If you have been struggling with your hearing for some time and have been recommended hearing aids by your Audiologist, you may want some more information before making your choice.
With our guide to hearing aids, you can find all you need to know about wearing hearing aids and the different styles you can choose from.
The team at London Hearing Specialist want to ensure all our patients are well-informed and walk away from our clinics happy with their choice of hearing aids.
What are Hearing Aids?
A hearing aid is a small hearing device that is worn either inside or behind the ear to amplify sounds for a person suffering from hearing difficulties and or hearing loss.
Individuals with hearing impairments use hearing aids so that they can listen, communicate & socialise in their daily lives.
They’re also perfect for hearing more or less in noisy and quiet environments, adjusting the device where needed.
How do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing Aids have a very simple process, which is comprised of three components the microphone, amplifier and speaker.
These three components carry sound from external environments to your ear and make them louder.
This process starts with the small microphone receiving sound based on the surrounding environments which is then transmitted to the amplifier.
The amplifier increases the power and range of the signals to the speaker which allows an individual to hear sound.
Why Do People Need a Hearing Aid?
There are a variety of reasons why people need to wear hearing aids, with the decision often heightened by their hearing loss fading over time or quicker than expected.
Below, are 4 of the most common reasons why individuals may require hearing aids:
Age-Related Hearing Loss
As we get older, our hearing gradually declines which is a part of the natural ageing process.
This condition is also known as Presbycusis which is prevalent amongst adults as a leading cause of hearing loss.
If you’re over 60 and starting to see signs of hearing loss, we offer a free hearing test with a full diagnosis, carried out by an expert Audiologist.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Damage is caused to your ears by excessive noise exposure which can’t be fixed by surgery.
Genetics
Some individuals can be born with genetic conditions which speed up the hearing loss process such as Waardenburg syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome & Stickler syndrome.
Virus or Disease
Similar to the above, some illnesses can cause hearing loss at a young age including Rubella and Cytomegalovirus.
If your child experiences sudden hearing loss, contact us immediately and we will be able to apply treatment that can improve the outcome and potentially reverse hearing damage.
Types & Styles of Hearing Aids
When choosing your very own pair of hearing aids, there are several styles to choose from. At London Hearing Specialist we offer 4 main styles of hearing aids. These include:
In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
In the ear hearing aids sit completely in the ear canal. It’s otherwise referred to by its nickname the “invisible hearing aid”.
In the ear hearing aids are custom fit, with impressions taken by an Audiologist during a hearing aid consultation.
This type of hearing aid is used for mild to severe hearing loss cases and is our most discreet style of hearing aid.
The discreteness of the hearing aid improves the hearing quality of your hearing aid because of how it fits within the ear.
Receiver in Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
This style of hearing aid is designed to sit behind your ear with a small plastic wire transmitting sound into your ear canal through a small ear mould that sits within the ear.
This type of hearing aid is suitable for people with gradual hearing loss. It’s a comfortable hearing aid which transmits natural sound quality.
Titanium In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
A modern take on the traditional in ear hearing aid. Utilising the sturdy and durable material of titanium.
This style of hearing aid sits within the ear canal just like traditional acrylic in ear hearing aids.
This type of hearing aid is smaller and a more discrete device but because of the titanium material is much more durable in comparison to some of our other hearing aids.
We’d highly recommend this type of hearing aid with individuals that have severe hearing loss.
Cros Hearing Aids
Cros hearing aids have been designed specifically for patients who have a good level of hearing in one ear but severe hearing loss in the other.
The design allows for sounds from the non-hearing side to be picked up and transferred to the other ear via a tiny Cros transmitter.
It reduces the need for you to tilt your head to socialise and improve your concentration in conversations.
Benefits of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids offer a number of benefits to those who have noticed they are experiencing gradual hearing loss.
Although they will not make your hearing perfectly clear again, they will provide greater clarity, making everyday sounds louder.
- Hearing aids will provide you with the ability to communicate again, and socialising with friends and family will be much simpler as your hearing aid will improve your ability to partake in conversation.
- Whilst also making you feel much more confident talking to people in busy and loud environments, where before you may have felt isolated.
- For those struggling with gradual hearing loss, hearing aids will allow you to enjoy simple pleasures in life once more, such as watching tv and listening to music with ease.
To really benefit from wearing hearing aids, we urge patients to visit your local clinic as soon as they begin to notice hearing difficulties.
The earlier you begin using hearing aids the greater the benefits will be.
Book a Hearing Test at London Hearing Specialists
During a consultation with your Audiologist at one of our practices, the team will help you in finding the right style for you.
They will discuss your prescription with you, ensuring you understand what this means and how a hearing aid will improve your hearing.
During your fitting appointment for your new hearing aid, your Audiologist will run a series of tests to ensure your device is working as it should be providing you optimum results.
Using advanced software, we can also carry out fine tuning on your new hearing aids.
With our 60 Day Money Back Guarantee we allow you time to be sure you are happy with your hearing aids, or we will offer you a full refund.
If you’re concerned about your ear health then book an appointment at one of our London locations here.