Hearing Aid Assessment

The capacity to hear well is a valuable asset in a world that lives on communication. For those suffering from hearing loss, technological developments have paved the way for revolutionary solutions, with technological enhancements in hearing aids at the center of this innovation. 

We endeavor to assist you in understanding and reviewing what hearing aids are, how they operate, the numerous types available, their benefits, the latest technology, cost, funding possibilities in Australia, and answering some frequently asked concerns.

What is a Hearing Aid?

Nearly 3.6 Million people suffer from some level of hearing loss in Australia.

Hearing aids are battery-powered electronic medical devices that enhance and modify sound specifically for your individual hearing needs. Sound waves are received by a microphone and digitally enhanced before delivered in the ear canal through a receiver unit.

How does a Hearing Aid work?

Hearing aids function by boosting sound in three stages:

1. Sound is received by the microphone and converted into a digital signal.
2. The digital signal processing boosts the digital signal’s intensity at desired frequencies.
3. The amplified digital signal is converted to acoustic signal through the receiver unit and sent into the ear.

Individual hearing loss can be accommodated with digital hearing aids. Hearing aids are tailored to the precise degree and pattern of hearing loss observed in the test findings once hearing testing is done. Digital hearing aids offer automatic features that alter the level and programming for better hearing in a variety of situations.

Types of Hearing Aids

There  are multiple “styles” of Hearing Aids such as:

1. Behind the Ears (BTE): The majority of the components of behind-the-ear hearing aids are housed in a small case that sits behind the ear. A piece of clear tubing connects the case to an earmold or an earpiece. 
2. Receiver In Ear (RIE): A modification of this style is Receiver In Ear (RIE) style where the receiver part of hearing aid is extended through a discreet wire and placed in the ear. This often results in smaller device size due to components segregated and part of components placed in ear and part behind the ear.
3. In the Ear (ITE): All pieces of an in-ear hearing aid are enclosed in a shell that fits over the outer part of the ear. The ITE aids are larger than the in-the-canal and completely-in-the-canal aids, and may be easier to handle than smaller aids. They can also accommodate higher amplification needs and often considered only when hearing loss is severe to profound.
4. In-the-canal (ITC) aids and completely-in-the-canal (CIC): These are little casings that fit partially or entirely into the ear canal. They are the smallest hearing aids available and provide cosmetic as well as some hearing benefits. Their small size, on the other hand, may make them difficult to handle and adjust.
   

What are the benefits of wearing Hearing Aids?

In general, the benefits of using hearing aids is to reduce the communication barrier which hearing loss poses and reduce the detrimental effects of hearing loss on general wellbeing and health. Several studies have linked long-term effects of hearing loss with cognitive decline, reduced quality of life and effects on mental health in elderly population. 

More specifically, some of the benefits of using hearing aids:

1. You may hear sounds that you have not been hearing for a long time.

2. You may hear speech over the telephone more clearly.

3. You may communicate more easily with family and friends.

4. You may improve communication in noisy listening situations, such as at a restaurant or in a large group of people.

5. People who suffer from tinnitus often find significant alleviation in tinnitus perception with hearing aid use.

Latest hearing aid technologies and features:

As technology advances, digital hearing aids become more automatic and contain additional capabilities to assist you in communicating in tough listening settings. New advancements result in more advantages, but it’s also crucial to have realistic expectations about what hearing aids can do.

The following features are more likely to be offered in modern advanced hearing aids. Please note that all the information is generic and to provide general understanding of hearing aid technology and features however there is considerable variation in individual hearing aid technology depending on technology levels and manufacturers. 

1. Sound processing and frequency response: All hearing aids process sound, but, depending on the individual’s hearing loss, frequency response of hearing aids need to be managed according to the frequencies which are impacted. For example if you have a high frequency hearing loss, the hearing aid frequency response will be set so that you receive adequate amplification at high frequencies compared to low or mid frequencies. 

2. Signal to Noise management: Hearing aid technologies can determine which sounds are meaningful speech and need to be enhanced and which sounds are unimportant noises and need not be enhanced. Most of the time, speech needs to be enhanced more than the background noises to allow hearing aid users to follow conversations with more clarity and ease. The hearing aids achieve this by microphone polar plots and digital processing.

3. Bluetooth compatibility: Bluetooth technology has the ability to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and eliminate feedback from the microphone because the signal bypasses the microphone and directly enters the hearing aid’s processor. A Bluetooth connection is also less likely to experience interference, which can occur with an FM system.

4. Artificial intelligence: Some high-end hearing aids have artificial intelligence (AI), which allows them to process sound using a deep neural network. Hearing aids can begin to make these modifications automatically when the environment is recognised by logging volume control settings and programme preferences for specific sound environments. 

5. Apps: Most advanced hearing aids now have smartphone apps that allow users to make changes, contact their hearing care specialist, and monitor battery life. Most notably, some of them function similarly to assistive listening devices, channeling phone calls or other sound sources directly to a user’s hearing aids. Some can also convert speech to text and translate between languages.

5. Tinnitus masking features: Tinnitus masking functions are available in the most advanced hearing aids. They can be programmed by an audiologist or other hearing care specialist to create sounds that disguise tinnitus or ringing in your ears.

Hearing aid prices and funding options in Australia:

Hearing aids are available in a wide range of brands, sizes, styles, and colors. They also vary in price, and it can be difficult to grasp why certain hearing aids are more expensive than others. Hearing aid prices range from roughly $1,300 for ordinary devices to more than $4,500 for premium technologies.

Extra features, like Bluetooth streaming or rechargeable batteries or higher noise management features  may also have an impact on the final price of the hearing aids.

Funding options:

Hearing aids can represent a significant monetary investment. Fortunately, within Australia, there are several options to help relieve the financial burden associated with purchasing hearing aids. These include programs that offer a range of free hearing aids at entry level technologies for pensioners and DVA members; rebates on the cost of purchase; and methods of spreading payment costs.

Here are some of the Funding options:

1. Hearing Services Program (HSP)
2. Veterans (DVA) and Current ADF Personnel
3. Payment Plans
4. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
5. Private Health Insurance
6. Workers Compensation

Please note if you are eligible for the Hearing Services Program, the program offers a huge range of hearing devices which are fully subsidized which may suit your listening needs. Please feel free to discuss them when you have your hearing assessment.