As your local audiologists in Mesa and Scottsdale, AZ, we’re all about helping you hear the world in all its vibrant detail … the laughter of your grandkids, the chirping of birds in your backyard, or the lively chatter at your favorite café. But with today’s amazing hearing aid technology and so many options, how do you know what’s best for you?
Don’t worry. Here, we’re going to break down what makes the best hearing aids for seniors and share why the trusted brands we work with—Phonak, Starkey, Unitron, Siemens, Oticon, Lyric, Rexton, and ReSound—are top picks. Plus, we’ll explain why ongoing care and routine hearing tests are key to keeping your hearing at its best.
What Makes Up the Best Hearing Aids for Seniors?
Choosing a hearing aid isn’t about grabbing the flashiest or priciest model on the market. The best hearing aid is one that fits you—your hearing loss, your lifestyle, your budget, and your unique needs. Here’s what our Mesa and Scottsdale audiologists focus on to find your perfect match:
- Reliability: You want a hearing aid that works consistently, day in and day out. A reliable device means fewer repairs and less frustration, so you can focus on living your life.
- High Quality: From crisp sound to durable design, quality matters. The best hearing aids for seniors deliver clear speech, natural sound, and are built to last.
- Lifestyle Fit: Are you an active senior hiking the trails around Scottsdale? Or maybe you love quiet evenings at home with a good audiobook? Your hearing aid should match your daily routine—whether you need noise cancellation for busy environments or seamless Bluetooth for streaming music.
- Budget-Friendly: Great hearing doesn’t have to break the bank. We offer hearing aid options at various price points, ensuring you get top-notch technology without wrecking your budget.
- Features You’ll Actually Use: Fancy hearing aid features are only helpful if they serve you. For example, if you’re tech-savvy, you might love smartphone apps for adjusting settings. If not, a simple, user-friendly design might be best.
- Designed for Your Hearing Loss: Hearing loss varies—mild, moderate, severe, or profound—and the best hearing aids provide the right level of amplification. For instance, someone with severe hearing loss needs a more powerful device than someone with mild loss.
At Advanced Hearing Group, we carry leading brands like Phonak, Starkey, Unitron, Siemens, Oticon, Lyric, Rexton, and ReSound because they excel in these areas. Let’s dive into what makes these brands stand out and how they cater to seniors’ needs.
Some of the Best Hearing Aid Brands for Seniors
We’re proud to offer a range of high-quality hearing aids from trusted manufacturers. Here’s a look at what some of these brands bring to the table, based on the latest advancements and feedback from our patients in Mesa and Scottsdale:
Phonak: Cutting-Edge Hearing Aid Technology for All Lifestyles
Phonak is a favorite for its innovative features and reliability. The Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio, for example, has AI-powered technology that enhances speech clarity in noisy settings. Its sleek design and connectivity options (like Bluetooth for streaming calls or music) make it ideal for active seniors. For those with severe hearing loss, the Phonak Naída Lumity offers powerful amplification and comfort.
Starkey: Hearing Aids with Health and Safety Features
Starkey shines for seniors who want more than just hearing support. The Starkey Edge AI, for example, boasts an impressive 51-hour battery life per charge—perfect for those long days out and about. Its unique health features, like fall detection and activity tracking, are a game-changer for seniors prioritizing safety.
Starkey’s Genesis AI also offers excellent sound quality and a comprehensive app for remote adjustments, making it a great fit for tech-savvy users. While Starkey can be pricier, its feature-packed designs are worth it for those who want wellness-focused technology.
Unitron: Affordable and User-Friendly Hearing Aids
Unitron is a go-to for seniors seeking quality on a budget. Their devices, like the Unitron Moxi, deliver clear sound and are easy to use, with intuitive controls for those who prefer simplicity. Unitron’s hearing aids are reliable and offer good speech clarity in quieter settings, making them ideal for seniors who spend more time at home or in small groups. Plus, they’re available at competitive prices, which our patients appreciate.
Lyric: Invisible Hearing Aids Without the Hassle
For seniors who want a completely invisible option, Lyric by Phonak is a unique choice. These tiny devices sit deep in the ear canal and are worn 24/7 for months at a time, with no need for daily removal or charging. Lyric is ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss and offers natural sound quality, but it requires professional fitting and regular replacement by an audiologist. It’s perfect for seniors who want a “set it and forget it” solution, though it’s not suited for severe hearing loss.
