What are "Digital Hearing Aids?"

At their core, hearing aids are devices created to amplify sound used by those with hearing impairments. There are two main divisions when it comes to hearing aids: analog and digital. While almost all hearing aids are made similarly with electronic components, an amplifier, microphone, receiver, and batteries, there are a few differences when it comes to analog versus digital.

Since the launch of NANO hearing aids which is actually a brand that manufactures electronic hearing aids, it became so popular that many Americans refer to all hearing aids as “Nano hearing aids”. Another reason for this, is that the company has a specific range that is super tiny and less visible. In reality, there are many brands - so this article will show specifically what consumer sentiment is concerning various hearing aid brands, by sharing details on authentic reviews. NANO hearing aid reviews were gathered primarily from the official retailer site, as was the case for other hearing aid brands - backed by other online sources.

Discovering the different types of hearing aids:

Analog

Analog hearing aid's primary purpose is to amplify continuous sounds. These types of hearing aids are programmable, but only in a few select ways and with a limited amount of saved settings. While the user changes from place to place, the amount of amplification necessary will differ. With analog hearing aids, the user will have the ability to change whatever settings required to make listening as comfortable as possible.

While this choice may seem satisfactory, digital hearing aids are becoming the first choice for those who suffer from hearing loss. Analog hearing aids are decreasing in popularity, and digital is taking over.

Digital

With virtually the same features as analog hearing aids, digital hearing aids work to translate sound waves into exact, digital replications. Digital models also aid in the processing of complex sounds, which provides better control for background noises.

When an individual has been prescribed hearing aids for severe hearing loss, they are typically offered digital hearing aids first. Digital models will also provide various programming options to ensure appropriate coverage for all types of hearing loss patterns.

What Reviews say about "Nano" Hearing Aids:

One of the favourite American brands, Nano Hearing Aids was founded by Robert Carlson after he was left distressed and worried when his grandmother mentioned she had lost her hearing aid, and there was no way she could afford a new one. During a Christmas celebration back in 2017, Carlson's grandmother missed out on hearing her children and grandchildren laughing, talking, giggling, and making memories all because she was unable to find affordable alternatives to her five thousand dollar hearing aids. That was the moment that Nano Hearing Aids was born. Judging by internet search data there is very strong demand for the Nano brand.

Us Medical Review #1 Hearing Aid

US Medical Review titled Nano's "Sigma Wireless Model" as their #1 hearing aids of 2020. With 9.9 gold stars, the Sigma model offers a long list of functions that put these hearing aids at the top of the list.

Nano's hearing aids are FDA approved and allow the user to control their wireless hearing aids directly by taking advantage of Nano's mobile app. Within their app, any user has the ability to check their hearing without leaving the comfort of their home and adjust their hearing aids to their test results quickly and efficiently with just a click of a button.

In addition, Nano's hearing aids are practically invisible with a discrete design that keeps them hidden behind the ear. The wearer will also receive shipping, access to a protection plan, six months of batteries, and a BOGO offer all for free when purchasing the "Sigma Wireless Model."

Hearing Aid Options

There are seven options when it comes to Nano hearing aids, and each hearing aid serves the same purpose differently and uniquely. Let us talk about a few.

Nano Sigma Wireless

Nano's Sigma Wireless hearing aids are controlled via Nano's mobile app and connect via BlueTooth. They allow every user to take a hearing test straight from the app and adjust their aids accordingly. This model also comes easy to use straight out of the box and features high-end noise reduction technology.

Nano X2 Recharge

The X2 Recharge hearing aids are the same price as the Sigma Wireless but offer a few different benefits. These aids are rechargeable and provide up to twelve hours of use. They also have two directional microphones placed within each hearing aid and have lovely coverage for background sounds. The X2 hearing aids come with a charging case, and they're as thin as a pencil. Medical reviewers who rated the NANO X2 concluded that it is one of the most formidable hearing aid devices in the US market.

Nano X2

When you buy the X2 model, you'll be receiving hearing aids similar to the X2 recharge but won't be able to be charged wirelessly or come with a charging case. These aids come with incredible chip technology that originated in the United States of America. They are extraordinarily easy to use, come with two directional microphones, and the ability to change your hearing aids' set-up to fit your environment perfectly.

Set-up and Use Your Nano Hearing Aids

Nano's hearing aids must connect to the user's designated device via BlueTooth, and then there are four settings to choose from. Depending on where the user is, each setting works to provide the most comfort and practicality in that area. There are options for everyone and every situation with possibilities for conversations and all-around sound, restaurants, TV, and outdoors.

Users also have access to sliders that can switch up specific frequencies and volumes through the mobile app. Set-up is simple and easy when done via Nano's mobile app.

Customer Service

Nano's customer service can't be beaten. Between customer service reps staying on the line with questioning customers and standing by their forty-five-day money-back guarantee, Nano's customer service is the best out there. Customers who are dissatisfied with their hearing aids due to a lack of counsel on deciding which set is best for them are pleasantly surprised when contacting Nano. Nano's employees are consistently ready, willing, and able to help their customers find the perfect hearing aids for their needs.

