Since hearing aids improve the sense of hearing, these are considered as worthwhile investments. If you’re willing to make the financial commitment, you should look for these features whenever you’re buying new hearing aids! You will probably pay more for these features but you will be getting the best value for your money – and that, ladies and gents, is what you should look for in every purchase.
Programmable Capabilities
The hearing amplification products in the modern market have a wide range of features. Such are their differences that the cheapest hearing aids are akin to a Ford Pinto while the most expensive are the Lamborghinis. There’s just no comparison in their functionality, not even in their form!
Well, of course, programmability will cost you and cost you big time. But it’s a feature that pays for itself, so to speak, since it allows you to customize the settings according to your specific needs. And we’re not just talking about volume adjustments according to your hearing loss but according to the environment.
Background Noise Minimization
Many first-time users of hearing aids complain of the background noise overriding nearly everything else. This can be annoying and frustrating, not to mention that the background noise and feedback defeat the purpose of hearing aids.
As such, you should look for hearing aids with background noise minimization technology. High-end ones have a microprocessor able to distinguish between low-frequency sounds (background noise) and high-frequency sounds (voices and music). The microprocessor can amplify the high-frequency sounds while suppressing the low-frequency sounds.
Directional Microphones
Most hearing aids users want to use these devices to better understand speech and, thus, to feel more included and less isolated. This is where directional microphones come in.
Hearing aids with directionality typically have two or more directional microphones. These microphones have different times for receiving and transmitting sound, thus, the hearing aids have a different reaction to different sounds.
More importantly, the directional microphones pick up specific sounds from sources in front of the hearing aids. If you’re wearing these devices, you will be able to hear the voices and sounds of speech of the person in your front.
Telecoils
If feedback is an issue with you, be sure to ask your audiologist about telecoils. These are small copper coils in the hearing aids that significantly decrease feedback from other devices.
You can talk on the phone without worrying about annoying feedback, the hissing noise in the background, thanks to telecoils. You can also hook up, so to speak, telecoil technology to your home theater system so you can hear the soundtrack and dialogue better.
The overall design of the hearing aids matter as well, of course! But you should first look at these functional features.
If you need an new hearing aid, make sure to take the hearing test & assessment. For details, please contact HK Hearing & Speech Centre.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
http://www.hkhearingspeech.com
Hearing aids are expensive personal devices so changing them can be a tricky issue. You’re likely reluctant to change them when they’re still working, sort of, because of the cost. You may put up with the occasional breakdowns just to extend their use.
But there are instances when changing your hearing aids is a must, a matter of maintaining your sense of hearing over time! Here are a few instances that, indeed, it’s time to buy new hearing aids.
Five Years Is the Limit
Most modern hearing aids will work well between five and seven years. You may want to make it last for, say, 10 years to get the best value for your money. But your hearing aids will breakdown within five years or so regardless of proper use and care.
Why? Hearing aids are complicated technological devices that are subjected to more wear and tear than your usual smartphone. There’s also the matter of hearing aids being exposed to bodily substances, such as ear wax and ear moisture, which hasten the wear and tear.
Tip: Consider changing your hearing aids in five years’ time.
Major Lifestyle Changes Have Happened
There are no one-size-fits-all hearing aids and, in fact, the best ones are customized to the specific needs and wants of their user. In the same vein, there’s no one pair of hearing aids that will work for all lifestyle preferences.
You should consider getting new hearing aids if you’ve made major changes in your lifestyle or your new job demands it. You may, for example, become more physically active or your new job has higher noise levels. Your old hearing aids may not be up to the job.
Changes in Health Have Happened, Too
Keep in mind that hearing aids should be customized to your hearing needs and wants. If you experience significant changes in your hearing, you have to consult with your audiologist about new hearing aids. This is true whether you’re hearing has improved or worsened since new features will likely be necessary.
But it isn’t just your hearing that should be considered when changing hearing aids. You may want new ones because your fingers aren’t as agile as before or your skin is easily irritated by your old hearing aids.
For example, in-the-canal hearing aids are more difficult to operate than behind-the-ear devices. The small battery door of the former makes it challenging to open for people with arthritis.
Your attitude toward hearing aids will also change with time. You may want new hearing aids because you have a greater appreciation for them or you want better features. You may even want to change your old ones because these are cheap and you can now afford more expensive ones.
Of course, you shouldn’t change your hearing aids on a whim! You have to work with your audiologist to ensure that, indeed, you’re getting the best ones for your needs.
If you need an new hearing aid, make sure to take the hearing test & assessment. For details, please contact HK Hearing & Speech Centre.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
http://www.hkhearingspeech.com
Hearing aids make it easy to hear external sounds coming from televisions, radios and smartphones as well as the voices of people and animals. But there are instances when these external sounds are just too loud, too many and too noisy!
What then can you when you’re in a noisy environment that makes wearing your hearing aids uncomfortable? Here are a few effective steps to cope.
Determine the Quietest and Loudest Areas
You can’t always control the sources of sound and their volume. This is particularly true in public places, such as restaurants, pubs and public transportation, although it can also happen in your home. You may be throwing a private party and your guest are enjoying the music, for example.
Your first step then is to identify the quietest and loudest spots. You can then find a place in the quietest spot so you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the loud noises.
For example, in a public bus with music blasting from speakers, the quietest spot will likely be the front seat near the driver. You may want to sit in this spot instead of at the back where most of the speakers are installed.
