Choosing the best hearing aids for seniors: Tips & advice

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are the largest hearing aid style, though “largest” is relative. They’re still remarkably small compared to the hearing aids of the past. All the mechanical components—including the receiver, microphone and amplifier—are housed together in a shell behind the ear, while a clear tube extends to an earmold in the ear and delivers sound into the canal.

These powerful devices can benefit seniors with hand dexterity issues due to their durability compared to other models. Also, they’re often a more affordable hearing aid option for those on a limited budget.

One thing to consider is that BTEs can be a bit more of a challenge for people who wear glasses and take them on and off frequently. With the arm of the glasses and the hearing aid both needing to sit behind the ear, they can become tangled or feel uncomfortable when worn together.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, as well as the subcategories of in-the-canal (ITC) and completely in canal (CIC) hearing aids, are the smallest, most discreet style because the entire device sits either in the concha of the ear or fully in the ear canal, with no components that wrap behind the ear. This makes them almost imperceptible.

Generally custom-molded so that they fit securely and comfortably inside the ear canal, in-the-ear hearing aid models pack cutting-edge technology (like Bluetooth™ and noise reduction capabilities) into a tiny package. They’re often the first choice of people seeking the most discreet hearing aids.

For people who wear glasses or participate in lots of physical activities, ITEs can make life a little easier. Because they sit securely inside the ear, there’s no risk of bumping them out of place when you’re taking off your sunglasses or going for a wild shot return on the pickleball court.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind if you’re considering ITEs, of course. One is that they’re not the best option for people with severe hearing loss. While they capably serve those with mild-to-moderately severe hearing loss, more powerful options should be used for severe hearing loss. Because they feature custom-fit earmolds. The smaller ITEs  can be more expensive than other options—something to consider for your budget.

A RIC, or receiver-in-canal hearing aid, isn’t just a halfway point between BTEs and ITEs—it’s far and away the most popular pick among hearing aid wearers. RICs have a small case that sits behind the ear and houses most of the technology in the device, while the receiver sits directly in the ear. The pieces are connected by an ultra-thin wire that generally goes unnoticed by others, making this style powerful but discreet.

This construction helps to deliver what wearers describe as the most “natural” sound and feel, as the speaker sits in the ear canal and closer to the eardrum. Many RIC models feature advanced technology while also suiting almost every level of hearing loss.

While RICs are an option with lots of upsides, it’s worth noting that they’re not ideal for people with profound hearing loss. Glasses-wearers should also be conscious of the interaction that will inevitably happen between the hearing aids and the arms of their glasses. However, many people who wear glasses all the time find that RICs are small enough to be comfortable.

Presbycusis is a general term for a type of hearing loss, and it doesn’t indicate the severity. So, the best hearing aid for presbycusis will depend on your degree of hearing loss. For people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, RIC or ITE models are both reliable options. BTE models are generally better for more severe or profound hearing loss.

The most important thing you can do is to simply get a hearing aid for hearing loss due to presbycusis—they enhance your life and help protect your health in the long term. Meeting with an HCP at Miracle-Ear is an opportunity to see, handle and try on multiple styles of hearing aids to find the best one for you.

For seniors dealing with the condition, the best hearing aid for tinnitus has specifically designed modes or functions that address it. Hearing aids are powerful tools to help with tinnitus, whether you have hearing loss or not, as they can help amplify the sounds around you enough to override the frustrating ringing in your ears.

Miracle-Ear has multiple models with tinnitus modes, so you can choose the style that you like best and that may provide tinnitus relief. Simply mention to your HCP that you experience tinnitus, and they’ll ensure that any models you discuss have functions to possibly assist with tinnitus.

The best hearing aid for severe hearing loss in seniors is often a BTE model. BTEs are generally a little bit larger than other models, but their design has come a long way in recent years, so don’t need to worry about wearing a huge, heavy unit behind your ear. That slightly bigger size means that BTEs can pack more powerful sound, ideal for people with severe hearing loss.

The size of BTEs also means there’s room for additional features like rechargeable batteries and direct audio streaming technologies. Having severe hearing loss doesn’t mean missing out on convenient features of other hearing aids—with Miracle-Ear’s BTE models, you can get everything you want in one package.

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million Americans over the age of 65, so it’s often a joint concern with presbycusis. An exciting connection between reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and hearing aids has been showing up in recent studies. So, whether the disease is a current issue or a future concern, hearing aids can be a great help.

Picking the best hearing aid for Alzheimer’s patients is, of course, very individual, as no two cases are exactly alike. Caregivers and patients should talk to a hearing care specialist together, describing the lifestyle and medical considerations that the hearing aids need to meet. 

For some Alzheimer’s patients, rechargeable hearing aids are a great option because of their ease of use—no fumbling with tiny batteries or remembering to change them at longer intervals. A daily habit of charging hearing aid batteries is easier for many people to maintain, and keeps the devices reliably powered up.

It’s no secret that hearing aids are an investment—albeit a good one. However, every patient has a budget that they need to stick to. When you’re looking for the best most economical hearing aids for seniors.

The Miracle-EarSELECT™ line gives you a streamlined pair of hearing aids that meet your needs without breaking the bank. As our lowest-cost models, Miracle-EarSELECT™ still delivers the top-of-the-line craftsmanship and reliability you expect, as well as unlimited aftercare* and service that’s part of The Miracle-Ear Way.

If you’re a bit self-conscious about wearing hearing aids, you’re in good company. The demand for inconspicuous models is high and has led to the shrinking of technology to make hearing aids nearly invisible.

The most discreet hearing aids you’ll find are ITE models like Miracle-EarMINI™. These models fit entirely in the ear, so there are no exterior components that sit behind your ear. At a glance, it’s hard to tell they’re there. These ultra-small units are custom-fitted to your ears for maximum comfort and the best sound experience.

The bonus with discreet hearing aids like Miracle-EarMINI™ is that they’re ideal for people who wear glasses. There’s nothing to get tangled up, whether you’re slipping on your sunglasses for a sunny day’s walk or popping on your reading glasses to look at a restaurant menu.

Did you know that your ears are as individual as your thumbprint? With all those different shapes and sizes, it’s easy to understand why hearing aids aren’t really a one-size-fits-all proposition. And for people with small ear canals, even standard-sized products, like earbuds or hearing aids, can be uncomfortable.

Miracle-Ear offers a variety of styles that fit any ear shape, including custom-fit hearing aids that feature custom-molded earpieces. Your HCP will examine your ear with a video otoscope and discuss what options will work best based on your individual anatomy.

The best hearing aids are the ones you’ll wear, and that means they need to be comfortable. When you must constantly fidget and fuss with your devices, it makes for a bad experience and a greater likelihood of giving up on hearing aids altogether.

Because hearing aids need to be worn regularly (during all waking hours, every day) to be effective, finding the most comfortable hearing aid is a top priority. Models featuring custom-molded earpieces offer a seamless fit inside your ears, but RICs are another comfort-forward option.