HEARING AIDS - TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES

As with most appliances in our lives, there is a broad range of models of hearing aids. Models can be basic, or more complex with additional features.

What does a hearing aid do?
1. A hearing aid amplifies sound or makes sounds stronger.
2. A hearing aid will not replace or restore normal hearing.
3. Successful hearing aid users often find that hearing aids enable them to hear more easily without becoming so tired from the effort of having to concentrate on what is being said, or straining to hear.

Hearing aids
Today's hearing aid is digital. In a digital hearing aid, the entire hearing aid circuit is a computer This means the hearing aid is programmed to suit your specific individual hearing requirements.

HEARING AID STYLES
There are four basic styles of hearing aid:
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
In-the-canal (ITC)
In-the-ear (ITE)
Behind-the-ear (BTE)

Each style has advantages and disadvantages.
The choice of style will depend on:
• Type of hearing loss
• Degree of hearing loss
• Shape of ear and ear canal
• The number of features required
• Manual dexterity
• Cosmetic considerations
• Cost factors
• Models within your price range

WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL FEATURES AVAILABLE IN HEARING AIDS?
Some common features include:
• Various number of channels for accurate programming
• Microphones (omni-directional, directional, adaptive)
• Telecoil for use with 1ooped’venues, telephone, mobile phone, FM systems and other add-on technology
• Feedback management
• Noise filters
• Multiple listening programs
• Automatic program switching and volume control

Additional information concerning these features is available from your audiologist.

It is highly recommended that you become familiar with the range of features and different kinds of hearing aid technology prior to obtaining a hearing aid.

WHAT WILL ASSIST ME IN SELECTING MY HEARING AID?
Be ready to discuss, with your audiologist or hearing aid provider, the different situations in which you need to hear better. This information and knowledge will assist you in determining if the particular hearing aid and its range of features will suit your:
a) degree and type of hearing loss
b) lifestyle
c) budget

The Hearing Association Auckland endeavours to disseminate the latest information concerning developments in hearing aid technology via information sessions, short courses, individual assistance, newsletters and journals.