Rating of the best hearing aids: in-the-ear, behind-the-ear and in-ear

All hearing aids work according to the same principle: they register sounds from the environment, process them as electrical impulses and, after appropriate modulation, transmit them to the ear. However, they can vary greatly depending on the degree of hearing loss and personal needs, not only in size and shape, but also in properties and functions. Here's an honest rating with the best in-the-ear, behind-the-ear and in-ear hearing aids. Good hearing aids with analog and digital sound processing for every pocket.

The best in-the-ear hearing aids

ITE instruments are closed type instruments. Volume control and program selection are made using the remote control. All components are housed in a small box. It is inserted into the ear in the same way as a plug. Some models have an antenna-shaped plastic slide-out element. Many devices can connect wirelessly to electronic devices such as mobile phones and televisions.

The TOP in-the-ear devices include:

Jinghao JH-335

The portable hearing amplifier, unlike most other brands of hearing aids, is rechargeable. This makes the device unique in its approach to inner ear comfort and sound amplification. A microswitch is located on the case, and a charging base is supplied in the kit. It is compact, easy to use and versatile. Ear tips are presented in different sizes, which makes it possible to choose specifically for the size of the canal, and can make it more comfortable to use. The device is charged from a 220 V network, and can also be operated from an AA battery.

Characteristic	Meaning
Type of shell	intra-aural
Sound processing type	digital
Maximum gain, dB	50
frequency Hz	200-6000
Manufacturer country	China

Feedback: “In principle, a good device, my grandmother often uses it on the street, amplifies the sound enough, but you can't watch TV with it, it suppresses noise poorly. I was very pleased with the presence of a battery, since there is no need to think again about buying new batteries. A worthy product for its price ”.

Witness 900

The hearing aid is designed to improve the quality of hearing in patients. It instantly works by amplifying sounds and transmitting them to the ear. Has a modern in-ear design. Ergonomically fits directly into the ear canal. The kit includes a brush to keep the device clean. Soft silicone earbuds that fit deep into your ear without squeezing it. Different sizes of ear cushions allow you to choose an individual earmold, which contributes to a more comfortable use of the device. The device is powered by an A312 battery.

Characteristic	Meaning
Type of shell	intra-aural
Sound processing type	analog
Maximum gain, dB	47
frequency Hz	200-3500
Manufacturer country	China

Review: “Good sound amplifier, inexpensive. Fits comfortably in the ear thanks to the different sizes of earbuds. On the street copes perfectly well. Recommend!".

BTE rating

These hearing aids are worn behind the ear, just above the auricle. The important elements and the speaker are located in the housing. The sound travels through the earhook and small plastic tube to the earmold. It is located in the external auditory canal.The tube holds the device in the correct position and transmits sound waves to the eardrum.

The best BTE hearing aids are:

Bixton Intense

In-channel digital audio amplifier. The device is compact in size for the convenience and comfort of hearing impaired people. It has two sound correction modes: high-frequency and low-frequency, which allows you to select and easily switch them based on personal preference. There is also a volume control wheel, with which you can adjust the comfortable sound in conditions of different noise levels. The earhook of the device is made of TPE silica gel. The set comes with two sets of sound guides and headphones, which are easily adaptable to the user's needs.

Characteristic	Meaning
Type of shell	intracanal
Sound processing type	digital
Maximum gain, dB	50
frequency Hz	300-5000
Manufacturer country	China

Testimonial: “We chose the device on the battery for the grandfather. The charge lasts a whole week if used for a couple of hours a day. Amplifies sound well, even at minimum volume. We are absolutely satisfied with the product and recommend it. ”

Phonak Bolero Q50-SP

A digital hearing aid made with the latest technology and a wide range of functions and settings. Thanks to automatic adaptation to different acoustic situations, the use of the device becomes very convenient. The device automatically recognizes silence, mechanical sounds, wind, etc. It has 12 compression channels, as well as the ability to connect to a multimedia device, and automatically adjusts to a telephone conversation. The ergonomic, modern shape fits comfortably behind the ear and in the ear canal. The hearing aid itself looks like a headset.

Characteristic	Meaning
Type of shell	behind-the-ear
Sound processing type	digital
Maximum gain, dB	70
frequency Hz	100-6500
Manufacturer country	Switzerland

Review: “Since childhood, I was injured and began to hear poorly. Therefore, for me, the question of buying a good quality hearing aid has always been relevant until I got acquainted with the manufacturer Phonak. I have never seen a better device. It contains the most necessary functions for comfortable use, and most importantly, it perfectly suppresses noise and makes it possible to distinguish voices. I am more than happy with the choice ”.

