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Best hearing aids for seniors in 2024, according to experts and testers

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AOL.com 

When you think of a chronic condition, hearing loss probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your head. But according to the CDC, hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in the US. Approximately 15.5% of adults over the age of 20 have some level of hearing loss. And by the age of 65, that percentage doubles. But advanced age isn’t the only factor affecting whether you might need hearing aids — your profession could also play a role. In fact, those who work in construction or music, law enforcement or truck driving could find that hearing aids improve their ability to hear and understand conversations amid the din of their daily jobs. That’s because hearing aids also work to filter background noise. Hearing aids can also help slow or prevent the onset of dementia and may even decrease your risk of falling by allowing your brain to redirect resources used to focus on hearing back to your balance and gait.

“Hearing loss gradually develops as people age,” explains Amanda Cooper, a licensed hearing aid specialist. “Exposure to loud noises over time can damage the structures that transmit sound signals to the brain. These structures cannot be repaired and tend to worsen with time, causing varying degrees of hearing loss,” she explains.

Despite the prevalence of hearing loss, it’s consistently undertreated. Only 30% of adults over the age of 70 use hearing aids. Luckily, new technology and sleeker designs have made hearing aids more stylish in recent years. On top of that, in 2022, the FDA authorized over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, making them cheaper and more accessible than ever. While OTC hearing aids offer an easier, more convenient option, prescription hearing aids are recommended for those with severe hearing loss.

To better understand the difference between OTC and prescription hearing aids, what to look for and avoid with each, and who would benefit from each type, AOL spoke with its panel of hearing experts, ranging from ear nose and throat doctors (ENTS), audiologist and hearing aid specialists. We then researched over 50 different hearing aids and subsequently settled on nine stand-out hearing aid options based on style, comfort, sound quality, price and professional assistance available.

Before choosing a hearing aid, there are several factors to take into account:

  • Types of hearing aids: There are five primary types of hearing aid styles to consider depending on your preference and what works best for your lifestyle.

    • Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids are worn on the outside of your ear. This type of hearing aid hooks over the top of your ear and rests behind it. BTE devices are generally considered more powerful and work best for those with more severe hearing loss.

    • Receiver in canal (RIC) hearing aids are similar to BTE styles but offer a more discreet option. This type of hearing aid is worn behind the ear with the speaker inside the ear canal.

    • In the ear (ITE) hearing aids sit within the outer portion of the ear canal rather than outside the ear.

    • In the canal (ITC) hearing aids are similar to ITE but they’re smaller and sit more deeply in the ear canal.

    • Completely in canal (CIC) hearing aids are the most discreet option. They fit entirely inside the ear canal, making them nearly invisible from the outside. This kind of hearing aid is only suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.

  • Cost: Hearing aids aren’t cheap, so it’s a good idea to consider your budget. Insurance coverage for hearing aids can vary widely depending on your provider, but many plans don’t cover OTC options. Even if you don’t have coverage, you may be able to use a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA).

  • Prescription or OTC: Prescription hearing aids are, of course, only available through a licensed hearing health provider, so they require a trip to an audiologist. They’re also more expensive than over-the-counter options, but they’re also more advanced and tailored to your individual needs.

  • Set-up: Most prescription hearing aids can be set up in-office by your audiologist. Over-the-counter options, on the other hand, are set up at home, but many companies offer assistance, either with an app or by phone.

  • User controls: Some hearing aids have on-board controls that allow you to make adjustments manually by pushing a button. Others, however, can only be adjusted using an app or a remote control.

  • Extra features: Popular features to consider include Bluetooth capability, hands-free calling features, fall detection, rechargeability, and artificial intelligence.

In order to find the best hearing aids, we consulted audiologists and hearing specialists to determine what influences hearing loss, how it can be corrected, and what to look for. We then researched over 50 different hearing ads from more than 15 companies and rated them based on sound quality, comfort, style options available, cost and additional features.

“Hearing aids work by sampling and collecting sound through tiny microphones,” explains audiologist Dr. Amy Sarow. These sounds are then converted into electrical signals and amplified. While that’s a basic description, there’s a lot more to it, especially with more sophisticated devices.

Before being converted into electrical signals, sounds are analyzed and manipulated using advanced technology. “Sound is filtered into desirable sounds, like speech, and undesirable sounds, like wind and noise,” Dr. Sarow says. Before the sound is amplified and sent to the ear, the processor (or computer program/algorithm) reduces unwanted background noises and enhances speech. “This process happens continuously, hundreds of times per second, to provide a clearer sound, making speech easier to understand and requiring less listening effort.”

Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids can be purchased online or in a store without a medical exam. Prescription hearing aids, on the other hand, require an audiologist and hearing exam. They’re also only available through a licensed professional.

“I often compare OTC devices to the readers/cheater glasses that can be bought at pharmacies. They are self-fit and self-selected by the consumer,” says Dr. Melanie Hecker. While they can be a good option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss who want something more affordable, they’re not the best. “For the highest quality treatment for hearing loss, you’ll need a prescription hearing aid,” she says. Not only are prescription options more technologically advanced, but they also have the benefit of being professionally fitted.

Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, exams or fittings for hearing aids. That said, most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer some coverage, but the exact amount varies by plan. Similarly, private insurance is not required to cover hearing aids, but some plans do.

Hearing loss is typically gradual and can be difficult to notice at first, but early signs include difficulty hearing in loud or crowded places, when speaking on the phone, or when someone isn’t facing you. Higher-pitched sounds are usually the first to go, too, so having trouble hearing female voices, children or the doorbell is another indication.

If you start to notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to see an audiologist. “I cannot emphasize the importance of getting a hearing test enough,” says Dr. Fabry, who explains that hearing loss is often linked to depression, loneliness, social isolation, cognitive decline and even dementia.

It depends on the hearing aid. One of the biggest benefits of prescription hearing aids is that they’re set up by an audiologist or hearing aid specialist. OTC options, however, will need to be set up at home, but many companies have an app to walk you through the process.

Yes, but not as well as high-quality prescription hearing aids. “Most are more basic amplifiers that aren’t properly calibrated for the individual’s hearing loss,” says Dr. Hecker. “So, it will make things louder, but may not make things clearer – which is most people’s ultimate goal.”

According to Dr. Fabry, hearing loss isn’t the same for everyone, so neither is the right solution. Cheap hearing aids may work for some people, while others will need a more advanced device. “An OTC option doesn’t come with the guidance or expertise of a hearing professional,” he says, adding that it’s a good idea to make sure there’s a warranty, trial period or return policy in place. “My biggest advice is to ask questions and do your homework.”

The short answer here is yes. Having two hearing aids is better than one even if you’re only experiencing hearing loss in one ear. That’s because your overall handle on sounds and conversations is increased when you have two hearing aids working in tandem. Our brains work through what is called binaural hearing, meaning we use both ears to comprehend conversations and communication overall by allowing the two hearing aids to communicate with each other and share information.

Lenny Powell, DO, CMD, specializing in geriatric medicine at Rowan Medicine

Ruth Reisman, MD, founder of Urban Hearing

Carissa Wentland, DO; pediatric otolaryngologist

Amanda Cooper, licensed hearing aid specialist

Dr. Amy Sarow, clinical audiologist

Dr. Dave Fabry, Chief Hearing Health Officer at Starkey

Dr. Melanie Hecker, audiologist and founder of BLUEMOTH Hearing