Hearing loss can impact your quality of life, but the right hearing aid can significantly improve communication and social interaction. With so many brands and models on the market, how do you choose the best hearing aid for yourself? This article will recommend the top hearing aid brands worth buying, provide buying tips, fitting guidance, and FAQs to help you find the optimal hearing solution.
1. Top 5 Recommended Hearing Aid Brands
1. Phonak
- Key Technology: AutoSense OS 4.0 smart scene recognition
- Main Model: Audeo Paradise (invisible RIC)
- Price Range: ¥8,000–30,000
- Suitable for: Moderate to severe hearing loss, looking for natural sound quality
2. Oticon
- Key Technology: Deep Neural Network brain-learning tech
- Main Model: Oticon More (Bluetooth direct streaming)
- Price Range: ¥7,000–25,000
- Suitable for: Users needing clear speech understanding
3. ReSound
- Key Technology: Dual-microphone beamforming
- Main Model: ReSound ONE (interchangeable receiver)
- Price Range: ¥6,000–22,000
- Suitable for: Those often conversing in noisy environments
4. Signia
- Key Technology: Own Voice Processing 2.0
- Main Model: Signia Silk (super invisible ITE)
- Price Range: ¥5,000–20,000
- Suitable for: Professionals valuing discretion
5. Starkey
- Key Technology: Edge Mode AI noise reduction
- Main Model: Livio Edge AI (built-in fall detection)
- Price Range: ¥9,000–28,000
- Suitable for: Seniors or users wanting health monitoring features
2. Five Key Selection Criteria for Hearing Aids
1. Degree of Hearing Loss
| Level | Hearing Threshold (dB) | Recommended Style |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (26–40) | In-the-ear / In-the-canal | |
| Moderate (41–60) | RIC behind-the-ear | |
| Severe (61–80) | High-power behind-the-ear | |
| Profound (> 80) | Bone-conduction hearing aid |
2. Technology & Features
- Noise reduction: Multi-channel > dual-channel > single-channel
- Bluetooth connectivity: Direct streaming (best in Oticon/ReSound)
- Rechargeable option: Lithium-ion convenient but ~30% more expensive
3. Cosmetic Discretion
- Completely invisible: Deep canal (CIC)
- Semi-invisible: In-the-canal (ITC)
- Standard style: Behind-the-ear (BTE)
4. Fitting & Aftercare
- Essentials: Pure-tone audiometry + speech-recognition testing
- Quality Service: 3–6 month adaptation and fine-tuning period
5. Price Ranges
- Budget: ¥3,000–8,000 (single-channel models)
- Mid-range: ¥8,000–15,000 (multi-channel models)
- Premium: ¥15,000–30,000 (fully smart models)
3. Buying Recommendations for Different Groups
1. Seniors
- Primary choice: Starkey Livio (health monitoring + large buttons)
- Alternative: Phonak Audeo (easy operation)
2. Business Professionals
- Primary choice: Signia Silk (super invisible)
- Alternative: Oticon More (conference mode emphasis)
3. Children
- Essential: Phonak Sky series (child-specific designs)
4. Music Lovers
- Recommended: ReSound ONE (high-fidelity sound)
4. Purchase Channels & Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Proper Buying Process
- ENT department visit at a tertiary hospital for diagnosis
- Professional fitting centre testing at least three brands
- Free adjustment during a 30-day adaptation period
2. Common Scams to Watch
- ❌ False claims like “cure deafness”
- ❌ Cheap online hearing amplifiers masquerading as hearing aids
- ❌ Sales without hearing tests
3. Cost-Effective Options
- Mild bilateral loss: Oticon Siya (starting at ¥6,800)
- Moderate single-ear loss: Phonak Brio (starting at ¥5,500)
5. Usage & Maintenance of Hearing Aids
1. Adaptation Timeline
- Week 1: wear 2–3 hours/day (quiet environment)
- Week 2: extend to 4–6 hours/day (light noise)
- After 1 month: full-day wear
2. Daily Care
- Use a drying box nightly to remove moisture
- Replace wax guards monthly
- Avoid water or hair spray contact
3. Battery Options
- Zinc-air batteries: 3–10 days life, stable
- Lithium-ion batteries: rechargeable, convenient but pricier
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will hearing aids make my hearing worse?
✅ Properly fitted aids won’t harm hearing and can slow down deterioration.
Q2: Are online-purchased hearing aids reliable?
⚠️ 90% are unreliable. Professional fitting is crucial (misfitting can cause harm).
Q3: Is it necessary to wear hearing aids in both ears?
Very necessary! It can improve speech understanding by ~20% (binaural advantage).
Q4: How long do hearing aids last?
Typically 5–8 years; well-maintained premium models can last up to 10 years.
7. Summary: Key Points for Choosing Hearing Aids in 2024
- Get diagnosed: Confirm type and level of hearing loss at a hospital.
- Try multiple options: Compare sound quality from 3+ brands.
- Check after-sales support: Choose providers offering long-term adjustments.
- Select based on needs: Seniors value usability, while younger users value tech features.
Important reminder: Hearing aids are not ordinary consumer goods—professional fitting matters more than the brand!