Hearing aids or Spokeo: what are the differences?
Learn moreIn the event of hearing loss, hearing aids are the solution chosen by 2.75 million hearing-impaired people in France.
These medical devices help restore a good level of hearing, but that's not all. People who wear hearing aids often find themselves enjoying social interactions again.
When they are elderly, these people gain autonomy by stimulating their cognitive functions. These hearing aids are now very well reimbursed in France since 2021 but are not always suitable.
For certain types of audiences, particularly people who are disappointed or resistant to hearing aids or those with a loss of autonomy, Spokeo positions itself as a reliable and versatile alternative to traditional hearing aids.
What are the different types of hearing aids and their alternatives available on the market?
There are several categories of hearing aids on the market, as well as an alternative and complementary hearing solution:
In-the-ear hearing aids
This type of hearing aid is the most discreet. They are inserted directly into the ear canal to be almost invisible. To improve their comfort, it is sometimes possible to make a mold to best fit the shape of the ear canal.
The miniaturization of this type of hearing aid makes them difficult to handle or maintain, particularly for people suffering from motor and/or cognitive disorders.
Mini-behind-the-ear hearing aids
Sometimes called remote receiver hearing aids, these devices are the most popular in France. They consist of a sound transmitter placed in the ear canal and a receiver hidden behind the ear. Just like in-the-ear hearing aids, this solution requires frequent adjustments by the hearing aid professional to fine-tune the sound setting.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids
Placed behind the ear, the electronics and microphone of these hearing aids are the least discreet. However, they adapt to all levels of deafness and are less difficult to handle given their size.
Alternatives, such as Spokeo sound amplifiers.
They usually come in the form of a headset for listening and a box dedicated to capturing and amplifying sounds. There is a wide variety: some are wired, others adopt a stethoscope design or use configurations without a remote microphone.
Spokeo comes in the form of an audio headset with a remote microphone placed on the person you are talking to for optimal sound capture, without background noise. Easy to handle and comfortable, its dual sound conduction technology allows for clear and natural listening even with earwax plugs. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows you to listen to all multimedia content clearly without having to increase the volume of electronic devices.
How much do hearing aids cost in France?
In France, hearing aids can be particularly expensive, depending on their technology and level of comfort. These are classified into two categories, offering more or less substantial reimbursement.
Class 1 hearing aids
These hearing aids have a price capped at €950 and must include, as desired:
- 12 adjustment channels;
- 8 adjustment channels and options to achieve a minimum performance threshold.
These hearing aids have the advantage of being fully reimbursed by Social Security, thanks to the 100% health reform.
Class 2 hearing aids
When they exceed €950, hearing aids are in class 2. They are equipped with:
- More setting options,
- For increased comfort,
- From a battery charging system.
The Social Security reimbursement rate cannot exceed €400 per prosthesis, except for hearing impaired people under 20 years old. For better reimbursement, it is necessary to turn to your mutual or supplementary health insurance.
What to choose between hearing aids and Spokeo?
Hearing aids
They are the number one choice, provided that the wearer is able-bodied, motivated and independent.
These criteria are essential to ensure maintenance and periodic adjustments by a hearing aid professional, guaranteeing optimal operation.
The Spokeo listening assistant
On the other hand, Spokeo is the best choice for people:
- Loss of autonomy due to motor and/or cognitive disorders,
- Reluctant to wear a hearing aid continuously,
- Unable to manage the daily maintenance and handling required by wearing hearing aids.
Available without an appointment with an ENT doctor, the Spokeo sound amplifier is accessible to most people.
No need to go to the hearing aid professional to adapt to the level of deafness, thanks to its integrated settings.
Offered at the price of €598 including tax, Spokeo is the complementary alternative to traditional hearing aids to make life easier for the hearing impaired and their interlocutors .
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