Compare Hearing Aids

Hearing Aid Comparison Tool

Updated 03 October 2019

Welcome to Hearing Tracker’s new hearing aid comparison tool! Our tool will allow you to compare hardware and software features, listening modes, and accessories between hearing aid models.

Compare Beltone hearing aids
Compare Oticon hearing aids
Compare Phonak hearing aids
Compare ReSound hearing aids
Compare Signia hearing aids
Compare Starkey hearing aids
Compare Unitron hearing aids
Compare Widex hearing aids

How to Compare Hearing Aids

Before using the hearing aid comparison tool, it might be a good idea to understand which hearing aid features can be reasonably compared across brands and models.

Features you should consider when comparing hearing aids

Hearing aid style - There are several types of hearing aids on the market today; everything from invisible in the canal (IIC) aids that are almost completely hidden to powerful behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids. You even have hearing aids that are called "fashion aids" that are designed to be aesthetically pleasing.
Amplification Capabilities - The perfect hearing aid style won't matter if it doesn't have the capability of meeting your hearing loss prescription. If you have a profound hearing loss, you won't be able to wear tiny invisible hearing aids. You should always consider amplification capabilities when comparing devices.
Color - You have three approaches when considering color. Either you want them to be invisible, you don't care what they look like, or you want them to be fashionable.
Telecoil - Telecoils are amazing pieces of wireless technology. They can help you connect to Looped facilities like Churches and Theaters. They can also help you hear better on a phone that is Telecoil ready. If you have a substantial hearing loss, you would be silly to overlook the telecoil.
IP Rating - An IP68 is the highest rating you can get. The first number indicates dust and particulate resistance (6). The second number is the moisture resistance (8). If you spend much time in moist or dirty environments, or have a tendency to perspire, this should be an important consideration.
Batteries - Disposable vs. rechargeable hearing aid batteries. Disposable batteries have been reliable for years while rechargeable batteries are changing the game in terms of convenience. Either way, make sure you understand the pros and cons of each.
Battery Size - If you do select disposable, you have a variety of sizes to choose from. The smaller the battery, the shorter the battery life. However, smaller batteries usually afford you a smaller hearing aid. Just make sure you identify if size or power are important factors for you.
Phone connectivity - Soon all hearing aids will have the capability of streaming directly from a smartphone. Until then, you have to decide if you want direct streaming which requires an iPhone, or if you want to use a phone streamer that can connect with any smartphone. There are hearing devices that can stream directly from Android, but only phone calls, and only to one ear.
Tinnitus Relief Feature - If you have tinnitus, you may want to consider a tinnitus masker inside of your hearing aids. There are a variety of tinnitus masking styles so make sure you evaluate them all before making a decision.
Push button availability - Most hearing aids have push button availability. However, you may want more than just a push button for program changes. You may also want a volume control. To allow for these features, you may need a larger hearing aid. Today, most hearing aids also allow the user to make program and/or volume changes using their smartphone.
Accessories - Different hearing aids have access to different accessories. Make sure you consider which accessories you may need or want and select a hearing aid that has access to these accessories. If you need help, Hearing Tracker’s Help Me Choose tool takes into consideration your accessory needs and preferences.

Features you probably shouldn’t consider when comparing hearing aids

Channels - Beyond a certain point, more channels does not equal better performance. Even the most experienced hearing aid user wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a 38 channel and 48 channel hearing aid.
Feedback Cancelers - All major hearing aid brands have good feedback cancellation. The biggest factor that will determine how much feedback you experience will be the physical fit of the devices, and that is largely the responsibility of your hearing care provider.
Noise Reduction - Comparing noise reduction capabilities between manufacturers can be done, but the differences are minimal.
Any Trademarked Feature - All manufacturers name their features differently, but most of them do the same thing. You may feel that one name is more catchy than another, but this doesn't mean that it will perform any better.

Just remember, this is just a starting point. You will need to consult with a hearing care professional to determine candidacy.

Compare Beltone Hearing Aids

Beltone Amaze Comparison

Beltone Imagine Comparison

Compare Oticon Hearing Aids

Oticon More Comparison

Oticon Opn S Comparison

Oticon Ruby Comparison

Oticon Siya Comparison

Oticon Xceed Comparison

Compare Phonak Hearing Aids

Phonak Audéo B Comparison

Phonak Audéo Marvel Comparison

Phonak Audéo Paradise Comparison

Phonak Virto M Comparison

Compare ReSound Hearing Aids

ReSound LiNX Quattro Comparison

ReSound One Comparison

Compare Signia Hearing Aids

Signia Motion Nx Comparison

Signia Pure AX Comparison

Signia Pure X Comparison

Signia Silk X Comparison

Signia Styletto X Comparison

Compare Starkey Hearing Aids

Starkey Halo iQ Comparison

Starkey Livio Comparison

Compare Unitron Hearing Aids

Unitron Tempus Comparison

Compare Widex Hearing Aids

Widex BEYOND Comparison

Widex EVOKE Comparison

Widex MOMENT Comparison

Discussion

Member 12 October 2018

What about the Reston Legato Li. ( rechargeable battery)

Please reply,!!

