Choosing a hearing aid: where to start

Hearing Loss

30 Dec

Written By carly hensman

by Carly Hensman

If you Google “what is the best hearing aid”, you’ll find there’s no straight answer. Why?

THE BEST HEARING AID FOR YOU DEPENDS ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL WANTS AND NEEDS

Some people love technology, others don’t. Some people love fiddling with the settings themselves, other people prefer a hands-off approach. Some people want their hearing aid to be invisible, others don’t care.

As audiologists, a huge part of our role is to fully understand the listening needs of our patients. We value a thorough history, where we learn about the individual’s lifestyle, concerns and expectations.

There are four decisions that need to be made when selecting a hearing aid:

1) Style of device

2) Level of technology within the device

3) Hearing aid brand

4) Who will fit the device.

Style of device

What does the device look like? Does it sit behind or inside the ear?

BEHIND THE EAR

If the device sits outside the ear, you can choose between a universal dome (that comes in various sizes) or a custom mould.

IN THE EAR

With devices that sit inside the ear, there are two options: In The Canal (ITC) and Invisible In the Canal (IIC).

Battery versus rechargeable

There are other important considerations, including:

a) Severity of hearing loss: If you have severe hearing loss, you will need a powerful device. Hearing aids need to be capable of providing adequate amplification at the time of fitting, and must also accommodate any changes in hearing over the next six years – the average life of a hearing aid.

b) How much wax/moisture your ears produce: If you have excessive production of wax or moisture in the canal, an “in the ear” device isn’t suitable, as it will require ongoing repairs.

c) Your lifestyle: If you’re physically active and love the outdoors, you’ll want a device that’s not susceptible to flicking off your ear.

Level of technology

“Technology” refers to how well the hearing aid performs. Hearing aid technology is categorised into four levels: basic, standard, advanced and premium. As you’d expect, more advanced technologies translate into greater benefits, but are also more expensive.

As the level of technology increases, hearing aids become more automatic and have more features to assist in complex listening environments, such as hearing in social situations, conference rooms and in wind noise. Therefore, individuals who are more socially active will require higher levels of technology to be satisfied with their hearing aids.

“Speech in noise” testing – which involves listening to words over the top of competing background noise and repeating the words back – can be carried out as part of your hearing assessment. If you perform well on the test with amplification, it’s likely that hearing aids will help you in noisy situations. In contrast, if you stay home a lot, prefer reading and one-on-one interactions, a lower-level hearing aid will be fine.

Which brand?

There are several hearing aid manufacturers that New Zealand audiologists can select from. While each manufacturer produces a full range of devices, there are often significant differences in features, sound quality and performance. For example, hearing aids from most manufacturers connect to iPhone. However, only a few connect to all Android phones. Similarly, some manufacturers’ devices will stream direct to Bluetooth-capable landline phones or laptops, while others don’t.

When it comes to sound quality, hearing aid wearers have different preferences in terms of noise annoyance versus speech naturalness. Some prioritise maximum noise reduction, while others prioritise “sound quality” and prefer less aggressive noise cancellation so they can maintain natural sound awareness.

Each of the three main hearing aid manufacturers has its strengths and weaknesses. Your audiologist has the training and knowledge to guide you to the right device for you. Choose a practice that is not affiliated with any single manufacturer, so it can supply the full range of hearing aids from all leading manufacturers.

Fitting the device

You can buy the most advanced hearing aids available, but if they’re not fitted correctly, you’ve wasted a lot of money.

Look for the “MNZAS” logo. This means the audiologist is a full Member of the New Zealand Audiological Society and holds a current practicing certificate. “Audiometrists” and “Provisional Members” are not fully-certified hearing professionals.

Chose a practice that focuses on long-term care. Hearing aids require servicing and maintenance, so being able to walk into a clinic for cleaning, repairs and technical support is important.

Summary

Everybody’s hearing loss is different, their priorities are different, and their budgets are different. A good audiologist knows this. Seek out one who will undertake a full diagnostic assessment, ask the right questions about you wants and needs, and steer you towards the best option for you.

carly hensman