Digital Hearing Aids
Digital hearing aids
There are a lot of digital hearing aids on the market and it can be confusing for new or even existing buyers to know which hearing aid manufacturer is best. Now that older analogue hearing aids have been replaced by digital hearing aids the performance, style and functionality has improved markedly. First time hearing aid users can now be reassured to know that the latest digital hearing aids are small, lightweight and almost invisible hearing aids. There are so many different hearing aid styles to choose from in the ear which places the entire hearing aid into the ear canal and is fitted to the exact contours of the ear. BTE or behind the ear hearing aids are more traditional in design but can offer exceptional performance for more severe hearing loss. RITE receiver in the ear or open ear hearing aids are the latest in digital hearing aid technology that helps with a more comfortable hearing aid fit and great performance for mild to moderate hearing losses and perfect for the first time wearer. Oticon Dual, Oticon Epoq, Phonak Audeo Yes, Resound Dot are all examples of digital hearing aids that use receiver in the ear or open ear technology.
Digital hearing aids have developed so much in the last few years with many having the ability to communicate wirelessly with mobile phones, TV’s and computers as well as each other. Oticon hearing aids and Phonak hearing aids are considers leaders in the area of hearing aid binaural processing and hearing aid connectivity. Oticon produces a wide range of hearing aids that now employ Bluetooth connectivity to enable the hearing aids such as Oticon Epoq and Oticon Dual to connect with each other, mbile phones and personal communication assistants. Phonak Exelia, Phonak Versata, Certena and Audeo Yes are part of a growing family of Phonak hearing aids that utilize Bluetooth technology to help the hearing aids communicate with mobile phones and other electronic devices.
It is always best to seek professional independent hearing care advice when considering a new digital hearing aid. First see your GP but then look for an independent hearing care retailer who can offer impartial advice on all the latest digital hearing aids from manufacturers such as Phonak hearing aids, Oticon hearing aids, Resound hearing aids. Your GP may be able to refer you to the audiology department of your local hospital and put you on the waiting list for a hearing aid. The hearing aids available from the NHS are only BTE or behind the ear styles and will not offer the same level of technology as those that are available from private hearing aid dispensers but they will be free. There is a lot of information about digital hearing aids available from the RNID.
Always check to see if the hearing care professional can offer a free hearing test and free hearing aid demonstration.
