Some people with profound hearing loss have cochlear implants or do not utilize hearing technology at all and are a part of the Deaf community. But hearing aids are still needed for others with profound hearing loss who are not cochlear implant candidates, or who wear a hearing aid on the non-implant ear.
The best hearing aid for a profound hearing loss will be very different from the best hearing aid for someone with a mild hearing loss, or even someone with a severe hearing loss. The unique needs of the person with profound hearing loss must be addressed.
We are going to break down which hearing aids are the best for profound hearing loss, why we believe they are the best, and some other things you should take into consideration if you have a profound hearing loss.
If there is a specific topic you'd like to read more about, use the Table of Contents below to skip to that section.
Contents
- What is profound hearing loss?
- Top 5 hearing aids for profound hearing loss
- Why should you trust us?
- Things to consider before buying
Number 1 hearing aid: ReSound ENZO2
Our top pick for the best hearing aid for profound hearing loss is the ReSound ENZO2.
We picked the ReSound ENZO2 for several reasons:
- The fitting range provides adequate amplification for a profound hearing loss, with linear, semi-linear, and WDRC fitting strategies for the provider to choose from.
- It comes in a Superpower BTE style with a 675 battery for longer life.
- It is a Smart and Made for iPhone hearing aid which means it connects directly to iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch devices without the need for an additional accessory. They can also stream from other non-iPhone bluetooth phones with the use of the Phone Clip+.
- It is compatible with ReSound's Mini Mic and Multi Mic accessories for additional help in background noise, includes a telecoil and compatibility with an FM receiver.
ReSound ENZO2 is currently the only super power hearing aid that is also Made for iPhone. You get the audibility you need with the connectibility you want.
Stream phone calls ,music, and other audio directly to the ENZO2 hearing aids from you iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Android users can also stay connected with ENZO via ReSound's wireless accessories.
Number 2 hearing aid: Phonak Naida B
Our runner-up for the best hearing aid for profound hearing loss is the Phonak Naida B:
- For those with profound hearing loss, there are two BTE options, a Superpower BTE (BTE SP) and a Ultrapower BTE (BTE UP) is available with a 675 battery.
- It includes both automatic and manual programs for those who either don’t want to have to manipulate their instruments or for those who want more control.
- The DuoPhone feature allows for phone conversations to be heard in both ears, helping to improve intelligibility.
- The Phonak FM systems can be easily integrated with Naida for more help in background noise, or other difficult listening situations.
- It is very reliable, with an IP68 rating.
Phonak knows how to do power instruments well. The Nadia B Superpower and Ultrapower instruments are Phonak's 5th generation of power aids, which address all the needs of those with profound hearing loss.
The only reason it is not our #1 pick is because of the lack of direct “smart” connectivity that the ENZO2 provides.
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Book AppointmentWhat is profound hearing loss?
A profound hearing loss describes the severity, or level, of your hearing loss.
A profound hearing loss is classified above the 90 decibel range. A person with profound hearing loss is considered deaf.
While people with profound hearing loss are considered to be deaf, not all are a part of the Deaf (with a capital D) community. The Deaf community is a culture of those who communicate via sign language and may or may not make use of hearing technology.
Most people with profound hearing loss undergo a cochlear implant evaluation, although not everyone with profound hearing loss is a candidate for a cochlear implant. Some people with a cochlear implant on one side, will also wear a hearing aid on the opposite ear, which is referred to as bimodal hearing.
What makes a good hearing aid for profound hearing loss?
The most important thing that a hearing aid must provide for someone with profound hearing loss is sufficient gain without distortion or feedback (whistling in the hearing aid).
Many people with profound hearing loss have very poor speech discrimination and make use of their hearing aids for awareness of the sounds around them. It is important that the instrument provides enough gain across the frequency spectrum, as many people with profound loss will be able to detect some frequency sounds better than others.
They often prefer a more linear fitting strategy, which gives them a perception of “more power” in the instrument by not compressing any of the sounds.
For better speech intelligibility, most people with profound hearing loss will need to pair an FM system or remote mic device with their hearing aids. This will allow them to pick up voices over the background noise, as well as overcome the effects of distance and reverberation. A hearing aid that can easily integrate with these accessories is a must.
Finally, because people with profound hearing loss rely on their hearing aids every day all day, comfort and reliability should be taken into consideration as measured by the design and IP rating.
