There is a long debate in America about hearing aids and how consumers should pick the best device, avoiding hardship and scams. These tiny "NANO" hearing aids can be powerful and efficient if you choose the right brand and model. So let's evaluate the current market situation in full.
A hearing aid is a device that helps people with hearing loss to recover some or all their hearing ability. Analogue hearing aids were the first ones to be used. These traditional hearing aids are still available for anything between $3,500 and $5,000, which makes them quite costly and out of reach for average Americans. They work like a microphone, i.e. they pick up outside sound and amplify it and the output sound is loud enough for the user to hear. The problem is that they amplify all sound equally, meaning that unwanted background noise is also amplified. Digital hearing aids work differently.
What are digital hearing aids?
Most modern hearing aids, like the Nano hearing aids, are digital. Digital hearing aids can separate foreground and background noise and isolate certain types of noise. They pass sound through a digital sound processor which can read sound waves and manipulate them. They can shift sounds to ranges that are more comfortable, and amplify or eliminate certain noise patterns and frequencies. The result is the clearest hearing possible in a wide variety of listening environments.
Reviews of Nano Hearing Aids
To be clear: "NANO" is actually a brand. But since it has become so popular, American consumers use the word "Nano hearing aids" for a range of other brands too so it can be confusing. Nano hearing aids are some of the best in the hearing aid industry in the U.S. In fact, Nano Hearing Aids fast became the most popular online hearing aid company in America from its inception in 2017. The company makes the Nano X2 Recharge, the Nano Sigma, the Nano X2, the CIC Recharge, and the RX2000. The one biggest advantage of Nano Hearing Aids is that they are available online directly to the public without a middleman. Anyone can buy a hearing aid online at a far more affordable price than they would pay at the audiologist. Shipping is free in the U.S. and the products come with a 45-day free trial and money-back guarantee.
Nano Hearing Aids combines new breakthrough nano-microchip technology, comfort, design, sound quality, and affordable prices to give its customers unbelievable medical grade hearing aids. Their prices are up to 90% less than the prices for traditional hearing aids. These factors have combined to help Nano Hearing Aids go viral right from the time it was launched in 2017. It is currently the number 1 online seller of hearing aids.
According to the company, its technology enables the user to pick different program settings and volume settings to find the best combination for optimum hearing. The products can be bought without the audiogram (hearing test). For anybody who has questions about their hearing problems, Nano Hearing Aids has friendly hearing specialists based in the U.S. who are ready to listen and answer questions.
When customers order any of the Nano products, the company ships them directly to the customers from their warehouse in Texas. By eliminating the middleman, they pass the savings along to their customers.
The Nano CIC review
The Nano CIC is one of the most popular Nano products. CIC stands for "completely in the canal" because the device fits neatly into the ear canal. According to Nano Hearing Aids, this product works for 98.7% of the people with hearing loss. This hearing aid is very small and it is more discreet than behind-the-ear hearing aids. The Nano CIC comes in digital form and rechargeable form.
The buyer of the digital CIC receives the hearing aid, 6 months' supply of batteries, a screwdriver, extra ear domes, a 45 days free trial and money-back guarantee and a 12-month warranty for the product. The user of the digital Nano CIC can replace the battery themselves.
The rechargeable Nano CIC enables the user to recharge it by using the charging case, charging plug and USB that come with the product. This device is available on the Nano website for $597. The customer is free to opt for the 1-year "Elite Protection Plan" that offers 100% cover in the event of loss of the device.
The Nano X2
The Nano X2, a behind-the-ear hearing aid, is another popular Nano product. It comes with multiple earbud sizes and two directional microphones. The earbud sits inside the ear canal while the body of the device rests behind the ear and the two are connected by a thin plastic tube. It has four different environment settings, i.e. for outdoors, restaurants, television and one-on-one conversations. It has background-canceling technology.
This behind-the-ear device has advantages over the CIC. Because it is larger, it has a longer battery life, the controls are easier to adjust and the parts are easier to replace. Naturally, it is less discreet than the CIC because of its size. Customers can choose between the digital and rechargeable versions of the hearing aid.
Nano X2 Rechargeable
The Nano X2 Recharge is another hearing aid that is selling like crazy. It's a behind-the-ear device that comes with a free portable charging case. It takes 3 hours to recharge the rechargeable Nano X2, and after charging it works for 12 hours before it needs charging again. It is nearly invisible, has a cool design, it fits incredibly well, and has large buttons that make it easy for users to use and adjust it.
The other amazing benefits that this device will provide to its users include the fact that it offers amazing sound clarity, it is easy to use, it uses background noise-reduction technology to eliminate unwanted sounds, and it has different sound modes for four environments. It also has 2 directional microphones per device (unlike other hearing aids that have 1). Best of all, it is affordable at $797 on the Nano website, i.e. 85% saving on the traditional hearing aids.
The nano-microchip technology in this device is made in Minnesota where it creates jobs for Americans.
