Should You Choose Oticon, Phonak, or ReSound Hearing Aids?
We live in a time where there has never been better access to advanced technology for hearing aids.
We live in a time where there has never been better access to advanced technology for hearing aids.
We live in a time where there has never been better access to advanced technology for hearing aids. Many of today’s top performers are changing the way people with moderate to severe hearing loss are living their lives. It’s truly impressive, but that does not mean every provider is created equal. It also means that the process of selecting a hearing aid is sometimes more complex than you may realize.
Three of the most well-respected and advanced options are Oticon, ReSound, and Phonak, all of which can provide outstanding hearing improvement to those who have significant hearing loss. Which one is best?
There are two things to know. First, any of these companies are going to offer a high-quality product that is likely worth the investment. Second, it is less about the brand than the hearing healthcare professional helping you to get the results that are best for you. Let’s talk about these things with clarity.
Many people ask this, and it is because of the great marketing many hearing aid manufacturers do. Their products are all changing the lives of their customers, and it is easy to see that in any of their ads and informational videos. But choosing one that stands out as the best among them all is hard to do. There is not one brand or one model that works best for everyone. Let’s break down some of the factors that play a role in this decision.
All three of our recommended brands: Phonak, ReSound, and Oticon are considered viable options because of what they offer. They all have automatic technology that works behind the scenes to adjust the sound within the environment you are in, creating the impressive results you need no matter what type of environment you are stepping into. This is one of the most important elements of any successful hearing aid – the ability to fit your needs no matter where you are.
All of these brands also offer connectivity features. That means the hearing aids can connect directly to the other technology that people are already using within their daily lives. This includes connections through Bluetooth. They can connect to your smartphone and other Bluetooth devices in your home like your TV, radio, or others that allow you to then listen and engage with ease.
There are some key features that we look for in the most advanced hearing aids available. In short, when possible to do so, we recommend these hearing aids because they provide better connectivity and functionality.
To decide which hearing aid brand or product is best suited for a person, we need to take into consideration a range of factors about their needs and lifestyle. This includes:
These are some of the most important features when it comes to making a decision about which brand of hearing aid to recommend. We want to ensure the hearing aid selected fits your needs and that you do not have to adjust your life around that device.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to choosing a hearing aid, and your hearing healthcare professional will know that and tell you the same. That is, you cannot just select a brand, but instead, you need to choose a brand that fits your lifestyle, needs, and goals. You should also not feel rushed into a decision since there are so many options to consider.
Choosing the right hearing healthcare professional, like one of our HearingUp network providers, going to provide you with:
Most people today will find a hearing aid that works to improve the severity and configuration of your hearing loss. Without a doubt, you will need to choose the right type and style, but what’s right for you isn’t based on a brand. It is also not based on the specific price points of those brands. Instead, it should be chosen with the help of an experienced professional who takes careful consideration of your needs, lifestyle, fit, and overall budget.
This information and more is included in Dr. Cliff's Hearing Aid Buyer's Guide. This free resource includes information on different features, styles and the latest models.
Brianna Cole is a second year Doctorate of Audiology student at Arizona State University, where she is co-president of the Student Academy of Audiology chapter. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Science at the University of British Columbia. She started her career in Audiology at Applied Hearing Solutions as Dr. Cliff Olson's direct Audiology Assistant. A hearing aid user herself, Brianna is passionate about helping people hear their absolute best.
Find a local hearing healthcare provider that has been personally vetted by Dr. Cliff and verified to use Best Practices in Audiology.
While large, beige devices were once the norm, today's modern designs are lighter, smaller and more comfrotable to wear.
Read MoreName-brand hearing aids, fit by a local hearing healthcare provider who follows Best Practices.
Best Practices ChecklistHearing Aid Buyer's GuideWhile we review hearing products independently and opinions are our own, we are a member of various affiliate programs. This means that if you purchase through links on our site, we may receive a commission on that sale.