Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss. This essential device amplifies sounds to enhance hearing and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with hearing loss. They help restore communication abilities, allowing adults to engage more effectively in conversations, work environments, and social activities.
Each type of hearing aid offers unique benefits and the best choice depends on the individual’s specific hearing needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Hearing aids come in various styles to accommodate different degrees of hearing loss, lifestyle preferences, and cosmetic considerations. Modern hearing aids come with advanced features such as artificial intelligence (AI), automatic digital signal processing, better noise reduction technology, data logging and learning, health tracker, Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeability option and water-resistant technology.
Here’s an overview of the different types of hearing aids: Completely-in-Canal (CIC), In-the-Canal (ITC), Receiver-in-Canal (RIC), and Behind-the-Ear (BTE).
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| Hearing Aids Worn In The Ear |  |
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| Type of Hearing Aids | CIC hearing aid is discrete and hidden in the ear canal. It is custom-moulded to fit almost completely within the ear canal and is difficult to spot. | ITC is a customised hearing aid that rests comfortably in the ear canal. While they are visible from the side, they come in discreet colours. | RIC model sits comfortably behind the ear with a thin wired receiver (speaker) that goes into the ear canal. | BTE model sits behind the ear and is connected to a custom earmold that fits comfortably inside the ear canal. |
| Discreet Appearance | Virtually invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for those concerned about aesthetics. | Less visible than larger hearing aids, but easier to handle than CIC aids. | The behind-the-ear component is small and lightweight, making it comfortable to wear and the ear canal is less blocked. | More visible than other types of hearing aids, which might be a concern for some users. |
| Advantages | Deep placement in the ear canal allows for more natural sound collection and is less susceptible to wind noise. | Can include features like volume control and directional microphones. | Sound is perceived more naturally with the receiver in the canal and separated from the microphone. | Larger size allows longer battery life and also makes it easy to maintain. |
| Suitability | Mild to moderate hearing loss. | Mild to moderately severe hearing loss. | Mild to severe hearing loss. | Moderate to profound hearing loss. |
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Hearing Aid Accessories
Hearing aid accessories are designed to enhance the functionality and convenience of hearing aids. These different types of accessories provide hearing aid users with greater control and better auditory experience. By selecting the right accessories, hearing aid users can tailor their hearing aids to better meet their specific needs and lifestyle. Here are some common accessories and their benefits:
1. Remote Controls
A small handheld device that allows users to adjust hearing aid settings wirelessly without touching their hearing aids. It is especially useful for persons with dexterity issues to control the volume and change programs on the hearing aid.
2. Wireless Connectivity Device
This device enables wireless streaming of audio from external Bluetooth sources such as smartphone, tablet and laptop directly to the hearing aids. It allows you to stream phone calls directly to your hearing aid and listen to music without taking your phone out of your pocket.
3. Remote Microphone
This small device can be placed at a distance to capture speech and stream directly to the hearing aids. It is especially useful in noisy environments or during conversations in large spaces, where noise may be louder than speech.
4. TV Streamer
A connector that transmits audio directly from the television to hearing aids, therefore providing high quality stereo experience. It allows hearing aid users to enjoy stable and clear sound quality without background noise interference.
5. Telecoil System
This system allows hearing aids to pick up sound from compatible telephones or induction loop systems in public places like theatres and train stations.
Major advancements in hearing aids technology have made it possible to fit many features into a sleek device, providing a seamless and convenient hearing experience. Hearing aids for adults are essential for improving communication, enhancing quality of life, and maintaining cognitive health. They help individuals with hearing loss to hear more clearly, participate in conversations, and stay engaged in social activities, reducing feelings of isolation and depression.
At our clinic, we offer four premium brands of hearing aids which include Oticon (Denmark), Phonak (Switzerland), Signia (Germany) and Widex (Denmark). Our in-house Audiologists will evaluate and recommend a suitable hearing device based on your hearing test result and the latest proven technologies. Fittings and follow-up appointments are also designed to help patients understand, care for and make the best use of their devices.
