Advanced Level Hearing Aids: Features, Technology and Benefits

What are Advanced Hearing Aids?

Advanced hearing aids refer to the premium, high-end hearing device models from major manufacturers. They are distinguished by the following characteristics:

• Multiple listening programs and settings to customize amplification for different environments.
• Advanced microchip processors that enable complex noise reduction and sound cleaning.
• Connectivity via Bluetooth to stream media, phone calls and other audio signals directly to both ears.
• Rechargeable battery options for convenience and going cordless.
• Sophisticated fitting software to finely tune the hearing aids to your exact loss pattern.
• Water and dust resistance for use during activities and exercise.
• Smart sensors and artificial intelligence for automated adjustments on the fly.
• Apps and remote controls for more personalization and discreet adjustments.

While basic hearing aids simply amplify sounds, advanced hearing aids use cutting-edge digital technology to customize your hearing experience in subtle, automatic ways.

Key Features of Advanced Hearing Aids

Here are some of the top features that distinguish advanced hearing aids and provide better performance for challenging hearing loss:

Multiple Listening Programs

Advanced hearing aids offer various listening modes or programs that can be selected manually or changed automatically based on the sound environment. Common programs include:

• Everyday - For general daily use.
• Speech - Clarifies speech sounds.
• Noise - Reduces distracting background noise.
• Music - Optimizes sound quality for listening to music.
• T-coil - Accepts signal from looped rooms via telecoil.
• Restaurant - Enhances speech in noisy dining environments.
• Outdoors - Reduces wind noise when outside.

Being able to easily shift into different listening modes improves hearing in multiple daily situations without having to manually adjust volume or settings.

Rechargeable Batteries

Many top tier hearing aids offer a built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery option. This allows you to simply place the hearing aids in a charger each night rather than changing out disposable batteries.

Rechargeable batteries last about a full day per charge. They are eco-friendly and convenient while eliminating the cost and hassle of battery replacements.

Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity allows advanced hearing aids to stream phone calls, music, television audio, and other media directly into your ears in high fidelity stereo sound. No intermediary device is needed.

This wireless streaming provides clear, customized amplification while keeping your ears unblocked for awareness of surrounding sounds.

Self Check and Adjustments

Many manufacturers have apps that let you discretely adjust volume, switch listening modes, locate lost hearing aids and monitor battery level using your smartphone or tablet. Some even run self diagnostic checks to ensure optimal performance.

Directional Microphones

Multiple built-in microphones amplify sounds coming from the direction you are facing for better speech comprehension, while reducing extraneous background noise.

Feedback Cancellation

Advanced signal processing immediately detects and eliminates any whistling or feedback before you can even hear it. This allows for clearer, distortion-free sound.

Smart Sensors

Sensors detect movement and track noise levels to automatically engage the proper settings and listening mode for your environment. No manual adjustments needed.

Artificial Intelligence

AI-powered hearing aids like the Livio Edge AI learn your volume preferences and listening behaviors. They self-adjust and suggest customizations to optimize your personal hearing experience.

Benefits of Advanced Hearing Aids

Investing in premium hearing aids provides many advantages compared to basic models:

Customized Sound

Advanced hearing aids deliver a personalized listening experience tailored to your hearing loss pattern and preferences for different environments and activities.

Reduced Background Noise

Sophisticated noise reduction and directional microphones limit distracting background sounds so you can better focus on the speech and sounds you want to hear.

Enhanced Speech Clarity

Settings like speech focus modes optimize amplification of the speech range of frequencies for crisper, clearer conversations.

Seamless Wireless Streaming

Bluetooth connectivity transmits media and phone calls directly into your hearing aids for great sound quality without wearing an intermediary device around your neck.

Rechargeable Convenience

Built-in lithium ion batteries allow you to simply recharge at night rather than fussing with battery changes.

Discreet Use and Adjustments

Smartphone apps and connectivity give you discreet, convenient ways to adjust settings, switch listening modes and monitor battery level.

Automated Functionality

Program and volume changes are automated based on your environment for less need to manually adjust the hearing aids.

