Digital hearing aids are an important part of life for many people, especially when they are older. However, not all hearing aids are the same.
The type of hearing aid you need would depend on your lifestyle, and the degree of hearing loss that you experienced. There are some digital hearing aids that can completely fit in the ear canal, so that it barely visible from the outside. The biggest advantage is that, as they look. They are very discreet, that there is no doubt. However, these hearing aids are usually suitable for people with mild or moderate hearing loss
These in-ear hearing aids are sometimes limited, as many of their limited size of the more advanced hearing aid features, such as preventing, for example, that two integrated microphones and Telecoil. The hearing aid market is far better than the completely in the canal hearing aid capability. Another type of hearing aid is one that partly fits into the ear canal (ITC).
This style is hardly noticeable, but keep the important features that many people are looking at the latest digital hearing aids. Some of these hearing aids with a remote control with which you can get the volume and other advanced features of your digital hearing aid.
The newest and most exciting developments in hearing aid technology is the open ear hearing aid, including Rite in the ear (receiving) technology. This open ear digital hearing aids are incredibly discreet and wonderfully clear sound, largely problem-free and very easy and comfortable. These open ear hearing aids usually consist of a small “pod” Sitting at the tip of the ear that runs most of the houses of the components and the battery, a small thin wire from that into the ear, and a soft rubber-like dome that houses the speaker unit and gives the sound directly to the ear with a cozy and comfortable amenities.
There are also digital hearing aids, which fill the entire ear (full-shell), which is the same work as do the ITC hearing aid, but generally a larger hearing aids use batteries, so that the longer life of the battery. These are not as discrete as the previously mentioned hearing aids.
The last conventional hearing aid style is a BTE (behind the ear), which are the traditional hearing aid is adaptation, and style, from the NHS in Britain would. These are pretty big hearing aids, sitting at the top of the ear with a hose and a form sitting in the ear. These are the most conspicuous hearing aids, but for some people with severe or profound hearing loss, they can choose the best digital hearing aid.
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Hearing Problems
If you can identify with one of the following then we can help YOU!
- Do You Have Difficulty Hearing in Noisy Situations?
- Do You Hear People Speaking But Have Difficulty Understanding the Words
- Do You Have Difficulty Understanding on the Phone?
- Do You Have To Turn Up the Television and Radio So It’s Too Loud For Others?
- Haven’t Had a Hearing Test in Over a Year?
What You Should Know
Hearing loss developed later in life, comes on slowly, is permanent, and often gets gradually worse.
Most of these losses can be helped effectively by individually selected prescribed and fitted hearing aids.
Some adults can have their hearing corrected by an ENT surgeon, so it is important to have an evaluation to make this determination.
It is typical for individuals with a mild to moderate hearing loss to be unaware of their problem, even though family and friends are quite aware of it.
Most hearing professionals believe that hearing loss in older adults is the accumulation of two or more causes, such as exposure to loud noises and family history or simply the natural aging process.
Hearing loss is invisible and almost always painless. There are no physical warning signs, except in some cases there may be ringing in the ear(s). But the real reason hearing loss “sneaks” up on you is that the change is so gradual. Most hearing losses develop over a period of 25-30 years. By age 50 or 60, there can be enough deterioration to interfere with conversation.
Hearing loss can prevent the quality of life you’ve hoped for. It can restrict your ability to interact with others, prevent you from hearing important information, cause misunderstandings, heighten stress, cause unnecessary fatigue and filter out the subtle sounds of nature. Don’t let poor hearing make you miss out on the many good and vital messages of life.
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Here is a real life story based on the Phonak Audeo Smart:
That is probably a bold statement saying that a hearing aid saved my life. I did not mean that literally rather that as soon as I received my latest hearing instrument my quality of life improved one hundred percent. Hearing aid technology has moved on significantly and is now more advanced than ever which is why I have decided to tell the world about the wonderful Audeo Smart hearing instrument.
Sound recovery technology
The sound recovery technology has been built in to this instrument to allow users to be able to experience everyday sounds that other devices may not allow. Subtle sounds such as singing birds or whispering conversations. Its such a joy to be able to hear my wife when she whispers sweet nothings in my ear again and is something that should be rolled out to all hearing aids.
Speech zooming
Another big flaw of some other hearing aids is the ability to help improve hearing in noisy environments. As the shape of this model is slightly different than other conventional aids, combined with the latest in built audio processing chip I can now hear people much clearer even in busy environments like a football match. Maybe not so well in a nightclub or concert but in generally noisier environments and not extremely noisy environments the sound quality is excellent.
