Choosing a hearing aid and having it fitted to your hearing needs can have a big impact on your quality of life.
We recommend that you get advice from an Audika clinician who can assist you in finding the right hearing aid solution for you.Step 1. Compare the available hearing aid styles
Start out by using the overview below to understand the differences between each type of hearing aid.
The overview will prepare you for Step 2 of the guide, where we will explain the 6 important factors that you should consider when choosing hearing aids.
 Invisible-in-the-canal |
 Completely-in-the-canal |
 In-the-canal |
 Half/Full shell in-the-ear |
 miniRITE (Receiver-in-the-ear) |
 miniRITE R (Receiver-in-the-ear) |
 Behind-the-ear Plus Power |
Behind-the-ear Ultra Power |
|
| Most discreet | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth connectivity1 | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Volume and programs adjustments | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Exchangeable battery | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rechargable battery | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mild to moderate hearing loss | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ |
| Severe hearing loss | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Profound hearing loss | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
*the above hearing aids represent different types of Oticon models.
In this step we will describe 6 different factors that you should consider when choosing the best hearing aid for you.
Factor 1 - Your level of hearing loss
The severity of your hearing loss has an impact on the types of hearing aids that you can choose from. Therefore, getting your hearing tested and knowing your level of hearing loss will help you to understand what hearing aid types will be best suited to accommodate your needs.
Do you know the level of your hearing loss?
In order to know your level of hearing loss, we advise you to book a free hearing test in one of our hearing clinics near you. Slight rephrase of the above: The consultation includes: discussing your medical history and hearing needs (case history), receiving a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of your hearing, reviewing your results, and discussing your hearing needs and potential solutions with a hearing care expert.
Factor 2 - Style
It is understandable that what a hearing aid looks like is important to you. Different styles and colours are available so we can help you find something that is discreet and functional.
Different styles are suitable for different ears and hearing.
Your clinician will assist you with showing you your options.
Some appearance factors to consider are:
Size
Is long battery life or discreetness most important to you?
Larger hearing aids (behind-the-ear or full-shell in-the-ear hearing aids) could be the best hearing aid for you if you are looking for larger batteries with high-tech capabilities and a longer battery life while small, in-the-ear hearing aids could be the solution for someone with mild to moderate hearing loss who is most interested in discreet, nearly invisible hearing aids.
Colour
Did you know that hearing aids are available in different colors? You have the option of finding hearing aids that blend with the color of your hair or skin tone – or just choosing a color that appeals to you.
Factor 3 - Comfort
When you’re looking for the best hearing aids for you, it’s important to consider how comfortable they will be for you to wear.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are typically known for being the most comfortable, while in-the-ear hearing aids are custom-made to fit your unique ear canal shape. A Clinician will be able to give you examples of these in the clinic.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids
What characterizes behind-the-ear hearing aids?
In-the-ear hearing aids
What characterizes in-the-ear hearing aids?
Comfort is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting hearing aids. Wearing hearing aids should never be uncomfortable.
Our hearing care experts are trained to help you find the most comfortable hearing aids for you. We will ensure that you are satisfied and that you find the best hearing aids for your needs.
As hearing aid technology advances, the sound experience become more natual and provides better clarity and reduces your listening effort.
Different levels of technology means you and your clinician can find an optimal option taking into account your lifestyle and budget.
Some feature options include:
360-degree sound experience:
Rather than directional microphones that assume you want to hear from just the front, a "360-degree sound" experience provides you balanced sound from all directions
Oticon BrainHearing™
This technology is based on the fact that we hear through our brains, and our ears are merely responsible for picking up the soundwaves. BrainHearing™ by Oticon supports the brain’s natural process of making sense of sound by allowing the brain to hear in the most natural way possible, thereby reducing fatigue. BrainHearing™ technology provides the following benefits: open access to all speakers, background noise reduction, speech clarity, sound localization for improving focus, and personalized programming settings.
Feedback reduction
Feedback (which is often experienced as a whistling sound) can occur when acoustic signals escape the ear canal and hit the microphone on the hearing aid, producing a whistling sound. However, feedback in modern hearing aids is much less common due to new technology supporting the prevention of the feedback sound.
Tinnitus support
Many of those with hearing loss also experience symptoms of tinnitus. Recent technology allows users to listen to relief sounds through their hearing aids which help to sooth and decrease the annoyance of tinnitus.
Oticon offers a specific program called Tinnitus SoundSupport™. You can also choose to simply stream your favorite sounds from your smartphone into your hearing aids as a way to relieve tinnitus symptoms.
Learn to get relief from tinnitus:
Device connectivity
Another popular feature is connecting your hearing aids to mobile phones or tablets so that phone conversations, music, or video calls can be heard directly through the hearing aids. This allows you to experience clear, high quality sounds. It is also possible to connect your hearing aids to your television. You can then customize the volume of the program so that it can be as loud (or as quiet) as you want; meanwhile, your family members can enjoy the TV at their own volume of choice.
Rechargeable batteries
Some modern hearing aids can be powered by rechargeable batteries. 3 hours of charge will provide a full day of power (including the power needed for wireless connections and streaming).
Rechargeable batteries are economical in the long-term and typically only require replacement every 3-5 years.
Learn more about hearing aids with rechargeable batteries:
Factor 5 - Lifestyle
Whether you enjoy spending time at home or out of the house at restaurants or social events, the best hearing aid for you will be one that matches your level of social engagement. The more active you are socially, the more “advanced features” you may want to look out for, and the less socially engaged you are, the more basic your hearing aids may be.
When considering which type of hearing aid will best fit into your lifestyle, your clinician will most likely ask you about the activities you enjoy in your everyday life. It can be beneficial to explain to your clinician which situations you look forward to hearing better in so that they can help you find the best hearing aid solution for your needs.
Hearing aids can improve your quality of life, and because everyone’s hobbies and social preferences are unique, it is a good idea to have this lifestyle discussion with your clinician so that you can find the hearing aid that will help you get the most out of your everyday life.
Factor 6 - Price and quality
The price of your hearing aid depends on the technology and the benefits you are hoping to enjoy from your new hearing aid.
The benefits of hearing aid technology can provide better clarity, reduced listening effort, less distracting noise and more natural sound.
Different funding and financing options are available in clinic to ensure you can get the hearing aid you need.
Step 3. Book a FREE* Hearing Check
It's important to have your hearing tested regularly, booking a FREE* Hearing Check today.
Here are a few reasons why you should book your free hearing check with us today:
The above examples may be signs that your hearing has changed and you may have a hearing loss. If you suspect that you have a hearing loss, it is a good idea to book a FREE* Hearing Check. You can be assured that if a loss is detected, Audika’s audiologists or audiometrists will be able to provide specific and tailored advice, as we know hearing loss if often gradual and it can be difficult for yourself to notice that your hearing has changed. That's why it is advisable to have your hearing tested regularly.
Buy with confidence with a 60-day change of mind return period, and for all Oticon, Sonic and Bernafon hearing aids a 12-month hearing aid loss and damage cover and 4-year hearing aid warranty - all part of the Audika Advantage2.
1Additional accessories may be required
2Click here for Audika Advantage terms and conditions.
