Författare: Louise Fogelqvist

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Top hearing aid brands

Finding the right hearing aid today can feel overwhelming. There are so many different models on the market, and what works best really depends on your hearing, lifestyle, and the environments you spend time in every day.

Over the past few years, hearing aid technology has developed incredibly fast. The latest models are smarter than ever, with many now using AI technology to automatically adjust to different sound environments and help you focus on speech — even in busy or noisy places.

Here are some of the hearing aids people are talking about most right now:

Phonak Infinio Ultra Sphere

Phonak Infinio Ultra Sphere is one of the most advanced hearing aids currently available. It’s especially helpful for people who often find themselves in noisy places like restaurants, cafés, or social gatherings.

The device uses AI technology to separate speech from background noise in real time, making conversations much easier to follow. It also offers excellent Bluetooth connectivity and works smoothly with both iPhone and Android devices.

no-battery-hearing-aid

ReSound Vivia

ReSound Vivia is a great option for anyone looking for a more natural listening experience combined with a very discreet design. The hearing aid automatically adapts to different environments while keeping speech clear and comfortable without sounding artificial.

It also supports the latest Bluetooth technology, making it easy to stream calls, music, TV audio, and more directly to your hearing aids.

Oticon Intent

Oticon Intent stands out thanks to its smart sensors that react to both movement and sound. The hearing aid is designed to understand what you want to focus on and adjust the sound accordingly.

This creates a more natural and less tiring listening experience throughout the day. It’s a great choice for people who want a hearing aid that handles most adjustments automatically in the background.

Like many modern models, it also includes Bluetooth connectivity for streaming from phones, TVs, and other devices.

Starkey Omega AI

Starkey Omega AI is built to improve speech clarity in noisy environments. Using AI technology, it can reduce background noise while enhancing voices in real time, making conversations easier to follow in places like restaurants and larger social settings.

It also supports Bluetooth streaming for calls and audio directly to the hearing aids.

Signia Integrated Xperience

Signia IX is designed to make group conversations easier, especially when several people are speaking at the same time. It continuously analyzes the sound environment and helps voices come through more clearly, even in busy surroundings.

Many users also appreciate how naturally it handles their own voice, which is something that can otherwise take time to get used to with hearing aids.

The model also supports direct Bluetooth streaming for phone calls, music, and TV audio.

So, Which Hearing Aid Is Best?

There’s no simple answer to that question. The best hearing aid is the one that fits your hearing needs, lifestyle, and everyday life.

That’s why trying different models together with an audiologist is so important. With today’s technology, there are more possibilities than ever to find hearing aids that feel natural, comfortable, and truly make a difference in daily life.

— Louise Fogelqvist, Audiologist

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How does a hearing test with AirPods work? We tried it ourselves

Hearing tests with AirPods are becoming an easy way to get a quick overview of your hearing at home. You simply wear the earbuds in a quiet environment and follow instructions in an app that plays tones or speech at different levels. You respond whenever you hear a sound, and the app gives an estimate of your hearing based on your answers.

Some versions also include speech-in-noise tests, where you listen to words with background sound to see how well you can understand speech in more realistic situations.

We have tried the AirPods hearing test ourselves, and the experience was surprisingly similar to a traditional hearing test. The setup and type of listening tasks felt very familiar, even though it was done through a mobile app instead of clinical equipment.

That said, these types of tests are mainly meant as a screening tool. They can give a helpful indication of your hearing, but they don’t replace a full hearing test with an audiologist. If something seems off, it’s always a good idea to follow up with a professional assessment.

AirPods as hearing support – do they work?

AirPods can also be used in some situations as a form of basic hearing support, but they are not a replacement for proper hearing aids. While they can amplify sound and improve clarity in certain environments, they are not designed for long-term or clinical use.

One thing we noticed is that they can feel quite occluding in the ear, which can make your own voice sound blocked or “boomy”, especially compared to traditional hearing aids that are custom-fitted. Another limitation is battery life. Even with a full charge, they typically do not last a full day of continuous use, unlike hearing aids that are designed for all-day wear.

So while AirPods can be helpful as a supplement or for testing and occasional use, they do not replace properly fitted hearing aids prescribed by an audiologist.

Watch our video where we talk about it in more detail — click here to watch the clip (in Swedish).

Louise Fogelqvist, Certified Audiologist

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Rechargeable hearing aids – how long do they last?

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We often get questions about rechargeable hearing aids with Bluetooth—and it’s easy to see why! The main thing people want to know is: how long does the battery actually last? And the answer is… it depends. (Yep, the classic answer nobody loves—but it’s true.)

There are several factors that affect battery life. First, the model of hearing aid you have. Then there’s the type of phone you use, your level of hearing loss, and not least the environment you’re in. Do you have more significant hearing loss? Then the devices will use more power. Are you often in noisy environments? That’s more power again. These little devices have to work harder in those situations.

Let’s say you spend a lot of time in the car. If your hearing aids have the right technology, they’ll constantly communicate with each other to give you the best possible speech clarity. It’s like having two tiny assistants in your ears, continuously adjusting the sound for you.

