Rating of hearing aids for the elderly and children: TOP manufacturers 2021

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Deterioration of hearing causes a lot of discomfort to a person - he is “separated” from the outside world. But now there is a solution and a “cure” for everything. National and foreign manufacturers provide a huge segment of the best hearing aids for children and the elderly. Such devices are easy to select for both an elderly person and a child with hearing impairment. The best hearing aids will provide as much real-world enjoyment as children without health problems. In this article we will talk about how to choose the right medical device and live a full life, and also present our rating of the best hearing aids.

Overview of types of hearing aids

Today, manufacturers offer the following models of devices:

1. Analog - Sound waves are converted into an electrical impulse, which is amplified in the ear and transmitted to the brain as sound. It is important to note that such devices are in the budget segment, but they cannot fully recreate the picture of the real world due to poor technical capabilities.
2. Digital - a device that converts a sound stream into a set of numbers.The sound is received by the device, then digitized and programmed, and then translated into waves into an audio signal for the ear. Digital ones have more possibilities for perception, but they also cost an order of magnitude higher than analogue ones.

Digital ones are also divided into their own varieties:

Depending on the number of channels: single-, 5-, 10-, 12-channel, etc. The more of them the best hearing aid has, the more realistic the picture a person with hearing problems will get.

By design features and installation:

• BTE - a device consisting of an ear part and a behind-the-ear sound receiver;
• In-ear – created individually for the patient’s ear, they are a conventional wireless earphone; the battery and microprocessor are built into miniature equipment;
• In-channel - a device created according to a similar principle to the previous one; inserted like earplugs into the ear canal. All elements are located inside the hearing aid.

Rating of hearing aids for older people - how to choose

A huge part of the hearing-impaired population are people of retirement age who need not only a device that is productive, but also convenient for everyday use. Therefore, doctors recommend behind-the-ear models for this category, which do not require significant care, are assembled to the individual characteristics of the patient and are comfortable to use.

It is also worth considering that an elderly person immediately has a range of “sores”, which will determine the future model of the device. This is taken into account by the hearing care professional and therapist to meet the person's needs. It is also worth clarifying in advance that it takes time to adapt to a new device, and at first wearing it will be accompanied by discomfort and uncharacteristic sounds.Therefore, after pre-tuning the instrument, the patient needs to note which sounds will be comfortable for him and which will cause discomfort. When you return to the doctor's office, a second adjustment will be made according to the user's observations. After this, the discomfort will disappear.

Rating of hearing aids for children - what to look for

Children are a special category of patients. In children, hearing is lost even before full speech, when the first spectrum of sounds is formed - the choice of a hearing aid will depend on this. The hearing aid for the child is selected to be digital, multi-channel, and capable of reproducing sound in its natural form. In childhood, a behind-the-ear device is recommended, because it is resistant to wear and tear and the curiosity of the “young researcher”.

After installation and while wearing the prosthesis, additional care and work with professional speech specialists is necessary to rebuild the baby’s brain and form his speech - this will help him socialize faster in society and teach the child how to behave in a peer group.

The best hearing aids of 2021

AXON F-28

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The rating of inexpensive hearing aids opens with a device that is somewhat outdated in technology. However, cost, functionality and compact dimensions keep it afloat and create competition with other models. Outwardly, it looks like a cassette player, the type is analog.

The device was assembled in China, but there are no comments on the assembly. An advantage for an elderly person is the large control buttons. Thanks to the smooth control, you can adjust the sound to the desired and comfortable frequency. The model is charged with one AA battery and has an earphone connected to the base with a tight cord.

Oticon Safari SP Series

The device manufacturer Safari has several devices that are designed for different degrees of deafness. But in any case, they are recommended for use by children. There is digital signal processing and suppression of third-party noise.

The headphones stand out for their low weight. However, the most important advantage is the reproduction of all sounds for the child. The device has several microphones, you can clearly hear sounds even from the sides and behind. Additionally, it is worth mentioning the wide range of operating frequencies.

Widex Clear

Another option for hearing aids for children in the manufacturers' ratings. The consumer is offered behind-the-ear models with a reverse receiver. The brand also has in-ear devices that provide a full sound spectrum for the patient.

The headphones are connected to each other wirelessly to capture all sounds. The advantages of all products in the series include connectivity to a smartphone and excellent noise reduction. The line includes solutions for any level of hearing loss.

PHONAK CASSIA

This manufacturer offers a line of devices of different formats: behind-the-ear, in-ear, and for insertion into the auricle. Both the price range and the functionality of the equipment vary.

The peculiarity lies in the function of suppressing resonance phenomena. As noted in the reviews, owners of PHONAK CASSIA do not experience any discomfort from squeaking or whistling. The company's products are basic.

Bernafon Chronos 5CP

In the list of top-end devices, it is impossible to do without a product with an ideal price-quality ratio. Bernafon Chronos 5 CP is affordable and has a basic set of features. The device has a built-in high-quality microphone, can be adjusted using a smartphone and has a wide-frequency sound range.

Only the switch is built into the housing. The remaining functions are programmed independently. Noise is reduced to the maximum, resonating factors are eliminated. The model can be used both for its main purpose and for listening to tracks from your phone.