The first step towards hearing better is getting a full hearing test. It takes only a few minutes and is accessible at most audiology clinics.
Many health insurance extras policies include a 2-week free trial of sashc.com.au hearing aids Adelaide. It gives you a chance to try them out in different environments.
In-the-ear (ITE)
These small, custom-fitted hearing aids fit inside the ear canal and have several variations. They can range from an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid that fills part of the outer ear to an invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) or completely-in-the-canal (CIC) style that is almost entirely hidden. Adults usually wear them, but they may not work as well for children whose ears are still growing. This hearing aid is easier to keep clean because the electronics are not directly exposed to earwax and sweat. It is also larger, manipulating controls such as volume and program buttons easily.
The benefits of in-the-ear hearing aids include their ability to reduce background noise, which improves speech intelligibility. In addition, they are more discreet than behind-the-ear (BTE) models. They are a good option for anyone who wants a small, lightweight hearing aid with enough power to correct moderate or severe hearing loss. ITE hearing aids are available in different skin tones and can be customised to match the shape of your ears.
A drawback of ITE hearing aids is that their small size can restrict natural airflow, leading to a dry and itchy ear. It is especially true for people with small ears with less space for the device. Fortunately, new technologies have made this hearing aid more comfortable and functional for many people.
ITE hearing aids can be fitted with features that enhance their performance and usability, including directional microphones and automatic noise suppression. They are also compatible with most smartphones, allowing users to stream music and audio from their mobile phones into their hearing aids. They can also be fitted with rechargeable batteries, making them more environmentally friendly than non-rechargeable models.
In-the-ear sashc.com.au hearing aids Adelaide are a good option for many types of hearing loss, but every person’s needs and circumstances are unique. A comprehensive exam and fitting session with a qualified professional will help you decide whether these hearing aids to suit you. I am, generally speaking. However, ITE hearing aids are most suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
A behind-the-ear hearing aid hooks over the top of the ear and rests behind your outer ear. It has a tube that connects to a custom-fitted earmold that fits inside the ear canal. This type of hearing aid is suitable for all ages and levels of hearing loss. It has many features, including directional microphones for better speech understanding in noisy situations.
These devices are usually a bit larger than ITEs and can be customised to fit within different sizes of ears but not as small as CIC or IIC models. They are a good option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and are available in open-fit or closed-fit designs. Open-fit styles are more suited for people who may get an excessive build-up of earwax or may be allergic to substances that irritate the ear canal.
The latest BTEs are designed to be minor, discreet and easy to use. Some offer Bluetooth streaming, a mute button and a rechargeable option. They can also be used with a mobile phone for hands-free calling and audio listening.
Currently, the most popular hearing aids are from Phonak and Siemens. These two brands have made a name for themselves in Australia by offering superior technologies at a more affordable price. Those with limited budgets will still benefit from the high quality of these models and will find that they are just as easy to use as other, more expensive hearing aids.
Some newer hearing aids are rechargeable, saving you a lot of money in the long run. Batteries are notoriously fiddly to change, especially for those with limited dexterity or arthritis, and they need to be replaced often. Using rechargeable hearing aids means you can put them on the charger at night, and they’ll be ready in the morning.
Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC)
A RIC hearing aid is like a cross between BTE and in-ear hearing aids – it has a unit behind the ear, with a microphone/s and processor, and the receiver sits in your ear canal. The two pieces are connected with a thin wire. This type of sashc.com.au hearing aids Adelaide is one of the most popular styles worldwide and tends to be less noticeable than BTE models. The RIC is also the best choice for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.