For most adults and children suffering from a hearing problem, the most suitable and effective solution is a hearing aid.
Audiologists specialise in hearing testing, selecting and fitting hearing aids and advising on how you can improve your quality of life. Hearing aids vary in technology type, style and size. Your audiologist will help you select, program and fit the hearing aid to meet your needs as well as your budget.
How does a Hearing Aid work?
There are numerous brands, designs and types of hearing aids available. On average, most of these include the following core components, a microphone to pick up environmental sounds, an amplifier to amplify the sound and make it louder, a miniature speaker to deliver the amplified sound to the ear canal, generally through an earpiece and batteries to power the above components.
Some of the key Australian manufacturers and distributors of hearing aids include:
- CIC hearing aids
- BAHA hearing aids
- Phonak hearing aids
- Oticon hearing aids
- Sonic hearing aids
- Resound hearing aids
- Starkey hearing aids
- Widex hearing aids
- Unitron hearing aids
- Bernafon hearing aids
- Ion hearing aids
There are many brands, designs and types of hearing aids available. On average, most of these include the following core components:
- A microphone to pick up environmental sounds
- An amplifier to amplify the sound and make it louder
- A Miniature speaker to deliver the amplified sound to the ear canal, generally through an earpiece
- Batteries to power the above components
Types of Hearing Aids
The most common types of hearing aids include:
- In the canal aids (Small, and fit completely into the ear canal
- In the ear aids (Slightly larger and fit in the outer ear)
- Behind the ear aids BTE (Normally the largest and safest)
- Special hearing aids for specific hearing requirements
Many hearing aids have optional features that can be built in to assist in different communication situations. Some options are:
- Directional microphone
- Telephone switch, to better hear on telephone calls.
- Direct audio input to plug in a remote microphone TV or music devise
Tips on buying a Hearing Aid
Before signing up, accepting and and paying for a hearing aid, make sure you understand the following and that it meets your expectations. This is like a hearing aid checklist:
- Hearing aid trial period, if any and the costs and terms associated with this
- Hearing aid manufacturer warranty, how long and what does it cover?
- Hearing aid features, especially in relation to your requirements, and why it is best for your particular type of hearing loss
- Will it be fitted by a qualified audiologist
- Make sure you attend follow-up care orientation and rehabilitation
- Note when wearing the aid when you have difficulties in hearing, e.g. in loud environments, theaters etc. and see if there are any adjustments or other devices that may assist in these situations
- Report any speech related problems if you believe you are having any on the follow up visit to your Audiologist
- Get regular follow up audio logic care
Hearing aids are becoming more commonplace, find the right hearing aid for you at the right price. Also make sure you are in loop when it comes to hearing aid batteries and what you are getting into. For more information and hearing aid reviews, visit the Choice website.
If you are an audiologist, a hearing aid provider or hearing centre in Australia, list your company with the fastest growing hearing directory in Australia. Please