The best hearing aids can't be the same for everyone.
The hearing aid that is right for you will depend on a lot of factors, one of the main ones being the severity of your hearing loss.
The best hearing aid for a severe hearing loss will be very different from the best hearing aid for someone with a mild hearing loss, or even someone with a moderate hearing loss.
We are going to break down which hearing aids are the best for severe hearing loss for adults, why we believe they are the best, and some other things you should take into consideration if you have a severe hearing loss.
What is severe hearing loss?
A severe hearing loss describes the severity, or level, of your hearing loss. With a severe hearing loss the person has difficulty hearing most environmental sounds and normal conversational speech levels. We classify a severe hearing loss as having hearing thresholds in the 71 to 90 decibel range.
In most cases, hearing aids are the recommended treatment method for a severe hearing loss, although in some cases a cochlear implant may be recommended.
Additional assistive listening devices such as FM systems may also be recommended in conjunction with a severe hearing loss if hearing aids are not enough to overcome their hearing difficulties, particularly in background noise.
What makes a good hearing aid for severe hearing loss?
People with severe hearing loss need a hearing aid that will provide them with good audibility, but also a clear sound quality and aggressive noise reduction features to assist in noisy environments without making them feel like the sound is “closing down” around them.
They will also want to take into consideration what kinds of additional assistive listening devices are compatible with their hearing aid, such as a telecoil, phone compatibility, remote mic, or FM System, for additional assistance in challenging environments such as hearing on the phone, in restaurants, church, classroom or lecture-type setting, or in the car.
Finally, because people with severe hearing loss will be relying 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 severe hearing loss
Here is a list of all our top picks for the best hearing aids for severe hearing loss.
Phonak Audeo Paradise 90: Best for connectivity
These are for you if you want a hearing aid that keeps you connected to all your other electronic devices.
- Seamlessly adjusts to your changing environment with AutoSense OS 4.0
- Direct audio streaming for almost any bluetooth phone
- Connects directly to Phonak's Roger FM system for optimizing hearing in noise
Summary
Phonak's Paradise hearing aids are available in 4 receiver-in-the-canal size options with a choice of rechargeable or disposable batteries. They are the most advanced hearing aids when it comes to connectivity features with new features like Tap Control, allowing you to answer your calls with just a tap of the ear, as well as Motion Sensor Hearing to help you hear better on the move.
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Oticon Opn S 1: Best top-end
These hearing aids are for you if you want to forget you're wearing hearing aids
- Processes sound using the Velox S chip for better hearing in noisy backgrounds
- Choose from 4 comfortable style designs
- Equipped with remote support for help from home
Summary
Oticon's Opn S hearing aids have some of the best noise reduction features that help you hear in even some of the most challenging environments. The 4 style options include one rechargeable option and the ability to communicate with iPhone and TV streaming accessories.
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Widex MOMENT: Best for natural sound quality
These hearing aids are for you if you want to forget you're wearing hearing aids
- Processes sound using PureSound technology for a smooth and natural sound quality that can't be beat
- Has the smallest lithium-ion rechargeable option
- Provides better hearing even in noisy situations
Summary
The Widex MOMENT hearing aids have unrivaled sound quality that will help you forget you are even wearing hearing aids. The 6 style options include one small rechargeable option and the ability to communicate with iPhone and TV/phone streaming accessories.
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ReSound LiNX Quattro 7: Best mid-range
A hearing aid with a lot of style and color options to fit anyone's preferences
- Whether you want a custom aid, a BTE, or a RIE, the Quattro has all the options
- The ear-to-ear wireless functions help you localize where sounds are coming from all around you
- Remote support functions help you get the support you need from anywhere
Summary
ReSound's LiNX Quattro hearing aid has very precise sound quality with all the streaming functions you could want in a hearing aid. The rechargeable option comes with a small portable charger, great for the person who is always on the go.
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Oticon Ruby: Best value for money
A basic-level hearing aid that still has all the necessary features for better hearing, plus more.
- A low-cost hearing aid that still delivers natural sound quality using Oticon's Velox S processing chip
- Provides streaming options from TVs and iPhones
- Several size options for meet your wearing preferences and hearing loss
Summary
Available in 5 style options from the most discreet receiver-in-the-ear design to a powerful behind-the-ear instrument. The Ruby provides the best sound quality in the basic hearing aid category while still delivering on rechargeability and connectivity.
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*These hearing aids have a water resistance rating of IP68, which means they have been tested at 1.5m depth for 30 minutes. This does not mean they can be taken swimming, but should protect against the rain or accidental water damage. Keeping your hearing aids dry is important, read our review of the best hearing aid dryers.
Some less-expensive options for treating severe hearing loss
When a cochlear implant is not indicated, digital wireless hearing aids are the best option for treating severe hearing loss.
When it comes to the options listed above, the prices can range anywhere from $500 up to $3500 for one hearing aid, depending on the performance level you choose and what types of professional services are included in the cost. However, we understand that in some cases, the need for a less expensive option is necessary.
Our budget pick: Williams Sound PockeTalker
View the PockeTalker on Amazon
Considerations when buying a hearing aid for severe hearing loss
When it comes to hearing aids…you get what you pay for.
In other words, there are several different performance levels available in each of the models listed in the chart above.
The quality of sound, particularly in background noise, is going to be better in a higher performance level product, which also means a higher price tag. It is important to balance your budget and your hearing needs to find the best solution for you.
A custom earmold is usually necessary when it comes to fitting a severe hearing loss with either a BTE or RIC hearing aid. This will help to maximize audibility of speech without feedback occurring. Be sure to talk to your hearing healthcare professional about having a custom earmold made for your ear to obtain the best fit possible.
You may need to consider adding additional accessories, such as an FM system or remote mic option, to help in environments with a lot of background noise.
Summary
You've got a solid amount of options if you're looking for a hearing aid to accommodate severe hearing loss. The votes seem to indicate that the Oticon OPN Power is the best bet, but all other hearing aids listed here would serve you well. If you're still unsure, talking to a hearing specialist is the best way to find the best hearing aid for you.
Talk to your hearing healthcare professional about your speech discrimination abilities and what you can expect with your hearing aids. To find trusted hearing centres in your area, you can use our free online tool. If you have questions, please leave a comment below.
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