According to Senior Living, about 25% of adults aged 65-75 have hearing loss; the number rises to about 50% for people 75 and over. If you’re over 50, you may already be struggling with poor hearing, or perhaps you’re considering your future options. You may wonder, “Which hearing aids should I choose?” and “How am I going to afford these devices on a limited budget?”
Others may not be ready to consider their auditory future, especially if hearing loss isn’t significant, but early intervention can help prevent cognitive decline and social isolation. Lucky for you, we put together this guide to help you review your device and payment options.
What to Look for in a Hearing Aid
Choosing a hearing aid isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. The device you choose should be based on your degree of hearing loss, your comfort with technology, and your budget. Here are some factors to consider.
Hearing Loss Type and Severity
Hearing loss is measured by severity, as follows:
- Mild: 26-40 dB
- Moderately Severe: 56-70 dB
- Profound: 91dB+
The devices you choose should be suited to your level of hearing loss.
The type of hearing loss also matters. Sensorineural hearing loss, which affects most people, is manageable with most hearing devices. Conductive hearing loss, which involves the inner or middle ear, may require a medical procedure.
Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids come in various configurations. Though today’s patients prefer more discreet styles, there are tradeoffs to consider.
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE): The largest style with the main unit setting behind the ear and a tube connecting to an earmold in the ear canal. While noticeable, BTEs are durable, easy to handle, capable of significant amplification, and suitable for moderate to profound hearing loss.
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): These are similar to BTEs but slimmer, with a speaker placed directly in the ear canal and a thinner tube. Their effectiveness and discreet look make them a popular choice.
- In-the-Ear (ITE): Custom-molded to fit the outer portion of the ear, these are more visible than canal styles but easier to handle and can accommodate more features, such as volume controls. They are recommended for mild to severe hearing loss.
- In the Canal (ITC): The placement inside the ear makes these devices difficult to spot, but the trade-offs include smaller batteries, fewer features, and difficulty handling for those with limited dexterity. They are generally suitable for mild and moderate hearing loss.
Other Key Features
People should also consider:
- Bluetooth Connectivity: This feature allows devices to connect wirelessly to smartphones, TVs, cellphones, and other devices, so they stream directly to your hearing aids, making phone calls, TV shows, and podcasts easier to follow.
- Rechargeable vs. Disposable Batteries: Disposable batteries have historically been used in hearing aids, but in recent years, rechargeable batteries have become more common, allowing you to charge them overnight and eliminating the need to handle small batteries.
- Noise Reduction and Microphones: With background noise being one of the most common complaints among hearing aid wearers, noise reduction is a desired feature that can be achieved with a directional microphone and digital noise processing.
- App Control: Many hearing aids are now app-controlled, allowing you to adjust volume, switch listening programs for different environments, and track usage on your phone.
- OTC vs. Prescription: Given the prevalence of hearing loss, you can now purchase hearing aids OTC, without a prescription. However, OTC devices are typically for mild to moderate hearing loss only, and without an audiologist fitting, hearing aids may be uncomfortable or fall out.
Top Hearing Aid Brands to Know
If you are in the market for hearing aids, here are some top brands to consider.
This Swiss company has 75 years of industry experience and offers a broad range of products. They specialize in speech clarity in noisy environments, using new technology that leverages AI to separate speech from background noise. Another flagship technology, binaural processing, ensures that both hearing aids work together to create a more natural listening experience.
Price: $3,500 – $10,000 with OTC options ranging from $699 – $999
Founded in Denmark in 1904, Oticon believes hearing aids should mimic how the brain processes sound rather than simply amplifying it. Their newest devices feature 4D sensors that respond to head movements, matching speech understanding with natural conversational behavior. The brand also offers OpenSound Navigator technology, which enables users to hear multiple speakers simultaneously.
Price: $2,400 – $8,000
The only hearing aid manufacturer based in the United States, Starkey offers health-tracking features that extend beyond hearing, including step tracking, fall detection, and activity monitoring. It also offers optimal tinnitus masking, up to 51 hours of battery life, and supports the latest Bluetooth Low Energy standard.
Price: $300 to $4,000 per ear
This Danish brand merged with Sivantos under the WS Audio platform to deliver optimal sound quality with low processing delay for a truer-to-life experience. Their newest release, Allure, uses machine learning to adapt to the owner’s listening preferences over time.
Price: $1,000 – $3,500 per device
Another Danish company, ReSound, is a leader in Bluetooth connectivity and was the first to integrate direct iPhone streaming into its collection. Their newer technology, Auracast, allows users to stream audiocasts directly from public venues. Their strong presence in the OTC market, through Jabra Enhance, allows consumers to access devices at a lower price point.
Price: $2,800 – $6,358
The Cost of Hearing Devices (and the Cost of Forgoing Them
While hearing aids don’t reverse or prevent hearing loss, they preserve the brain’s ability to process sound, reducing the risk of related cognitive decline. They also support a better quality of life. But cost can be a barrier.
According to Taylor & Francis Online, 77% of people would consider the bundled cost of hearing aids (about $2500) a catastrophic expense. Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, and coverage with private insurance and Medicaid is spotty. So, what’s a person over 50 dealing with potential hearing loss to do?
Payment plans provide a solution. They work like a credit card, covering the balance between you and your care provider, allowing you to pay it off over time and promote cash flow. Many offer limited-time, no-interest periods, so payments don’t accrue.
When searching for a payment plan, choose one that offers a transparent approach, convenient customer service, low or no interest, and minimal fees. Cherry is a reliable option, though there are plenty to choose from. You should also ask your provider which payment plans they accept to ensure they align with your preferences.
Understanding your device options, knowing what insurance covers, and exploring flexible payment solutions can be the difference between living with untreated hearing loss and getting the care you need to improve your quality of life. How will you use this information to your advantage?