Best rechargeable hearing aids for elderly 2019
There has been an increase of hearing aid users who are tired of using disposable batteries and are in search of rechargeables. Hearing aid manufacturers have produced many rechargeable hearing aids on the market as a result.
While most rechargeable hearing aids on the market are good, not all are suitable for elderly users. Elderly users may experience hand dexterity and vision issues and require models with easier to use featuers. Here are our top recommended hearing aids for elderly users:
Best battery life, recharge time and life expectancy: Lithium-ion hearing aids
Lithium-Ion rechargeable hearing aid batteries are currently the top performing batteries on the market. Hearing aid users can can expect a full day of battery life (24 hours) with bluetooth streaming and low recharge times (3 hours). Top performing hearing aid brands such as Phonak and Resound offer a battery life expectancy of about 4-6 years.
Phonak Audeo Marvel Rechargeable
Battery type: Lithium-Ion
Battery life: 24 hours
Recharge time: Up to 3 hours
Life expectancy: 4-6 years
Resound Linx Quattro Rechargeable
Battery type: Lithium-Ion
Battery life: 30 hours
Recharge times: Up to 3 hours
Life expectancy: 3-6 years
Signia Pure Charge&Go Nx Rechargeable
Battery type: Lithium-Ion
Battery life: 19-21 hours
Recharge times: Up to 4 hours
Life expectancy: 80% of initial capacity after 2 years of use
Note the same hearing aid brands may offer older models using Nickel-Metal-Hydride or Silver-Zinc rechargeable batteries. We do not recommend using them as there have been with issues of low-battery life, long recharge times, and low battery life expectancy.
Best for ease of use: Resound Linx Quattro Rechargeable & Signia Pure Charge&Go Nx
Users with hand muscle weakness may find some rechargeable hearing aids chargers difficult to operate. As some chargers require small amounts of hand strength to “snap” hearing aids into and out of their charger slots.
For these users, we recommend rechargeable models were the charger utilizes induction charge. The hearing aid can be laid gently into the charger slot to charge upon contact and requires little hand strength to use.
Additionally some rechargeable hearing aids have developed on/off button that require users to press before each use. Finding the small button can be difficult for users with poor vision.
Automatic on/off hearing aid features will omit the need for users to search for the hearing aid button.
Resound Linx Quattro Rechargeable
Induction charge
Automatic on/off feature
Signia Pure Charge&Go Nx
Induction charge
Automatic on/off feature
Hanaston AQ (Discontinued)
Induction charge
Automatic on/off feature
Best charger accessories: Phonak Audeo Marvel Rechargeable
While there are many sleek hearing aid battery chargers on the market, we like Phonak Audeo Marvel Rechargeable’s protective hard case for long lasting hearing aid durability.
Phonak is the only hearing aid brand on the market to produce a versatile range of hearing aid chargers for all situations.
Best for phone calls: Phonak Audeo Marvel Rechargeable
Phonak Audeo Marvel Rechargeable
When it comes to using hearing aids as a bluetooth headset to stream calls, Phonak Marvel is the only true hands-free phone call hearing aid with its built-in microphones to pick up conversations.
Also, Marvel is one of the rare hearing aid on the market that can connect directly to either iOS, Android smartphone or other Bluetooth® enabled devices to stream any kind of audio including Whatsapp or Viber calls.
myCall-Text app (Not yet available Singapore)
Phonak also created a myCall-to-Text app that writes out what the person on the other end of the phone says, in real time. This allows users to communicate with anyone without worrying about missing out on the conversation. This is best used with Phonak Audeo Marvel Rechargeable.
Phonak DECT
Phonak also created DECT is a cordless phone that can transmits phone conversations directly to Phonak hearing aids. This is especially useful for elderly users who do not own smart phones. There is no need to manually change hearing aid programs and offers quick, easy dialing of preferred numbers. We also love how it can be used by non-hearing aid users making it a suitable addition to any family home.
Best for home personalisation: Resound Linx Quattro Rechargeable
Resound’s Smart 3D app was built for Resound’s Linx 3D and Resound Linx Quattro. The app allows users to adjust the volume, programs directly from the app’s screen. There is also a “Find My Hearing Aids” tool to allow users to locate misplaced hearing aids nearby.
Resound Smart 3D also enables remote fine-tuning. Elderly users who are unable to make frequent visits to the audiology centre can have their hearing aids programmed professionally from the comfort of their home.
