Scientific Hearing Aid Evaluation
Better hearing in background noise is the top priority for most hearing aid users.
By presenting 3D spatial audio through an 8-speaker array in a controlled acoustic environment, HearAdvisor critically assesses the speech-in-noise performance of the world’s leading hearing aid models. We also evaluate speech amplification in quiet settings, streaming audio quality, feedback handling, and own-voice perception. To learn more about our scientific approach, watch the video below or continue reading—scientists should also review our whitepaper.
Hearing Aid Fitting
When we receive a hearing aid we use it to perform two fits. For our Initial fit we try to approximate the most likely settings and eartips that an individual with a typical moderate sensorineural hearing loss would experience. After measuring that fit, we move to a Tuned fit where we approximate the "best possible" settings based on audiological best practice.
Recording
Once a device is fit, we record that hearing aid in 72 acoustic scenes that differ in terms of the background sound (e.g., cafes and train stations) and talkers (number of talkers and locations). The scenes are created using a ring of eight speakers with an acoustic manikin in the center. All testing is conducted in a custom-built lab that is extremely quiet and acoustically treated.
Analysis
Metrics are computed by passing the recordings of all scenes through a model of the auditory system of an individual with the same hearing loss used to program the device. These numbers are reported on a 5-star scale for convenience. Any device with a SoundGrade of A earns the HearAdvisor Expert Choice Award.
Deliver a better product with HearAdvisor.
Our private, independent hearing aid evaluation lab goes beyond the test box and uses ambisonic recordings presented through an eight-speaker array in a near-anechoic acoustic environment. We identify weak points in your devices, share prioritized action items, and re-measure after improvements so you can launch with confidence.
Choice
Recognizing the best hearing aids in 2025.
HearAdvisor has tested dozens of modern hearing aids to find the best performers for mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Explore the SoundGrade Leaderboard to compare performance scores and audio recordings for every device that enters our lab.
