Hearing Aids
The latest in hearing aid technology.
Hearing Aids Improve Quality of Life
There are substantial benefits to treating your hearing loss earlier rather than later. With early treatment, some of the most difficult aspects of hearing loss don’t have to happen to you.
Studies have found that people whose hearing loss was treated early reported significant improvements in their quality of life including the following:
Communication in relationships
Earning power
Sense of control over your life
Social participation
Emotional stability
Hearing Aids Prevent Auditory Deprivation
Hearing loss, in most cases, occurs gradually over time. As a result, many people wait months or even longer before seeking professional help.
Auditory deprivation most often occurs when the ear goes unaided over a long period of time – so the earlier you start, the better your chances are of minimizing this risk.
The most important function of hearing devices is to compensate for your hearing loss so that you can overcome your hearing difficulties.
4 reasons to get hearing aids early
Hearing loss can affect people of all ages, but is most prevalent in adults, affecting 1 out of 3 people over the age of 65.
What’s surprising is that hearing loss is more common than vision loss!
Here are our top 4 reasons to get hearing aids at the first signs of hearing loss:
1. Prevent damage to your ears from loud volumes
2. Life’s too short to not connect with your loved ones
3. Correcting your hearing early stops auditory deprivation, and keeps the auditory response area of your brain active and healthy
4. Hearing aid technology has improved significantly
Hearing aid technology
Boasting a variety of sophisticated technologies, today’s hearing aids are truly some of the most amazing minicomputers around. While most medical-grade hearing aids now feature modern conveniences like smartphone controls, Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeability (no tiny batteries!), the technology continues to advance daily beyond what anyone could’ve imagined.
Different styles of hearing aids
Invisible in-the-ear (ITE)
These fit deep inside the ear canal and are virtually invisible to others. ITEs have the ability to install a telecoil - this allows you to receive sound through the circuitry of the hearing aid, as opposed to the microphone. It also makes it easier to hear when taking on the phone.
Receiver in-the-canal (ITC)
In-the-canal (ITC) is a lightweight plastic shell that sits inside of the canal. They’re known for being comfortable and easy to use. Plus, they’re made to fit the size and shape of your ear. However, since they’re small, they are not suited for people with dexterity issues.
Behind the ear (BTE)
Behind-the-ear or a BTE aid rests behind the ear with a clear tube connecting to the earmold. The parts — battery compartment, microphone, and controls — are all contained in a compartment that sits behind the ear. This style is appropriate for mild to profound hearing loss.
In the ear
These fit in the concha bowl of the ear. These larger in the ear devices can be easier to manage for someone with dexterity issues. Furthermore, this style of aid has the room to contain advanced technology, larger manual controls and longer lasting batteries.
In the canal
These are smaller than in the ear aids, however the size of this device is generally still adequate to provide advanced technology, longer lasting batteries, and manual controls.
Completely in the canal
These sit completely in the ear canal and are smaller than in the canal hearing aids. These aids can have limited space for more complex electronics and you’ll need to have good manual dexterity for insertion, removal and for battery changing.
Get support to choose a hearing aid
Not sure which hearing aid is right for you? Get in touch to book a comprehensive hearing assessment.
A full hearing assessment takes one hour and includes a range of tests.
How to choose a hearing aid?
Many factors influence which hearing aid will be most suitable for you. During your hearing assessment, we’ll take all of these into consideration. For in-depth information on hearing aids please book an appointment.
These factors include:
how the hearing aids will look and feel
the quality of sound
how easy it is to use
how important is it to you to improve your communication in noisy places; and
your budget and eligibility (if any) under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program
Bell Hearing is an independent audiology clinic where hearing aid recommendations are based on the auditory and lifestyle needs of clients, and are in accordance with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission guidelines.
We do not have any preferred manufacturer arrangements and there are no commissions or clinical bonuses based on hearing aids sales.
Within a hearing aid advice appointment, information will be provided on the different range of hearing aids and the individual features.
Your hearing care professional, after looking at your clinical needs and personal preferences, will be able to recommend the best hearing aids Australia has to offer and help you make the right choice.
Support beyond the hearing aid
For in depth information on hearing aids please book an appointment.
The initial period after the fitting of a hearing aid is generally called acclimatisation. The period of acclimatisation varies from user to user. When we first fit your hearing aids, we will not fit you with a full level of amplification to help correct your hearing.
Over a period of time we will move you towards a full level of amplification for your loss. That period of time varies from user to user. In general I find that most users acclimatise to full prescription within six weeks.
In addition to the hearing aid fitting, rehabilitation often includes discussion and counselling on your goals and expectations, environmental adjustments, support from significant others and communication training.