Choosing the right hearing aids can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. With various options available – including price, size, colour, technology, and placement – determining what will work best for your individual needs is not always that simple.
Keep in mind that there is no one ‘best’ hearing aid out there – what’s right for you will depend on your hearing loss and lifestyle. This is why it’s important to work with your audiologist to appropriately assess your situation and determine the best solution.
There are certain brands and models that are known for their reliability, high acceptance rates, and better outcomes in a variety of listening situations. These are some of our favourites for 2024.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Melbourne Audiology Centre today.
Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) or Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
These hearing aids incorporate a very small unit placed behind the ear and a thin wire that connects to a tiny speaker (or receiver) positioned in the ear canal. The receiver is held in place by either a generic ear tip or a small custom-made earpiece. These devices are very discreet and, thanks to their versatility, reliability & availability of hearing aid features, are the most popular in the market today.
RITE/RIC aids are suitable for mild to severe and even profound hearing losses.
Some of our favourites include:
- Oticon Intent miniRITE R
- Unitron Moxi Vivante R
- Phonak Audeo Infinio
- Signia Pure Charge&Go IX
- Starkey Genesis AI
- Oticon Zircon miniRITE
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
These hearing aids incorporate a plastic case that is worn behind the ear (and which houses all the electronic components), which is connected via acoustic tubing to an acrylic earmould that fits inside the outer ear and ear canal. These devices are often the easiest to adjust and manage and can manage the most significant hearing losses well.
BTE aids are suitable for mild to profound hearing loss.
Some of our favourites include:
- Phonak Naida Lumity PR
- Oticon Real miniBTE R
- Oticon Zircon miniBTE T
- Unitron Stride Vivante R
- Starkey Evolv AI
- Signia Motion X
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) & Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC)
These types of hearing aids are made custom to fit inside the ear canal and in terms of visibility are the most discreet options available. However their small size also means that there is limited space for additional features (such as directional microphones or Bluetooth Receivers).
CIC & IIC hearing aids are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Some of our favourites include:
- Phonak Virto Titanium
- Oticon Siya
- Signia Insio Nx
- Signia Silk X
- Oticon Own
- Starkey Evolv AI
- Starkey Signature Series
In-the-Ear (ITE) & In-the-Canal (ITC)
These hearing aids are custom-made to suit the ear’s size and shape. They’re more visible to others from compared to Custom CIC’s and IIC’s, , but their larger size can make them easier to insert and adjust as needed. These devices also use a larger battery, which is likely to last longer than those used in smaller devices. Larger custom devices can also potentially house directional microphones, which are important for improving hearing in background noise.
ITE aids are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
Some of our favourites include:
- Starkey Evolv AI Rechargable
- Starkey Genesis AI
- Unitron Insera Blu
- Oticon Own
Is it Time for New Hearing Aids?
And there you have it – Melbourne Audiology Centre’s picks for the best hearing aids in Australia for 2024.
If you’re thinking about getting some new hearing aids, there are many factors to consider to ensure that you’ve made the right choice. This includes the type of aid (which can affect its comfort, visibility, and aesthetics), its technological capabilities (such as noise cancelling ability, Bluetooth compatibility, and app control), and the brand.
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed and aren’t sure which is the best option for your unique hearing needs, book an appointment with our helpful team so we can discuss your specific situation in more detail.
