The Best New Technology in Hearing Aids: 2012

Hearing aid technology improves by leaps and bounds each year. 2012 doesn't disappoint: there are many new hearing aid models available for every level of hearing loss. The best of the new hearing aid designs incorporate a sleek design with power and clarity. Several hearing aids now offer water resistance, and one hearing aid is actually waterproof and may be worn while swimming to a depth of 3 feet!

Rechargeable batteries, "invisible" hearing aids, and hearing aids which stream music and sound from computers, cell phones, and MP3 players are commonplace in today's hearing aid market.

Phonak offers two hearing aids with water resistance: the Naida S and the new Nios Micro S model. These hearing aids are not water proof and will not withstand heavy water exposure, but they are resistant to dust and moisture. High humidity or an unexpected rain shower are not a problem as long as the weather-proof seals are in place over the microphones!

The Nios Micro S is targeted to the pediatric population (mild to moderately severe hearing losses) and the Naida comes in two models - the SP for moderately severe to profound hearing losses, and the UP for severe to profound hearing losses.

The brand new Siemens Aquaris is entirely waterproof, and can be submerged to a depth of 3 feet. The hearing aid is completely sealed and comes with a custom earmold designed specifically for swimming. This product gives hearing aid users complete freedom for an active lifestyle: swimming, hiking in the rain, and sailing are not a problem with the Aquaris. This hearing aid is a high-tech digital hearing aid, offering 12 or 16 digital channels (depending on the model).

There are three new hearing aid products for 2012 which offer the ultimate in discreet hearing aid technology: the Invisible-In-the-Canal (IIC) hearing aid, the AMP hearing aid (designed for first time hearing aid wearers), and the mini Receiver-in-the-Canal hearing aid (RIC) designed for many levels of hearing loss.

The IIC is entirely invisible unless a hearing professional looks inside the ear canal, as the tiny hearing instrument sits entirely within the ear canal. Unlike the "Lyric hearing aid," these hearing aids are modern, digital aids that are programmed by a professional and are not disposable. In addition, the IIC is removed on a daily basis to prevent any ear infections and to allow for air circulation. The "Soundlens" hearing aid (another name for the IIC technology) will fit mild to moderately severe hearing losses and is custom-fitted to the individual's ear canal to provide a secure fit.

The AMP also fits entirely within the ear canal and is completely invisible unless someone peers into the ear with an otoscope. The AMP is not a true digital hearing aid, but acts like a hearing amplifier and is for the person who is not "quite ready" for a hearing aid. The AMP is ready to wear after one visit with the hearing professional. This sound amplifier has been designed for easy removal from the ear canal and is aimed at the mature population of people with hearing loss.

The RIC is not truly invisible, but is very hard to detect as it features a very tiny behind-the-ear (BTE) unit and slim tube technology with the receiver in the ear canal. The RIC technology is available in several Starkey brands, including the Wi series, the X Series, and the S Series IQ. The RIC will accommodate a broader range of hearing loss, from mild to severe.

ReSound Alera

Tiny but mighty: the ReSound Alera is a power-packed little hearing aid with amazing technology. The entire hearing aid is coated with iSolate nanotech coating, which protects the hearing aid from moisture. The Alera also connects wirelessly to the television, computers, and mobile phones. The Alera fits mild to profound hearing losses and comes in a behind-the-ear model as well as a receiver-in-the-ear model (the latter model is smaller and more discreet).

Starkey Wi Series

The Starkey Wi hearing aids are very sleek and has the ability to stream audio from the television, stereo, or computer. The Wi series has the latest noise reduction software and feedback-elimination capabilities. The hearing aids feature "Voice IQ" to detect human speech in situations with a lot of background noise and have HydraShield technology to protect the hearing aids from moisture, sweat, and oil. The Wi series also has an ear-to-ear feature, where the two hearing aids communicate to provide a better listening environment.

Siemens Pure

The Siemens Motion suits nearly every hearing loss level and features rechargeable batteries. This hearing aid also features exchangeable exterior color options, allowing users to alter the look of their hearing device as the mood strikes. The Motion is compatible with Siemen's mini-Tek device, which allows wireless connectivity to MP3 players and other high-tech gadgets.

By having the receiver in the ear canal, the receiver can be changed to accommodate different levels of hearing loss. A 45dB receiver is available for a mild hearing loss, a 55dB receiver for moderate to moderately severe hearing losses, and a 65dB receiver for severe hearing losses.

There are two new alternatives to traditional hearing aids on the market. The Lyric hearing aid is entirely invisible, is worn 24 hours per day, and requires no maintenance for up to 4 months at a time. The Lyric hearing aid is placed by a licensed audiologist or ENT doctor, is shower proof, and requires no surgery for placement. The negative of the Lyric hearing aid is the price: a one year subscription costs approximately $3,000.

Another option is the surgically implanted Envoy Esteem middle ear implant system. The Esteem is 100% invisible, and is entirely waterproof. The Esteem hearing implant requires no maintenance and is entirely implanted, with no external components. Recipients report a very natural sound from the Envoy Esteem, as it uses the ear's natural components to amplify sound. The negative of the Envoy Esteem is the required surgeries: the first surgery is to place the Esteem hearing implant, and a minor outpatient procedure is required every 4-9 years to replace the battery.