Choosing a hearing aid can feel overwhelming. There are many brands, styles and features, and the technology keeps changing. The good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone. This guide walks you through the basics in plain language, so you can come to your hearing evaluation feeling prepared and confident.
At Pure Sound Hearing Aids, we’ve been helping neighbors across Lancaster County hear better since 2011. Here’s what we’ve learned about finding the hearing aid that’s truly “best” for you.
The “Best” Hearing Aid Is the One That Fits You
There’s no single best hearing aid for everyone. The right choice depends on your hearing, the shape of your ears, your daily routine, and what feels comfortable in your hands. A hearing aid that’s perfect for a busy grandparent who loves restaurants may not be ideal for someone who mostly watches TV at home.
That’s why the most important step isn’t picking a brand. It’s getting a clear picture of your hearing first.
Why a Professional Hearing Evaluation and Fitting Matter
Hearing loss is different for each person. Some people have trouble with high-pitched sounds, like children’s voices or birdsong. Others struggle mostly in noisy places. A hearing evaluation shows which sounds you hear well and which ones you miss.
With those results, a hearing aid can be programmed specifically for your ears. That professional fitting is what turns good technology into good hearing. Without it, even an advanced hearing aid may sound too loud, too soft, or simply “off.”
Follow-up care matters just as much. Your brain needs time to get used to hearing sounds again. Small adjustments over the first weeks and months help you get comfortable and get the most from your devices.
Hearing Aid Styles Explained Simply
Most hearing aids fall into a few main styles. Each has its strengths.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
A small case sits behind the ear, and a thin wire carries sound to a tiny speaker in the ear canal. RIC hearing aids are the most popular style today. They’re discreet, comfortable, and work for a wide range of hearing loss. Many are rechargeable and stream from your phone.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
The whole hearing aid rests behind the ear and sends sound through a tube to an earmold or tip. BTEs are easy to handle and clean, and they’re often a good fit for more significant hearing loss.
In-the-Ear (ITE) and Custom Styles
These fit in the outer bowl of the ear and are usually made from an impression of your ear. Larger custom styles can be easier to handle, which some people with arthritis or limited dexterity appreciate.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC) and Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
These tiny devices sit deep in the ear canal and are very hard to see. They’re appealing if discretion is your top priority. Because they’re small, they may have fewer features and can be harder to handle, and they aren’t right for every ear or hearing loss.
Features That Matter
Modern hearing aids can do a lot. Here are the features most people ask us about.
Rechargeable Batteries
Many hearing aids now charge overnight in a small case, much like a phone. No tiny batteries to change, which is a big help if your fingers aren’t as nimble as they used to be. Some people still prefer disposable batteries, and that’s fine too.
Bluetooth Streaming
Bluetooth lets you hear phone calls, music, podcasts and TV directly in your hearing aids. Some newer models also support Auracast broadcast audio, which is starting to appear in some public places. We’ll check that your phone works with any model you’re considering.
Help in Noisy Places
Imagine a busy family dinner or a crowded restaurant. Directional microphones and noise reduction help you focus on the voices in front of you while softening background clatter. Hearing aids still can’t remove all noise, but today’s technology handles these moments much better than older devices.
Tinnitus Support
If you live with ringing or buzzing in your ears, many hearing aids offer sound programs designed to make tinnitus less noticeable. We can talk through your options during your visit.
Smartphone Apps
Most brands offer an app that lets you change volume, switch programs, or adjust sound from your phone. These are handy, but never required. Your hearing aids will work well without them.
Telecoil
A telecoil lets some hearing aids pick up hearing loop systems found in some churches, theaters and meeting rooms. If you attend places with a loop, let us know.
Fit and Comfort
You’ll wear your hearing aids all day, so comfort is essential. The right dome or custom earpiece, the right size and the right color all make a difference. Many people find they forget they’re wearing them once the fit is right.
The Brands We Carry
We work with six well-established manufacturers. Each offers several styles and technology levels. Here’s a short, factual look at their current main lines.
Signia
Signia’s newest RIC, Pure Charge&Go MaX, is rechargeable and built to help with conversations in noise, including tracking several speakers at once. Their IX platform includes the ultra-slim, rechargeable Styletto IX (Bluetooth streaming and a wireless charging case), the tiny rechargeable Silk Charge&Go IX (a ready-to-wear CIC), the custom Insio Charge&Go IX CIC, the behind-the-ear Motion Charge&Go IX, and the earbud-style Active IX family (Active Pro IX and Active Mini IX). Most can be adjusted with the Signia app.
