A large percentage of the population suffers from some form of hearing loss with the elderly forming a major chunk. A research conducted stated that almost one-third of people between the age of 65 and 74 have difficulty hearing. The elderly aren’t the only ones a victim of hearing problems; nowadays the problem is common in teens and adults. However, devices like good quality over the counter hearing aids can solve this problem to a great extent.
Problems associated with hearing issues
The issue of hearing shouldn’t be taken for granted as it can result in other consequences such as depression, memory loss, a lower concentration span and in many cases, even dementia. Causes identified by doctors resulting in hearing loss include damage to the tiny hair cells that are lined with the inner ear. As we age, exposure to loud noises also results in hearing issues.
But thanks to the existence of some of the best over the counter hearing aids, it becomes easier to hear what others are saying.
Types of hearing aids
A hearing aid can be best defined as an electronic device that is worn usually inside or behind the ear. The function of a hearing aid is to make sounds louder helping those with hearing issues to hear better. Whether you are in a quiet or noisy environment, hearing aids work just fine.
The hearing aid comes with three basic components, a microphone, amplifier and a speaker. The microphone helps convert sound waves to electrical signals, sending them to an amplifier. With the amplifier, the power of signals improves making it easier for the person to hear.
Hearing aids are available in three different styles, behind the ear, in the ear and there is one that comes as a canal aid. Hearing aids can further be broken down into digital and analog. The analog hearing aids are usually custom built while digital first convert sound waves to binary code.
Benefits of Hearing Aids
Other than providing the obvious advantage of making it easier for a person to hear, hearing aids hold other benefits. The use of hearing aids will help balance out the frequency levels in both ears thereby providing enhanced directional perception. This is an advantage because it allows your focus to improve making you more alert.
With a hearing aid on you can converse and interpret sounds better. Often those with hearing issues have difficulty in distinguishing between basic sounds. Hearing aids will allow you to make the distinction.
Plus, there are other social and psychological benefits including the following:
- Feeling better about yourself
- Improved mental health
- Better concentration
- Being more independent
- Improved personal relationships
- More participation in social gatherings
Drawbacks of Hearing Aids
One of the major drawbacks associated with hearing aids is that they are usually highly priced. However, then again it should be noted that despite being pricey hearing aids can improve the overall quality of life by allowing you to hear again.
Some of the main disadvantages associated with using these devices can be summarized as he following:
- Hearing aids can be discomforting but this will only happen if you don’t opt for a custom fit.
- Most people don’t prefer wearing hearing aids because of social embarrassment.
- Even top selling over the counter hearing aids may not be suitable for people with severe and most advanced hearing loss. Instead they only work best for mild to moderate losses.
- Hearing aids require maintenance after a certain time period. If you wish to have the device work perfectly it is important that attention is paid to maintenance. Usually, hearing aids do come with a cleaning kit that helps remove the built-up ear wax or dirt.
6 Best over the counter Hearing Aids – Our Picks and Reviews
Over the counter hearing aids can be purchased from the market without the need for a hearing healthcare professional review. But It is important to see a hearing a medical or audiological who can fit a hearing device to your specific needs and will provide follow-up hearing care.
For your ease we have listed down some of the top-selling FDA-regulated over the counter hearing aids on Amazon:
1. Hearing Aid by Otofonix Elite Personal Sound Amplifier
Otofonix is known for providing quality based services to its consumers. Suitable for use in all environmental situations, this popular over the counter hearing aid comes with multiple features.
For starters, it has a longer battery life allowing you to use it for a long time. The 4 channels and 12 band sound processing aids in better recognition and understanding of speech. The 10 volume levels, as well as 4 programs, can be adjusted easily with the touch of a finger. Designed by doctors and approved by audiologist this hearing aid is a must-have.
The company offers customer service to deal with any queries that you may have regarding the product usage. The over the counter hearing aid is available in single pieces and for both ears. It is available in two colors, state grey and cream beige.
Customers who have purchased this product have labeled it as one of the best available in the market. They have added that with the use of this product they no longer repeatedly need to visit audiologists and that the device has an amazing sound reproduction. Not only this along with the item, customers have also appreciated the customer service.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Multiple volume levels and programs
- 30-day return policy and a one-year factory warranty
Cons:
- Fitting may not be very tight
2. Hearing Amplifier by Banglijian
This quality over the counter hearing aid is specifically designed by audiologists to make it easy for people to hear. It is easy to use, durable and very comfortable to wear. The item is environment-friendly and comes with rechargeable batteries saving you the hassle to charge it every now and then.
The features of this hearing aid allow you to comprehend sound in a better way and provide a clear voice. The noise reduction feature allows you to hear with a maximum level of clarity.
Available with an adjustable volume control feature and full digital circuitry this device can do wonders. Options for selecting process choices for a noisy and quiet environment are both provided.
The over the counter hearing aid comes with proper packaging and the company even provides storage protection.
