You might be thinking if it is worth upgrading your hearing aids yet, but it all depends on what you buy. 2021 brought some significant advances in digital hearing aid technology, other hearing aid makes have barely improved in years. 2022 looks set to bring even more to the industry, such as new Bluetooth ITE options, the world's first waterproof rechargeable aid and heart rate sensor.
If you are looking for the best hearing aids money can buy or not - either way, we hope this guide will help you in your search to find the right hearing aid for you - whether that be the upgrade you need or if you are wearing new hearing aids for the first time.
To label the industry's best hearing aids of 2022 in numerous categories, we asked our own audiologists to score each hearing aid on the market using such criteria as hearing aid prices, hearing aid features, technology advancements and other priorities that are generally considered important to consumers.
In March 2019, the predecessor of this aid, the Oticon OpnS1 hearing aid was considered by many to be the best hearing aid on the market. In January 2021 they brought out the new generation - the Oticon More 1. It's even better and is the reason why we have voted More as the best overall hearing aid.
Starkey Livio Edge 2400 AI wins second place for pure innovation, possibly the best custom hearing aids range and for providing great product support and improvements since the Livio launched.
The 2020 Livio Edge model is the only hearing aid to feature the only rechargeable custom-made hearing aid - the ITE/ITC and a variety of other sensors and functions from foreign language translators to heart rate monitors.
As of November 2019, they have added more Bluetooth options for all smartphone users, especially Android.
You might want all the bells and whistles that this Starkey hearing aid range has to offer, but then again don't pay for what you don't need. The Edge AI model is a lot more expensive, make sure you will get good use out of the extra features.
Also, in reality, it can struggle to connect to all Android devices, so check with your audiologist to see what the compatibility and connectivity needs are if you are an Android user.
The new Signia Silk 7X model is still a "modular CIC", meaning a completely in the canal hearing aid, very hard to see on most people and includes the new Xperience platform. It does not need to be custom-made to the shape of the ear and does not block the ear canal in the same way either.
The beauty of this hearing aid is really down to the great design which allows those who require an open fitting to still wear a CIC. You might have been told that you can't wear an in-ear hearing aid. The good news here is that you might be able to wear this one.
In regards to loss, Signia Silk is great for people with mild-to-moderate hearing and will not for those with a more profound hearing loss.
On another note, this hearing aid isn't suitable for everybody's ear shape. Therefore, please contact us as we would need to check your ear canal shape.
Nobody wants style over substance, but style over features that you don't need? That seems like a fair trade. The Widex Moment is a great aid and the main form factor, the "Fusion2" has all of the features of Moment 440 - Bluetooth, machine learning and rechargeable option.
However, if you don't need these then the much smaller "Passion" or "RIC 10" shape is a good pick.
Widex Moment really is a good tinnitus hearing aid. The Zen technology uses fractal musical tones to manage tinnitus. This is good because they are played at random and, therefore, no pattern for your brain to habituate.
The Moment also uses amplification of natural sounds of nature to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus.
Don't buy this hearing aid because Widex has claimed it "doesn't sound like a hearing aid" and is not 'tinny' or artificial like other hearing aids.
The ‘tinny’ sound Widex is referring to is a generalisation. In reality, it’s rare that people can detect digital echo in aids. Most of our customers who have worn Moment aids can’t detect the difference in speed from their previous devices. However, they have enjoyed the natural sound quality - so they must be doing something right!
You also need a Widex accessory to stream audio and have the flexibility of hands-free if you have an Android phone and devices.
Phonak Paradise has been a popular aid since it launched in August 2020. This new model has continued to improve on the previous missing features of the original Marvel, which was re-launched as Marvel 2.0 - adding said missing features.
One feature, in particular, was the introduction of Roger compatibility - a system of accessories mainly aimed at those with severe losses. Paradise offers twice the memory we saw in Marvel. Offering, at launch, the only and best hearing aid for universal connectivity with devices such as iPhone, iPad, Android etc.
This model also includes a convenient tap control feature to answer/end calls, start/stop streaming and tap into other digital devices and assistants like Siri.
The sound quality experienced by people on the other end of the phone is less successful than we have found with people using an external clip-on mic type device, or just speaking into the phone as they would do normally.
The wax filters can also be a little challenging to change, so bear this in mind if dexterity is an issue.
Whilst we understand what people recognise as the best cheap hearing aids is subjective, we thought it might be beneficial to list a few hearing aid devices that we consider to be affordable hearing aids and good value for money.
Here are our top picks for the most recent affordable hearing aids of 2022 for under £1,200 and why.
This hearing aid has a Channelfree system, which means it is the best core technology for this price point.
This hearing aid is old technology now, but still good value for basic aid.
Another hearing aid with old technology and therefore set at a reduced price, but far better than the older North 500. The main difference between this and the new Discover Next hearing aid range is only the rechargeable battery.
Wondering how to find the best rated hearing aids for you? Or which hearing aids are the most beneficial for you and your hearing loss? Investing in devices doesn't necessarily mean you have to purchase the best hearing aids you can buy. The hearing aid for you all depends on the level of your hearing loss, dexterity, connectivity needs, lifestyle and other priorities.
Along with the latest hearing aids on the market today, all the specifics, personal preferences and various types of hearing aids will be discussed carefully and thoroughly with your audiologist so you can make a better-informed decision.
Audiologists can also advise on the best hearing aid for severe hearing loss (if that is your level), the best hearing aid brands in the industry, and some of the best hearing aids Behind the Ear and more - so you get a feel of the industry and what is available.
For your hearing aids to be successful - the actual fit and acoustic compatibility are the most important. In short, your actual fit is how the hearing aid fits in your ear which can ultimately affect the way you hear and whether you are comfortable wearing it or not. The acoustic fit is how your device settings are catered for your individual hearing needs by your audiologist.
There are also hearing aid technology levels to consider. These are generally basic, standard and premium - and like with all technology the more sophisticated the technology the more you will pay for your devices. Your audiologist will advise you on the best technology level for your hearing loss, as you shouldn't have to pay for more than you need and features you won't use.
This report replaces our last review "best hearing aids 2021" from our audiologists. If you are researching the best place for hearing aids or the best hearing aids in the UK and want impartial, independent advice then you’ve come to the right place.
Please compare our prices and services or call us free on 0800 567 7621 to speak with one of our audiologists.
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Do not spend hundreds of pounds without getting a second opinion from us.
When we refer to a product as 'New', we mean that the product is new to the market.
When we refer to a product as 'Superseded', we mean that there is a newer range available which replaces and improves on this product.
When we refer to a product as an 'Older Model', we mean that it is has been superseded by at least two more recent hearing aid ranges.