Affordable Hearing Aids UK - Do I really need the top hearing aids?

Affordable Hearing Aids UK

Do cheap and affordable hearing aids that really work exist?

Cheap Hearing Aids vs Expensive - Do I really need the top hearing aid?

You might be looking for 'cheap' hearing aids or an affordable hearing aid center near you.  Once you’ve embarked on finding the right hearing aids for you – it can suddenly start to feel like navigating a maze of industry options.  Brands, shapes, models, styles, price – it is quite a challenge especially when you are researching for the first time or you are a new wearer. 

But first, cheap hearing aids, affordable hearing aids - What's the difference?

We know that everyone's perception and idea of 'cheap' and 'affordable' is different, so it is important to understand that we are generalising here.  When people refer to cheap hearing aids, this would mainly be the OTC hearing aids you've probably already seen online.  These aren't hearing aids, but sound amplifiers. 

We talk about Over the Counter hearing aids in this article here, which you might find useful and will educate you on the difference between this product and digital hearing aids.

Affordable hearing aids are usually labelled as 'essential' hearing aids in the audiology industry.  However, this article's purpose is to help you understand hearing aid prices, what you are paying for and whether you need the top model and performance.  We hope it goes in some way to make the hearing aid research less stressful and complex.

Affordable Hearing Aids - An industry trade-off

Over the years digital hearing aids have got better – more innovative, more advanced.  In the past, there were limited choices, which made decisions easier, but in reality, the devices didn’t work very well.  Now there has been a trade-off. 

Easier decision-making that offered poor results is replaced with more choice, but great technology that actually provides hearing solutions that work.  That ultimately brings its own complexities, as you try to make sense of the industry and what's on offer as a consumer.

However, even though researching the hearing solutions available on the market today can be intimidating, it really doesn't have to be.  You can now access great information online that can give you a better education on hearing loss and hearing aid solutions. 

Your hearing care professional can support you, along with your family, helping you overcome the challenges and get your hearing back on track.

Affordable Hearing Aids - Balanced priorities

It does all start with finding the right local audiologist that will support you in your decision-making, test your hearing and provide the best aftercare for you and your hearing loss.  Aftercare that is just as unique as you.

Your audiologist will recommend hearing device options that take many factors into consideration.  These are level of hearing loss, lifestyle, connectivity needs, dexterity, personal hearing goals and so on.  But, let’s not forget the budget.  Price is a huge factor in people deciding to get tested or not.  I am generalising here, but from experience, a lot of people feel like they will be sold more than they need.

I can’t speak for the rest of the industry, where perhaps targets and brand affiliation-based selections are often dominant – but I  feel that balance is key in hearing healthcare. You should leave your audiology appointment with the confidence that you have been advised on a hearing solution that doesn’t provide more or less than what you honestly need. 

That being said, the device you choose should also reflect what you truly want out of your digital hearing aids. 

Affordable Hearing Aids UK

What to look for in your affordable hearing aids

Hearing Amplification:  Amplification in digital hearing aids is not all the same level.  In short, the cheaper the hearing aid the less amplification you will receive.  You may not need the premium product in the industry, but what is important is the personalised amplification and, therefore, programmability.

Hearing Aid Types:  You might already know that hearing aids are available in various sizes and styles.  From Behind the Ear (BTE) right through to Invisible in the Canal (IIC) hearing aids.  In this case, you will benefit greatly from balancing price, appearance, functionality and how easy it is to use when choosing a type of hearing aid.

Directional Microphones:  You’ve probably made the decision to purchase a hearing aid because you predominantly want to hear and understand speech.  With this in mind, you might want to look at hearing aids incorporating directional microphones.   

This will help assist clearer listening in noisy environments like office spaces and restaurants.  Also allowing you to focus on the person sitting in front of you and hold and understand the conversation.

Background Noise:  Background noise reduction and feedback cancellation are pretty standard in today’s hearing aids, but make sure you get clarification on this when you consider a device.  This advanced technology quickly identifies background noise and lowers the volume, so it doesn't mask the sounds you want to focus on.

Bluetooth Connectivity:  We are becoming a world that is connected constantly - to friends, family and the world.  If streaming calls, music, premium sound, hearing aid control and connecting to those at-home devices is important to you - you might want to invest in hearing aids that are compatible with your smartphone and offer direct streaming capabilities. 

