Hearing aids and accessories
Choosing hearing aids for every type of hearing loss
Having the freedom to go wherever you like, without restrictions associated with hearing loss, is important to a fulfilling life. This is our key focus when creating new platforms for Phonak hearing aids and accessories.
Our aim is to create different types of hearing devices, which will simplify life, both automatically and effortlessly, while providing you with an exceptional hearing experience, everywhere, every time!
The best hearing aids go far beyond amplification to make lost sounds audible again. They can emphasize sounds coming from specific directions, differentiate types of sound, reduce noise and compress frequencies. This is all done automatically by the hearing aid, which recognizes and adapts to the situations the wearer is in.
The latest Phonak hearing aids also connect to smartphones, TVs and more — providing audio streaming from countless devices. They also make hands-free calls possible. Rechargeable options make using a hearing aid even more hassle-free.
The type of hearing loss is usually determined by where the issue arises anatomically in the ear (inner, middle or outer ear). There are three categories commonly used to distinguish hearing loss by origin:
- Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss refers to hearing loss that arises because sound cannot get through the outer or middle ear. This type of hearing loss can, among other reasons, be caused by fluid, earwax or an infection in the ear. It is often temporary and can sometimes be treated with medicine or surgery.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss comes from issues with the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent. Age, noise and genetics are common reasons for sensorineural hearing loss.
- Mixed Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss is a combination of conductive as well as sensorineural hearing loss.
It is not uncommon for just one ear to be affected by hearing loss or for two ears to be affected to varying degrees. If hearing loss is present in one ear only, it is called single-sided hearing loss or unilateral hearing loss (UHL) -- or single-sided deafness (SSD) if the hearing loss is profound. This is treated differently than hearing loss where both ears are affected. Special hearing solutions exist to help wirelessly transmit sound to the ear with better hearing.
Tinnitus is the scientific name for a rather common condition: ringing in the ears. Though it has many effects and can take many forms (whistling, buzzing, chirping and more) it is commonly treated through sound therapy, which uses an array of special sounds to make tinnitus less noticeable.
When choosing hearing aids, it is important to understand that they come in various types to fit your hearing loss and lifestyle. For a full overview of all available Phonak hearing devices and products, visit our “All Products” page. The following classifications cover the most common models.
In BTE hearing aids, everything is contained inside a durable case that sits behind the outer ear. Sounds are transmitted to the user's ear directly via a small tube attached to a dome or earmold. BTE hearing aids have traditionally been the largest in size, and are also the best hearing aids for those needing the most power.
Another type of hearing aid is RIC. These rest behind the outer ear, just like BTE hearing aids. The difference is that the speaker sits inside the ear — in an ear mold or dome. It is separate from the rest of the device, and the case is then connected by a wire to the speaker. This type of hearing aid is traditionally smaller, lighter and more discreet than a BTE, but not powerful enough for wearers with profound hearing loss.
Join a growing global community who share their experiences and views through regular research studies.
Whether you wear a hearing device or not, you can sign up to be part of the community who participates in our studies. Activities include one-on-one interviews, usability test sessions and focus groups. The insights and information you provide will be used for research purposes only, and we compensate all participants for their time. Plus, our research studies have flexible schedules.
Phonak offers a variety of innovative hearing aids, with varying features and power levels for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, as well as for those with more severe to profound loss. Rechargeable hearing aids and Bluetooth®-enabled hearing aids are also available, alongside other hearing devices. Please see our Hearing Aid Overview for more.
When choosing hearing aids, a hearing care specialist will walk you through the best hearing aid options to help you find the right personalized solution. You can find a certified hearing care specialist in your area with our Audiologist Finder.
Many new hearing aid wearers are looking to improve their hearing and to have better communication, especially in challenging situations, which can often shift throughout the day. Types of hearing aids for first-time users are designed for ease of use and to help them reconnect and rediscover the beauty of sound.
Experienced hearing aid wearers may understand the benefits of wearing a hearing device, but they could still need assistance with a new hearing device. New benefits and developments in technology can offer longtime wearers a world of new possibilities, such as opportunities to boost their hearing aid performance and enjoy greater freedom with smart apps.
Children of different ages have different needs and require help in choosing hearing aids. Generally, there are three groups: Infants and toddlers, School-aged children, and teenagers. Though hearing challenges and the potential impact on life varies, Phonak approaches all levels with a holistic approach.
Thanks to current dedicated power hearing aid technology, more audibility of high-pitched sounds1, 2 and excellent speech understanding3, 4, 5 is possible when power hearing aid users are close to a speaker. But when they are further away or the noise level rises, things get challenging. Phonak Naída hearing aids, combined with Roger wireless microphone technology, can help power hearing device users understand more, regardless of the listening situation.