Top 5 hearing aids for profound hearing loss
1. ReSound ENZO2 hearing aid
Overall Rating
Features:
- Performance levels – 9, 7, 5
- Size – Available in a BTE model
- Battery – Disposable, Size 13 or 675
- IP Rating – Not rated
- Telecoil – Yes, in all performance levels
- FM Compatibility – Yes, Remote mic accessory also available in all performance levels
- Standard Phone compatibility – PhoneNow feature available in all performance levels
- Wireless compatibility “Smart” technology – TV and android streaming available with adapter, Made for iPhone
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2. Phonak Naida B hearing aid
Overall Rating
Summary:
- Performance levels - B90, B70, B50, B30
- Style - Available in BTE ultrapower for profound loss, also available in RIC and BTE superpower (SP)
- Battery - Disposable, 312 or 675
- IP Rating - IP68
- Telecoil - Yes, in all performance levels
- FM compatibility - Yes, Remote mic accessory available in all performance levels
- Standard phone compatibility - Duophone feature available in B90, B70, and B50
- Wireless compatibility "Smart" technology - TV, standard phone, and smartphone streaming available with adapter
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3. Oticon Dynamo hearing aid
Overall Rating
Features:
- Performance levels - SP10, SP8, SP6, SP4
- Style - Superpower BTE
- Battery - Disposable, size 13
- IP Rating - IP58
- Telecoil - Yes, in all performance levels
- FM compatibility - Yes, Remote mic accessory also available with use of Steamer interface
- Standard phone compatibility - No additional specialized phone settings
- Wireless compatibility "Smart" technology - TV, standard phone, and smartphone streaming available with adapter
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4. Widex Super hearing aid
Overall Rating
Features:
- Performance levels - 440 and 220
- Style - RIC/RITE
- Battery - Disposable, Size 675
- IP Rating - Not listed
- Telecoil - Yes, in all performance levels
- FM compatibility - No, Remote mic accessory available with use of adapter
- Standard phone compatibility - Phone+ feature available
- Wireless compatibility "Smart" technology - TV, standard phone, and smartphone streaming available with adapter
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5. Unitron Max hearing aid
Overall Rating
Features:
- Performance levels - 20, 6, E
- Size - Available in a BTE model
- Battery - Disposable, Size 312 or 13
- IP Rating - IP57
- Telecoil - Yes, in all performance levels
- FM Compatibility - Yes in 20 and 6 levels, Remote mic accessory also available in 20 and 6 performance levels
- Standard Phone compatibility - Binaural phone feature available for all performance levels
- Wireless compatibility "Smart" technology - TV, standard phone, and smartphone streaming available with adapter in 20 and 6 performance levels
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For a better understanding of hearing aid IP ratings click here.
For a better understanding of hearing aid telecoils click here.
Book your free hearing consultation today
Speak to a qualified hearing specialist and discuss hearing aid options tailored specifically for you. We can help you find a specialist in your local area today.
Why should you trust us?
Unlike many other hearing aid reviewers online, we are an independent company. We are not compensated or sponsored by any product manufacturer for our reviews, and when a product is provided to us at no charge, we make sure to make that clear. We aim to provide an unbiased and up-to-date opinion of the hearing resources available to those with hearing loss.
Our staff consists of an Audiologist who has several years experience in hearing diagnostics. As an audiologist, she is well versed in the recommending and fitting of a wide variety of hearing aid brands on all levels of hearing loss.
Read more about our expertise and motivations here.
Some things to consider when buying a hearing aid for profound hearing loss
If you have a profound hearing loss, a cochlear implant evaluation is recommended. However, not everyone with a profound hearing loss is a cochlear implant candidate. If this is the case then hearing aid use is recommended.
When it comes to hearing aids for those with profound hearing loss, your style options are more limited to either BTE or RIC styles. However, you still have the choice of which performance level you would like. It is important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for when it comes to hearing aid performance levels.
The quality of sounds, particularly in background noise, is going to be better in a higher performance level product, no matter which of the models listed above you choose.
Higher performance levels also mean higher price tags, so it is important to balance your budget and your hearing needs to get the best solution for you.
A custom earmold is always necessary when it comes to fitting a profound hearing loss. The amount of gain needed in a Super power hearing aid requires a secure, custom fit in order to prevent feedback.
Your success with hearing aids is going to be highly dependent on your speech discrimination abilities, particularly in noise. Even with the best hearing aid, poor speech discrimination cannot be overcome with hearing aids alone.
Those with profound hearing loss will need to also take advantage of some of the additional wireless accessories that are available for use with their hearing aids. FM systems, remote mics, telecoils, TV streaming adapters, and phone adapters are going to be important for enhancing the listening experience in these more difficult situations.