Affordable Hearing Aids - Long term hearing benefits

With your hearing needs at the forefront, the solutions that are recommended don’t have to be the top performance with the finest features available - but a device that will deliver you hearing benefits long term. 

What is exciting is that the industry recognises that price is a key player in consumers finding professional help or not and is dedicated to making hearing aids more accessible.  Take Signia’s Active ready-to-wear hearing aid solutions into account - giving you the flexibility to pop in and out your hearing aids as and when you need them.  Giving you the hearing ‘edge’ in those tricky hearing environments.

To read our review of the best hearing aids and best affordable hearing aids of 2021, visit our Top 5 Best Hearing Aids 2021 review here

The Best Affordable Hearing Aids 2021 /2022

Best Affordable Hearing Aids - Winner

Oticon Ruby 1 Hearing Aids - Best affordable hearing aids that work well in various hearing environments

Oticon extended its 'essential' range with the launch of Ruby.  A Behind-the-Ear hearing aid that raised the standards of the essential hearing aid category in the industry. Oticon Ruby hearing aids provide great sound quality that's historically not been seen in essential hearing aids of the past. 

Along with Oticon's Siya In-the-Ear styles - there is a wide product range that is both reliable and affordable.

Introducing the first hearing aid (at launch) in the essentials category to include great sound quality, rechargeability and Bluetooth connectivity in one simple, easy and complete solution.  Oticon Ruby includes an uber-fast charging facility - giving you six hours of power in a 30-minute charge or a full day's worth of power in three.  

Its wireless capability provides crystal clear and high-quality sound streaming and simple connectivity to your favourite devices.  You can even pair with numerous TV adapters in a single household and, by using the Oticon ON app, you can choose which TV to stream from.

Why do we think Oticon Ruby 1 is one of the best hearing aids at an affordable price?

• They address a wide range of hearing losses.
• Made by the manufacturer that is currently only creating hearing aids that include IoT (Internet of Things) technology.
• Along with the Oticon Siya - both these essential hearing aid ranges offer a full model portfolio.
• Rechargeable battery version available.
• Notably a good hearing solution in many challenging listening situations.

Best Affordable Hearing Aids - Second Place

Resound Key 4 Hearing Aids - Best affordable hearing aids for seniors

Resound Key hearing aids are Resound's new essential range for 2021.  Designed to work easily, comfortably and reliably with your own unique ears for a better hearing experience. You can benefit from accessing device guidance that will assist you and evolve with your daily listening experiences.

You can also personalise your listening experience and access audiology guidance remotely. This means that you can request hearing care from your audiologist wherever you are.

Why do we think Resound Key 4 is one of the best hearing aids at an affordable price?

• They are available in ten different hearing aid styles.
• They cater for various hearing loss levels.
• There are rechargeable options available (only available in Key 4)
• You can tap into direct Bluetooth streaming (not available in Key 2).
• They are compatible with Resound apps and wireless accessories (all performance levels).
• Plus they use the same powerful C5 processing chip seen in LiNX Quattro but in this lower-end hearing device.
• Arguably the best affordable hearing aids for elderly.

Best Affordable Hearing Aids - Third Place

Resound Key 4 - Best affordable hearing aids for tinnitus

We've chosen this hearing aid again, as Resound Key is not just a great affordable hearing aid - it also includes Resound Relief app, which offers tinnitus relief to wearers.  It gives you the freedom to choose between a combination of sound therapy, relaxation techniques and exercises, meditation and guidance while you stream audio directly to your devices.

Resound has also made bespoke soundscapes possible with the choice of library sounds and balancing the sound between both ears.  This can be an effective way to relieve tinnitus and symptom management over time.

A Soothing Experience

Because your tinnitus is as unique as you, there are five layers of sounds that you can pick to create a bespoke soundscape to relieve your symptoms.  Great and effective tinnitus management is more than just sound therapy.  You need to be proactive with engaging activities and follow guidance within the app.  Resound Relief will do just that - educate, assist and help you understand your tinnitus better.

Affordable Hearing Aids Near Me

Need more support locally?

If you are looking for hearing aids at affordable prices or you would like to know more about the hearing aids I have mentioned in this article or would like to book an appointment with one of our audiologists - call us free on 0800 567 7621

Wherever you live, we have between 2-3 audiologists local to you who can support, advise and look after your hearing healthcare in the future.  You can also view the products mentioned in this article below. 

Read Next:  The Best Hearing Aids of 2021 / 2022