Is It Time to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids?

The last few years have brought one of the biggest jumps in hearing-aid technology we’ve ever seen, especially for early adopters who enjoy trying the latest tech. If your hearing aids are five years old or more, you’re using devices from a very different era—before AI processors, before deep learning, and before modern noise-intelligence algorithms. That’s why many people who originally wore Oticon, Starkey, Signia, Unitron, or Widex are now exploring what today’s AI hearing aids can offer.

And since SOUNDLIFE specializes in Phonak and ReSound, a common question we hear is: “Should I explore a different brand first?”

Why Upgrading Hearing Aids Matters More in 2025

Five years is a long time in hearing-aid technology. Even the premium devices from five years ago were released before:

• AI-driven sound detection
• Deep Neural Network (DNN) processing
• Noise-intelligence modelling
• Dual-processor architectures
• Context-aware directionality

AI Hearing Aids 2025: Why the Processor Matters Most

Modern AI hearing aids use Deep Neural Networks to analyze environments, recognize speech patterns, and intelligently reduce background noise. But the way each brand handles AI processing is very different.

Starkey & Oticon

Both brands offer AI-themed features and automatic sound-adjustment systems. Their current models perform well for everyday listening. However, all core functions—including AI—run on one shared processor, limiting real-time sound analysis in complex environments.

Signia, Widex, Audio Service, Unitron, Rexton, Bernafon

These respected brands offer strong everyday performance and signature sound characteristics. However, they also use single-chip systems.

Phonak & ReSound — The Dual-Processor Advantage

The largest leap in performance is found in Phonak and ReSound's newest dual-chip platforms.

The Listening Difference You Can Feel Immediately

With modern dual-processor AI hearing aids, users often report:

• Clearer speech
• Smoother background-noise reduction
• Easier conversations
• More natural sound
• Lower listening effort
• Less end-of-day fatigue

Why Many Users Are Upgrading Their Hearing Aids Now

1. Older Devices Are Reaching Their Limit

• More frequent repairs
• Weakening receivers
• Shorter battery life
• Declining clarity
• Discontinued spare parts

2. Modern AI Hearing Aids Perform Better

This is the biggest improvement in clarity and comfort in more than a decade.

3. You Can Test Before You Decide

SOUNDLIFE offers:

• Test-drive the new AI hearing aids for FREE
• Take home for 10 days risk-free
• Compare your old hearing aids side-by-side
• Zero pressure and no obligation to purchase