Contents
To improve the hearing of people with hearing loss, both hearing amplifiers and hearing aids are used. In the article, we are talking about hearing aids, devices that perceive sounds, process them, adjust the volume, filter out noise and make speech, music, etc. clear.
There are also hearing amplifiers – simple, inexpensive devices that simply amplify the volume of signals entering the ear. These are completely different devices that can be dangerous for hearing impaired people, and it is better to refrain from acquiring them, especially if they were not recommended by an ENT doctor or audiologist.
Top 12 Best Inexpensive Hearing Aids by KP in 2022
We have collected some of the most affordable hearing aids from each category (pocket, behind the ear, in the ear and in the ear), assessing their main characteristics and cost. We note right away that manufacturers usually indicate the price for one device, for binaural (for both ears) correction, two devices are needed.
Inexpensive pocket hearing aids
1. ReSound Clip CP2BW-V
The device is able to compensate for hearing loss from 2 to 3 degrees. The possibilities of using modern digital technologies in these devices have become possible due to the WARP signal processing system, which allows you to achieve the most realistic, loud and clear sound.
The device also uses WDRC compression technology and an active noise reduction system. The device allows you to hear clearly and comfortably use the hearing aid in any situation. In addition, you do not need additional cables and a computer to set up the device.
Features
| Number of channels | 2 |
| Method settings | trimmer |
| Battery | AAA type |
| functions | noise reduction, volume control, feedback suppression, remote receiver |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Rhythm Aria 2-T
This is a domestic pocket digital device that is able to compensate for hearing problems of 2-3 degrees. A powerful processor is located inside the device, which is configured by a specialist individually for the needs of the patient. The main difference from analogues is the ability to work from two different power sources. At home or where it is possible to connect to a power outlet, it is better to use a battery that is charged from the mains. In places where there is no electricity, batteries are great. The device has bluetooth support, which allows you to use it as a phone headset.
Features
| Number of channels | 2 |
| Number of programs | 4 |
| Method settings | programmable |
| Battery | AAA type or battery |
| functions | noise reduction, volume control, feedback suppression |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Siemens Pockettio HP
This is one of the most powerful hearing aids in this category. The digital device is able to compensate for severe and extremely severe degrees of hearing loss (3-4 degree). It has a universal listening program, has adjustments and removable clamps, as well as the ability to connect to a phone. Due to individual settings, you can choose the most comfortable volume level with high-quality suppression of ambient noise.
Features
| Method settings | programmable |
| Battery | type AA |
| functions | noise reduction, volume control, feedback suppression |
Advantages and disadvantages
Inexpensive BTE hearing aids
This is the most popular category of digital hearing aids for patients of all ages.
1. ReSound Match MA3T90-VI
This is a powerful behind-the-ear model that can correct hearing loss up to 3-4 degrees. Equipped with a powerful linear amplifier using energy-saving chip technology. The device is equipped with three trimmers for adjusting the high and low frequencies and the sound pressure level at the output. The case provides a system that eliminates extraneous noise interference (passive noise reduction).
It is possible to adjust the volume depending on the sound environment, there are different levels of settings – from minimum to maximum levels, the choice of programs is confirmed by a sound signal, as well as that the battery is running low.
Features
| Number of channels | 2 |
| Number of programs | 2 |
| Method settings | trimmer |
| Battery | type 13 |
| functions | noise reduction, volume control, feedback suppression |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Phonak Baseo Q5-SP
A basic hearing aid built on the Phonak Quest platform that is capable of compensating for hearing loss up to the most extreme degree 4. The device has a programmable, very precise setting on the computer, equipped with an omnidirectional microphone. In addition, the instrument is equipped with a WhistleBlock system for adaptive feedback suppression. Also, the hearing aid is equipped with a NoiseBlock system (basic level) – this is the ability to high-resolution noise reduction. The device is equipped with protection against moisture and dust, has a nano-coating and only 2 body colors.
Features
| Number of channels | 2 |
| Number of programs | 2 |
| Method settings | programmable |
| Battery | type 13 |
| functions | noise reduction, volume control, remote receiver, moisture protection, feedback suppression |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Siemens Intuis 3 SP
This is a hearing aid that is able to compensate for hearing loss up to 3-4 degrees. The device has a system of automatic adjustment of the directivity of microphones with the ability to switch to a fixed direction, which depends on the level of ambient noise. It is possible to manually control the device from a smartphone by installing a special Signia application. This makes it possible to adjust the volume and switch programs, adjust the high and low frequencies to the individual needs of the patient. The device is equipped with the Telecoil function, which makes it possible to better distinguish the interlocutor’s speech during phone calls.
