Is 2026 the Year of the Custom Hearing Aid?
Custom hearing aids have had a major glow up and HEAR’s what you need to know:
The hearing aid industry has seen a surge in the popularity of the receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) style hearing aid in the last several years. A Hearing Review article “Trends in Hearing Aid Styles” (2021) revealed that by the year 2020, the RIC style made up 79% of all hearing aids sold in the United States.
The Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Custom Devices:
1) Future-Forward Aesthetics
Today’s rechargeable custom devices have a sleek design. Your patients can select a black device to resemble the Bluetooth headphones that so many people wear when out and about. Selecting a custom device can help patients feel “tech-forward”, combatting any stigma they may associate with wearing hearing aids.
2) Personalization Means Comfort
No two ears are alike. Like a custom-tailored suit is measured to fit one’s body precisely, a custom hearing aid considers the unique anatomy of each patient’s ear, allowing for maximum comfort, and subtle nuances in anatomy.
3) Built to Last
Your patients want to know that they are investing in a product that is as reliable and dependable as the RIC style. Today’s custom rechargeable designs have been put to the test in the lab to ensure maximum durability, so patients with an active lifestyle can trust that their custom hearing aid is built to succeed in any environment.
4) Ease of Use
Rechargeable custom hearing aids are easy for patients to insert and travel with. A RIC style may require multiple steps to get the device seated into the ear correctly, which for some this may present a challenge. A custom hearing aid can be inserted easily with just one step. Also, the charger is small and lightweight, allowing it to be taken anywhere.
5) Connectivity Advantages
Reliable connectivity is a must-have in 2026. Patients want a device that meets all the hearing and streaming demands of a connected world. Custom rechargeable devices that utilize universal connectivity provide stable connections and a hands-free experience. Custom rechargeable hearing aids are poised to have a moment in 2026.
Add value to your practice by fitting custom hearing aids on your patients this year. We are honored to be your strategic partner in providing your patients with the latest hearing aid technology and ease of use that only Unitron can offer.