Hearing Care Professional

New Beltone Illuminate hearing aids automatically adapt to noise, helping people hear more clearly in everyday life. August 10, 2026 Premium hearing aids' technological advancement prioritizes what users want to hear - clearly in noisy situations. CHICAGO - August 10, 2026 - Following conversations in noisy restaurants, family gatherings, and other busy environments can be one of the biggest challenges for people with hearing loss. To help people hear conversations more clearly, Beltone, a global leader in hearing technology, announced Beltone Illuminate(TM), a new family of premium hearing aids designed to deliver the world's best hearing in noise.1-4 Beltone Illuminate(TM) combines the world's most accurate environmental sound classifier5 with advanced 4-microphone beamforming directionality and Deep Neural Network (DNN) AI noise reduction. Working together, these technologies automatically adapt to changing listening environments to help reduce distracting background noise and make conversations easier to follow. Backed by research from world-renowned institutions6 and real-world user experiences, the technology is designed to help people hear more clearly and engage more confidently in everyday conversations. New True Directionality* for effortless hearing in noisy situations. Hearing that feels more natural helps people focus on the conversations and sounds they want to hear, whether they're in a quiet room or a more challenging listening environment. Beltone Illuminate delivers this through True Directionality, an innovative approach to sound processing that works with the brain to provide exceptional accuracy and clarity. Featuring the world's smallest rechargeable Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) AI hearing aid7 and powered by a new DNN AI platform, Beltone Illuminate brings together a powerful trio of technologies working as one. "People encounter extremely different listening environments throughout their day. Whether it's a busy restaurant, a work meeting, or time spent with family and friends, people want to hear and participate without thinking about their hearing technology. Our newest innovation offers a solution that adapts automatically, helping people stay connected, hear with confidence, and enjoy a more natural listening experience wherever life takes them." - David Molella, President of Beltone Hearing People can enjoy clearer, more comfortable listening with less effort because AcoustIQ(TM) automatically recognizes changing listening environments and provides the right level of support exactly when it's needed. At the heart of True Directionality, it's the intelligent brain behind the solution, built on its Organic Hearing philosophy and powered by AI. With 91% precision8, it delivers the most accurate real-time sound sensing and feature engagement, making it 88% more accurate than the closest premium solution.5 By analyzing the environment in real time, AcoustIQ automatically engages industry-leading directionality, powerful background noise reduction, and optimized gain settings to deliver maximum listening benefit and comfort, even in challenging listening environments. Additionally, patients don't have to choose between better hearing in noise and dependable all-day performance because Beltone Illuminate automatically activates DNN denoising without sacrificing battery life. The Beltone Illuminate product line will be available in the US on August 20. It will be available in rechargeable microRIE (Receiver-in-Ear), RIE (Receiver-in-Ear) styles with ZincAir 312 and 13 batteries, non-wireless CIC (Completely-in-Canal), wireless ITC (In-the-Canal), and rechargeable ITC (In-the-Canal) and ITE (In-the-Ear) custom-made styles. To explore the Beltone Illuminate family of premium hearing aids, visit www.beltone.com. For further information, please contact: Press and Media Alexis Crittenden Director, Marketing and Advertising [email protected] 1.224.545.0411 About Beltone Recognized by Newsweek and USA TODAY as one of America's best hearing retailers and named as one of Forbes best employers, Beltone has been a trusted leader in the hearing care industry for over 85 years, providing reliable, affordable, and advanced hearing aids. With approximately 1,200 locations nationwide, its local offices offer personalized service, and its hearing care professionals receive extensive training to provide the best care. As part of the GN Group, Beltone focuses on the needs of its patients through innovative hearing technologies and its "Independent Together" promise to its network. Visit Beltone.com and connect on LinkedIn. About GN GN brings people closer through its leading intelligent hearing, audio, video, and gaming solutions. Inspired by people and driven by innovation, Beltone deliver technologies that enhance the senses of hearing and sight. Beltone help people with hearing loss overcome real-life challenges, improve communication and collaboration for businesses, and provide great experiences for audio and gaming enthusiasts. GN was founded more than 150 years ago with a vision to connect the world. Today, inspired by its strong heritage, GN touches more lives than ever with its unique expertise and the broadest portfolio of products and services in its history - bringing people closer to what is important to them. Beltone market its solutions with the brands Jabra, ReSound, SteelSeries, Beltone, Interton, BlueParrott, Danavox, and FalCom in 100 countries. Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than 7,000 people and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO). Visit its homepage GN.com and connect with Beltone on LinkedIn, Facebook and X. References * Schumacher & Groth (2025) * Cui & Groth (2024) * Quilter (2021) * GN Proprietary data on file * Groth & Cui (2026) * Validated by: Hörzentrum Oldenburg * GN Proprietary data on file (2026) * Groth and Cui (2024) Notes * True Directionality is available at Tech Level 17 for the Beltone Illuminate microRIE style. (C) 2026 GN Hearing A/S. All rights reserved. Beltone is a trademark of GN Hearing A/S. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The Auracast word mark and logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Starkey vs Beltone vs Phonak: which hearing aid is best in India? 22 May 2026 Starkey vs Beltone vs Phonak: which hearing aid brand actually wins in India? Walk into any hearing clinic in India and you'll be met with a wall of brand names, each promising the clearest sound and the best technology. Three names come up more than any others: Starkey, Beltone, and Phonak. Different origins. Different strengths. Different price points. And if you ask three different audiologists which one is best, you might get three different answers - because the honest truth is, there's no single winner. What matters is which one wins for you. This guide cuts through the marketing and gives you a straight comparison - technology, pricing in India, who each brand suits best, and what to actually ask before you buy. Quick snapshot: know who you're dealing with. Before comparing features, it helps to know where each brand comes from. Price Range in India (per ear) Switzerland Sound clarity, universal Bluetooth ₹25,500 - ₹2,50,000 USA (est. 1940) Personalised care, app experience ₹23,000 - ₹2,80,000 USA (est. 1967) AI technology, health monitoring ₹30,000 - ₹3,00,000+ All three brands are available at Softone clinics across Gujarat, where audiologists can help you trial each one before making any decision. Phonak: the all-rounder that audiologists keep recommending. Phonak has been making hearing aids since 1947. That longevity isn't luck - it reflects consistent performance across a very wide range of hearing loss types and lifestyles. What makes Phonak stand out: * AutoSense OS - Phonak's smart operating system automatically detects your listening environment (noisy restaurant, quiet room, phone call) and adjusts settings without you doing anything * Universal Bluetooth - Unlike some competitors, Phonak connects to virtually any smartphone, Android or iPhone, without needing a separate streamer * Roger Technology - A wireless mic system that sends speech directly to your hearing aid, useful in classrooms, meetings, or noisy gatherings * Wide range - From budget-friendly Vitus models (₹25,500) to the feature-packed Lumity series for severe hearing loss Who Phonak suits best: People who want dependable, consistent performance across different environments. Particularly strong for those with moderate to severe hearing loss, frequent phone users, and people who attend a lot of group settings. One honest limitation: Phonak's premium models can be pricey. The Lumity and Paradise series can cross ₹1,00,000 per ear with all features enabled. Beltone: The brand that gets personal. Beltone has been in the hearing care business since 1940 - over 80 years of understanding what patients actually need beyond the device itself. In India, it's often chosen by people who prioritise comfort, ease of use, and hands-on support. What makes Beltone stand out: * HearMax App - One of the most intuitive hearing aid control apps available, rated 4.7/5 on iOS. Change volume, adjust settings, and even locate misplaced hearing aids from your phone * Remote Care - Your audiologist can fine-tune your hearing aid settings remotely, without you needing to visit the clinic * Tinnitus Calmer - A separate app designed specifically for tinnitus relief, with sound therapy and relaxation tools * Beltone Envision - Their newest flagship combines AI-driven sound processing with Auracast Bluetooth - the latest wireless audio standard Price range in India: Entry-level models start around ₹23,000. Premium devices like the Beltone Achieve and Beltone Imagine range up to ₹2,80,000+. Who Beltone suits best: People who are new to hearing aids and want consistent support. Seniors