Choosing private hearing aids can be a daunting task. At ‘The Hearing Space’ in Leeds, we aim to offer you an exceptional service. Our practice is built on years of experience providing audiology services, both as an NHS Clinical Audiologist and subsequently training students in Audiology. Seeing what works and what doesn’t has enabled a considered approach when guiding clients on their path to improved hearing.
We realise that ultimately, it is what you do, day-to-day, that influences your hearing needs. Whether that be a coffee with a friend, a meeting at work or attending a concert. With our expert guidance, you can be assured that your interests are placed at the centre of everything we do.
Oticon Campaign – Customs 22.2, shot at Vaserne, Nørrebro around “Den røde plads”, Knippelsbro and Kostumelageret på Amager.
We know that hearing technology, although remarkable, is not enough by itself to get the most from your usable hearing. That is why we focus on more than your ears and the latest hearing devices. We understand that selecting private hearing aids is a more complex process than a simple decision.
This is why we not only conduct detailed and accurate hearing tests but also take the time to carefully assess your listening and lifestyle needs, as well as address any concerns you may have about investing in your hearing. There is a range of different hearing device styles available, from almost invisible devices to the more traditional hearing devices which sit behind the ears.
In this blog, we will explore how hearing aids work, additional functionality available, why lifestyle is essential to consider and why the relationship with your audiologist is crucial. If you would like to test your hearing at home, click on ‘Online hearing test’
How hearing devices work
Hearing aids receive sounds, which are converted into a digital signal. This is then modified or processed before being converted back to sounds via a small loudspeaker. So basically three components, a microphone (or two), a sound processor (mini-computer) and a tiny loudspeaker.
Modern hearing aids can communicate with each other when part of a pair, can connect to mobile phones and computers, and can interface with a range of different devices, all of which make listening easier. Imagine sitting at home, listening to your favourite music, streamed directly into your hearing aids. Your phone rings, and you take the call, hands-free, with your hearing aids acting as your phone, eliminating the need even to touch your device. The call ends, and you decide to watch the news on TV. Again, the sound is streamed directly into your hearing devices.
To incorporate additional features into devices requires more physical space. Consequently, smaller devices (typically worn inside the ear) may not have all the features that larger devices (usually worn outside the ear) may have. That said, as technology improves, more and more features are becoming available, even in the smallest hearing aids.
Factors to consider
Type and degree or level of hearing loss. Hearing problems are different for everyone. Is the loss conductive, sensori-neural or a combination of both? See (Describing Hearing Loss) for further discussion. The level of hearing loss, often known as the degree of loss, can be from mild, moderate, severe to profound. These factors will, in some cases, limit the options of devices that you can use.
Hearing aid styles (device options)
We will separate available devices into two categories. Outside the ear and inside the ear devices.
Outside The Ear
Modern devices which sit outside the ear can be split into two categories. The first, Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE), or Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) has the microphone and the mini-computer in a small device which sits behind the ear. From there, a thin, almost invisible tube containing a wire connects to a tiny loudspeaker (typically called a receiver in hearing device language). This receiver is typically fitted into a soft dome that fits snugly into the ear canal.
These devices are usually small, discreet, and have Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for direct connection to smartphones, PCs, and a wide range of streaming options.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) devices look pretty similar to RITE devices. The key difference is that the loudspeaker or receiver is housed in the device, and the sound travels down a narrow tube which connects to either a soft dome or a more personalised earmould. These also have Bluetooth connectivity.
Inside The Ear
Several styles of hearing aids fit in the ear.
The first is an ITE (In-the-Ear) device, which can not only fit quite severe hearing losses, but also offers Bluetooth connectivity and features similar to those of out-of-ear devices.
These can fill the entire concha (full shell) or can be smaller (half shell).
The next smallest device is an In-the-Canal (ITC) device. These again can have multiple microphones to aid speech understanding in noise and can usually connect to smartphones, etc, for direct streaming. They aren’t quite as powerful as ITE devices, and thus, depending on your level of hearing loss, they may not be suitable.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC) devices sit almost invisibly in the ear canal. They are typically used for individuals with mild to moderate hearing losses and can have multiple sound processing strategies set up. They can’t connect to devices; however, if you have a mild to moderate hearing loss, you may not need Bluetooth connectivity. They are very discreet and offer a very natural sound quality, given their position in the ear canal.
Finally, Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) devices offer the most discreet device available. Typically for mild to moderate losses, they offer excellent sound quality without visibility.
Functionality of hearing devices
Modern digital hearing devices offer a range of functions. The physical size of the device will limit the options available.
Directional microphones are designed to detect sounds coming from the front of the listener while reducing sounds from other directions. They are used to enhance speech understanding in noisy environments.
Telecoils: telecoils can be used anywhere there is an induction loop system, or with telecoil-compatible telephones for improved sound. They are often used in theatres, banks etc.
Wireless connectivity: many modern hearing aids can now wirelessly connect to Bluetooth-compatible devices, such as mobile phones, televisions and music players. These allow the audio signal to be transmitted directly into hearing aids, improving listening.
Remote control: some hearing aids can be controlled with a remote control to adjust it without the need to touch the aid for more discreet adjustments. Apps on smartphones often act as remote controls.
Programs: most hearing aids can provide different programs or ‘settings’ which the user can choose from. For example, a program can be set up to provide optimal listening to music. This would provide an enhanced sound quality compared to the default setting, which is typically configured to improve speech understanding.
Listening in noise: hearing can be difficult in noisy environments, even with hearing aids. Many digital devices employ powerful signal processing strategies that constantly monitor the listening environment and adjust the sound processing accordingly.
Synchronisation: many people with hearing loss wear hearing aids in both ears. Devices typically communicate with each other, again to improve the overall listening experience.
Lifestyle
Do you work, attend meetings, go to gigs, have a busy social life, or live a quieter lifestyle? There are many factors which should influence the decision you and your audiologist make when choosing which hearing devices are most suited to you.
More challenging lifestyles require more function. Less challenging lifestyles may allow for more discreet devices. The size and shape of your ears, as well as whether you produce excessive earwax, are all critical factors.
Relationship
Ultimately, the decision arrived at should be a shared one. With detailed listening from your audiologist, alongside careful questioning, the choice of hearing aids made will have a significant impact on your success with them. Investing in your hearing is a significant step that requires trust and honesty. Choosing your audiologist carefully is just as important as selecting the right devices. Unfortunately, many of the larger hearing aid providers are driven more by the performance of their audiologists rather than the outcomes for their clients. They often offer ‘free’ hearing tests as a way to get clients through their doors.
Review the qualifications of your audiologist and check their online reviews. As with most things in life, exceptional service isn’t always guaranteed.
What our clients say.
“I would highly recommend the Hearing Space. Paul provided a very professional and thorough service, both in the initial removal of my ear wax and in the selection and fitting of my hearing aids. He explained everything clearly and sympathetically. And I got to see my eardrums!” Nick P
“I am in my nineties and Paul has just fitted my new hearing aids. I am absolutely delighted with them. He is a consummate professional and no minor detail escapes him. He has treated me with such kindness. He is also a very delightful, caring person and I would heartily recommend anybody with hearing problems to contact him. I’m so glad I found him!” Joyce M
If you are thinking of investing in your hearing, contact Paul today for an informal discussion.
T: 0113 8730444
E: hello@thehearingspace.co.uk