Hearing aids provide users with social freedom and a sense of independence. Fortunately, there are many different brands of hearing aids with special features to fit a variety of needs. Most hearing aids are digital and work with a battery, but they vary a lot by quality and function. Some individuals are uncomfortable with the idea of a hearing aid and prefer the smallest, least distinctive of all the options. There is also variation on how the aid fits into the ear, with some going in further into the canal and some being worn behind the ear. Additional features can include everything from noise reduction to rechargeable batteries to wireless connectivity. There are hearing aids to suit almost any person's needs and style, with the top 3 hearing aids being ListenClear, ZipHearing, and Oticon. Read on to find out what you need to know about the best hearing aids available.
Unfortunately, hearing aids are one area where the customer gets what he pays for. While the most expensive hearing aid might not be the best, it might be impossible to get great quality without spending more. ListenClear offers free shipping and an Easy Pay extended payment plan so customers can afford their quality hearing aids, with the Pro coming in at about $1,700.
It can take weeks to get used to a new hearing aid, and companies usually offer a free trial so users can be sure the hearing aid is comfortable and works well. Many state laws require this free trial period. ListenClear offers a free 45 day trial, and Oticon has special program which allows new users to try the products risk free.
ListenClear offers crisp, clear sound with a natural boost. The Pro version is completely customizable. ZipHearing has feedback cancelation and background noise reduction for better quality sound.
ZipHearing offers background noise reduction, for instance, which sounds like a nice idea but not a big deal. But background noise can be distracting and keep people from being able to concentrate.
There are different products online which promise to boost hearing, but there is no guarantee they are safe or effective. Consumers should see if a specific product has been approved by the FDA as something which really helps hearing. Companies like Oticon, ZipHearing and ListenClear will sell products with this seal of a approval.
Even without a doctor's referral, it is possible to shop for hearing aids in a variety of ways. There are shops which are dedicated to hearing aids and similar products, and even warehouses like Costco have audiologists on site to help customers choose hearing aids. Many people order online. Oticon, ListenClear and ZipHearing will allow you to buy online, but provide support as though it was personal.
When insurance doesn't cover or doesn't cover enough of the price of the hearing aid, it may be necessary to find additional funding or pay out of pocket. A good hearing aid will probably range from $1,000 to $3,000. The ListenClear Oticon prices range from $1,800 to about $2,400.
Companies like Oticon are known for being innovative and using more advanced technology than more traditional companies. One of the ways that hearing aids can help people in other aspects of their lives is by integrating them with their iPhones. Users can use the Live Listen feature on the phone to help with conversations, and get better quality phone reception. Even FaceTime is better with a hearing aid.