Choosing Private Hearing Aids
Choosing private hearing aids can be a daunting task. At ‘The Hearing Space’ in Leeds, we aim to offer you honest advice and exceptional aftercare support.
By Paul Shaw. Clinical Scientist and Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser – 10 min read
Key Takeaways:
1. There is no ‘best’ hearing aid for everyone, as each person has their unique needs
2. An audiologist should work with you and be prepared to spend the necessary time to work out which hearing device is right for you.
3. Aftercare is as important as the device. Without good aftercare, even the best hearing aid can be useless
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.
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 and address any concerns you may have about investing in your hearing. There is a range of hearing device styles available, from almost invisible devices to more traditional hearing devices that 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 mild, moderate, severe, or 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 and discreet, with Bluetooth connectivity that allows direct connection to smartphones, PCs, and a wide range of streaming options.
