What are Hearing Aids?
In my 26 years as a Hearing Aid Dispenser, I’ve met many people who feel unsure about using a hearing aid. Some worry they’re big and bulky, but thanks to today’s sleek technology, many devices are so discreet you can barely see them. While larger hearing aids are often used for severe hearing loss, even that’s changing with rapid innovation.
A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn either in or behind the ear. It amplifies sound to hep those with hearing loss listen, communicate and participate in everyday life more confidently. Surprisingly only 1 in 5 people who would benefit from hearing aid actually use one.
Every hearing aid includes three essential components: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. The microphone picks up sound, the amplifier boosts it, and the speaker sends the enhanced sound into the ear.
How Can Hearing Aids Help?
Hearing aids help improve hearing and speech understanding for those with damage to the small hair cells in the inner ear. This condition, known as sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), can be caused by illness, ageing, noise exposure, or certain medications. SNHL accounts for roughly 90% of reported hearing loss cases.
Hearing aids magnify sound vibrations. The remaining healthy hair cells detect these vibrations and convert them into neural signals for the brain. The greater the damage, the more amplification is needed. However, there’s a limit to how much hearing aids can amplify. In cases of severe damage, even strong vibrations won’t create usable signals, making the device ineffective.
Do I Need a Hearing Aid? Signs to Watch For
Most people act quickly when their eyesight worsens, but hearing loss often develops slowly. It’s usually your family or friends who notice first.
Here are signs that it might be time to test your hearing:
- You often say “Pardon?” or ask people to repeat themselves
- You think others mumble, especially when they’re facing you.
- You struggle to hear children or female voices.
- People complain the TV is too loud, but it sounds fine to you.
- You enjoy loud music or frequent concerts or cinemas.
- You hear ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus).
- You avoid groups because it’s hard to follow conversations.
- You miss the doorbell, phone calls, or kitchen timers.
If any of these apply, book a hearing test. The soon you act, the better your chances of maintaining a good quality of life.
Book a test with us at Hear4U
Types and Styles of Hearing Aids
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
These aids sit behind the ear and connect to a custom earmould. They’re suitable for mild to profound hearing loss and used by people of all ages.
Open-fit BTEs are smaller and more discreet. They let the ear canal stay open, making them ideal for people who produce a lot of earwax.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
ITE aids fit inside the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. Some models feature telecoils for use with landlines or loop systems in public spaces. These are not ideal for children due to frequent ear growth.
Canal Aids
These include in-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) styles. They are discreet but may be harder to adjust and clean. Not recommended for severe hearing loss or those with dexterity issues.
Analogue vs Digital Hearing Aids
Analogue Aids (Phased Out)
Older aids converted sound into electrical signals and were manually adjusted. Though once common, they have been largely replaced.
Digital Aids (Modern Standard)
These convert sound into digital codes, allowing for precise adjustment. They can focus on sounds from specific directions and offer features like Bluetooth streaming and app control.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid
The best hearing aid depends on your type and level of hearing loss. If both ears are affected, two aids provide better clarity, spatial awareness, and speech understanding.
At Hear4U, our audiologists guide you based on your lifestyle, budget, and hearing profile. Don’t judge solely on price-costlier aids aren’t always better suited to your needs.
Adjusting to Your New Hearing Aid
Hearing aids won’t restore normal hearing, but they will make sounds more accessible. Follow-up care is crucial. Wear your aids regularly to allow your brain to adapt.
During fittings, we teach you how to insert, clean and manage your aids. If you’ve chosen rechargeable devices, you won’t need to change batteries. Gradually increase wear time until it feels natural.
Common Concerns and Solutions
- Discomfort: Minor at first. Your audiologist will advise on wear time.
- Your voice sounds loud: known as the occlusion effect. It fades with time.
- Whistling (feedback): May signal wax buildup, poor fit, or damage.
- Background noise: We fine-tune your aid for better clarity.
- Buzzing with mobiles: Modern aids and phone now have better compatibility. Always test your phone at your fitting.
Caring for Your Hearing Aid
Proper maintenance extends the life of your device:
- Keep aids dry and away from heat.
- Clean them regularly and replace wax filters.
- Avoid hairspray while wearing them.
- Store aids safely and turn them off when not in use.
At Hear4U, we offer exceptional aftercare, but self-care matters too.
Questions to Ask Your Audiologist
Before buying a hearing aid, consider asking:
What features are most beneficial for me?
Is Bluetooth/app connectivity worth the cost?
What does the warranty cover?
Can the aid be adjusted as my hearing changes?
What aftercare is included?
Take Action Today
Hearing aids are a life-changing investment. The sooner you take action, the better you can enjoy everyday moments with clarity. Hear4U is here to support you every step of the way.
Book your hearing test with us today. We’re here for you.
