It is important to be aware that there can be changes in hearing at any time throughout childhood. Hearing loss can have a huge impact on anyone’s life, in their job, in friends circle, and even in the family.
If you think you are not hearing well, you need to pick the right hearing aids from our audiologist (hearing specialist) at our clinic in Jawlakhel rather than purchasing online. When it comes to hearing aids, you might be confused about selecting the right hearing aids as there are wide varieties of options available. Our clinic has the latest equipment and technologies with the access to latest hearing aid brands in the country and will be happy to fit the hearing aids according to your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
What is a hearing aid?
A hearing aid is an electronic device that fits in or behind the ear. Any hearing aids available in the market perform the same function of amplifying sounds to help you hear better again.
Difference Between Analog (Hearing amplifier) vs Digital Hearing Aids
Both the hearing aids (analog hearing aid and digital hearing aid) look the same in size, shape, and color. If you really know the difference between the two then you will be able to select the right hearing aids with lesser background noise and with clearer sound.
The quality of analog hearing aid can be compared to the output of Vinyl records and cassette tapes whereas the quality of digital hearing aid can be compared to the output of CD and mp3.
The analog hearing aid is programmed by the manufacturer whereas the digital aids is programmed by an audiologist depending on the user’s needs and comfort. A digital hearing aid can be manipulated and sharpened.
Analog hearing aids are easily available in medical stores and online shops without the prescription of a doctor or hearing evaluation, which may even worsen the hearing conditions; whereas digital hearing aids can only be purchased from a certified audiologist after a detailed hearing evaluation.
Types of hearing aids
Various styles of hearing aids are available in the market which differ in the:
- Size
- Placement (In or behind the ear) and
- The degree to which it amplifies the sound.
The smaller and larger hearing aid selection depends on the severity and configuration of the hearing loss and the manual dexterity of the user. The smaller the hearing aids, the milder the hearing loss and more consumption of the battery. In case of severe to profound hearing loss, it is better to go with the larger hearing aids. Nowadays, both smaller (CIC, ITC) and bigger hearing aids have the features of Bluetooth connection which enhance telephone conversation even in noisy environments.
The requirement for hearing aids is decided by the results of the hearing test i.e., based on the nature and severity of hearing loss, patient-specific needs, and expectations.
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) hearing aids
IIC are the smallest hearing aids available in the market. It is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate levels of hearing loss and it does not have Bluetooth connection and rechargeable options.
Features:
- Custom-made
- For mild to moderate hearing loss
- Completely invisible in most ears (vary based on the ear’s anatomy).
- More suitable for the middle-aged group than elderly
- Battery lasts for 3-6 days.
- Near to natural hearing
- cannot tangle with masks or glasses
- Less wind noise disruption
- Able to wear helmets and other headgear normally
Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
CIC is slightly bigger than the IIC which sits completely within your ear canal. It is slightly visible when someone looks directly inside your ear (side view), whereas with front view it is completely invisible.
Features:
- Less visibility
- For mild to severe hearing loss
- Custom-made
- Suitable for all ages if the ear canal size is appropriate.
- Battery lasts for 3-6 days.
- Near to natural hearing
- Cannot tangle with masks or glasses
- Less wind noise disruption
- Able to wear helmets and other headgear normally
In-The-Canal (ITC)
As the size of the hearing aid increases, it also has more space due to which it has the option of rechargeability and also can connect to a wide range of wireless Bluetooth devices like mobile phones, TV streamers, and more.
Adjustments to volume (fine tuning), mute, microphone directionality, memory changes, etc. can be made via a free downloadable App on a mobile phone.
Features :
- Volume control option is available in the hearing aids.
- For mild to severe hearing loss
- Custom-made
- Battery lasts for 6-9 days and option of recharge as well.
- Less wind noise disruption
- Able to wear helmets and other headgear normally
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)
RIC is less visible as compared to Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids due to the usage of tiny invisible wire instead of the ear tip which connect to the hearing aid processor. It also connects to a wide range of wireless Bluetooth devices like mobile phones, TV streamers, and more. Receiving and rejecting the phone call with just a simple tap on the side of the ear or just pressing the volume button in the hearing aids. Adjustments to volume (fine tuning), mute, microphone directionality, memory changes, etc. can be made via a free downloadable App on a mobile phone. Downside: RIC is slightly more difficult to handle and adjust than a BTE and also prone to earwax clogging in the receiver area.
Features:
- Less visibility as the tube is very thin.
- Less distortion and open fit
- Easy to adjust the volume control and memories
- For mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery lasts for 6-16 days and option of recharge as well.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
BTE are the most powerful hearing aids which are suitable for individuals with severe to profound levels of hearing loss or for someone with poor manual dexterity. Like in RIC, it has the same advantages as a personal assistant and ease of use with the free App.
Features:
- Compared to other types, it has more visibility as it uses plastic tubes and soft mould.
- For mild to profound hearing loss (suitable for all levels of hearing loss)
- Easy to adjust the volume control and memories
- Battery lasts for 7-16 days
Additional hearing aid features
The latest hearing aids have various kind of features such as:
- Sound Imaging: Channels / Bands
- Bandwidth: Extended 10 KHz
- 900 MHz wireless Technology: 900 sync
- Wireless streaming: Audio streaming
- Music Optimisation: Music Enhancement
- Ear-to-Ear Technology: Acuity Binaural Imaging
- Environment Manager: Music, Speech, Speech and Noise, Machine Noise, Wind, Noise
- Directional Processing: Adaptive, Dynamic, and directional
- Feedback Management
- Frequency Lowering
- Tinnitus Technology
- Wireless Accessory Compatible
- Rechargeable batteries
How to get hearing aids fitted
All the hearing test, consultation, counseling, and fitting for hearing aids is done by audiologists (hearing specialist) who are expert in handling patients suffering from hearing loss to restore their hearing back to near normal using the hearing aids.
Hearing Aid Evaluation
The requirement of the hearing aid is decided by the results of the hearing test i.e. based on the nature and severity of hearing loss, patient-specific needs, and expectations.
Hearing Aid Fitting
All the digital hearing aids are fitted to the patient’s ears by a certified audiologist. The patient can return to their audiologist if any adjustment is needed in the hearing aid device.