ReSound: Hearing Aids with Advanced Connectivity
ReSound’s Nexia line is a hit for seniors who love technology. With enhanced Bluetooth capabilities, these hearing aids make streaming audio from your phone or TV a breeze. The ReSound ENZO Q is designed for severe to profound hearing loss, offering powerful amplification and comfort in a behind-the-ear (BTE) design.
Why Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Aren’t Always the Best Choice for Seniors (or Anyone Else)
In recent years, you may have seen over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids popping up at stores or online, and they can seem like a budget-friendly, convenient option. They are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss and often come with features like app controls or rechargeable batteries. But for many seniors, OTC devices have limitations that make prescription hearing aids from an audiologist a better choice. Here’s why:
- Lack of Ongoing Support: OTC hearing aids are self-fitted, meaning you’re on your own for setup and adjustments. At Advanced Hearing Group, our audiologists provide personalized fittings, real-ear measurements, and ongoing support to ensure your hearing aids are perfectly tuned to your needs.
- Limited Suitability: OTC devices are only approved for mild to moderate hearing loss. If your hearing loss is more severe, they won’t provide enough amplification, leaving you struggling to hear.
- No Professional Adjustments or Repairs: Hearing aids need tweaks over time as your hearing changes or the device wears. With OTC aids, you may not have access to professional repairs or adjustments. At Advanced Hearing Group, we offer maintenance and minor repairs, helping to ensure your devices continue to work well.
- Missed Health Insights: OTC hearing aids don’t come with the comprehensive hearing tests we provide. These tests can catch changes in your hearing or other ear health issues that need attention.
For seniors, especially those with complex hearing needs or who value ongoing support, prescription hearing aids are usually the smarter investment.
Learn more: OTC vs. Prescription Hearing Aids: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
Why Routine Hearing Tests are Important for Your Hearing Health and Your Hearing Aids
Even the best hearing aids are only part of the equation. Your hearing needs evolve over time—aging, health changes, or even new environments can affect how you hear. That’s why regular hearing tests at Advanced Hearing Group’s Mesa, North Scottsdale, or South Scottsdale clinics are a must. Here’s why they matter:
- Tracking Changes in Hearing: Hearing loss can progress gradually, and routine tests help us catch changes early. This ensures your hearing aids are adjusted or upgraded as needed.
- Optimizing Your Hearing Aids: Technology advances quickly, and new features can make a big difference. We’ll help you decide if a new model or a simple adjustment will keep you hearing your best.
- Maintaining Ear Health: Our audiologists check for issues like earwax buildup or tinnitus, which can impact your hearing aid’s performance. Regular visits keep your ears and devices in top shape.
- Personalized Care: Every visit is a chance to fine-tune your hearing aids based on your feedback. Maybe you’re struggling to hear in noisy restaurants, or you want better streaming for your phone calls. We’ll make it happen.
We recommend a hearing checkup at least once a year, even if your hearing aids feel fine. Our team makes it easy and comfortable with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff.
Learn more: Sound Advice from Audiologists: Why Regular Hearing Check-ups Are So Important
Tips to Help Seniors Choose the Best Hearing Aids and Maintain Them for Optimal Function
Ready to find the perfect hearing aid? Here are some helpful tips from our expert audiologists to guide you:
- Work with an Audiologist: At Advanced Hearing Group, we’ll assess your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget to recommend the best hearing aids. Simply bring your questions and share your daily routine. We’ll match you with a hearing aid you’ll love that also meets your hearing needs.
- Try Before You Buy: We offer a free two-week trial and a 30-day return period, so you can test your hearing aids in real-world settings.
- Maintain Your Devices: Regular cleaning and professional maintenance keep your hearing aids performing like new. Our audiologists can help with maintenance and minor repairs so once you find the best hearing aids, they’ll last as long as possible.
- Stay Connected: Our follow-up appointments and ongoing support ensure your hearing aids evolve with your needs.
Hear Better, Live Better with the Best Hearing Aids and Professional Support
At Advanced Hearing Group, we’re passionate about helping seniors in Mesa, North Scottsdale, and South Scottsdale hear the moments that matter most. Whether you’re exploring hearing aids for the first time or upgrading to a new model, our audiologists are here to guide you with expertise and care. With top hearing aid brands like Phonak, Starkey, Oticon, Lyric, and ReSound, we’ll find the perfect fit for your hearing, lifestyle, and budget.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule a hearing test or consultation at one of our convenient locations. Let’s work together to bring clarity and joy back to your world of sound!
