Evidence-based · Clinically modeled · No sponsorships
Hear the difference for yourself — based on your hearing loss, in real-world noise scenarios.
Compare how Phonak, Oticon, Starkey, Signia, and Widex perform in restaurants, offices, and group conversations — with live audio demos and clinical SNR modeling.
Start the Simulation ↓Free to use · No registration required · Works on any device
Based on peer-reviewed speech-perception data. About the Model →
Typical improvements you can expect from each technology layer:
| Technology | Typical SNR Improvement |
|---|---|
| Directional microphones | +2–4 dB |
| Beamforming | +4–7 dB |
| Remote microphones | +10–15 dB |
Higher percentages mean more of the conversation is intelligible. Even a 10–15% improvement can change a frustrating situation into a manageable one.
In noise, the limiting factor is often the input SNR reaching the microphones. If speech and noise arrive at similar levels, amplification boosts both. Directional microphones help when the talker is in front, but in diffuse noise the benefit shrinks. Read more →
SNR is speech level minus noise level (in dB). Small changes can meaningfully affect understanding — especially for listeners with hearing loss. Learn more →
A remote mic near the talker captures cleaner speech before distance and room noise degrade it. This often improves effective SNR more than processing alone. Compare options →
Hearing aids provide some improvement, but the benefit is often limited in difficult environments like restaurants. Most premium hearing aids improve signal-to-noise ratio by 3-7 dB, which helps but rarely makes noisy speech feel effortless. Learn more about background noise.
A remote microphone is a small device placed near the speaker that wirelessly streams their voice directly to your hearing aids. It bypasses distance and room noise, typically improving SNR by +10-15 dB — far more than any hearing aid processing alone. Read about remote microphones.
In our SNR analysis, Phonak Sphere Infinio leads at +7.5 dB improvement, followed by Phonak Lumity (+4.5 dB), Oticon Intent (+4.0 dB), and Starkey Genesis AI (+3.5 dB). However, all hearing aids have limits in complex noise. See the full comparison.
SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) is the difference between the speech level and the noise level, measured in decibels. It's the single most important factor determining whether you can understand speech in noise. Even small SNR improvements (2-3 dB) can meaningfully improve clarity. Learn more about SNR.
The simulator models relative differences between devices and environments using published clinical data and SNR research. It demonstrates how various technologies affect speech clarity, but actual results vary based on individual hearing profiles, device fitting, and listening conditions. Read about our methodology.