Millions of Australians suffer from some level of hearing loss.
Whether it’s your own hearing, or that of a loved one, hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. To allow for the ability to communicate effectively, enjoy social activities, and perform everyday tasks, hearing aids may be required.
If you live in Perth and are looking to choose the right hearing aid, you have plenty of options to choose from. Choosing the right option will come down to more than price. The optimal option will meet your needs across style, features, cost, battery life, compatibility, warranty, brand reputation, comfort, and fit.
By following the guidelines outlined in this Buyer’s Guide, you can select an option that will improve your quality of life and help you stay connected to the world around you.
If you want to learn more, check out our resources:
Step 1: Consultation with an Audiologist
An audiologist is a trained professional who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. To ascertain the kind and extent of your hearing loss, they will perform a hearing test.
Based on this information, the audiologist will recommend the most suitable option for you. They will also take into consideration your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.
Step 2: Determine the Style of Hearing Aid
They come in a variety of styles, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common styles include:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE): This type sits behind the ear and is connected to a custom earpiece that fits inside the ear canal.
- In-the-ear (ITE): This type fits entirely inside the ear canal and is less visible than a BTE.
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC): This type is similar to a BTE, but the receiver sits inside the ear canal, making it less visible and a great cosmetic option.
- Completely-in-canal (CIC): As an invisible hearing aid, this type is the smallest and least visible option. It completely encloses the ear canal.
- Lyric: Sits 4mm from the eardrum making it a completely invisible option. The device stays in the ear for months at a time making it a very convenient option. Lyric is a great hearing aid but has also been shown to be the most effective hearing aid solution for tinnitus treatment.
Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best style for you will depend on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and the severity of your hearing loss.
Step 3: Consider the Features
They come with a range of features, each designed to improve your listening experience in different ways. Some of the most common type include:
Directional microphones: These microphones help to amplify sounds coming from in front of you while reducing background noise.
Noise reduction: This feature helps to reduce background noise, making it easier to hear speech and other important sounds in noisy environments such as cafes or restaurants.
Bluetooth connectivity: This feature allows you to stream audio from your smartphone, television, or other compatible device directly to your hearing aid.
Rechargeability: This is a very convenient feature for people who cannot manage small hearing aid batteries or who do not want the hassle of changing batteries every 4-7 days. It is also an environmentally friendly option.
When considering features, it is important to keep in mind your lifestyle and the situations where you most frequently encounter challenges with your hearing.
Step 4: Consider the Cost
The cost can vary widely depending on the style, features, and brand.
Eligible pensioners and veterans are eligible for fully subsidised, or partially subsidised, hearing aids through the Hearing Services Program. If you are not a pensioner or veteran, then it is important to check whether your private health insurance will provide a rebate towards hearing aids.
Hearing Aid Cost Guide [NEW]
Step 5: Try it Out
It is important to try out the hearing solution before making a purchase. Our audiologists will offer a trial period. This will allow you to determine if the product meets your needs and if you are comfortable wearing it.
Discover More: Ultimate Guide to Buying Hearing Aids
Additional Factors to Consider When You Choose the Right Hearing Aid
Battery Life
They are powered by batteries, and the battery life can vary depending on the type and the features it has. Some options have rechargeable batteries that can be charged overnight, while others use disposable batteries that need to be replaced every few days. It is essential to consider your lifestyle when you choose the right hearing aid, as the battery life can affect how often you need to replace the batteries.
Compatibility with Accessories
Many options are now compatible with accessories that can enhance your listening experience. For example, some solutions can be paired with remote microphones that can help you hear in noisy environments, such as restaurants or meetings. Other accessories include TV streamers, which allow you to stream audio directly from your TV to your ears, and smartphone apps that can adjust the settings.
Warranty and Repair
It is essential to consider the warranty and repair options when you choose the right hearing aid. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties, while others offer free repairs for a certain period after purchase. It is essential to understand the warranty and repair options to avoid any unexpected costs.
Brand Reputation
When you choose the right hearing aid, it is important to consider the reputation of the brand. It is recommended to choose a well-established brand with a good reputation for producing high-quality products. You can do your research online or consult with your audiologist to determine which brands have the best reputation in the market.
Learn More About Hearing Aid Brands
Comfort and Fit
The comfort and fit are also important factors to consider. The solution that does not fit properly can cause discomfort and irritation, and may not provide the best listening experience. Therefore, it is important to choose an option that fits well and is comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Choosing a Hearing Aid: The Final Word
When you choose the right hearing aid can make a significant difference in your quality of life. It is essential to consult with an audiologist and consider:
- Style
- Features
- Cost
- Battery life
- Compatibility with accessories
- Warranty and repair options
- Brand reputation
- Comfort
- Fit
By taking the time to carefully consider your options and trying out different options, you can select a solution that is tailored to your needs and preferences, and enjoy a better quality of life with improved hearing.
Where Can I Go for High-Quality Hearing Treatment in Perth?
The team at Hearing & Audiology has over 35 years of experience providing support for people suffering from hearing problems and loss. We’re local, Australia-trained, and dedicated to providing state-of-the-art hearing solutions to every one of our clients.
Sometimes it simply helps to talk to a team of experts to determine whether a hearing aid is right for you.
That’s where Hearing & Audiology can help.
Call us on (08) 9388 8003 to chat with our friendly, local staff and enquire as to whether a hearing test could be right for you. You can also find out what coverage you qualify for and what to expect from the process in any one of our offices throughout Western Australia.