Summary
It's easy to look at some of these products and think that one is better than the other. But there is always room for preference in a product as open to customization as hearing aids. Be sure to talk to your hearing healthcare provider about these accessories before getting hearing aids to be sure the one you choose is compatible. To find trusted hearing centres in your area, you can use our online tool.
Also, keep in mind that there are some people with profound hearing loss who are a part of the Deaf community and who are not interested in any type of hearing devices, cochlear implants or hearing aids. That is the choice of them and their family and they most often make use of American Sign Language for communication instead of auditory communication.
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I have pro found hearing loss. I have Beltone Boost Plus. I have plenty of volume but poor speech recognition. Any suggestions on other HA that may be better
Since I’m deaf almost all of my life.
Analog hearing aid that I like to hear all kind of noises unitron hearing aid is the favorite with very high gain. They don’t make it anymore[disappointed]
Digital hearing aids that I wore is not the same[too quietness].
I really need FM quality headphones with a better quality high gain hearing aids.
Please give me today model and companies [the best of the best] very expensive [disappointed].
I am from India, My son now 17 with profound loss, using hearing aids from childhood, now he is using phonak naida from last 6 years, not hearing properly from last few months, as hearing loss is increased. Tested for several models you suggested, he is not satisfied with any, some audiologist says try for cochlear implant. What is your suggestion.
If your son is unsuccessful with traditional hearing aids you may want to consider a cochlear implant evaluation to determine whether he is a candidate.
Where is the best place to go for hearing loss evaluation in US where both diagnosis and research on hearing loss are specialities?
You need to see a licensed Audiologist. They are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss.
Hi my son has severe to profound loss he is now 2yrs. If we buy resound enzo2 for him; is he clearlly listen our voice and all sounds. And is he able to devlope speech with that??
I’m interested in the Resound Enzo 3d, but see they come in 5, 7 and 9 models. I don’t know what these different numbers mean. My hearing loss is profound and if I get the 5 model does that mean it has less power than the 9 model?
The 5 model does not have less power, but less ability to reduce background noise.
Hello
I have a daughter with profound hearing loss. She has been using hearing aid Bernafon supremia for six month which was a trial period before CI. When I call her name she looks at me or to that direction but not speaking. My question is does she need CI or what brand hearing aid do i need to improve her listening and understanding skills?
We cannot advise you on whether your daughter needs a CI or different hearing aids. Be sure to talk to an Audiologist for information about these options.
Thank you very much. That will be one of my first questions. Dropping $7K and not being happy with the product is definitely a downer. No….my insurance doesn’t cover it and I don’t qualify for assistance. :(
I have profound hearing loss in both ears and have been wearing hearing aids for approximately 23 years. I have had different types from different manufacturers. Frankly, I don’t like any of them as they are uncomfortable (yes, mine are custom mold), eat up batteries, and I still struggle to hear in quiet and noisy environments. I am currently using Beltone BTE with several accessories that are marginally helpful.
Do the manufacturers you recommend offer trail periods? I would love to try the new technology but really need to know if this is going to work for me in my specific work and living situations. Thanks
Hi Cathy
Hearing aid trial periods are dependent on which state you live in, not the hearing aid manufacturer. I would definitely find out from your local Audiologist regarding the terms of a trial period.
Hi
Please advise if cochlear implants or hearing aids would be best for my son who has been disgnose as being profound.sensuary hearing loss.
I want my son.develop speech.
Please help he’s only 3
Hi Olivia,
I am a teacher of the deaf, If your goal is for your child with a profound hearing loss to access and develop speech, a cochlear implant is your best option. It is not a quick and easy fix….. he will need to listen for awhile and have his brain adjust, you will need to input input input speech and language ….talking constantly about what you are doing and naming everything. He will also need a good auditory verbal therapist and speech language therapist.
Some families also choose to use sign language paired with speech, so their child will have multiple ways to access information especially in school. I have kids with CI’s who speak well and can hear speech but also use a sign language interpreter and note takers in class (older grades). Other students with CI’s use only their CI paired with a teacher worn wireless FM microphone to hear instruction. It varies depending on what the family wants and the child needs.
Research and consider all options. Depending on where you live, seek out early intervention educational services.
V.S.B
Is there any difference in Resound Enzo model 798 and 598 other than number of channels.
Yes, there are more differences than number of channels…the directionality and noise reduction feature capabilities are less advanced in the 598 than the 798 which may affect your speech understanding in noise.