Size
This is the smallest hearing aid I have ever used so I can say without a shadow of doubt that my confidence has improved vastly. I can only put this down to the fact that unless you are really looking for it or know its there you probably wont be able to see it. I say that but as they come in all sorts of different colours I suppose it depends on which colour you choose.
Flexibility
You have the ability to make changes to the device dependant on your situation. You have greater control over your hearing experience. The aid can be controlled directly using the device or by a clever remote control. The remote control is a wonderful idea as no longer do I have to stop somebody in mid conversation whilst I fiddle with my hearing aid just so I can hear them better. I just use the remote discretely in my pocket to adjust the instrument until I can hear more clearly.
Im sure there are many more benefits to this device but speaking from experience being able to hear better in noisy environments, hearing subtle sounds and being able to adjust quality more discretely have helped improve my daily life greatly. There are lots of other hearing aids out there and its really a personal choice and although I will never hear the same as I did before I have hearing difficulties this device has helped hugely.
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No longer do you have to make an appointment to go and see your local audiologist and then have to travel all the way down to wherever it is their office is to get your hearing aids. This may sound silly but more and more audiology hearing centres are now coming out to you rather than the other way round. Mobile audiology, is it the future?
It is common practise for audiologists to work out of different centres whilst having a base where they store all of their big bulky fixed equipment whilst using smaller mobile equipment out of their satellite offices. It was only a matter of time before they moved on and made the next logical step and do house calls especially if they already have the equipment. This service will suit some people but not others and this article outlines the advantages and disadvantages of using a mobile service over the more conventional method of booking an appointment and getting there yourself.
Convenience (Advantage)
By far the biggest advantage of using a mobile service over more conventional methods is convenience. The old method of having to battle either public transport, the elements or the ever busier roads can be eliminated completely and you can just sit back make yourself a nice cup of tea in the comfort of your own home and let the audiologist do all the hard work and come to you.
A more personal service (Advantage)
Hearing aid consultations are very personal in the first place but anything that is performed in your own home immediately becomes even more personal. This is a huge advantage as will give you an opportunity to build a better working relationship with your audiologist. The better the audiologist knows you the better his or service will be. Unfortunately a more personal service will not change any diagnosis but it will help when delivering it good or bad.
Easier for Older People (Advantage)
This could have probably come under the convenience part but in some cases not being able to travel because of age or medical condition it becomes less of a convenience factor and more of a necessity. The majority of hearing aid wearers are people of a certain age who may struggle travelling long or short distances or simply just might not be able to. A mobile service to this group of people is a huge advantage as it allows them to obtain treatment that they may not have been able to otherwise.
Price (Disadvantage)
As with everything that is convenient to the end user it usually comes at a cost. Mobile hearing aid consultations usually come at a price. Why you ask? The simple answer is time. If you require the audiologist to come to you then you need to cover all of his costs and one of those will include travel time. He or she couldn’t possibly travel without building in some travel costs so expect this when considering using this service. Just as you, can make better use of your time whilst waiting for your hearing consultation the audiologist will have to be compensated for loss of earnings due to travel. All that said for such a first class convenient service it is well worth that little bit extra.
All in all mobile hearing aid consultations seem to be a better option as long as you can afford the slightly higher than normal costs. As it becomes more popular we will no doubt see a reduction in costs as competition becomes more widespread. Certainly for older people and people who cannot walk or travel very well this service is an excellent idea and will continue to expand until it becomes common practise.
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The hearing aids world as with most medical practises is full of jargon that normal people just do not understand. If you know what your audiologist is talking about you will feel more comfortable about the whole process. A good audiologist will explain everything he or she is talking about anyway but it never hurts to go to an appointment armed with as much information as possible. Hopefully this article will explain what some of the jargon you would hear during a hearing examination actually means.
There are various different styles of hearing instruments out there which are specifically designed for different uses.
CIC
A CIC hearing instrument is a device that fits completely in the canal. This type of device would suit somebody who is significantly more self conscious about having a hearing aid in the first place. As it sits deep in the canal unless you are really looking out for a hearing aid you probably would not even notice there was one there.
ITC
An ITC hearing aid fits in the canal but does not go completely down the canal and is slightly visible. An in the canal device although still visible is a lot less noticeable than older models.
ITE
An ITE or in the ear hearing aid fills the inner ear completely. This style is very popular within the ear defender and hearing protection world. Most musicians where ear defenders when performing and are usually custom built to fit their ear perfectly. This type of hearing device as with all other models is no different in as much as it is custom built to fit snugly in your whole ear. The entire device is contained within the ear and is easily noticble.
