According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 28 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids.
They’re a reliable way to combat hearing loss and work based on a relatively simple premise: a microphone picks up sounds, amplifies their volume, and delivers them into the inner ear – cleverly emphasizing quieter sounds that otherwise might be missed.
Overall, our ability to hear diminishes as we get older, with two out of three people over seventy experiencing hearing loss. What’s unfortunate, however, is that out of all the people who could benefit from hearing aids, only 20% use them.
This is for many reasons, but we want to encourage more people to adopt hearing aids to improve their hearing and quality of life.
There are many different hearing aids on the market, so if you’re considering acquiring a pair, we’ll examine the pros and cons of two of the most popular brands.
Pros and Cons of Siemens Hearing Aids
Siemens, the largest industrial manufacturing company in Europe, creates products in a range of sectors, from the appliances in your kitchen, to the trains that transport people and goods around the world.
But they’re also well known in medical areas for manufacturing equipment, from the most advanced CT scanner to the hearing aid.
That was until 2015 when they sold their hearing aid business to Sivantos – one of the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers, who produce the devices under the brand name Signia.
But many Siemens hearing aid products remain in the market worldwide. Here are some of their benefits and disadvantages.
Benefits of Siemens Hearing Aids
• Despite no longer being manufactured by Siemens, Sivantos (Signia) continues to service many of the company’s older hearing aids.
• And as older models, they are generally more affordable than the current hearing aids produced by the Signia brand while remaining functional.
• The touchControl app, now developed and managed by Signia, also remains compatible with many Siemens devices. It allows you to change the settings of your hearing aids from your mobile device discreetly and simply. This is useful if you enter loud environments, for example.
Downsides of Siemens Hearing Aids
• As new products come out under the Signia brand, servicing and compatibility with different applications might stop for the older Siemens models.
• Siemens hearing aids are becoming hard to find.
• Many Siemens models aren’t fitted with rechargeable batteries, so you’ll have to order new batteries as the old ones run out.
Pros and Cons of Oticon Hearing Aids
Unlike Siemens, Oticon, a subsidiary of the Danish Demant group, exists solely to manufacture hearing aids. It’s been the company’s imperative since its founding, with Hans Demant wanting to help people who, like his wife, are hearing impaired.
Benefits of Oticon Hearing Aids
• With a sole focus on technology, Oticon’s hearing aids cover various requirements for consumers and all types of hearing loss, including those with hearing problems in only one ear.
• Many of their devices are compatible with smartphones via Bluetooth, and volume levels and enhancements can be adjusted through the Oticon app.
• They also offer a range of accessories and peripheral products, including a discreet remote control, a TV adapter, settings for tinnitus-relieving sounds, and direct compatibility with different streaming devices.
• Their devices come in various styles, many of which are very discreet and placed solely in the ear.
• Many devices use rechargeable lithium batteries – and users can purchase a SmartCharger accessory that can charge batteries on the go.
• Oticon’s website offers how-to guides for comprehensive advice on operating their products.
Downsides of Oticon Hearing Aids
• Many people prefer older devices because of their affordability, Oticon’s models, while high-tech, can be expensive.
• Oticon’s devices can only be purchased through licensed hearing professionals, which seems like a downside, but it ensures you’ll get the best fit and service.
• Rechargeable batteries, while convenient and cheaper in the long term, may run out at awkward times without a backup.
If you are among the 28 million Americans who could be assisted by hearing aids, you should book a hearing test with our hearing professionals today. They’ll be able to advise you about the appropriate hearing aids for you and assist with other causes of hearing loss.
With comprehensive, helpful care and access to the latest technology, booking a hearing test with Hearing Associates of Las Vegas is an excellent way to begin your journey to better hearing!
Leave a Reply