miss out.  

 

Signia 

 

Signia is the first rechargeable lithium-ion technology with inductive charging.  Cellion has a unique OneShell design and no charging contacts.  It is just one of the many masterpiece designs from Signia.  



FEATURES OF HEARING AIDS:

Feedback Canceller 

 

One of the oldest complaints of hearing aids is that annoying whistling or buzzing which is called feedback.  These are not your grandpa’s hearing aids anymore!  The manufacturers have worked hard to virtually eliminate this buzzing in the last few years and have succeeded!  

 

Memory Settings

Traditional hearing aids amplify all sounds but with the new technology, wearers are able to control their environments by memories.  Most people with hearing loss often experience difficulties in restaurants or crowds.  We are now able to make memories into the hearing aids that will allow one to hear without background noise.  Having these multiple memories will optimize the overall performance for an active lifestyle.  

 

Rechargeable options

 

Many of the manufacturers offer the new rechargeable lithium-ion battery hearing aids.  This provides an option for wearers who might not be able to see well or who may not have the best dexterity.  

 

Wireless 

Bluetooth wireless hearing aids allow the user to connect to most media devices.  For example, cellphones, TV, computers can be heard in stereo directly through the hearing aids.  

Directional Microphones

New technology allows the microphones the power to focus on targeted sounds.  These microphones will allow better speech in noise as it will target the speech and reduce the background noise in noisy environments.  

Telecoil (Phone Connectivity, Etc.)

Telecoil features improve the users ability to talk on the telephone.  This feature amplifies sound from the phone into the hearing aids directly without background noise.  These settings can also be used at theaters, auditoriums, churches, etc. where a hearing loop is installed.  This allows what is being heard over a loudspeaker,  public address system, or t.v. to be amplified through the hearing aids.  

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