Hearing Aid Models, Prices & Reviews

Hearing Aid Innovations 2024

The technology of hearing aids is constantly evolving every year, so new hearing aids are also on the market in 2024. Current trends and new products show more and more innovations in the areas:

What are the different types of hearing aids?

There are two main different designs: Hearing aids that are worn behind the ear and have only a small speaker in the ear (BTE for Behind the Ear, for short) and those in which all the technology is placed inside the ear (ITE for In the Ear, for short). Each of these designs has different advantages and disadvantages.

The best-known manufacturers include Oticon, Starkey, ReSound, Phonak, and Signia. These manufacturers regularly launch new models where the technology is further developed. The prices vary thereby due to different sound processing and technical additional functions.

How do hearing aids work?

All designs (whether behind the ear or in the ear) are miniaturized high-performance computers that automatically adjust to different sound environments and deliver the best possible speech understanding in any situation. Sound is picked up by microphones on the device, processed in a fraction of a second, and then delivered by tiny speakers directly in front of the eardrum to match the hearing ability. Only those pitches are amplified that the hearing aid user is missing due to his or her hearing impairment. Distracting background noise is suppressed and speech is emphasized. Music sounds full again. So hearing aids don't just make everything louder, but specifically fill the gaps in our perception. In addition, modern hearing aids double as Bluetooth headphones and headsets for smartphones and other accessories.

Which hearing aid do I need?

First, you should consider which design you prefer: whether the device should be completely inside the ear, or whether a device behind the ear is better for you. An overview of the pros and cons:

Hearing aids behind the ear (BTE)

Advantages:

The ear canal is not completely closed and remains well ventilated
The natural residual hearing can be fully utilized by wearing airy silicone shields or custom-made earmolds
Bluetooth connections to smartphone and other accessories are easily possible
The hearing aids are easy to touch and handle
High battery or rechargeable battery life, as there is enough space in the case
In the event of a defect, the earpiece can be replaced without having to replace the entire hearing aid
Earpieces can be made in different materials, from plastic to silicone to titanium

Disadvantages:

Limited suitability for wearing during sports, as the devices can slip or fall off when exposed to outside influences
Visible to outsiders, though very unobtrusive
Susceptible to wind noise (depending on the technology, these are suppressed to varying degrees)

Hearing devices in the ear (ITE)

Advantages:

Unobtrusive, can disappear more or less in the ear canal depending on the technology
Visible hearing aid models look modern, like Bluetooth headphones
Insensitive to external touch and can therefore be worn during sports
Insensitive to wind noise
Acts depending on the design in noisy environments also like hearing protection when the microphones are disabled

Disadvantages:

The complete technology sits in the ear canal and can lead to a foreign body feeling in the ear
One's own voice may sound overemphasized when speaking
The seal means that all ambient sounds must be amplified, which can result in a more artificial sound
The smallest hearing aids with a nearly invisible fit cannot be connected to smartphones and other accessories via Bluetooth, and they are not available with rechargeable batteries
Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth connectivity protrude into the pinna and are visible from the outside
Because they are custom-made, at least one on-site appointment at one of our specialty stores is required, during which an ear impression is taken
In the event of a defect, the entire hearing aid must be replaced, as it is a custom-made product

Hearing Aids Prices: What do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aids are available in different technology levels. Depending on your personal needs, you can choose the technology that best suits you. If you are socially active and often spend time in groups, enjoy going to the theater, or if you work and want to understand well in a variety of situations, a higher technology level is recommended. On the other hand, if you lead a more domestic, quiet life, a lower technology level might suffice. The costs look as follows:

Basic class - cost: 0 euros to 100 euros. (After subsidy from the health insurance)
Medium class - Cost: 100 euros to 800 euros. (After subsidy from the health insurance)
Premium class - Cost: 800 euros to 1,500 euros. (After subsidy of the health insurance)

MySecondEar offers the latest hearing aid models from all leading manufacturers, which you can learn about in advance on our website (Oticon, Starkey, ReSound, Phonak or Signia). The exact price of the hearing aids is primarily based on the technology level selected and can also be viewed on our website.

Which hearing aids are best?

The current best hearing aids are produced by the manufacturers Oticon, Starkey, ReSound, Phonak and Signia in all designs. Of particular note are the new Oticon Intent, Starkey Genesis AI, Resound Nexia, Phonak Audeo Lumity and Signia Pure IX, which have performed above average in various tests.

Buy hearing aids cheap - Better service at lower cost

With us, you can get your perfect hearing aid at a fair price. If you would like a consultation, we are happy to offer it by phone or directly on site. Our team of acousticians will be happy to help you find the right product for your individual needs

Should problems arise with your hearing aid, you enjoy a warranty with us, through which you are optimally protected. Simply get in touch with us! For questions about the purchase or for other information, you can also contact us.