The Nano Sigma
The Nano Sigma is the Nano Hearing Aids' 2020 model and it is going viral right now since online demand for affordable hearing aids is high! Here is why. The Nano Sigma is a wireless and app-controlled hearing aid. The user can connect to Bluetooth and manage the his/her hearing aid experience through a mobile app! Users can take a hearing test on the mobile app and the device will adjust according to the results of the hearing tests. Other features include 4 sound environment modes, directional microphone technology that gives pristine sound quality, and noise reduction technology. Users can adjust the environment modes or the volume with the click of a button. Last but not least, the device is nearly invisible and discreet.
The device's performance is simply unbelievable and the model has become quite popular. It's going for $797 on the Nano Hearing Aids website and it comes with a 45 days free trial and money back guarantee, and the usual 12 months warranty.
The Nano SX2000 hearing aid
The Nano SX2000TM is the result of many years of research and development at Nano Hearing Aids. It is one of the most powerful, easy to use, behind-the-ear hearing aids on the market at its price. It is tiny, has a wire-thin receiver tube and is nearly invisible when worn. Its large buttons make it easy to use and adjust the volume and the frequency. It has a low battery warning so that it can be recharged in time.
This hearing aid is so powerful that it can help with any level of hearing loss. It has normal every day frequencies and television frequencies, feedback control, automatic noise reduction and automatic feedback canceller. All these features make it perfect for environments like watching television, eating in the restaurant or time with family. Anyone who needs an affordable hearing aid can have the SX2000 for only $997 per pair directly from Nano.
Every purchaser will receive two devices, wiring for the receiver to insert perfectly in your ear, and many ear tips so that they can find the perfect size for comfort.
Reviews of Costco hearing aids
Costco sells its own brand of hearing aids. The company runs hearing aid centers manned by hearing aid specialists. The specialists demonstrate different hearing aids, and help patients to choose the best option for their needs. Some centers have audiologists. Their services include hearing tests, hearing aid cleaning, follow up appointments and checkups. They also offer free warranty periods and loss/damage cover. Their hearing aids are made by contract manufacturers. Here we discuss some of the best hearing aids available at Costco.
Kirkland 9.0
The Kirkland 9.0 hearing aid is a popular digital hearing aid because it offers consumers good quality sound. It enables communication through its Sonova Sword Chip. Its features include 3 manual programs, 9 automatic programs, 20 fine-tuning channels, 4 receiver power levels, binaural signal processing, Bluetooth connectivity (can connect to any device with Bluetooth), binaural beamforming, 312 battery, TV connector (that allows TV and audio streaming), and receiver-in-canal technology. It allows hands-free phone calls. A pair sells for $1499.99.
The device is not rechargeable and not programmable so the user must go to a hearing specialist for all programming.
Philips Hearlink 9010
The Philips Hearlink 9010's features include SoundMap noise control, Multichannel directionality, SoundMap feedback canceller, Binaural noise management, Phoneme and envelope focus. The device is iPhone friendly and offers direct connectivity to Apple products. It allows TV and radio streaming (if patients buy separate equipment for streaming) and can be used with any smart devices in the house. It's ideal for people with severe hearing losses and those in demanding acoustic environments. It sells for $1,249.99 per hearing aid.
Unfortunately, this device does not connect automatically to Android devices and it has no tinnitus features.
The Adore iX
The Adore iX by Rexton is a popular hearing aid at Costco. It's an in-the-ear device that has a silicone tip for comfortable wear. It uses the MyCore platform. Its features include automatic voice detection, 6 programs, 20 fine-tuning channels, reverb reducer, one mic directional, and one power level. It allows audio streaming, can be used with smart devices, and is iPhone friendly. Unfortunately, it has limited interaction with Android devices and the battery is not rechargeable. Its price ranges between $1,249.99 and $1,499.99 depending on the state.
Reviews of MD Hearing Aids
MD Hearing Aid devices are inexpensive, non-custom, and FDA-registered hearing aids. They are programmed by an in-house audiologist and delivered directly to customers. By cutting out the middlemen, the company can pass the cost savings to its customers. The devices give consumers control over the settings, removing the need for repetitive appointments at a clinic. MDHearingAid also sells accessories such as storage cases, batteries, cleaners, replacement tubing and domes. For any questions, support and advice are available from the company's U.S.-based, audiologist-trained specialists. Every hearing aid comes with a year's worth of batteries, a compact carrying case and a 45-day free trial and money-back guarantee.
Here are some of their best hearing aids made by MD Hearing Aids.
MDHearingAid Air
The MDHearingAid Air is the bestselling model of MD Hearing Aid. The advanced digital technology in this device provides high-quality sound that enables the user to hear better in a variety of environments. It has digital sound processing and has 4 processing channels. It also has an omnidirectional microphone. It is able to reduce noise and has feedback reduction. The battery generally lasts between 10 and 14 days. The selling price is $399.99 for one hearing aid or $799.99 a pair.
