How we pick our products
Hearing aids allow you to go about your daily life normally despite hearing loss. With their modern and discreet designs and latest technologies, hearing aids are almost invisible to others and offer you a wide range of functions. Whether noise reduction, tinnitus cancelling or Bluetooth function, the in-the-ear and behind-the-ear hearing aids are suitable for all levels of hearing loss and compensate for your hearing loss.
In this hearing aid test 2023 you will find all the information and questions in one place. We want to help you find the right hearing aid for you, no matter how severe your hearing loss is. With our evaluation criteria and answers, you can compare the different hearing aid models and make your purchase decision easier.
Contents
- 1 The most important facts
- 2 The Best Hearing Aid in the United Kingdom: Our Picks
- 3 Criteria for buying and evaluating hearing aids
- 4 Decision: What types of hearing aids are there and which is right for you?
- 5 Guide: Frequently asked questions about hearing aids answered in detail
- 5.1 Who is a hearing aid for?
- 5.2 For which diseases can a hearing aid be used?
- 5.3 How much does a hearing aid cost?
- 5.4 What additional features does a hearing aid have?
- 5.5 What alternatives are there to hearing aids?
- 5.6 When does health insurance cover the cost of hearing aids?
- 5.7 How do I clean my hearing aid?
- 5.8 How do I adjust my hearing aid correctly?
The most important facts
- Hearing aids can be used for all levels and types of hearing loss. From tinnitus to severe low-frequency hearing loss, you will find a suitable hearing aid on the market for every problem.
- There are two types of hearing aids, in-the-ear models and behind-the-ear models. In-the-ear hearing aids are mainly suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss. If you suffer from severe hearing loss, you should look at behind-the-ear hearing aids.
- If your doctor prescribes a hearing aid, your health insurance fund is legally obliged to cover part or all of the cost of the hearing aid. You only have to pay the prescription fee. This means you can get your hearing aid for as little as 10 euros per ear.
The Best Hearing Aid in the United Kingdom: Our Picks
Criteria for buying and evaluating hearing aids
The different hearing aids on the market can be distinguished by various points. We have selected evaluation criteria for you to help you find the right model.
The criteria you can use to compare hearing aids include:
In the next sections you will find more information about the criteria listed.
Hearing loss
Hearing aids vary in function depending on the type and severity of hearing loss. Some models are made for mild hearing loss, while others are made for moderate to severe hearing loss.
A distinction is often made between conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of the other two.
In conductive hearing loss, sound vibrations are no longer transmitted to the inner ear and speech is no longer clearly perceived. The hearing aid increases this sound pressure and thus remedies this form of hearing loss.
With sensorineural hearing loss, certain frequencies no longer reach the brain and speech comprehension is distorted because some sounds are lost. The right hearing aid can compensate for this loss of hearing function.
If you have both types of hearing loss, this is called combined hearing loss. Depending on the severity of the hearing loss, it can be treated with medication. In the case of moderate hearing loss, a suitable hearing aid can be used.
The different hearing aid models differ in function from the type of hearing loss. Therefore, when buying a hearing aid, make sure that you choose the right one for your problem and your level of hearing loss. It is best to consult a doctor or a specialist for detailed advice.
Usability
You can adjust the volume and other parameters of hearing aids to make them work for you. This is often done on the hearing aid itself, but there are models that come with a remote control or that you can connect to your smartphone.
With remote control hearing aids, you get a small and simple remote control device that allows you to adjust the volume and modes. You can block out ambient noise, adjust the volume of each hearing aid and in some cases even connect wirelessly to other devices. For example, you can connect your hearing aid to the TV or laptop.
Modern hearing aids can also be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth and all settings can be adjusted via an app. This way you don’t need to carry a remote control with you all the time.
In the app, you will find different options for volume, activation of noise reduction or sound level data of the environment. This way you have all your useful information and functions in one place.
The different control options make it easier for you to use a hearing aid and give you the opportunity to easily adapt your hearing aid to your needs. When buying, choose the model with the preferred usability for you.
Noise reduction
With moderate to severe hearing loss, it is even more difficult to understand other people when the ambient noise is particularly strong. Hearing aids usually have noise cancelling features that reduce or eliminate this noise.
For example, you can “turn off” the wind in nature, minimise traffic noise in the city or reduce the noise level in large halls.
If you suffer from severe hearing loss, we recommend that you get a hearing aid that has several noise reduction options. This way, you can minimise the annoying noise in any situation so that you can focus on what is important.
Battery type
Hearing aids can be powered either by batteries or rechargeable batteries. When choosing batteries, make sure you choose the right type for your hearing aid. Not every battery is the right size for every hearing aid. The different types of hearing aid batteries can be easily identified by a standardised colour scheme of the protective foil.
The batteries are identified by the colours yellow, brown, orange and blue (with ascending size).
How long the battery lasts depends on the size and power of the hearing aid and on individual use. Depending on the model, the battery can last as little as 5 days or up to 3 weeks with daily use.
