FAQs
Seek a referral to a reputable audiologist.
An audiologist will assess your hearing, help you choose the most appropriate hearing aid and adjust the device to meet your needs. If you have hearing loss in both ears, you will get best results with two hearing aids.
What is the difference between a hearing aid practitioner and an audiologist? ›
The primary difference between an Audiologist and a Hearing Instrument Specialist is that the Audiologist has an advanced degree and is an expert in all aspects of hearing healthcare, including the fitting of hearing devices, while the Hearing Aid Specialist has a high school or two-year degree and has received ...
What are the big six hearing aid companies? ›
How many manufacturers are there? There are six main hearing aid companies to choose from, often called “The Big Six” by university trained Audiologists. Phonak, Resound, Oticon, Sivantos, Widex and Starkey make up each large umbrella of “The Big Six” manufacturers.
Can I buy hearing aid without consulting doctor? ›
If you are 18 years of age or older and believe you have perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, you can buy an OTC hearing aid in a store or online without seeing an ear-nose-throat (ENT) doctor, or a licensed hearing health care professional (audiologist).
Which hearing aid is best for clarity of speech? ›
Understanding speech in a noisy environment is the battlefield for hearing aid manufacturers. In 2022 and 2023 they all brought up their A-game, but still, Oticon BrainHearing seems to be the one standing out. This article explains the features of Oticon hearing aids, the BrainHearing technology.
Is it better to see an ENT or audiologist for hearing loss? ›
People who experience problems with their hearing or their ears in general should immediately see an otolaryngologist, otherwise known as an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor. It is especially crucial to see that type of doctor if you believe you have lost hearing, especially if the loss was sudden.
Can an audiologist detect ear problems? ›
An audiologist is a doctor that is a hearing healthcare professional that specializes in identifying, diagnosing, and treating issues with the auditory and vestibular areas of the ear. They most commonly deal with things like hearing loss, tinnitus or balance issues.
Can an audiologist adjust a hearing aid? ›
Your audiologist has an extensive background in the science behind your hearing loss and understands the physical device and programming that make up your hearing aid. Adjustments to frequency, volume, and background noise filtration levels can all be adjusted at your visit.
What's the number one rated hearing aid? ›
The Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids emerge as the top pick for their unparalleled sound clarity, sleek design, and seamless Bluetooth integration, making them perform in challenging listening environments. Our extensive testing confirms their comfort and superior audio performance.
What style of hearing aid is currently the most popular? ›
An open-fit RITE hearing aid. One of the most popular hearing aids styles are what's known as either "receiver in the ear" (RITE) or "receiver in canal" (RIC), depending on the manufacturer.
Oticon Xceed offers the highest full-on gain peak in the industry (87 dB) and new fitting options to help you meet the different needs of power users.
Should you have a hearing test before buying a hearing aid? ›
If you have medical concerns about your hearing loss, you should have a medical evaluation by a licensed doctor, such as an ENT doctor, before purchasing a hearing aid. Medical examinations may be performed by any licensed doctor.
What level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid? ›
Hearing Loss Ranges (in decibels)
There are different levels of hearing loss. Some forms of hearing loss can be treated with a hearing aid. If your hearing falls into the 26-70 dB range (mild to moderate), a hearing aid can be very effective in restoring sounds for your daily life.
Is it worth buying expensive hearing aid? ›
More costly hearing aids have features that cheap hearing aids do not, such as directional microphones, sudden noise protection, and superior noise filters. Subpar hearing aids, in fact, are capable of creating uncomfortably loud noises and feedback, both of which may degrade your hearing more.
How often should you have your hearing checked by a doctor or audiologist? ›
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) guidelines state that healthy adults ages 18-40 years old, who are not experiencing any noticeable hearing loss, should have their hearing tested every three to five years.