Best in-ear audio amplifiers

The IIC (invisible, fully in-ear) device is perfectly adapted to the user's ear canal and thus guarantees the highest comfort and complete privacy. In addition, the offer also includes CIC (fully in-ear), ITC and ITE (in-ear) models. They fit deep into the human ear canal. Although the devices are the most invisible, due to their relatively low power, they are not used in cases of severe hearing loss.

The best in-ear hearing aids:

Siemens Intuis 2 Click CIC

A small device designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. It uses proven technologies that can reduce noise levels while providing good sound quality. The in-ear device is made of high quality material, so it is durable and reliable. Has a unique nano-coating that protects it from moisture, earwax and sweat. The ultra-soft silicone earbud attaches securely to the device, allowing the product to be used for different ear canal sizes and providing a high level of usability.

Characteristic	Meaning
Type of shell	intra-channel (CIC)
Sound processing type	digital
Maximum gain, dB	50
frequency Hz	130-8000
Manufacturer country	Germany

Testimonial: “I lost 50% of my hearing at the age of 10, as a child, I really didn’t want to wear bulky hearing aids, because everyone was paying much attention to it. Fortunately, at the age of 14, I got a new apparatus, which is completely invisible to others. It transmits sound very well, stays securely in the ear, and it is easy to change the battery. I'm happy with the purchase! ”

Phonak Virto Q90-nano

Another Swiss device of miniature size of the "Premium" class. It makes sound more accessible in difficult environments, such as at a distance or when talking with multiple participants, but does not have wireless capabilities. The model includes 20 channels and 10 functions, automatically adapts to different acoustic situations, easily transitions between them. The device uses a 10 type battery for operation. It is conveniently located in the ear canal, it is virtually impossible to notice it when looking at a person from the front, which provides social comfort during use.

Characteristic	Meaning
Type of shell	intracanal
Sound processing type	digital
Maximum gain, dB	40
frequency Hz	100-8300
Manufacturer country	Switzerland

Testimonial: “Not so long ago, my mother began to hear poorly, she categorically refused the offer to wear a hearing aid because of its size. Then I started looking for small devices that are almost invisible in use. According to reviews, I found the Phonak Virto Q90-nano model, the price certainly seemed expensive, but the quality of its performance and sound transmission pays for itself. Mom wears it with pleasure. Highly recommend!".

Rating of inexpensive analog hearing aids

Analog hearing aids are becoming less popular. They make continuous sound waves louder, that is, they equally amplify all sounds (for example, speech and noise). Some of them are pre-programmed. They have a microchip that allows you to program settings for different listening environments (in a quiet and noisy place, over a large area). They can also store many programs for different situations. When the environment changes, the hearing aid settings can be changed by pressing the corresponding button on the device.

Best Low Cost Hearing Aids with Analog Sound Processing:

Zinbest HAP-30

This is a modern compact sound reinforcement model. It is very easy to use, suitable for people with hearing impairments, and can be useful for people who need to amplify a sound signal. Has the ability to amplify sound up to 40 dB. Equipped with adjustable low and high frequencies, they can be adjusted to the patient to amplify the sounds of those frequencies that are difficult to hear. The silicone earbud neutralizes extraneous noise as much as possible, fits comfortably in the ear without causing discomfort. The device itself is attached to a belt or other parts of clothing. Powered by AA batteries.

Characteristic	Meaning
Type of shell	pocket
Sound processing type	analog
Maximum gain, dB	40
frequency Hz	450-3599
Manufacturer country	China

Feedback: “We bought such a device for my grandmother, it amplifies the sound well, I even checked it on myself. It is convenient to adjust the volume, only one finger battery is needed for operation ”.

AXON V-188

A quality hearing aid from a trusted manufacturer.Thanks to the zinc air battery, it can work up to 30 days. The silicone eartips are available in different sizes to fit any ear without causing discomfort. It offers simple controls. The device is made of very good quality materials, resistant to minor mechanical damage. It is small, 30-40% smaller than other standard analog devices, and can be easily hidden under the hair. Smooth volume control allows you to independently adjust the sound according to the situation.