Alternatively, you can choose a hearing aid with a rechargeable battery. These can be easily recharged. They often last a whole day and can be charged overnight on the charging station.
Connection to other devices
Hearing aids also have the option to connect to other devices. This is especially useful if you sit at the computer a lot, listen to music or watch TV. With the Bluetooth function, you can easily connect to other devices and use the hearing aid as an audio playback source.
Cinemas, theatres and public buildings sometimes have induction loop systems installed. These systems emit wireless sounds that can be received by the telecoil in your hearing aid. This allows you to connect your hearing aid and start the listening experience in these places as well.
There is also a solution for devices without Bluetooth. Various adapters allow these devices, which were previously not Bluetooth-enabled, to connect to your Bluetooth hearing aids and transmit the audio.
If you want to be able to go about your daily life without restrictions, we recommend that you look for a hearing aid that has a Bluetooth function and allows you to connect to other devices. This way, you can go about your daily life undisturbed and find your way in any situation.
Decision: What types of hearing aids are there and which is right for you?
There are two types of hearing aids that are worn differently. In-the-ear hearing aids are very small plugs that can be inserted into the ear. With behind-the-ear hearing aids, the housing is placed behind the ear and the sound is conducted to the pinna through a tube.
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| In-the-ear hearing aid | Small and discreet Individually fitted to the ear canal |
Only for mild and moderate hearing loss Only a few models with Bluetooth |
| Behind-the-ear hearing aid | For all strengths of hearing loss Bluetooth connection |
Tube needs to be changed regularly Slightly more noticeable than in-the-ear hearing aid |
If you want to learn more about the two hearing aids, check out the next sections. We have summarised more information about the two types for you here.
Guide: Frequently asked questions about hearing aids answered in detail
Who is a hearing aid for?
(Image source: JD Mason / unsplash)
There are hearing aid models for every age group, so even young children and teenagers can find a hearing aid that suits them. These vary less in function, but in size, which is adapted to the ear canal.
Hearing aids can be used for mild hearing loss, but also for severe hearing loss. Depending on the strength, the types of hearing aids vary. For example, in-the-ear hearing aids cannot be used for people who suffer from severe hearing loss.
For which diseases can a hearing aid be used?
Some of the most common conditions are tinnitus, low and high frequency hearing loss, acoustic trauma and middle ear infections. We will tell you what these are and how the hearing aid is used in these cases in the next sections.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the unpleasant hissing or buzzing sound in the ear. Most people have had such an episode in their life, which lasts a few seconds and then stops. However, hearing loss, loud noise, circulatory problems, stress or misalignments of the cervical spine or jaw joint can regularly trigger this buzzing, so that it does not stop.
If you notice a hearing loss, you should have it checked out by a doctor as soon as possible to prevent serious consequences.
If the tinnitus lasts longer than three months, it is classified as chronic. It has a major impact on the sense of hearing and leads to hearing loss. In such cases, it is advisable to buy a hearing aid with a tinnitus noiser, which counteracts this hissing and whistling and improves the sense of hearing.
Low and high frequency hearing loss
Low frequency hearing loss makes it difficult to hear low frequencies and sounds. This is noticeable in noisy environments and in group conversations where you may not fully understand the conversation. It can also be a sign of low frequency hearing loss if you cannot hear deep bass tones.
Hearing loss and hearing loss will be determined by your ear specialist by means of an audiogram.
You hear low frequencies and conversations in the distance, but you do not hear the high tones.
For both types of hearing loss, there are special hearing aids that compensate for the loss. However, it may take several tries to find the right hearing aid for you that compensates for this type of hearing loss.
Bang trauma
Blast trauma is an acoustic trauma in which excessive sound pressure damages the inner ear. This sound usually lasts only a few milliseconds, but can have severe consequences. If the pressure wave severely damages the inner ear, then long-term tinnitus or high-frequency hearing loss can develop, among other things.
If you have persistent symptoms after a sound trauma, hearing aids can help you to compensate for the hearing loss. Hearing aids can help you hear high-pitched sounds again and reduce or even eliminate the unpleasant noise.
Otitis media
If you have your middle ear infection treated early and in time, it will not cause any secondary damage. But if you wait too long, the infection can affect your hearing and you may develop hearing loss. In this case, only a hearing aid or an operation will help. You should get a behind-the-ear hearing aid so that the inner ear is well ventilated.
How much does a hearing aid cost?
Hearing aids can usually be divided into price classes. The basic class includes hearing aids that have the important hearing functions, but no special additional features. These are suitable if you do not wear the hearing aid all day.
The higher price classes have all the additional functions and the hearing aids are produced for unrestricted everyday use. This means you can comfortably attend concerts or understand a conversation in large crowds without any problems.