What are Nano's Customers Saying About Their Hearing Aids?

The best reviews come directly from the users. Nano's customers have been delighted and coming back for more since 2017. Let's take a look at what these satisfied customers have to say. All reviews are pulled directly from Nano's website and written by verified Nano customers.

Trisha Miller praised Nano after her purchase of Nano's "RX200" rechargeable hearing aids saying,

"I talked to a rep on the phone, and they were absolutely amazing! He stayed on the line with me for 25 minutes and answered ALL of my questions, and he even took my order over the phone super easily! Thank you nano hearing aids!"

Frank Johnson was exhausted and out of luck after trying expensive hearing aid brands over and over again. After being satisfied from his Nano purchase, he was pleased to see that he preferred Nano above any expensive brand he had tried before.

"I'm so happy to leave a review for Nano! Nano is different than anything I've tried - and I've tried $2,000-$5,000 hearing aids from Costco, Miracle Ear, and other big companies. And guess what? I prefer Nano to any of the traditional expensive hearing aids I've tried! Nano is simple, easy to use out of the box. Anyone can work it -- even if you're not tech-savvy. Just put the batteries in and turn it on, and adjust the volume if need be. The benefits far outway the cost by 100 to 1. In fact, Nano isn't a cost, its an investment into your hearing and your health. …"

Debbi Gerard purchased Nano's "Sigma Wireless" model and was blown away Nano's customer service, money-back guarantee, and how much her hearing aids changed her life.

"Two years ago I bought my first Nano hearing aids for $250. I had previously tried $5000 aids that didn't help me and the place where I went said I needed the $7000 model. Fact...no thank you! Nano worked good but I felt I needed more help with different settings. when I saw these new Nanos advertised I decided I needed to upgrade. Why? 3 reasons.....customer service is awesome...guarantee is awesome...NOW product is AWESOME! I have the pair you can use with the app. I love them and can hear wonderfully. Don't buy anything until you have tried NANO."

Let's Cut Out the Middle Man

In an effort to keep prices lower than their competitors, Nano has cut out the middle man of large box stores and department stores. Even though Nano has yet to open a brick-and-mortar, they've done this on purpose.

Online purchases may become worrisome for some new customers, but Nano has ensured safe and efficient online purchasing options. Nano offers secure SSL security for credit card processing, easy and free US shipping, and a no-questions-asked approach to returns.

With low prices, exemplary customer service, free shipping, and thousands of satisfied customers, Nano is the way to go for all of your hearing aid needs.

Summary of popular NANO hearing aids:

Summary of popular NANO hearing aids
Summary of popular NANO hearing aids NANO hearing aids

What reviews say about "Costco" Hearing Aids

Consumer Affairs on Costco Hearing Aids

Consumer Affairs rated Costco hearing aids at just 2.8 gold stars. Those who wish to purchase Costco hearing aids must also be a Costco member, and there are no payment plans offered to their customers. While there are pros and cons to buying a pair of hearing aids from Costco, there's no doubt that Costco is the largest private producer of hearing aids in the US, supplying eleven percent of all hearing devices across the nation.

Pros and Cons of Costco Hearing Center and Aids

Costco works with well-known hearing aid brands such as Kirkland Signature, Phonak, Rexton, ReSound, and Bernafon. There are multiple models provided within these brands such as Open Fit, Behind the Ear, or "BTE," In the Ear or "ITE," Canal, and Completely in Canal ("CIC") and finally, Bluetooth Capable. They do work with well-known names, but there are limited options in comparison with other companies.

Those who believe that they are beginning to struggle with hearing loss have the option of partaking in a free hearing test within any Costco store with a hearing center. During these tests, there is a no-pressure environment that does not leave you with any pressure to purchase right then and there. However, these hearing tests are not to diagnose any specific ailments but rather for the purpose of determining if the patient will be able to increase their hearing with hearing aids.

There are events in which Costco does not receive the newest models that are released by the brands they carry right when they come out. It can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years before Costco will have the newest technology. On top of this, wait times inside the clinics have shown to be rather long at times. Costco hearing aids might be the right choice for some users, but you must take into account all of the pros and cons before you potentially struggle through wasted time and money and miss out on getting the perfect hearing aids to serve you.

"MD" Hearing Aids - reviews by consumers:

MD HearingAids does have a tiny share of the U.S. market. It is located in Illinois, and all hearing aids are manufactured in Michigan. MD is similar to Nano in that they cut out the middleman and focus on low prices for their users. There are four types of hearing aids offered on the MD HearingAid website: Pro, Air, Volt, Core. Their prices are anywhere from $199.99 to $999.99. There are typically deals available for buying a set of hearing aids that will reduce the cost of each aid individually, and MD keeps all of the nasty surprise charges out of the deal.