who prefer a warm, guided experience over a purely technical one. Anyone with tinnitus who wants an integrated management solution built into their device. One honest limitation: Beltone's service network in India is smaller than Phonak's. If you live outside a major city, after-sales service access can vary. Starkey: the tech-forward choice with health built in. Starkey is the only major hearing aid brand headquartered in the United States, and it shows in their product philosophy - they treat the hearing aid not just as a sound device, but as a health tool. What makes Starkey stand out: * Omega AI - Starkey's latest platform uses deep learning to continuously adapt to your environment, delivering speech clarity that feels more natural than digital * Fall Detection - Starkey is the only hearing aid brand that can detect a fall and send an alert to a designated contact. Genuinely useful for elderly users living alone * Thrive Hearing App - Tracks daily steps, active listening time, and even cognitive engagement * Custom Fit options - Starkey offers a full range of custom-moulded in-the-ear styles, including the near-invisible IIC (Invisible-in-Canal) Price range in India: Starts around ₹30,000 for entry models, up to ₹3,00,000+ for premium AI-enabled custom devices. Who Starkey suits best: Tech-savvy users who want the latest AI features. Families of elderly patients who want the safety of fall detection. People who prefer custom in-the-ear fits over behind-the-ear styles. One honest limitation: Starkey's Bluetooth connectivity, while improving, is less universal than Phonak's. Some Android users have reported intermittent pairing issues. Which brand fits your situation? (A simple guide for Indian buyers). Forget specs for a moment. Most people don't choose a hearing aid based on technical features - they choose based on their daily life. Here's a practical way to think about it: You commute, attend family gatherings, or work in noisy environments | Phonak. Its AutoSense OS handles environment switching better than any other brand at this price point, and its noise management in crowded Indian settings - markets, weddings, office floors - is consistently strong. You're buying for an elderly parent who isn't very comfortable with technology | Beltone. The HearMax app is genuinely easy to use, remote care means fewer clinic trips, and the overall experience is built around hand-holding rather than technical self-management. You live alone or your family worries about your safety | Starkey. Fall detection alone makes it worth considering for seniors living independently. No other brand in this comparison offers it. You want the most discreet, invisible option | Starkey again. Their custom IIC (Invisible-in-Canal) moulds are among the smallest available and are built to fit your ear precisely. You're on a tighter budget but don't want to compromise on basics | Phonak's entry-level Vitus range starts at ₹25,500 per ear and still delivers solid Bluetooth and reliable amplification - more than most budget alternatives from lesser-known brands. You have tinnitus alongside hearing loss | Beltone's dedicated Tinnitus Calmer app and built-in sound therapy programmes make it the most complete solution for managing both conditions together. So which brand wins? Here's the straight answer no review article usually gives you: Choose Phonak if you want reliable, proven technology across all environments, especially if you use an Android phone or have moderate to severe hearing loss. Choose Beltone if you value ease of use, excellent app support, and want ongoing care built into the experience - especially helpful for first-time hearing aid users. Choose Starkey if health monitoring matters to you, you prefer custom in-ear devices, or you're looking for the most advanced AI-driven sound processing available today. The brand you read about in an online review is not necessarily the brand that works best for your ear, your lifestyle, or the specific nature of your hearing loss. The one step that actually decides it. No comparison table or blog post can replace what 30 minutes in a properly equipped clinic can tell you. At Softone's Immersive Experience Room - the first of its kind in India - you can trial hearing aids from all three brands in simulated real-life environments. A busy market. A quiet room. A phone conversation. Before you spend a rupee, you'll know what each device actually sounds like to you. That's the only comparison that truly matters. If you're still figuring out what type of hearing aid style - CIC, BTE, or RIC - suits your needs, its guide on hearing aid types is a good place to start before your consultation.

About Beltone Recognized by Newsweek & USA TODAY as one of America's Best Hearing Retailers and named as one of Forbes Best Employers, Beltone has been a trusted leader in the hearing care industry for 85 years, providing reliable, affordable, and advanced hearing aids.