Find a Face-friendly Position
Once you have chosen the quietest spot, you should find a position where you can see other people’s faces, as many as possible. This isn’t bringing attention to yourself although it may initially seem like it. Instead, it’s about being able to look at the facial expressions, hand gestures and body language of the people you’re in the room with.
You can then make appropriate responses even when you can’t hear too well above the noise. You may even be able to lip read and it’s something that will come in handy in many situations.
You may also find a position where most of the noise is behind your back. You may also request the person you’re talking with to sit with his back to a wall, which will act as a barrier against the noise. You shouldn’t hesitate to ask the host or hostess for a seat at the table that will allow you to engage in conversations with little of the noise.
Plus, look for a place with good lighting. You will then be able to see what your family and friends are doing so you don’t feel left out. There’s also the fact that you can see them and, again, look for visual cues.
Most important, always protect your ears and their hearing ability. You may have to leave the place if the noise becomes too loud. Your already fragile ears have to be protected from further stress and it may mean limiting your social life to fairly quiet gatherings.
We are a specialist centre offering hearing test & assessment, and hearing aid prescription. If you think you need a hearing aid, make sure to get a hearing aid prescription. For more details of our hearing test & assessment, and hearing aid services, please contact HK Hearing & Speech Centre.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
http://www.hkhearingspeech.com
We discussed a few tips in becoming used to your new hearing aids in a previous article. We want to emphasize more practical tips in this regard in this article. Just remember that, in the end, it’s your determination to get the most from your hearing aids that will make you stick to actually wearing them.
Adopt a Positive Attitude
Your mindset will influence your attitude toward hearing aids, just as it influenced your outlook in life before hearing aids came into your life. You’re well-advised to adopt a positive attitude early on. You will find that while there are side effects to wearing hearing aids, the benefits far outweigh them.
When you have a positive mindset, you will find that you’re less frustrated with the initially weird feeling of having hearing aids in your ears. You will initially feel awkward with them in your ears, just as you would when it’s your first time to wear eyeglasses. But with consistent use, you will eventually get used to them.
Wear Them for a Limited Period Initially
You don’t have to wear your hearing aids 24/7 either! Keep in mind that your goal is to become accustomed to them, not cause more discomfort to your ears from the constant stimuli. You can wear them in environments and situations you’re comfortable in.
You can start wearing them at home only. You can then practice wearing them without making self-conscious movements like rubbing your earlobes. You can then transition to wearing them for a few hours at a time outside.
Keep in mind, too, that wearing them in everyday situations, such as when you’re at work or in other public places, is useful in determining which sounds you’re comfortable with. Your audiologist can then make the necessary adjustments based on your specific needs.
Wear Them in a Quiet Place First
On your first day of wearing your customized hearing aids, you should sit in a quiet place, such as your bedroom, with the external sounds tuned out. You will then be able to listen to the faint external sounds, such as a clock ticking or a radiator humming. You can get used to these subtle sounds first and then transition to louder sounds.
Practice Your Conversations
You may feel weird about hearing external sounds better and clearer. You may even speak in a louder voice because you feel like the louder sounds you’re hearing deserves a corresponding action on your part. You should then practice conversations with your close family and friends.
By doing so, you will learn to modulate your voice depending on the situation. You will also be able to practice your active listening skills, such as looking at the face cues, hand gestures and body language.
Think of your new hearing aids as something that will change your life but before they do, they demand some getting used to. Your attitude will change and you’re more likely to accept them.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
http://www.hkhearingspeech.com
Hearing aids require getting used to because these are foreign objects inserted into your ears. You may be tempted to just remove them because they feel weird but we suggest that you keep them in your ears. You will become more accustomed to their presence until such time that they feel normal, even an essential part of your daily life.
These tips are also useful in getting used to your new hearing aids. Be patient, nonetheless, as good things take time.
Appreciate Your Hearing Aids
These are life-changing devices because these can open up your world in more ways than one. But you have to appreciate them beyond what they can do for you! You have to learn the basics of their proper use and care and, thus, appreciate their functions.
Your audiologist is the best resource person for proper use and care of your customized hearing aids. The information should include placing the devices in your ear and taking them out, cleaning and storing them, and resolving basic issues.
Wear Them as Frequently as Possible
Your brain requires time to become accustomed to the clearer and louder sounds coming from your environment. Your ears also require retraining, so to speak, so as to get used to the feeling of having foreign objects inserted into them. You will also require time to become accustomed to these new sensations.
For this reason, you have to wear your new hearing aids as frequently as possible. Your audiologist will recommend the number of hours each day that you can wear them. You’re well-advised to follow the suggested duration but you can increase or decrease the time depending on your preference.
Know What’s Normal with the Hearing Aids
Many of the things that will make you want to remove your hearing aids are considered normal. But there are also things that aren’t considered normal and that require professional intervention in some cases.
A few things to keep in mind when determining what’s normal and what isn’t.
In the end, you simply have to give yourself time to become accustomed to the new sensations that come with wearing new hearing aids. You may get used to them within a few weeks or a few months but once you become accustomed, you will consider them as essential in your life.
If you need an new hearing aid, make sure to take the hearing test & assessment. For details, please contact HK Hearing & Speech Centre.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
http://www.hkhearingspeech.com