Hearing Aids - 'bronze' rated hearing aids

Hearing Aids can vary in technology and in price which is why we've created Hearing Aid comparison tables which range from Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

This simple guide will allow you to compare the benefits of the most popular hearing aids within a range. We have looked at the most important features of a hearing aid and marked each hearing aid against the benefits. The features which we believe are improtant are-

Open Fit - Open fit technology allows a “one-stop approach” where the fitting can take place on the same day as an initial assessment.

Remote Control - Hearing aids that have wireless capability are computer programmable, meaning, adjustments are made and stored on a computer chip inside your hearing aid through your hearing health care provider's computer. A simple wireless remote allows you to make similar adjustments in tone, volume, sound quality and programs within your hearing aids.

Channels - This can be likened to the resolution of the hearing aid. Each channel processes a range of sound frequencies individually. Therefore, a single channel hearing aid will process all hearing frequencies in the hearing aid in the same way. The more the channels, the more specifically a hearing aid can be programmed across the frequency range. Currently hearing aids range from having 1 to 20 channels.

Directional Microphones - These allow you to 'zoom in' on a speaker directly in front of you. This in turn reduces the sound of noise from behind you. This is a useful feature for example when listening to someone talking in a crowded, noisy area. The hearing aid would give you a good all round response when in the 'omni-directional' mode.

Noise Management - Hearing aid manufacturers are now able to control a peak in the frequency response when wind noise is present blowing over the microphone. This feature has evolved to the point that the wind noise can now be reduced without diminishing the quality of the speech signal. This feature would be recommended to anyone that spends a significant amount of time outdoors. It is available in almost all premium models and some mid level technology as well.

Feedback Management - Logic is built into the hearing aid to cancel out noise that may be interfering with the understanding of speech. For example, the hearing aid may reduce the sound of a drill nearby leaving the listener to concentrate on more important speech sounds.

Bluetooth - Wireless - Blue tooth technology assists your hearing loss when using bluetooth compatible mobile phones, television, laptops, mp3 players or when attending meetings

The 'bronze' rated hearing aids are entry level hearing aids and have to be set upfront by a professional audiologist.

Bronze Hearing Aids Comparison Table

Make Bernafon GN ReSound Phonak Siemens Starkey Unitron
Model WIN Essence Milo Motion 100 E Series Next
Open Fit N Y Y Y Y Y
Channels 3 6 4 6 4 4
Directional Microphone Y Y Y Y Y Y
Noise Management Y Y Y Y Y Y
Feedback Management Y Y Y Y Y Y
Bluetooth - Wireless N N N N N N

The hearing aids listed above are available in many styles including Mini Behind The Ear (Mini BTE), Behind The Ear (BTE), Completly in the Canal (CIC), In The Ear (ITE), Receiver In The Ear (RITE).

To learn more or see a pictures of the hearing aids click on the name of the hearing aids below.

Bernafon WIN

GN ReSound Essence

Phonak Milo

Siemens Motion 100

Starkey E Series Hearing Aid

Unitron Next Hearing Aid

Compare Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum hearing aids.

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