The Leading Types of Hearing Aids and Devices for Seniors

Hearing aids for mild hearing loss

• Pros:
  • Small and discrete
  • Less likely to pick up wind noise

• Cons:
  • Short battery life
  • Batteries can be hard to replace
  • Doesn’t tend to include extra features, such as built-in volume control

• Pros:
  • Less visible than larger styles
  • Includes features that can’t fit on a CIC

• Cons:
  • Not as discrete as a CIC
  • Features such as volume control can be hard to operate

• Pros:
  • More available features than CIC or ITC models, such as directional microphones, which allow for better hearing in noisy environments
  • Features are easier to use than those on a CIC or ITC
  • Longer battery life
  • More options for rechargeable batteries

• Cons:
  • More susceptible to wind noise than a CIC or ITC
  • Not as discrete as a CIC or ITC

Hearing aids for severe hearing loss

• Pros:
  • Higher levels of amplification than other styles
  • More available features than other styles, including directional microphones and rechargeable batteries

• Cons:
  • Tends to be the largest style of hearing aid
  • Susceptible to wind noise

• Pros:
  • Less visible than a BTE
  • Directional microphones
  • Manual control options
  • Additional available features such as rechargeable batteries

• Cons:
  • Susceptible to earwax clogging

• Pros:
  • Improved sound quality in specific cases
  • Own voice sounds clearer

• Cons:
  • Not as discrete as other styles, such as a CIC
  • Can be difficult to insert the dome into the ear

Telecoils and hearing loops

Cochlear implants

Over-the-counter assistive hearing devices

Hearing amplifiers

• Otofonix Elite Hearing Aid
  • Price: $350-$750 per ear
  • Features: Background noise reduction, customizable settings, and an inconspicuous design that rests behind the ear.

• Williams Sound PockeTalker Ultra Duo Sound Amplifier
  • Price: $150
  • Features: Comes with headphones and earbuds, a year’s supply of batteries, and a 30-day risk-free trial.

Personal assistive listening devices

• Amplified telephones. These phones typically feature amplified handset receivers, simplified controls, and extra-loud ringers. They also often incorporate a visual element such as a flashing light. The VTech SN5147 Amplified Senior Phone is a popular and affordable option for seniors who have trouble communicating over the phone.
• Notification systems. Seniors dealing with hearing loss have several different options for notification systems. Most of these systems feature flashing lights, vibrations, and amplified sounds that notify a senior if an alarm is going off. The National Fire Protection Agency states that seniors who are deaf or hard of hearing should use alarms with strobe lights that are medically approved. Alarms for sleeping areas are also required to be intense enough to wake a sleeping person.
• TV streamers. TV streamers allow seniors to enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies at the volume they prefer. The device connects to a television and broadcasts the sound to a wireless headset. TV streamers are also great for couples who wish to watch the same show at different volumes.