BTE
The BTE behind the ear device is probably the type of hearing aid that springs to mind when somebody first mentions the word hearing aid. This is because this type of aid was extremely popular in the past and works by having part of the instrument in the ear with a tube to the receiver module that sits behind the ear.
RITE
The newest member to the hearing aid family as of writing this article is the rite hearing aid or receiver in the ear hearing aid. It has similar characteristics to the BTE in as much as it also has a tube that leads behind the ear. The difference here is that the receiver actually sits within the ear canal. The external tube is also much thinner giving the whole device a much more natural and un-noticeable feel.
Technology is moving extremely fast and new hearing aids are being developed all of the time. The hearing aid world has evolved quite drastically since the first hearing aid hit our streets. No longer do people have to feel embarrassed about having to use a hearing device as no doubt there will be a device certainly from the list above that will suit just about anybodies personal needs.
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“Like our vision, our hearing mechanism relies on input from both ears to locate sound sources. One ear simply cannot do the work of two. To achieve the most natural hearing experience, it is vital that both ears work equally well.
Those that wearing two hearing aids understand more clearly and enjoy better sound quality.
Our ears allow us to focus on specific sounds and conversations. Hearing properly with both ears help the brain to distinguish speech from noise more easily than if only one ear receives the sound. Two ears make our hearing more balanced and enable us to determine which direction a sound is coming from, like the location of an oncoming car or the position of someone speaking to you.
Hearing with both ears is also far more comfortable. With both ears working together, less amplification is neede to hear everydau sounds and lower volume means less distracting background noise.
There is so much in Life that’s worth hearing. Hearing clearly again will have a positive impact on your hearing.”
Source: Starkey booklet – Monaural or Binaural
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Looking for the official RNID website but struggling to find it? Well there’s a good reason why – they’ve changed their name to “Action on Hearing Loss”. The site can be visited at ActionOnHearingLoss.org.uk, and they’ve got a whole new image as well as an online hearing shop. The RNID website was usually the first port of call for people interested in learning more about their hearing and joining in an thriving community in the hearing forums.
The new site contains all the previous information that the old one had and more – all organised in a modern and efficient manner. Whether you’re looking for information on your hearing problems such as tinnitus, or you’re looking for hearing aid accessories – or just want to chat in the hearing aid forums, you’ll no doubt be happy with the makeover they’ve had
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Hearing Aids, Noise Protection, ER Plugs, Custom Moulds
Most people with a hearing loss can be helped with a hearing aid. As the degree of the hearing loss, size and shape of the ear canal varies there are many different hearing instruments that can be tailor made to suit an individual. The wide range of manufacturers gives you the best choice of hearing aid suitable to your hearing loss, ear shape and importantly budget.
OTE
(On the Ear) or
RIC
(Receiver in the Canal)
The latest development in digital technology. A discreet mini BTE, for clients with high frequency hearing loss who miss clarity of speech in group conversations. Available in various colours.
BTE
(Behind the Ear)
Traditional style hearing instruments is fitted with a custom made ear mould.
ITE Full Shell
(In the Ear)
The largest of the, in the ear hearing instruments. Offering more power and ideal for clients with dexterity issues as an alternative to a BTE.
ITE Half Shell
(In the Ear)
The half shell or in the canal hearing instrument is ideal for those wanting something midway between the Full Shell and CIC
CIC
(Completely in the Canal)
Completely in canal is one of the smallest and most discrete hearing instruments available.
Subject to shape and size of an individual’s ear canal.
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Q. As a motorcyclists which ear plugs should I have?
It does all depend upon the type of motoring you do and your preference to whether you wish to hear speech. Non filtered ear plugs cut out more sound but filtered allow speech to be heard. You may need to hear speech though your helmet that has an intercom or just when visiting a garage to refuel but not wanting to remove the ear plugs. When we see you for impression taking we will always go through your requirements to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Q. Will the ear plugs damage my ears?
Physically no, and certainly not custom made ear plugs if correctly positioned in the ears (see our instruction sheet for guidance in putting in the ears). However, if you wear standard ear pieces attached to MP3 players or ipods, excessive high volume over long periods of time could possibly cause long term hearing damage. When you are fitted with custom made ear pieces, they shield you from external noise so there is really no need to listen to audio at excessively high levels.