In the following table you will find different hearing aid classes with their starting prices per ear.
| Type | Price per ear | Suitable lifestyle |
|---|---|---|
| Basic class | 0 to 500 Euro | Quiet One-to-one Out and about a lot |
| Middle class | 500 to 1,200 euros | Normal Restaurant visits Meetings |
| Premium class | 1,200 to 2,500 euros | Active Family celebrations Concert visits |
These prices are only guidelines for you to use. There are also much more expensive hearing aids and those that have a lower price but many additional features. Consult your doctor to find out which hearing aid suits your everyday life and talk to your health insurance company to find out which costs they would cover. This way you can benefit from an attractive price.
What additional features does a hearing aid have?
More and more models have a Bluetooth function that allows you to connect to your smartphone and other devices. This allows you to control your hearing aid via an app, link the audio playback of your computer directly to your hearing aid and answer calls.
(Image source: Christian Wiediger / unsplash)
In addition, some hearing aids have noise cancelling, which you can adjust. Noise cancelling is designed to help you regulate and (almost) eliminate ambient noise in noisy environments or in public. This way, you have less difficulty understanding a conversation and are not disturbed by the unpleasant noise.
Similar to noise cancelling, there is also tinnitus cancelling. This is particularly suitable for users who have chronic tinnitus and want to counteract this noise or hissing. This can also be switched on at the hearing aid or via the app in the appropriate situation.
What alternatives are there to hearing aids?
If you have severe hearing loss and hearing aids do not help, you can get a cochlear implant (CI). The implant transmits audio signals directly to the auditory nerves, allowing you to hear. This surgery is done under anaesthesia and in some cases with a local anaesthetic. As with any surgical procedure, it has its advantages as well as its disadvantages.
Cochlear implants are only used if the hearing aid is not enough and the patient still has severe hearing loss. In addition, doctors have to be sure that the part of the hearing that is being replaced is inadequate, because the implants can cause the patient to lose residual hearing.
When does health insurance cover the cost of hearing aids?
In the case of the no-cost models, the health insurance company will cover the full cost, and you only have to pay a prescription fee of 10 euros per ear. However, if you choose a higher price range, you will have to pay a larger share yourself. The maximum amount the health insurance will cover is 784.94 euros for a hearing aid. However, if you need a more expensive device for medical reasons that have also been determined by a doctor, the health insurance fund must also pay a higher amount.
The health insurance fund is also obliged to replace your hearing aid every 6 years if your hearing loss does not improve and the criteria are still met. Therefore, go to your doctor for regular check-ups and don’t forget to change your hearing aid after 6 years.
How do I clean my hearing aid?
Cleaning
In-the-ear hearing aid
- Use a soft cloth or special cleaning cloths and wipe the hearing aid.
- Use a small brush to clean out depressions and difficult spots.
Never put your hearing aid in water and do not use aggressive cleaning agents, alcohol or soaps.
Behind-the-ear hearing aid
- Disconnect the earmould, earpiece and tubing from the hearing aid.
- Wipe the case with a soft cloth.
- Clean the separated parts with a suitable disinfectant (available from your acoustician).
- Stubborn spots can be cleaned out with a special cleaning stick or soft toothbrush.
There are now special UV cleaning boxes on the market that you can buy. They clean your hearing aid quickly and efficiently and you can put it back on after 15 minutes.
The following video shows you how to properly clean in-the-ear and behind-the-ear hearing aids and what you should pay attention to.
Drying
It is very important that you allow your hearing aid to dry properly. The temperature and humidity inside the ear are very high, and the accumulated liquid can cause considerable damage to the electronics. Therefore, you should let your hearing aid dry overnight.
Your acoustician can provide you with special drying boxes, drying cases or drying cups in which you can store your hearing aid overnight. These dry your hearing aid properly and you can use it again in the morning.
How do I adjust my hearing aid correctly?
If you notice that your hearing aid whistles, it can be caused by three things: the device is dirty, the volume and frequencies are set incorrectly, the earmould is incorrectly fitted. Very rarely, it is due to a technical defect. So before you bring your hearing aid in for repair, you should check it for the above-mentioned points.
Earwax
Earwax can block the transmission of sounds, causing them to move back out. This is what causes the whistling sound. Make sure your hearing aid is always clean to avoid this whistling noise. If you suffer from an overproduction of earwax, you can have it removed regularly by your ear, nose and throat specialist.
Correct volume
The correct volume of the hearing aid determines whether you can hear speech properly. The higher the volume setting, the better the speech understanding, but the greater the tendency of the hearing aid to generate feedback, which then triggers the whistling.
Hearing aids usually have a so-called feedback suppressor, which can be activated by the acoustician in case of unwanted whistling.
The correct volume can be determined based on the severity of the hearing loss. To do this, talk to a specialist to determine your appropriate volume. This can be adjusted later, but you will be aware of what range will be unbearable for you.
Proper fit of the earmould
If your earmould does not fit properly or is too open, it can cause whistling. The whistling noise is caused by the sound that is supposed to stay in the ear canal coming back out and to the microphone because of the incorrect shape of the earmould.
If this happens, take your hearing aid to an acoustician so that he or she can adjust the earmould correctly. You should also have the earmould checked and adjusted regularly, as wearing it for a long time can deform it.
Image source: belchonock/ 123rf.com.
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