Beltone Hearing Aids vs Earlens

Founded in 1940 and headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, Beltone is a hearing aid provider with decades of experience delivering personalized hearing care. Their approach combines in-person consultations at hundreds of independently operated clinics with modern features like remote programming, app-based controls, and direct streaming from iOS and Android devices. Beltone’s product lineup spans from entry-level to advanced models, offering solutions for users with mild to profound hearing loss. Signature features include M&RIE technology for natural sound capture, built-in tinnitus relief tools, and AI-powered speech enhancement designed to adapt in real time. Beltone serves a wide range of users by tailoring their devices to each customer’s lifestyle and hearing profile. While they are praised for their expert guidance and long-term service model, feedback on the company is mixed, with some customers citing concerns over pricing transparency and service consistency across locations. Beltone continues to be recognized as a trusted name in the hearing care industry, offering a balance of technological innovation and human support. For those considering hearing aids, Beltone’s blend of customizable features and nationwide clinic access makes them a provider worth exploring in greater detail.

Founded in 2005 in Menlo Park, California, Earlens is a medical technology company that pioneered a direct-drive hearing system designed to transform how users experience sound. At its core, the Earlens Hearing System uses a custom-fitted tympanic lens that vibrates the eardrum rather than relying on traditional speaker-based amplification. Key features include a rechargeable behind-the-ear processor, which docks in the Earlens charger overnight and provides full-day use (typically 16–24 hours). The system supports “Made for iPhone” connectivity through the Earlens Control app, allowing users to stream calls, music, and media while adjusting settings seamlessly. Each device is crafted for a custom fit, and fittings are handled by licensed audiologists or ENT specialists. Customer feedback highlights excellent sound quality, especially in challenging listening situations, along with strong support from trained professionals. The system comes with a three-year warranty, loss and damage protection, and financing plans via CareCredit.