Best Hearing Aids for Sensorineural Hearing Loss
What Hearing Aids Can - And Can’t - Do for SNHL
Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, which means it can’t be reversed once it occurs. However, hearing aids can amplify speech and sounds you’re missing to help you hear your best.
Not only do hearing aids keep you in the conversation with those you love, they help protect your overall health and wellbeing, too.*
Why Hearing Loss Often Feels Like a Clarity Issue
While people with untreated SNHL can hear that someone is speaking, they often still struggle to make out the words.
In speech, some sounds are low-pitched, like the vowels A, E, I, O, and U. Then, some consonants are higher-pitched, like S, F, Th, Sh, Ch, K, P, and H.
Vowels let you know that someone is talking, but consonants make words different from each other. If you can’t hear those higher pitches, it’s harder to understand what’s being said.
Why Conversations in Noise Are Still Hard
If you’re having problems hearing consonants clearly, background noise in louder environments like restaurants and parties can create even greater hearing challenges.
Background noise can make it hard to focus on the conversation - especially if you don’t have a hearing aid that’s equipped to handle noise properly.
It’s important to invest in hearing aids with enhanced features, such as background noise reduction and speech boost. They help you focus on your conversation - not the noise.
What to Expect From Hearing Aids With SNHL
Hearing aids make sounds louder as they enter your ear.
The tiny hair cells in your inner ear sense the stronger sounds and turn them into signals your brain understands.
When more of your ear hair cells are damaged, hearing loss gets worse.
This means the hearing aid has to work harder to help you hear.
Advanced features
While hearing aids can’t restore hearing to pre-hearing loss levels, many devices now come equipped with incredible speech boosting and noise reduction features so you can hear words more clearly.
Why Hearing Aid Fitting Matters More With SNHL
When it comes to treating permanent hearing loss like SNHL, the proper hearing aid fit is key.
Because SNHL affects how the inner ear and hearing nerve process sound, every person’s hearing loss is different. That’s why a one-size-fits-all device is rarely the best choice.
Here’s why a hearing aid fitting is a must when you have SNHL:
Ensure the right fit for your hearing needs
A hearing professional who is trained to perform detailed hearing tests and fit hearing aids can make sure you’re getting the proper sound amplification to match your exact hearing needs.Keep your brain engaged
The right fit helps to protect your remaining hearing ability and keeps your brain actively processing sound - the way it was meant to.*Experience a more natural fit
Custom fittings also ensure your hearing aids feel comfortable and that sound feels natural and not distorted.Get continued care and support
Ongoing care and guidance, adjustments, and maintenance help you adapt to amplified sound and get the most from your hearing aids over time.
Treat Your SNHL With the Right Hearing Aids
Match to your level and configuration of hearing loss
Match to your lifestyle
Match to your preferences for appearance and size
Match to your comfort with tech
Find your nearest hearing center.
Features That Matter Most in Hearing Aids for SNHL
While any hearing aid is better than no hearing aid, it’s important to get the most amount of technology you can afford.
More features give you the ability to customize your best hearing experience. Here are some of the top features for SNHL:
Speech clarity in noise
Being able to hear and participate fully in conversations matters each and every day.
Advanced features like directional microphones, AI-driven noise reduction, and speech enhancement technology help you focus on the voices that matter most - not the background noise.
Connectivity for calls, media, and control
Today’s hearing aids can keep you seamlessly connected to everything you enjoy.
With Bluetooth technology like Made for iPhone®, ASHA for Android™, or universal streaming, you can stream phone calls, music, podcasts, and TV directly through your hearing aids.
Rechargeable vs. disposable batteries
Your lifestyle can help determine which power option works best for you.
Rechargeable hearing aids offer convenience and are great for those who don’t want to change small batteries. Just charge overnight while you sleep and go without worry the next day.
Hearing aids that use disposable batteries can be a good fit if you prefer the simplicity of quick replacements anytime you run out of power.
Sound quality and feedback control
Modern hearing aids are designed to deliver a natural and comfortable listening experience. But hearing aids of the past often came with quirky noises.
Anti-feedback systems prevent the whistling or squealing that older models were known for, giving you clear, uninterrupted sound throughout your day.
Help for tinnitus
If you live with ringing or buzzing in your ears, hearing aids with tinnitus relief features can make a real difference.
Built-in masking sounds or soothing background tones help reduce the distraction of tinnitus, allowing you to focus on and enjoy who and what you want to hear.
5 Best Hearing Aids for Sensorineural Hearing Loss
You may also want to consider:
#4 Phonak Audéo Lumity L90-R
This RIC hearing aid comes equipped with a speech enhancer, dynamic noise cancellation, and motion sensor hearing, which means it senses your environment and adapts to it automatically.
#5 Oticon Real 1 miniRITE R
This discreet behind-the-ear RIC delivers crystal-clear clarity for your hardest-to-hear sounds. It’s an excellent choice for both appearance and performance, featuring rechargeability and smartphone controls.
Budget, Insurance, and Where to Buy
Before you purchase hearing aids, educating yourself on cost, knowing your budget and insurance benefits, and researching financing options can help ensure you’re getting the best deal and device.
There are 5 main things that influence the cost of hearing aids.
1. Technology level
2. Style and design
3. Customization and fitting
4. Brand and warranty coverage
5. Service and follow-up care
Insurance Coverage and Financing Options
Insurance coverage for hearing aids varies by state and depends on your type of plan. Some plans, such as Medicare Advantage, may offer some benefits, while others may not.
The good news is that HearUSA will work with your insurance company to find every possible discount. We also offer stress-free financing options and payment plans to make hearing aids more affordable.
You can also use your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to cover hearing-related expenses tax-free.
Where to Buy: Audiologist vs. Online vs. OTC
- 1.
Hearing care specialist
Buying through a hearing care specialist ensures you get a proper hearing test and diagnosis, personalized fitting, and ongoing support. - 2.
Online retailers
Online retailers may offer lower prices but usually require you to handle hearing aid adjustments and set up yourself. - 3.
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids in stores and online are designed for adults with mild to moderate SNHL and can be budget-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sensorineural hearing loss?
Will a hearing aid help with sensorineural hearing loss?
What’s the best type of hearing aid for SNHL?
Where can I buy SNHL hearing aids?
Sources:
Johns Hopkins Medicine: The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss: hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden risks-of-hearing-loss
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensorineural_hearing_loss
ASHA: https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/sensorineural-hearing-loss/