MDHearingAid Volt
The MDHearingAid Volt is a behind-the-ear digital device, and the only rechargeable MD Hearing Aid. It combines state of the art audio quality with medical grade technology, advanced noise management, and enhanced battery life. Dual microphones can detect the type of environment the user is in and the 4 settings can be adjusted to block the unwanted sounds and fit the environment. It has a magnetic charging base that has indicator lights that lets the user know when the device is fully charged. After charging, the battery life for these hearing aids is around 22 hours. The product comes with a charging dock, a cleaning kit, remote control, a mobile app and a hard case. The price for this hearing aid is $599.99.
LifeEar Core
The LifeEar Core is a behind-the-ear, Bluetooth-enabled, digital hearing aid with 4 processing channels. It has a directional microphone and it changes and adapts to the user's hearing due to its advanced sound sensing system. It has more advanced noise reduction than the Air, it has feedback reduction ability and the user can adjust the volume to suit his needs. Users can use the LifeEar App to create personal profiles to personalize their hearing aids. This hearing aid is listed at $799.99 for one and $1,599.99 a pair. Whoever buys a pair also receives a year's worth of batteries.
MDHearingAid Pro
The MDHearingAid Pro is a behind-the-ear analogue device. It has 2 pre-programmed settings that accommodate flat and high-frequency which are the most common configurations of hearing loss. It also has volume adjustments that enable the user to fine-tune the output to their needs. It has noise reduction ability. It is sold for $199 for one and $399.99 a pair.
Avoiding hearing aid scams
Companies like Nano Hearing Aids sell directly to the public. It is common to get other sellers on platforms like eBay claiming to sell Nano products. Those are scams. Some are new companies that are trying to test their own new products but want to make money in the process by claiming to sell Nano products. Unfortunately, it's Nano Hearing Aids that gets negative feedback when the fake products don't work as well as promised. Here is how to avoid scams.
Don't settle for short trial periods
Avoid any company that offers a very short trial period. It is normal for a seller to offer a trial period for hearing aids. The length of the period is important because the user requires ample time to get personal insight about the product and to fully experience various situations. During the trial period, the user has time to adjust to the new hearing aid and experience a wide range of sounds, toggle the functions and test the features. Therefore, a trial period of 30 to 60 days is normal (and is the law in most states). That is what reputable manufacturers/sellers like Nano Hearing Aids and MD Hearing Aids offer on their websites. By the end of the trial period, the user can make a firm decision whether or not the device is suitable.
Any seller who pushes for a few hours, days or even a week, is a scammer and should not be entertained.
Avoid hardball sales tactics
If the price is very low, the device is fake. Specialized technology like hearing aids can't sell for a crazy low-price. The product may be an old/faulty model or may come with fitting problems or other problems.
Another common scam is advertising a particular device for a particular price, but when a consumer walks into the door the company pushes the consumer to buy a completely different product. It is best to walk away from the sale because there's a problem of ethics in the company and possibly products that don't work well.
Academic research on hearing aids
There have been a number of research studies on hearing aids. One study published in July/August 2016 focused on the impact of hearing aid technology, to determine the differences in hearing abilities provided by basic features and premium features. The study involved 45 participants aged 70 years with mild or moderate adult-onset hearing loss on both sides. Each participant used 4 pairs of hearing aids, two basic and two premium products from two manufacturers. The participants were blinded about the devices. The idea was to capture the participants' points of view about the benefits.
The participants did not report better outcomes from using premium products. That means consumers who have mild to moderate hearing loss can manage very well on basic hearing aids and don't have to spend too much money to improve their hearing.
Hearing tests
It is normal for a person experiencing hearing problems to visit an audiologist. The audiologist will perform hearing tests as part of the diagnosis, to determine the nature of the hearing loss and the extend of it.
Can an audiologist restore hearing?
The treatment for the hearing loss will be based on what the hearing tests find out.
Damage. If hearing loss is due to inner ear damage, the specialist may recommend a hearing aid or an implant to restore hearing partially or fully. That is because it is not possible to repair nerve and cilia damage. A person with this kind of problem may benefit from a device such as the Nano X2 Rechargeable Hearing Aid. It's powerful, easy to use and invisible. The manufacturer designed it after many years of research and development to improve on previous hearing aids.
Abnormalities. The audiologist will also recommend a hearing aid or an implant if the patient has abnormalities such as abnormal separation of the middle ear bones, or thickening of the bone around the ear canal, or an extremely narrow ear canal, or an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear.
Blockages. The audiologist may find that hearing loss is due to a blockage caused by wax or a foreign object or infection or an abnormal growth. Hearing can be partially or fully restored depending on the nature or severity of the problem, but it may not work for everyone. A foreign object and wax can be removed and hearing can be restored fully. Viral infections can be treated with corticosteroids while bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. If there is an abnormal growth, it has to be removed surgically.
Final scoop: Can consumers buy hearing aids without the hearing tests?
Some consumers are buying hearing aids from reputable manufacturers like Nano Hearing Aids and MD Hearing Aids. A product like the Nano Sigma can perform a hearing test and adjust automatically to meet the hearing needs of the user based on the results of the test. Ask a specialist and do your research before buying hearing aids. A hearing test will be most helpful.