Hearing loss can make it challenging for individuals to participate actively in social activities or hold deep and meaningful conversations with their loved ones. However, with hearing aids, those with hearing loss can hear better and clearer, and enjoy a better quality of life.
In this article, we will share about the types of hearing aids and the best hearing aid brands and models you can find in Singapore. We will also discuss some of the important factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid for your loved ones!
Types of Hearing Aids
The 2 main types of hearing aids are behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) devices. They help to improve hearing by amplifying sounds and making them clearer.
Some of these instruments are even equipped with artificial intelligence to support your brain and help with processing sounds. They may also come with Bluetooth capabilities so you can connect your hearing aid directly to other devices for a complete listening experience.
These instruments are available in a wide range of styles, colours and sizes.
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
Suitable for: Slight to profound hearing loss
BTE hearing aids are discreet devices worn behind the ear.
The 2 styles of BTE hearing aids are BTE and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE).
| BTE | RITE |
|---|---|
In-the-ear (ITE)
Suitable for: Mild to severe hearing loss
ITE hearing aids are devices that are customised to suit the shape and size of each wearer’s ear. As they are worn inside the ear, these devices are often more discreet. They are also more comfortable for those who wear spectacles.
The main styles of ITE hearing aids include in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-the-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids.
ITC CIC IIC
Best Hearing Aid Brands and Models in Singapore
Oticon
With over 100 years in the industry, Oticon is one of the leading brands of hearing aids worldwide. Their devices are designed to help clients hear and understand sounds better with less effort and are created based on extensive scientific research.
Many of Oticon’s hearing aids are equipped with BrainHearing™ technology to offer a more natural soundscape while reducing the strain on your brain. They also integrate features such as wireless connectivity and rechargeability to meet the needs of clients.
1. Oticon More™
Hearing aid types: miniBTE, miniRITE
✔ Reduced listening effort
✔ Proven to offer more sound in higher fidelity at a faster adaptation rate
✔ Bluetooth connectivity
✔ Hands-free communication
✔ Rechargeable or disposable batteries
Oticon More™ is an award-winning hearing aid. It incorporates a Deep Neural Network to promote better speech understanding while reducing the effort needed to listen. It is also able to scan and analyse the sound scene at a rapid pace to help you better comprehend your surroundings.
This hearing aid is available in 2 styles — miniBTE (for slight to profound hearing loss) and miniRITE (for slight to severe hearing loss). You can also choose from 8 different colours to match your style or preferences!
2. Oticon Play PX™
Hearing aid types: miniBTE, miniRITE
✔ World’s first paediatric hearing aid powered by Deep Neural Network
✔ Built for the classroom environment
✔ Bluetooth connectivity
✔ Hands-free communication
✔ Rechargeable or disposable batteries
Oticon Play PX™ is a hearing aid designed exclusively for children and teenagers.
It utilises a Deep Neural Network to mimic the learning patterns of a child’s brain. With this technology, this device is able to create a map of what the world sounds like, the details of each sound, and how they should ideally sound.
It is able to help them recognise and understand words in a typical sound environment like the classroom, even when speech is coming from different directions.
As such, users are able to participate actively in such learning activities, stimulating their growth and development. You can choose from 12 different colours to match your child’s personality and style preferences!
3. Oticon Xceed™
Hearing aid types: BTE (Super Power/Ultra Power)
✔ Clear, stable speech signal without feedback
✔ 360-degree access to all speech and relevant sounds
✔ Bluetooth connectivity
✔ Disposable batteries
Oticon Xceed™ is a BTE hearing aid suitable for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. It enables users to hear speech and sound from all relevant sources and is capable of differentiating speech from noise.
Moreover, this hearing aid offers a clear and stable listening experience due to its ability to handle feedback and reduce whistling sounds.
Oticon Xceed™ is a stylish device that’s available in 7 neutral colours from silver to chroma biege and diamond black.