ReSound has launched new model in Enzo 3D.
Is this suitable for profound loss.
Yes it is. This would be the updated version of the Enzo
I have most powerful hearing aid is Belltone but I do not like them. It’s got 131 db when I turn up the volume wide open there’s distortion and consumes batteries fast. I hate when I listen to music this aid muffled. I need best hearing aid 150+ without distortion, good high pitch sound. I need behind the ear.
What are prices for Hearing Aids?
We do not publish prices because we do not sell hearing aids
If you do not sell hearing aids what is the system to obtain one?
I was born with profound hearing loss. I can’t hear anything. But when I use superpower unitron hearing aids, I can hear in severe range for 0 – 500 hertz and rest of them are no response. I have bilateral cochlear implants since I was 4. Can I still wear hearing aids if I don’t like cochlear implants?
No, you will not be able to go back to hearing aids. Based on what you described for your hearing loss cochlear implants would be the best option for you.
Some think that the real breakthroughs in hearing assistance will come from technology companies like Google, Samsung, Sony…
I am presently a Starkey wearer and my audiologist wants me to move up to the Muse. I called our insurance provider and they will only allow the Resound Flyte. I have been wearing aids since the 80’s and I am 81 years old. I have a profound hearing loss. I managed to get only 13 words out of 100 read to me. Advise?
You could always do a trial with the ReSound aid and return it if it doesn’t work for you and instead purchase the Starkey or different one from this list out of pocket. Unfortunately 3rd party payers don’t always have your best interest when creating your benefits.
I am a candidate for a cochlear implant but I’m not ready to get one just yet. I have Siemens BTE for almost 10 years but I can tell I can’t hear with them like I did when I first got them. I can’t hear on the phone. I swim for exercise, it would be nice to have waterproof hearing aids. When I don’t have hearing aids in I really can’t hear anything. Which hearing aid would you recommend? How do you choose? I would have to wear them for a week and then try the next brand for a week to see if it’s better than the other? Everything is going to be better than what I have now buy how do I know if I pick the best for me? and that there is not another hearing aid I should of try, that would be best for me??
Hi Norene
An audiologist would be able to recommend a few hearing aids that you should try. It is based on a lot of factors, not just your hearing loss. That is what the audiologist’s expertise is. You can ask them to recommend two different hearing aids that they think would work well for you and then do a trial with each before deciding which is better for you.
Don’t wait to get that cochlear implant! I went from 7% hearing to 71% hearing with a Cochlear America 5 which they then upgraded to a 6 for free! I now have too many health problems to undergo another operation but I would do so in a heartbeat if I could.
Hope that helps your decision process. Good luck, Ann
I went thru all the testing and verything involved with cochlear implant and all everyone said was how wonderful it was going to be with my cochlear implant.
IT FAILED! Did not work! All of that for nothing!
THEY SHOULD TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE TO WEAR MAGNET OUTSIDE YOUR HEAD AND IT WILL FALL ALOT AND IF YOU BRUSH YOUR HAIR IT FALLS OUT AND ETC….WHEN IT FAILS YOU ARE STUCK WITH BIG MAGNETS IN YOUR HEAD THAT ARE BOTHERSOME! Ask questions and don’t take it will fe wonderful for an answer!
This is exactly why I am finding out every single thing I can before getting an implant. unfortunately hearing aids don’t work for me anymore.
I am profound deaf and I used to wear behind ear aids on both ears . I no longer have them as they broke long ago and I no longer get them for free from Medical coverage that was cut by President Reagan. What I want or need now is a special kind of headphone that is equivalent to PC 2.1 speaker system , you know, with a woofer and two satellite speakers being fashioned into a pair of headphone with the woofer on top of head for complete experience on all frequency . I had fashioned some PC 2.1 systems with use of straps and tapes ,e tc .. It works great but I prefer to have it manufactured by some company for better comfort and mobility. I dont care for buying hearing aid battery cells as they are too expensive , anyway. I dont need to wear hearing aids for outdoors anymore but it would be nice if someone can fashion similiar headphones for using during driving to enjoy car stereo and so forth. Lithium battery technology is here now and we can also fashion PC 2.1 headphones for hiking or other solo activities where I dont worry about disturbing other people with loud PC 2.1 headphones powered with large lithium battery pack strapped on my body somewhere. I do enjoy listening to anything and I dont want hearing aids or cochlear stuff at all.
I forgot to add that I play drums so I would love to have such headphones that employ PC 2.1 systems.