Customers who have purchased the product have described it as a great product. They have appreciated the long-lasting battery of the item and how just in a few days of use they were able to notice the difference in hearing. It is a reasonably priced hearing device that works just like those that are highly priced.
Pros:
- Easy to use, lightweight device
- Rechargeable feature
- 3-year manufacturer warranty and a 3 months hassle free policy
Cons:
- Has too much background noise and static
3. Empower Hearing Amplifier by Life Ear
Approved and designed by audiologists this hearing aid is of great use to those with more severe hearing problems. With this hearing aid on you will be able to hear everything clearly. If you wish to regain your hearing, this product can help in doing so.
Save money by investing in this hearing device rather than spending a large amount on other means. The hearing amplifier comes with a 12 band processing and four different programs that can be personalized according to the need.
Unlike other hearing aids tools that are visible and thick, this one is thin and almost invisible as it fits behind the ear. The hearing device is available in three different colors, beige, graphite, and grey.
The over the counter hearing device comes equipped with 8 batteries and a 12-month warranty. It is a small compact device made using a high-quality material to provide exceptional results.
Customers who have purchased this item have found it better than expected. It is a perfect substitute for highly priced hearing aids as it functions the same. Furthermore, customers have talked about how reliable and easy to use the product is. They have also mentioned how the item delivers twice the performance given its price.
Pros:
- Superior sound quality
- Compact and sleek design
- 8 batteries included
- Comes with carry case
- 12 month warranty
Cons:
- May not be very long lasting
4. Hearing Amplifier by iHear
Made in the USA, this highly rated over the counter hearing aid by iHear comes with 4 sound profiles. Some of the advanced features that you are likely to find in this device include automatic feedback cancellation, digital noise reduction as well as high fidelity audio processing.
Not only this, the company provides. You can customize the options based on the requirement. However, the device may not be suitable for use by individuals under 18.
These high tech inexpensive hearing aids are easy to set, unlike others that require professional assistance. Suitable for use especially by the elderly, these hearing aids are all you need to bring about an overall improvement in life.
The over the counter hearing aid device provides crystal clear sound allowing the user to comprehend words easily and connect with the audience without having to ask again and again.
Customer reviews regarding the hearing aid device talk the same about how easy the product is to set up and use. Customers have specifically mentioned that with other devices they had to pay a large sum just to get the functions fixed but this is an easy DIY home programmable device which saves you the hassle.
Pros:
- Slim profile
- 100% digital sound technology
- 30-day professional support and 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Support and warranty only available within the US
5. Digital Hearing Amplifier by Britzgo
This digital hearing aid comes with an inbuilt digital chip which has a long battery life lasting up to 500 hours. The in-built digital chip allows the amplifier to adapt to different sound environments.
Furthermore, this hearing aid is smaller as compared to others and is placed behind the ear, making it invisible. It is a lightweight item which can be worn in any ear. It will ease down your hearing issues by exposing you to clear sound.
Overall this hearing amplifier is a well built and sturdy device which is easy to use and understand. Suitable for use by the elderly, this hearing aid can change your life by helping you understand sound better.
Reasonably priced, this over the counter hearing aid provides the same functions as those that are highly priced.
Customer reviews regarding the product talk about how it is a simple and easy to use a product that helps you hear well. They have said that the hearing aid allows them to interpret and comprehend sounds in a much better way eliminating the need to ask repetitively. Customers have given good ratings to the product because of its ability to make hearing again possible.
Pros:
- Discreet design
- Rotatable features
- Easy operation
- Reasonably priced
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Static in background
6. Personal Sound Amplifier by New Ear
This high quality over the counter hearing aid can help you hear everything clearly from up to 100 feet away. It comes with volume and tone controls to allow you to hear everything clearly and easily.
Unlike other bulky hearing aids, this is very lightweight and user-friendly. The voice enhancer can easily fit in your pocket and can be clipped to a belt easily. Take this portable easy to use the device anywhere you go. Not only this, this sound amplifier comes with mini earphones that will assist you in hearing crystal clear sound both out and indoors.
Made using high quality the built-in microphone is very effective. Watch your favorite TV shows with this amplifier as it is a versatile and durable device that unlike others will not disappoint you.
Powered by 1-AAA batteries, regain your hearing again and listen to what everyone has to say. This item comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Customers who have purchased this over the counter hearing kit have described it as very useful and effective especially for the elderly. They have labeled the product as great and are very much pleased with its reasonable pricing. They have added that given its price the product aids in hearing successfully.
Pros:
- Comes with built in microphone
- Superior sound quality
- Easy to use device
- Very reasonable price tag
Cons:
- Microphone is in earbuds and not replaceable if wire wears out
These are some of the top rated over the counter hearing aids that you can purchase on Amazon. There are different styles to choose from so you can get one that you are most comfortable with. Also, there are different price ranges available so you are sure to find one that fits your budget needs.