Customer Service

MD offers direct consultation and communication with a registered audiologist via email for all users as well as phone availability by calling the 1-800 number listed on their site. The company also offers an "MD Shield Protection Plan" with two options, one year or two years, both with 100% coverage. MD has helped many Americans improve their hearing. By means of review analysis, it was not possible to establish for certain that the company is super quick with refunds to disgruntled consumers, yet other interesting details emerged:

Quality for Less

While MD keeps their costs lower than most of their competitors, they don't sacrifice quality to do so. Straight out of the box, MD hearing aids are ready to go and prepared to open your ears to things you've never heard before. Customers who have spent their whole life paying thousands of dollars just to hear like those around them have been pleased to notice incredible benefits from low-cost hearing aids such as MDHearingAids. Some of these benefits included being able to relax at a football game or outdoor activity without struggling to hear because of the amplified wind whistling, being able to listen to those who are behind you when you're being spoken to, and watching as your hearing aid outlives any of the ones sold by more expensive companies.

Hearing Aid Options

Let's look at a quick overview of all the hearing aid options available via MD's website.

PRO

MD's PRO hearing aids are analog aids (you can refer to the beginning of this review for an "analog" definition and explanation) that are the easiest to use as well as the most affordable option for first-time wearers. MD offers a variety of tubes and domes as add on accessories to your PRO hearing aids.

AIR

AIR hearing aids, a classic model, are the best selling hearing aid in the nation. With a practically invisible design and improved noise reduction, the AIR is a tad bit more expensive than the PRO but well worth the few extra dollars. These hearing aids have four settings the user can choose from as well as high-end feedback cancellation technology.

VOLT

Volt aids are rechargeable and can be charged at night and stay ready to go all day long. This model is similar to the AIR model in that it also offers improved noise reduction and feedback technology.

CORE

MD's CORE hearing aids are the most expensive but do flaunt their ability to pair with your device via BlueTooth. MD's mobile app is easy to use and allows you to customize your hearing experience. Each user's hearing aids will adapt to their hearing as it changes and can be manually adjusted to accommodate any significant sound shifts.

How to Avoid Hearing Aid Scams

There are plenty of opportunities for low-ball hearing aid companies to trick their potential customers into hearing aid scams. Let's discuss a few of them so you'll be well prepared to handle whatever comes your way.

Overpricing for No Reason

Companies might try to force you into paying enormous amounts of money in an effort to prove that that's the only way to get quality hearing aids. That's not true, and as you've seen from Nano, as mentioned above, low prices don't mean low quality. To avoid being overcharged for a necessity such as hearing aids, research reviews on any hearing aids you're looking at, and be willing to wait a little longer, dig a little deeper, and compare your options.

Short Trial Runs

Don't get cheated out of a decent trial run for your hearing aids. Hearing aids are something that you must receive, try on, and use for a good while until you can truly realize how you feel about them. With any company, you should never settle for a trial run shorter than forty-five days. This will allow you to gain a real understanding of your aids and decide if you would like to keep them.

Getting Rushed

Avoid allowing yourself to fall into the trap of being rushed into a decision. Don't let any hearing aid company force you to believe that if you don't buy these hearing aids right now that they will be gone forever, and you'll never find another pair like them. There are always more options out there, and most likely, they are only leading you into a large purchase for their benefit, not yours.

Academic Research on Hearing Aids

Approximately forty-eight million Americans suffer, in one way or another, from hearing loss. Because of this large number of individuals burdened with hearing loss, the academic research done around hearing aids is vast.

As society becomes more knowledgeable when it comes to hearing loss and how this affects what types of hearing aids are necessary, hearing aids grow and morph into what they need to be at the time. These developments help to protect those with hearing loss from long term ailments. Doing your own research is crucial and absolutely necessary when it comes to purchasing a pair of hearing aids and deciding on which model is best for you.

In a recent study undertaken by the University of Exeter and King's College London, hearing loss was shown to be a substantial risk factor when it comes to dementia. This research recommended the idea that wearing hearing aids might substantially lower this risk. Two groups of individuals were studied over the course of two years, one group with hearing aids and the other without. In the end, the group who wore hearing aids scored higher in memory tests and attention spans and degrees.

There are many other benefits to wearing hearing aids such as improved hearing, reduced background noise, and increased localization skills. In the end, there are many more pros than there are cons when it comes to choosing to wear hearing aids. Doing your own research will help you reach a personalized decision and increase knowledge in the world of hearing aids. The NIDCD (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders) and the US National Library of Medicine-National Institutes of Health are excellent resources for academic research on hearing aids and how they serve their users.

Out of Nano, Costco, and MD, Nano has shone brighter than the competition. Between phenomenal customer service, low prices with high quality and enough models to suit anyone, they pull ahead in the race to having satisfied customers who can hear better and have a higher quality of life. Choosing to wear hearing aids will improve the quality of your life and help you to not miss out on critical memory-making moments, much like Robert Carlson's grandmother did at Christmas before her grandson founded Nano to see that his grandma, as well as any other person who struggles with hearing loss, would never again feel like they were missing out.

Final take on hearing aids:

No matter what brand of hearing aids you choose, ensure that you double-check that first, you understand the type of hearing aids there are and what kind is best for you. Hearing aid reviews can help a lot: so do compare all of your options and dig deep to find the truth behind the company you intend to buy from and avoid falling for scams. Finally, take advantage of the academic research already done for you and rejoice in your new hearing aids and your upgraded quality of life.