Latest Technology

Premium hearing aids incorporate cutting-edge processors, microchips and features to deliver the best possible hearing experience.

Types of Advanced Hearing Aid Technology

Advanced level hearing aids integrate the most sophisticated technology available today. Here are some key technical terms you may come across when comparing high end hearing aids:

Multi-Channel/Band Processing

This divides incoming sound into multiple frequency bands or channels. Each channel can be programmed independently to provide frequency-specific sound amplification customized to the individual's hearing loss.

Wide Dynamic Range Compression

This advanced compression system amplifies soft sounds while restricting louder sounds to a comfortable listening level. This prevents sounds from being too tinny or distorted.

Digital Noise Reduction

This uses advanced digital signal processing algorithms to identify non-speech background noise and filter it out in real-time.

Adaptive Directionality

Automatically adjusts the directional microphone mode based on where speech is coming from while suppressing peripheral noise.

Feedback Cancellation

Digitally scans sound waves to anticipate feedback then creates an inverted wave to cancel out any potential whistling before it occurs.

Binaural Processing

Coordinates programming between both hearing aids for the most accurate sound localization, amplification and noise reduction.

Artificial Intelligence

Self-learning algorithms track your volume adjustments and listening environments to automatically optimize settings and suggest changes over time.

Cost of Advanced Hearing Aids

There is no set price for advanced hearing aids given the wide range of technology, features and manufacturers. However, some general pricing tiers include:

• Basic Models: $1,500 - $2,500 per pair
• Mid-Level Models: $2,500 - $4,000 per pair
• Advanced Models: $4,000 - $6,500 per pair
• Premium & Flagship Models: $6,500+ per pair

Prices vary based on factors like the sophistication of features, newer technology, custom-fit options, brand name and audiologist practices. Many insurance plans cover a basic hearing aid model, with the option to pay extra out of pocket for upgraded advanced aids.

Are Advanced Hearing Aids Right For You?

Here are some signs you may benefit from upgrading to advanced hearing aids rather than basic models:

• You have severe or profound hearing impairment.
• You struggle to hear conversations in noisy environments like restaurants.
• Feedback and whistling are problems with your current hearing aid.
• You need high power output for very limited hearing.
• You want wireless streaming of phone calls, music and media.
• Convenience features like rechargeable batteries appeal to you.
• Discretion and personalization are top priorities.

Discuss your listening challenges and lifestyle needs with a hearing professional. They can best advise you on whether premium hearing aids with advanced features will improve your hearing experience.

Top Advanced Hearing Aid Models and Brands

Here are some of the top advanced hearing aids currently on the market from the major manufacturers:

Oticon More

Oticon's newest flagship model features a deep neural network chip to analyze sounds like the human brain. It adapts to all listening environments for natural, comfortable hearing all day.

Phonak Audeo Paradise

This premium model mimics the way your ears naturally process sound. The motion sensor detects movement and automatically adjusts settings for seamless hearing.

Signia AX

The built-in sensors in these aids continually scan surroundings and track motion to engage ideal settings automatically. Fully connected options stream stereo audio.

Starkey Livio Edge AI

Groundbreaking artificial intelligence detects and analyzes sound environments to learn your preferences. You can also access Siri, Google Assistant and built-in sensors.

ReSound ONE

These advanced aids mimic the natural contours of the ear for an individualized fit. Advanced micro-tech filters excess noise for 360° sound clarity and directionality.

Widex Evoke

PureSound processing reproduces genuine, clear sound quality across all frequencies. Wind and other distracting noises are suppressed even outdoors.

Are Advanced Hearing Aids Right for You?

While basic hearing aids work well for mild losses, those with more significant impairment may need the customizable programs, wireless connectivity, noise reduction and overall sound quality provided by advanced premium models.

Discuss your budget, lifestyle needs and severity of hearing loss with a hearing care professional. Together you can determine if investing in top-tier hearing aids is likely to significantly improve your hearing ability and enjoyment of everyday sounds.

With innovative new technology and features, today's premium aids allow those with challenging hearing to communicate, connect and participate more fully in life's conversations and experiences.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.