Hearing aids for you
Hear.com’s team of experts is available to assist you if you've concluded that a hearing aid is the best option to assist you in your journey to better hearing.
Browse our selection of modern hearing devices, discover our continually evolving technology, and locate the hearing aid that will assist you in reconnecting with the people and things you cherish. Fill out our quick questionnaire to contact a hearing expert.
How hearing aids work
Hearing aids are designed to receive sounds from the outside world, just like a healthy ear would do. They include microphones, which take sounds and convert them into vibrations and then into electrical impulses. However, at this stage, these signals are often too weak and need to be amplified before they can be converted into something wearers can actually hear. Amplifiers inside the hearing aid casing do the job, turning even very quiet noises into signals that can be turned into audible noise.
The final part of the hearing aid is the speaker, which takes these amplified signals and produces noise. The precise sound level can almost always be finely calibrated, depending on the environment and the wearer’s degree of hearing loss. Many hearing aids can also be calibrated to amplify high or low-frequency sounds, again, depending on the user’s needs.
What different types of hearing aid designs are there?
Hearing aid designs are primarily divided into behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) devices.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
Behind-the-ear hearing aids consist of two parts. A small, discreet unit containing the microphones, electronics, and battery sits behind the outer ear. The sound output is delivered directly into the ear canal. The connection is made either with a thin, transparent tube or a clear wire. Thanks to their design, BTE hearing aids combine the widest range of features with a discreet appearance..
BTE hearing aids are available for nearly every type of hearing loss, including severe impairment. For mild to moderate hearing loss, the speaker of a BTE device can be placed in the ear canal using a dome or an open, custom earmold. This keeps the ear canal well ventilated. External sounds can still reach the eardrum naturally in addition to the amplified sound from the device.
Handling BTE devices is easy due to their design, for example when changing batteries or charging rechargeable units. Depending on the price range, many BTE hearing aids offer Bluetooth connectivity to devices such as smartphones or TVs, allowing them to function like wireless headphones.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids
Because all the technology of in-the-ear hearing aids sits in the ear canal, these devices are particularly discreet and resistant to external contact from clothing or headwear. ITE hearing aids rarely slip or fall out unintentionally, making them well suited for sports and other leisure activities.
Since there are no sweat glands in the ear canal, perspiration is generally not an issue. ITE hearing aids also support natural directional hearing, which is aided by the sound-shaping properties of the outer ear.
Due to their especially small size, these nearly invisible hearing aids are typically suitable only for mild to moderate hearing loss. In addition, ITE devices seal the ear canal completely, which can reduce ventilation and may cause the wearer’s own voice to sound overly amplified (occlusion effect). Depending on the model and features, the cost of ITE and BTE hearing aids can vary.
How to find the right hearing aid
Medical-grade hearing aids are the only safe solution for hearing loss. The majority of wearers report an improved overall quality of life with hearing aids. In fact, many of them wish they had started wearing hearing aids sooner. Hearing aids strengthen relationships with family, friends and co-workers because you’re able to understand and fully participate in conversations again. Many studies show that hearing well can reduce stress, increase energy, and boost your mental alertness.
With all the advancements in technology, there’s a wide variety of hearing aid models for different lifestyles and levels of hearing loss. But modern hearing aids have one life-changing thing in common — their unbelievably small size. Both in-the-ear and behind-the-ear devices are often the size of coffee beans. In terms of hearing aid technology, the latest devices are basically mini supercomputers that use advanced algorithms to process sounds and deliver crystal-clear sound. Finding the right hearing aid depends on a number of factors.
Hearing aid technology
Hearing aids technology has advanced significantly in recent years, offering a wide range of features and capabilities to help people with hearing loss.
Premium technology
If you want hearing aids with all the bells and whistles, Premium technology is the best choice. It offers more advanced features than Basic and Mid-Range levels and suits both active and sedentary lifestyles. You’ll enjoy natural HD sound quality, directional microphones, motion sensors, digital noise and feedback reduction, and moisture resistance. Many models are rechargeable, eliminating the need for tiny batteries. Premium devices often include Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity for easy control and wireless streaming of music and calls.
Advanced technology
Hearing aids with advanced technology are great for people who live a more active lifestyle. These devices provide good sound quality, even in complex listening situations. Examples of places where you can benefit from wearing this level include large auditoriums, family get-togethers, sporting events and restaurants. Advanced technology gives you the ability to change listening programs and improve listening comfort in any setting.
Essential technology
Essential level technology is a good solution for individuals who spend a lot of time at home and enjoy having one-on-one conversations. Devices with this level of technology provide good amplification and feedback cancellation in quiet environments. Their basic features allow you to hear the TV at normal volume and understand your conversation partner clearly in small group settings. We do, however, recommend getting the highest level of technology you can afford, so you can have access to more features for the best hearing experience.
Setting the Standard with our HORIZON™ Hearing Aids
After more than a decade and over 3 million consumer consultations, we developed our own award-winning HORIZON™ hearing aids to set a new standard in modern hearing care.
Horizon combines powerful dual-processor technology with brain-inspired sound processing to deliver exceptional speech clarity while preserving natural 360° awareness. Conversations remain sharp and focused, without sacrificing the richness of the world around you.
Available across multiple technology levels and price points, HORIZON brings premium hearing performance within reach without compromise.
Hearing aid prices
Hearing aid prices can vary based on several factors, including the brand, features, and technology level. Generally, there is a range of price options available to accommodate different budgets. Entry-level hearing aids typically fall on the more affordable end, while premium devices with advanced features tend to have higher price points. It's important to consider the overall value and benefits of the hearing aids when making a decision. Additionally, it's worth exploring if insurance coverage or assistance programs are available to help offset the costs. Working with a hearing care professional can provide valuable insights into pricing options and help you find a suitable solution within your budget.
Adjusting to hearing aids
Adjusting to hearing aids can take some time, but with patience and persistence, you can make the process smoother. Here are some tips to help you adapt to your new hearing aids:
- Give Yourself Time: Understand that it takes time for your brain to adjust to the new sounds. Be patient and allow yourself the necessary time to adapt.
- Start in a Quiet Environment: Begin by wearing your hearing aids in a quiet setting to help your brain acclimate to the new sounds gradually.
- Gradual Increase in Wear Time: Start by wearing your hearing aids for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time as you become more comfortable. This can help prevent overwhelm.
- Practice Listening: Engage in activities that involve listening, such as conversations with friends and family, listening to music, or watching TV. This will help your brain adjust to various sounds.
- Regular Follow-ups with Audiologist: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your audiologist to make necessary adjustments to the hearing aids based on your experiences and feedback.
- Learn about Maintenance: Familiarize yourself with the proper care and maintenance of your hearing aids. Clean them regularly, and make sure to change the batteries or charge them as needed.
- Stay Positive: Focus on the improvements your hearing aids bring rather than the initial challenges. A positive attitude can make the adjustment period more manageable.