Member 30 January 2019

Would appreciate spec comparisons with Costco Kirkland Signature 8.0.

I’m about ready to give up on my HA hunt, again. I need specs to make a decision. Everybody and the uncle’s opinions are not helpful to me.

Hopefully this site can help.

Thank,

John Stuckey

Abram Bailey, AuD 30 January 2019

John, the reason we don't have detailed comparisons for the KS 8.0's is because the spec sheets are a bit cryptic and don't allow us to do our typical research to enable apples to apples comparison across generic features. Sorry about that.

Member 19 February 2019

My comments apply to the KS 8.0 specifically, but I suspect they are widely applicable. Good luck with your hunt. Don't give up, there is an enormous advantage to be gained.

My first post to this forum was 19 Oct 2018 so this will be four months later. As a first-time user, this has been a fascinating (and almost completely positive) experience. These devices do, in fact, do all they claim to do and then some. If there is a blatant weakness, it is the subjective nature with which the manufacturer describes the specific modes, features and functions. While this particular model can store six individually selectable 'programs', there are eleven or twelve available to choose from. Each is described in a general way (suggesting a particular advantage in a given situation) but the relationships and trade-offs between the programs are not defined. My experience has been that these differences can be extremely subtle up to wildly different with the triggers not easily understood. By trial and error, I believe that the non-automatic selections provide more CONSISTENT results, but not necessarily BETTER results. It appears that the entire repertoire of functions is imbedded by default, with the 'manual' programs providing additional enhancement. This would make perfect sense IF the actual contours of each function were more clearly defined. Things become chaotic in the automatic mode because the 'emphasis' among functions is shifted without notice (an automatic transmission with a mind of it's own) nor indication of 'which gear we are in'. Unfortunately, most of us do this shifting with our minds which will not always agree with the 'auto' algorithm. It should also be understood that the advanced functions of these devices far exceed the capabilitities of 'normal' hearing and processing. For this reason, I believe the manufacturers have failed to take advantage of the most valuable aspect of the devices; training. There's a clear link between the devices as worn, our laptops (or tablets or phones, etc.) and the manufacturers. The potential to create an 'interactive' experience, it seems to me, would be ideal to allow us (users) to learn new hearing skills and how to 'drive' these exciting new devices.

Mike R 25 June 2019

The KS8s are a closed architecture. The Smart Direct app offers very little control over the sound manipulation/suppression. Your Costco tech should explain and customize each program. Ask to look at his screen. Smart direct doesn’t provide that level of detail. My guy created three extra programs tailored to my feedback ...

I was so close to giving up during those terrible early months before my brain stopped fighting the HAs. But he kept throwing new changes at me and asking me to try them.

Also I should report that I experienced tinnitus suppression early on, well before acclimation to the full benefits of HAs.

I have tough listening situations. A lot of outdoor events, music festivals and weird club shows. When I walk in I often flip frantically from program to program to find one that stops the discomfort of the loud noise/music. I’m still learning. Sometimes I have to give up and take them out. (I’ll post elsewhere about my failed attempts to use them with my motorcycle helmet, which has its own Bluetooth intercom, microphone and audio receiver.)

Wish the Smart Direct app worked better. Much better.

No one has ever been able to explain what the “sound exposure” setting does.

I figger “motion sensor” is an excuse to harvest and sell my location data.

Hey Smart Direct: I’ll GIVE you my location data if you give me directional microphone control - currently only available in “automatic” program. (2B clear, directional mic setting is boiled in to each program, but can only be altered in the default automatic programs.)

Example: I was in a loud pub, sitting across table from friends. I selected “noise/party” (or maybe it was “cafe”), which brought the din of the room down below pain threshold. Weird result was voices from behind me coming thru loud and clear above the din, while I watched my friends’ lips move silently.

I understand why we need ‘canned’ sound packages in the first year, but after that...

One of you hearing impaired tech geeks should figger out how to open these things up and give me full control over the sound, including very aggressive noise suppression. That’s an app i’d pay for. Or better yet make it free and sell my anonymous usage data to the HA companies.

Member 22 March 2019

It's interesting that no one has approached the subject of hearing lose vs. speech understanding. I hear very well with my Costco Kirkland Signature 8.0. hearing aids but many times I cannot understand what a person is saying. If they're speaking too fast I ask them to slow down, then, many times, it's easier to understand them. If they mumble I first say "what?", if that doesn't work, I then ask them to speak more clearly. This usually produces speaking LOUDER. Does anyone know if not understanding speech is something future hearing aids will be able to correct? Thank you, Barbara and Allen Choate

Other popular hearing aid brands

Be sure to check out our article about the world's best hearing aids. After getting your bearings, take a deep dive by exploring our regularly updated brand pages (like this one). Click on the brand logos below to start exploring.