Rexton
Rexton is known for durable, practical hearing aids. Reach R-Li T is a rechargeable RIC with Multi-Voice Focus for group conversations, iPhone and Android streaming, and a telecoil. Reach inoX-CIC Li is a rechargeable completely-in-canal option for mild to moderate hearing loss. BiCore B-Li Rugged is a compact, rechargeable behind-the-ear model with a reinforced, sealed housing for active lifestyles. Rexton also offers an app for control from your phone.
Phonak
Phonak’s newest RIC hearing aids are the rechargeable Audéo EON Sphere, which uses AI-based processing to separate speech from background noise, and Audéo EON R, which adapts automatically as your surroundings change. Both connect to virtually any Bluetooth device and support Auracast broadcast audio. For a custom in-the-ear option, Virto R Infinio is made to fit the shape of your ear and is rechargeable. The myPhonak app offers control from your phone.
Oticon
Oticon builds its hearing aids around supporting the brain’s natural way of processing sound. Their newest, Oticon Reveal, is a rechargeable miniRITE with Bluetooth streaming to iPhone and Android devices. Oticon Intent uses movement and sound sensors to adjust support as your listening needs change, available in rechargeable miniRITE and miniBTE styles. Oticon Real comes in miniRITE and miniBTE styles, with rechargeable or disposable-battery versions. It is designed to balance sudden sounds, wind and handling noise, and it streams directly from iPhone and select Android devices. For discretion, Oticon Own SI comes in custom CIC and invisible-in-canal styles, and Oticon Zeal is a tiny, rechargeable in-the-ear model with a same-day fitting option.
Widex
Widex is known for natural sound quality. Its Widex Allure platform comes in rechargeable RIC, BTE and ITE models, with speech enhancement in noise, Bluetooth streaming, and telecoil on the RIC. Widex SmartRIC is a rechargeable RIC with a distinctive L-shape that sits higher on the ear and up to 37 hours of battery life. Widex Moment Sheer offers Widex PureSound processing and SoundRelax sounds designed to help you relax and focus. Widex apps allow adjustments from your phone.
Starkey
Starkey is an American hearing aid maker based in Minnesota. Its current lineup includes rechargeable receiver-in-canal models with built-in health and activity tracking and fall detection, and they stream from iPhone and Android phones. Ask us which Starkey model fits your hearing and lifestyle.
Not every model is right for every person. During your visit we’ll recommend options that match your hearing results and your lifestyle.
How to Choose: Questions to Ask Yourself
Before your appointment, think about these questions. Your answers help us point you in the right direction.
- Where do I have the most trouble hearing? At home, at church, in restaurants, on the phone?
- Do I want something nearly invisible, or is easy handling more important?
- Would I rather recharge nightly or change small batteries?
- Do I want to stream calls, music or TV?
- Do I wear glasses, hats or a mask often?
- Do I have tinnitus?
- Is anyone available to help me with my hearing aids if needed?
Bringing a family member to your visit can help too. A familiar voice is useful during testing, and a second set of ears helps you remember the details.
What to Expect at Pure Sound Hearing Aids
We’re an independent, locally owned practice. Owner Sean Mark is a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist, and we’ve been serving Lancaster County since 2011.
Your Hearing Evaluation
We start by listening to you: your concerns, your routine and your goals. Then we evaluate your hearing and explain the results in plain language.
Your Fitting
If hearing aids are right for you, we’ll help you choose a model and program it to your hearing. We’ll make sure it fits comfortably and show you how to insert, clean, charge and connect it.
Follow-Up Care
We’ll see you for follow-up visits to fine-tune your settings as you adjust. We also help with cleaning, maintenance and repairs, so your hearing aids keep working well for years.
Three Convenient Offices
You can visit us in Elizabethtown, Lititz or Strasburg, whichever is closest to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need hearing aids?
If you often ask people to repeat themselves, turn up the TV, or struggle in noisy places, it’s a good time for a hearing evaluation. It will show whether hearing aids could help.
Which hearing aid brand is best?
All six brands we carry make high-quality hearing aids. The best choice depends on your hearing, your ears and your lifestyle, plus a careful fitting and follow-up care.
Are rechargeable hearing aids a good choice?
For many people, yes. They’re convenient and easy to handle. Some styles and hearing needs may be better suited to disposable batteries, and we’ll help you decide.
Will hearing aids work with my phone?
Most current models stream from many iPhone and Android phones. Compatibility varies by phone and model, so we’ll check yours during your visit.
How long does it take to get used to hearing aids?
It varies. Many people notice a difference right away, but it can take a few weeks for sounds to feel natural. Wearing them consistently and coming in for follow-up visits makes a big difference.
Take the First Step Toward Better Hearing
You don’t have to choose a hearing aid on your own. Call Pure Sound Hearing Aids at (717) 945-1477 or contact us online to schedule your hearing evaluation at our Elizabethtown, Lititz or Strasburg office. We look forward to helping you hear the people and moments you love.