Let’s take an example: hearing aids from Phonak, which are “Made for All.” They work with most Bluetooth-enabled devices—Android phones, iPhones, older mobile phones, computers, certain TVs… pretty much anything you can connect to. Most manufacturers (including Phonak) state that it takes about three hours to charge them from zero to full. That said, we recommend charging them overnight—so you know they’re ready to go in the morning, fully powered.

If you have moderate hearing loss and spend your day in a typical office environment, the battery can last up to 24 hours—even with about 80 minutes of streaming. If you stream for five hours instead (maybe a podcast marathon or binge-watching your favorite show), you can expect around 20 hours of battery life. A more “average” day—say four hours of phone calls and four hours of TV—lands at roughly 16 hours.

Hearing aids from ReSound, on the other hand, are “Made for iPhone.” They use a slightly different Bluetooth technology that actually consumes less power. Here too, it takes about three hours to fully charge from empty. Without any streaming, you can get up to 30 hours of battery life. And if you stream about half the time—music, videos, or calls—you can still get around 24 hours. Pretty impressive, actually.

But how long do the batteries themselves last?

Most manufacturers say you can expect a lifespan of around 5–6 years. After about four years, you may start to notice that the battery life becomes a bit shorter. Nothing dramatic—but it’s good to be aware of.

Depending on the model, the battery may be replaceable directly at your hearing clinic, or the device may need to be sent in for service. This varies between manufacturers.

One last important tip

Don’t leave your hearing aids completely discharged for long periods. This applies to most rechargeable devices. It’s best to use them regularly. And if you know you won’t be using them for a while: charge them fully, turn them off, and then store them.

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What is tinnitus and what can you do about it?

Tinnitus is something many people experience at some point in their lives. For some, it’s a faint hissing sound that only appears occasionally, while others may notice a more distinct ringing or buzzing in their ears. What characterizes tinnitus is that you hear a sound that doesn’t come from your surroundings—the sound is generated somewhere within your own hearing system.

In this article, we’ll go through what tinnitus is, why it occurs, and what you can do to reduce the discomfort.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus means hearing a sound even though there is no external source. The sound can be perceived in many different ways, such as:

  • high-pitched ringing
  • hissing or buzzing
  • a constant tone
  • pulsating or humming sounds

It’s important to understand that the sound is not imagined. It’s very real to the person experiencing it, but it originates somewhere in the auditory system—such as the inner ear or in the signals being sent to the brain.

You can think of it like an electrical system where something starts to hum or crackle. Just like in a guitar amplifier, the issue can arise at different points in the system.

Common causes of tinnitus

Tinnitus can have many different causes, and sometimes several factors are involved at the same time. Some of the most common include:

Hearing damage or hearing loss

A common cause is damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear. When this happens, they may start sending signals to the brain that are interpreted as sound—even though no actual sound is present.

Loud noise exposure

After a concert, a night out, or a day in a noisy environment, you might notice ringing or buzzing in your ears. This often goes away after a while—but it’s a sign that your ears have been overloaded.

Stress and fatigue

Stress, poor sleep, and general exhaustion can make tinnitus feel more intense.

Tension in the neck and jaw

Tight muscles in the neck or jaw can affect the auditory system and sometimes make tinnitus worse.

Certain medications

Some medications, including certain painkillers, can in some cases trigger or amplify tinnitus.

Why is tinnitus often more noticeable at night?

Many people find that tinnitus becomes more noticeable when they’re trying to fall asleep. This usually isn’t because the sound itself is getting louder—it’s because the brain has less else to focus on.

Normally, the brain filters out a huge amount of background information. When it’s quiet, there are fewer external sounds to compete with, making tinnitus more noticeable.

What can you do about tinnitus?

Unfortunately, there’s no universal cure for tinnitus. However, there are many ways to reduce the discomfort and make it less noticeable.

1. Take care of your hearing

Avoid very loud sounds and use hearing protection in noisy environments. A simple rule of thumb:

If you have to raise your voice to speak to someone one meter away, the noise level is probably too high.

2. Reduce stress

Stress and fatigue can make tinnitus more noticeable. Regular exercise, better sleep, and proper recovery can help.

3. Background sound can help

Many people find that tinnitus is less bothersome when there’s a gentle background sound, such as:

  • calming music
  • nature or ambient sounds
  • a podcast
  • specially designed tinnitus masking sounds

This helps the brain focus on other sounds.

4. Hearing aids

If tinnitus is linked to hearing loss, hearing aids can sometimes help. They amplify external sounds, which reduces the brain’s focus on the tinnitus.

5. Get a hearing test

If you experience tinnitus, it’s a good idea to check your hearing. A hearing test can reveal whether your symptoms are connected to hearing loss and help guide the right treatment.

When should you seek help?

You should consider contacting a healthcare provider or hearing specialist if:

  • the tinnitus doesn’t go away
  • the sound becomes stronger or more disturbing
  • you also experience hearing loss
  • it affects your sleep or quality of life
  • it occurs together with dizziness or balance problems

If tinnitus occurs along with dizziness, unsteadiness, or balance issues, it may indicate that the inner ear is affected. The inner ear contains both the hearing and balance organs, so problems there can impact both systems at the same time.

In such cases, it’s especially important to have a doctor or hearing specialist investigate the cause. In many cases, the cause is harmless—but it’s still wise to get a proper assessment and the right support.