Characteristic	Meaning
Type of shell	behind-the-ear
Sound processing type	analog
Maximum gain, dB	50
frequency Hz	300-4000
Manufacturer country	China

Testimonial: “We bought such a device for my grandmother. At first she did not want to use it, it was nerdy, but later she began to get used to it and wear it more often. The device amplifies the sound enough, now you don't have to speak very loudly. Everyone is happy. "

Best digital hearing aids

Digital hearing aids have all the functions of analog hearing aids, but convert sound waves into digital signals and reproduce sound accurately. Computer chips in devices analyze speech and other environmental sounds. The device allows for more sophisticated processing of sound in the amplification process, which can improve their performance in certain situations (for example, remove background noise). They also show great flexibility in programming so that the sound they transmit can be tailored to the needs of a particular hearing loss. Today, the vast majority of hearing aids are digital-based.

The best digital hearing aids are:

Siemens Digitrim 12P

This is one of the popular digital hearing aids that does not require specialist setup to operate. It has a soft and clear sound in a variety of listening situations thanks to its noise suppression and feedback systems. Suitable for people with mild to profound hearing loss. The device has the unique Siemens Nanocoating coating to protect against earwax, sweat and moisture, which affects its lifespan. Also, the device is distinguished by the durability of the batteries, it is able to operate autonomously for up to 28 days from 1 battery.

Characteristic	Meaning
Type of shell	behind-the-ear
Sound processing type	digital
Maximum gain, dB	71
frequency Hz	210-5000
Manufacturer country	Germany

Testimonial: “Dad used to use an analog hearing aid, we decided to buy him a digital one, as it has more possibilities. The price of course bites, but the quality of the product is consistent. Good sound quality, easy setup. Recommend!".

Oticon Ria Pro BTE 13

A digital sound processing behind-the-ear hearing aid with a design very similar to a wireless earpiece. With customizable high gain and advanced features, it offers users a sound that is as close to reality as possible. The device provides streamer technology, which allows you to customize the functionality of the equipment using a smartphone, as well as protection against noise and echo. All this ensures a comfortable use without extraneous interference.

Characteristic	Meaning
Type of shell	behind-the-ear
Sound processing type	digital
Maximum gain, dB	60
frequency Hz	100-7200
Manufacturer country	Denmark

Testimonial: “A fairly powerful device. I was more than satisfied with the quality of the product and the sound.Now I can distinguish voices, noise is well suppressed, comfortable to wear. Recommend!".

Types of hearing aids

Today, there are many types of hearing aids with different functions and capabilities. This allows a very precise selection of the device, taking into account the degree of hearing loss and the individual needs of each person. Five main types are available from the entire range of devices:

Fully in-ear hearing aid - CIC:

• it is the smallest hearing aid;
• almost invisible in the ear;
• intended for people with a slight hearing loss of 30-40 dB;
• individually adjustable for the ear;
• a device for people with a sufficiently large ear canal;
• require skillful management because they are very small.

In-ear hearing aid - ITC:

• the device fits easily into the ear canal;
• intended for people with mild to moderate hearing loss in the range of 45-75 dB;
• the batteries are larger, usually class 312.

In-the-ear hearing aid - ITE:

• due to its larger size, it has a greater degree of amplification;
• batteries are marked with symbol 312;
• intended for people with hearing loss in the range of 40-85 dB.

Behind-the-ear hearing aid - BTE:

• the hearing aid is behind the ear;
• Sound enters the ear canal through a tube and custom earmold
• recommended for children, as they are resistant to mechanical damage;
• intended for people with hearing loss of 85 dB or more.

Behind-the-ear hearing aid - RITE:

• the device is placed in the ear canal;
• intended for people with hearing loss in the range of 85 dB and above;
• the hearing aid provides better sound quality, in particular clearer and more accurate frequencies.

How to choose a hearing aid?

Which hearing aid is right for you depends on several factors:

• Type, degree of hearing loss, rhythm of life and characteristics of the profession.
• Patients with bilateral hearing loss will need two aids. If you're on a budget, it's better to choose two cheaper hearing aids than one more expensive one. It is important that there are two of them.
• Electronic proficiency and individual wearing comfort often play a decisive role in hearing aid selection.
• Additional features: Modern hearing aids allow direct connection to a smartphone, TV or audio device.
• Power source type: There is a choice of battery powered models for hearing aids and rechargeable models.
• Hearing aid manufacturer: In the domestic market, hearing aids are supplied by the world's best manufacturers. Among them are companies such as Oticon, Phonak, Widex, Zinbest, Axon and others. Having a certain amount of money, it is worth choosing a manufacturer that gives a long warranty period and the most advanced electronics of the device.

Hearing aids are now a very advanced electronic device. Manufacturers compete to miniaturize these devices to make them as small as possible while maintaining the highest possible audio amplification power. In addition to the appropriate device type, you can choose your favorite body color or suitable listening program.