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Key Takeaways:
- Hearing aids come in different levels of technology that range from essential to premium.
- The main differences between levels are in the customization of fine-tuning (number of channels) and the level of background noise support.
- The most important aspect of hearing technology is that it is fit properly for your hearing loss.
- Choose the level that best fits your budget and needs.
Every few years, each of the major hearing aid manufacturers release a new product line. Typically the new line includes updated noise reduction, sound-processing algorithms, batteries, and Bluetooth connection enhancements.
But that's not the end of the story.
Every line of hearing aids comes in a range of technology levels designed to fit different needs and budgets. These levels are typically described as Premium, Advanced, Standard, and Essential. In practice, this means people who spend most of their time in quiet settings can choose simpler technology, while those who travel frequently or spend time in restaurants may benefit from more advanced sound processing and customization options.
In this article, we'll dig into the differences between premium, advanced and standard-level hearing aids to help you decide which type of technology is right for you.
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Some of our thoughts on choosing a hearing aid tech level.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
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Features come second to accurate programming.
When it comes to hearing aid technology levels, it helps to start with one important truth: no matter which level you choose, the most important thing is that the hearing aid is properly matched to your hearing loss.
The first and most critical step is programming. Whether you get prescription hearing aids with a local hearing professional or self-fit your OTC devices, the goal is the same. Your hearing aid needs to deliver the right amount of amplification, tuned specifically to your hearing test. Without that foundation, even the most advanced features will not make much of a difference.
Once your hearing aid is correctly programmed, technology levels begin to shape the experience around comfort and convenience. Simpler technology can work very well for people who spend most of their time in quiet or predictable settings. More advanced technology adds tools that help the hearing aid adapt in busier environments like restaurants, travel, or group conversations.
In other words, higher technology does not replace proper fitting. It builds on it. Getting the basics right first gives you the best chance to benefit from any additional features, no matter which level you choose.
Let's look at a few examples of premium features.
Premium Hearing Aids Come With More Precise Programming
Premium hearing aids give your audiologist more flexibility to fine-tune the sound to your specific hearing loss. For example, ReSound Vivia 9 (Preumim) offers 17 adjustment channels while ReSound Vivia 12 (Standard) offers 12 adjustment channels. Those additional adjustment channels allow for more precise programming and make it easier to dial things in or troubleshoot over time.
This pattern holds across most major brands. As you move up the technology levels, premium devices typically offer more adjustment channels, which gives your provider more control to personalize the fit and sound.
Premium Hearing Aids Reduce Background Noise
As you move up the technology ladder, you will typically see more advanced tools for managing background noise. Premium hearing aids often include features designed to improve listening comfort in challenging environments.
For example, Starkey Omega AI includes enhanced wind noise reduction and more capable directional microphones than lower technology levels in the same family. The Omega AI 2400 also adds built-in AI features that help guide microphone behavior in complex listening situations.
This pattern is common across most major brands. Some manufacturers publish comparison charts that outline the differences between Premium, Advanced, Standard, and Essential technology levels. Below are a few tech sheets for those who want to explore the details more closely.
How To Decide
Around 80% of Soundly customers choose Premium or Advanced technology. That said, we encourage you to consider your lifestyle and select the best technology you can comfortably afford. From there, your audiologist can get to work customizing any level of hearing aid to match your needs.
Where You'll See A Difference
- Premium / Advanced – The biggest improvements show up in complex environments like restaurants, travel, and larger group settings.
- Standard / Essential – Still full-featured and customizable, with fewer enhancements for challenging noise.
At Soundly, we offer a full range of technology levels and see excellent outcomes across the board. The goal is finding the right balance of features and price for you.
Prices: Premium Vs. Advanced, Standard and Essential
As you’d expect, premium hearing aids cost more than lower technology levels. You can use the Shop tab on this site to compare technology levels across the leading products on the market. Each step up in technology typically increases the price by about $800–$1,000 per pair.
No matter which technology level you choose at Soundly, every pair includes a free local hearing test, ongoing local care, and remote access to our customer care team.
For context, pricing at clinics without Soundly's referral can vary widely—often ranging from $2,500 to $8,000 depending on the model and technology level.
Final Thoughts
When considering the level of technology, think about both your budget as well as your lifestyle.
If premium-level technology is within your budget, it will provide you with the most comfortable and customizable hearing experience.
If you cannot afford premium technology, remember that the most crucial factor is an appropriately fit hearing aid. Millions of hearing aid wearers choose standard or essential level hearing aids each year with great success.
Ultimately only you can decide which type of technology best suits your needs when choosing a hearing aid device—but hopefully, this guide has provided some helpful information along the way!
If you’d like to talk through your hearing aid research, we’re happy to help. You can reach us anytime at [email protected] or by call or text at 1-833-SOUNDLY. Helping people navigate the complexities of hearing health is one of our favorite parts of what we do.