4. Oticon Zircon™
Hearing aid types: miniBTE, miniRITE
✔ 360-degree speech and clear sound from all directions
✔ Bluetooth connectivity
✔ Hands-free communication
✔ Rechargeable or disposable batteries
Oticon Zircon™ is a hearing aid device featuring 3 technologies that help to create a clear and balanced soundscape – OpenSound Navigator™, Speech Guard™ and SuperShield™.
With OpenSound Navigator™, you can gain access to a holistic sound environment so you can focus on the things that matter. While Speech Guard™ helps to amplify sounds and preserve speech cues, SuperShield™ prevents feedback so you can enjoy a comfortable listening experience.
This hearing aid is available in 5 different colours – silver grey, steel grey, black, beige and brown.
Bernafon
Bernafon’s hearing aids are the first in the world to be equipped with hybrid processing technology. As such, their devices are able to deliver improved speech understanding and listening comfort while maintaining top-notch sound quality.
5. Bernafon Alpha™
Hearing aid types: miniBTE, miniRITE
✔ World’s first hearing aid with Hybrid Technology™
✔ Bluetooth connectivity
✔ Hands-free communication
✔ Rechargeable or disposable batteries
Bernafon Alpha™ is equipped with the brand’s Hybrid Technology™ to provide users with an uncompromised sound experience. It increases listening comfort and speech understanding to offer outstanding performance in various types of listening environments.
To cater to each individual’s needs and budget, Bernafon offers 5 different categories of Alpha™ hearing aids. Each category provides different levels of sound quality, speech understanding, hearing comfort, operating comfort and individualisation.
Bernafon Alpha™ is available in 9 different colour combinations so you can find one that matches your personality and style.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Hearing Aid
When choosing a hearing aid, there are often numerous factors to consider:
- Severity of hearing loss
Depending on the extent of your hearing loss, you may have to opt for a particular type of hearing aid. For example, profound hearing loss typically requires a BTE hearing aid.
Your hearing care professional will be able to advise you accordingly after assessing your hearing.
- Technology
Certain brands of hearing aids feature advanced technology that can offer a better hearing experience. For example, Oticon hearing aids are equipped with BrainHearing™ technology to provide users with a fuller and more natural soundscape.
- Features
Depending on the style and model of the hearing aid, each device may be fitted with different features and functionalities. For example, some devices may have wireless connectivity and/or rechargeable capabilities.
When choosing a hearing aid, it’s important to consider if these features can meet your lifestyle needs and preferences.
- Price
Your budget can be a crucial consideration when deciding on a device. In general, the price of hearing aids in Singapore range from $800 to $8,000 per piece.
- Design
Hearing aids can come in a wide range of colours. You can choose bright hues to highlight your personality or opt for nude shades to match your skin tone for a more discreet look.
- Value-added services
Aside from factors that revolve solely around the device, value-added services can be another important consideration when it comes to choosing a hearing aid.
Complimentary post-purchase services such as aftercare and device adjustments may be offered by certain service provider. This can be helpful especially if you or your loved one is wearing a hearing aid for the first time.
FAQs about Hearing Aids
What is the price of a hearing aid in Singapore?
A hearing aid can cost anywhere from $800 to $8,000 per piece, subject to the brand, model and functions of the device.
Hearing aids with more basic features typically fall within the lower range of prices while those with more advanced technologies and a wider range of features may be more expensive.
Can I use MediSave for hearing aids?
No, MediSave cannot be used to offset the cost of hearing aids. However, there are other forms of subsidies available such as the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) and the Assistive Technology Fund (ATF).
What government subsidies are available for hearing aids in Singapore?
These are the 2 subsidies that individuals with hearing loss can apply for in Singapore:
- Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF)*
The SMF is open to Singapore citizens who are 60 years old and above and staying at home. They can enjoy a subsidy of up to 90% of the cost of the hearing aid or the maximum subsidy cap on the device.
- Assistive Technology Fund (ATF)*
The ATF is a scheme open to both Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents. Applicants can receive a subsidy of up to 90% of the cost of the device, capped at $40,000.
Note: You’ll require the help of an assessor (from a hospital, social service agency or other relevant institutions) or application administrator to apply for these schemes.
*Terms and conditions apply