Q. What is the difference between ER and Non-ER earplugs?
ER rated plugs have been clinically tested to ensure the meet the exacting standards as set out in the EN352-2:1993. Ear plugs with ER filters incorporate individually calibrated filters (usually 9,15 or 25 dB) designed to attenuate all sound frequencies at the same level. Thus giving you a reduced volume but without losing the clarity of what you are listening to. Non filtered plugs give a flat attenuation across the whole frequency spectrum, as a result they give an approximately 30dB attenuation.
Q. How much noise can a person tolerate?
The strength of a sound is determined by the pressure of the sound waves and is expressed in decibels: dB(A). dB(A) measurements are corrected to the sensitivity of the human ear. The quietest audible sound is 0dB(A). The threshold of pain is at 120dB(A).
dB(A) recommended maximum exposure:
85dB = 8 hours
88dB = 4 hours
91dB = 2 hours
94dB = 1 hour
97dB = 30 minutes
100dB = 15 minutes
103dB = 7.75 minutes
106dB = 3.75 minutes
Noise Sources – Examples:
Safe Area:
- 60dB
Normal Office Noise
Conversation
Quiet Office - 70dB
Car Driver - 80dB
Busy Traffic
Loud Radio
Vacuum Cleaner
Risk Area:
- 88dB
Diesel Truck - 90dB
Large Heavy Goods Vehicle
Drilling Concrete
Sandblasting
Mill Worker Crushing
Food Industry – Bottling
Food Industry – Packaging
Food Industry – High Boiling
Food Industry – Bread Slicing
Band Saws - 100dB
Tube Stations
Machine Shop
Grinding and Cutting Wheels
Pig House at feed time
Concrete Pouring
Food Industry – Blast Chillers
Food Industry Homogenisers
Harmful Range:
- 106dB
Nightclubs - 110dB
Nail Gun
Blasting
Foundry Rumbling - 120dB
Propeller Driven Aircraft
Punch Presses
Chainsaws - 125dB
Jack Hammer - 130dB
Rivetting Hammers
Gun Shot - 132dB
Rock concert - 140dB
Aircraft Jet Engines
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Most people with hearing difficulties have to take the leap at some point in their life and make the decision to get a hearing instrument of some description. In order to ensure that they are fitted with the most suitable instrument for their ailment there are a number of processes to conduct. This article describes the thought process that people will go through before getting their ideal hearing aid in three easy steps:
Admitting There is A Problem
In some cases individuals will be reluctant to admit that they have hearing issues but before they can get any help they need to be fairly certain that their hearing needs looking at. There are lots of online tests that can be taken to establish roughly if there is a problem but usually if any of the following apply you should really be seeking help from a local audiologist:
• People appear to be mumbling.
• You ask people to repeat themselves a lot.
• The television, radio or telephone needs to be louder for you than anybody else.
• You have to face the person speaking to you so that you can make out everything they are saying.
• You have trouble understanding somebody when there is back ground noise.
The above five pointers are useful in assessing whether a hearing issue is present, but in the case of online hearing tests there are no universal parameters so variations in diagnosis are prevalent. The general rule of thumb however, is that if you are even considering the fact that you may need your ears checking then there is a high probability that you do.
Progressing to Professional Assistance
The next step to better hearing is deciding to visit an audiologist. An audiologist is a medical professional who has trained specifically in the hearing sector. Currently in the UK there are three ways to become a registered audiologist and this begins by obtaining either a:
• BSc degree in Audiology
• MSc in Audiology
• Post Graduate diploma in audiology
Once one of the above four year qualifications has been completed they are then eligible to become registered with the Council for Clinical Physiologists.
Once registered with the Council for Clinical Physiologists full audiologist status is obtained and with it comes the entitlement to diagnose and prescribe auditory aids. Things to look out for when selecting an audiologist include qualifications, years of experience and past employment. Any audiologist worth their salt should have no problem selling them self and certainly no problem offering up this information.
Finding the Right Audiologist
Now that you are armed with the information on what an audiologist is and what sort of qualifications they should have you need to find one close enough to you for you to book an appointment. With over 90% of the world population turning to the internet for help in this situation, a search engine is a logical place to start. A simple search for ‘Audiologist’ and your local area or ‘hearing aids’ and your local area should bring you up a list of local practitioners.
Having found the website of a local audiologist and concluded that their credentials and experience are acceptable it is time to make an appointment.
To summarise, in order to find the best hearing aid to suit your needs you need to first of all admit there is a problem, find out what makes a good audiologist and then go and locate a suitable audiologist in your local area. It is also prudent to opt for an audiologist that is independent and consequently not tied to one particular brand of hearing aid as if he or she is they will only be able to advise on a limited number of instruments.
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