Features
| Number of channels | 12 |
| Number of programs | 4 |
| Method settings | programmable |
| Battery | type 675 |
| functions | noise reduction, volume control, waterproof, smartphone compatible, feedback suppression |
Advantages and disadvantages
Inexpensive in-the-ear hearing aids
We have selected three of the most popular and inexpensive hearing aids in the in-the-ear category, however, due to more sophisticated technology, they are much more expensive than the previous two groups.
1. WIDEX UNIQUE 100 XP
This is an inexpensive, compact ITE device, the body of which is made from a mold of the patient’s ear, and then inserted tightly into the ear canal and auricle. This product does not have a behind-the-ear housing, and to distinguish between the left and right devices (when worn binaurally), they are colored marks. Recommended for 2-3 degrees of hearing loss. The device captures all the necessary sounds, while suppressing ambient noise. Comfortable to wear outdoors. When there is noise, it changes the direction of the microphone towards the interlocutor, allowing you to better recognize speech.
Features
| Number of channels | 12 |
| Number of programs | 4 |
| Method settings | programmable |
| Battery | type 675 |
| functions | automatic microphone directivity, noise reduction, volume control, moisture protection, telecoil, smartphone compatibility, feedback suppression |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Phonak Virto B30-312
This intra-ear device with barometric calibration technology (sound pressure regulation) belongs to the economy class, helps in hearing correction of 2-3 degrees. It is equipped with a set of necessary Phonak Virto wireless features, which helps to improve communication, adapts to the patient. The body of the device is created individually, on the basis of a previously taken impression for each ear separately.
The device has several modern digital systems. So, AutoSense OS (Essential) is designed to recognize possible acoustic situations (quiet, loud) and suppress tinnitus (tinnitus). It allows you to hear the interlocutor in any situation. Auto Acclimatization is needed to gradually increase the volume as you adapt to wearing the device. In addition, there are active feedback suppression and noise reduction systems (the device muffles background noise). Plus, the QuickSync system is designed to switch programs and adjust the volume.
Features
| Number of channels | 8 |
| Number of programs | 9 |
| Method settings | programmable |
| Battery | type 312 |
| functions | noise reduction, volume control (optional), moisture protection, feedback suppression |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Oticon Agil Pro ITC/ITE WL AT
This in-the-ear device belongs to the budget category of this manufacturer, it helps to compensate for 1-2 degrees of hearing loss. Although this is a relatively inexpensive model (compared to other types), the device allows you to hear speech and music well, the sounds of nature without extraneous noise. The sound quality is transmitted through the RISE 2 platform, which makes it possible to hear the surrounding sounds as accurately as possible. This allows the patient not to strain when using the device. Modern ConnectLine technologies allow you to communicate with various devices (smartphone, tablet).
Features
| Number of channels | 6 |
| Number of programs | 4 |
| Method settings | programmable |
| Battery | type 312 |
| functions | noise reduction, feedback suppression |
Price – from 59900 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
Affordable in-ear hearing aids
These are the smallest devices, but due to the complexity of manufacturing and functional features, they are the most expensive even in the budget segment.
1. YES EY2CIC
This basic hearing aid model is used to correct hearing from mild to severe levels (1-3 degrees of hearing loss). The receiver is selected individually for each patient. In the basic configuration, sound processing goes through six channels. There is a system of noise suppression and elimination of background noise without reducing the clarity of speech, and a “tinnitus generator” function is also built in. This helps eliminate tinnitus and ringing to create a comfortable user experience.
Features
| Number of channels | 6 |
| Number of programs | 3 |
| Method settings | programmable |
| Battery | type 10 |
| functions | noise reduction, feedback suppression, individual selection of the receiver |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Oticon Get CIC
This hearing aid allows you to compensate for hearing loss in the range of mild to moderate severity (grade 1-2). It has a set of necessary basic functions, including an extraneous noise suppression system with a technique for evaluating and highlighting speech in the incoming stream. This allows the patient to hear better even in noisy environments. Also, the device allows you to suppress feedback, which increases comfort when using it.
Features
| Number of channels | 4 |
| Number of programs | 1 |
| Method settings | programmable |
| Battery | type 10 |
| functions | noise reduction, feedback suppression |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. ReSound Vea VE210- P
A hearing aid helps in significantly improving hearing in grades 2-3 hearing loss. The device helps to hear speech well even in noisy rooms, there is also no buzzing and whistling when talking on the phone, talking outdoors in the wind. This is achieved by processing the sound with the WARP system to create the closest possible reproduction of sounds to natural. The Stabilizer II DFS system helps in suppressing feedback without muffling useful signals, while NoiseTracker recognizes speech well and suppresses ambient noise.
Features
| Number of channels | 6 |
| Number of programs | 1 |
| Method settings | programmable |
| Battery | type 10 |
| functions | noise reduction, feedback suppression, moisture protection |
Advantages and disadvantages
What are the criteria for hearing aids to be classified as inexpensive?
Today, in the market of medical equipment, including in the field of audiology (hearing correction), the criterion of “budget” products is interpreted very broadly. This is due to several reasons.
Item type
Hearing aids fall into several different categories:
- Pocket – This is a small device that the patient carries with him in his pocket. Headphones go from it to the ear, which transmit the sound captured and processed by the hearing aid. These are not the most popular models, they are not convenient for everyone, so they are relatively inexpensive.
- Behind the ear are one of the most popular hearing aids. The body of the device is hidden behind the ear, from which a thin tube passes into the ear canal, through which sound is transmitted. Small size, ease of settings and a lot of additional features make these devices one of the most popular. Therefore, their cost is higher than that of the previous group.
- Intra-ear – these are devices that are placed in the auricle area, they are hardly noticeable and convenient when leading an active lifestyle, wearing glasses or a protective mask. But these devices are technically more complex than behind-the-ear devices, so the cost of these types of hearing aids is higher.
- In-ear – the smallest and most expensive of all. In a tiny case, which is made only individually, according to a mold of the ear canal, a powerful processor and a lot of additional miniature devices that allow you to hear well are placed.
Sound processing type
The second criterion is the type of sound processing. Previously, there were only analog devices on the market that allowed you to hear better, but the sound quality was far from ideal. Today they have been replaced by modern digital devices. They are complex and therefore more expensive.
Gradually, analog devices are being squeezed out of the market, giving way to more modern ones. It is already difficult to buy them, many manufacturers have refused to release them.
Manufacturer
The third criterion is the manufacturer. If we draw an analogy with cars, this area has its own “Mercedes” and “Audi” – brands that have established themselves as flagships in hearing care. Their hearing aids are manufactured using the most modern technologies, using the most expensive materials and they are not cheap.
On average, inexpensive models from these manufacturers have average price tags of about 40-50 thousand for behind-the-ear models, and about 60-70 thousand for in-the-ear, canal devices.
There are less well-known, domestic and foreign manufacturers, a kind of “Lada Grants” and “Kia Rio”, whose products are simpler and cheaper. Each manufacturer interprets the budget criteria in its own cost level. But on average behind-the-ear devices can be considered budgetary in the range of 15-25 thousand, and intra-ear and canal – in the range of 30-50 thousand rubles.
How to choose a hearing aid
KP discussed with an otorhinolaryngologist, audiologist at the European Medical Center (EMC) Alexandra Gershevskaya and candidate of medical sciences, otorhinolaryngologist, doctor of the highest category of the European Medical Center (EMC) Evgenia Tsygankova, the main nuances of choosing inexpensive hearing aids and clarified what to consider when buying a product.
The class of electronics that is used in devices can be conditionally divided into “Economic”, “Standard”, “Business”. There are premium class devices with the maximum number of adjustments and programs used. But the simplest apparatus may be enough to qualitatively change a person’s life. Among its options, the main thing is power, that is, the total amplification introduced in this device should be adequate to the request for the audiogram that the patient has.
There must be a frequency range that is necessary to provide speech perception and there must be a “form of compression”. Compression is the compression of the dynamic range of a sound.
When a person has hearing loss, their hearing thresholds increase, but there are also discomfort thresholds and they do not necessarily increase along with hearing thresholds. Hearing field or dynamic range – the difference between the threshold of perception and the threshold of discomfort, it turns out to be significantly narrowed, and in order for such a person to use a hearing aid, the device must be able to compress the dynamic range. Not all simple devices can do this, in particular, sound amplifiers cannot provide this.
However, there are patients who do not need this, there are some types of conductive hearing loss. Hearing amplifiers as a hearing aid are suitable for small linear hearing losses, but inexpensive hearing aids offer a wider range of options. Alas, guessing in advance which hearing aid is right will not work, you need to try different options.