Guide to Choosing Hearing Aids
Choosing the right hearing aid can be a complex process that requires careful consideration of several factors, especially for first-time hearing aid wearers. Here are the key steps and factors to consider when purchasing a hearing aid for the first time or even for someone in the market to replace hearing aids in New Zealand.
Hearing & Needs Assessment
To select the right hearing aid, it is essential to undergo a hearing test conducted by a qualified audiologist. This step enables the audiologist to determine the extent of your hearing loss and suggest the most suitable hearing solution for your needs.
Our audiologist will ask questions about your hearing requirements to ensure that the recommended hearing aid has the necessary features to support your listening needs.
Knowing about your lifestyle and daily activities plays a huge role in determining the type of hearing aid most suitable for you.
To learn more about the services we offer, click here
Hearing Aid - Funding
The next step after the assessment is determining which hearing aid funding you qualify for.
As a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder, you are entitled to hearing aid funding provided by the Ministry of Health.
Our audiologist will help you identify the most suitable funding option.
To learn more about hearing aid funding in New Zealand, click here
Hearing Aid - Style
There is a wide range of hearing aids available in different styles and sizes. The ideal hearing aid for you will depend on various factors, such as the size and shape of your ear canal, level of hearing loss, hand dexterity, and personal preferences.
The style of a hearing aid can greatly impact one's confidence in wearing it, but there may be limitations to consider.
Our audiologist will suggest a hearing aid style tailored to your needs. The style is determined by factors such as the configuration and severity of hearing loss, as well as the individual's lifestyle and comfort preferences. In some cases, it may be necessary to find a balance between the desired style and the level of hearing improvement needed.
Some questions to ask:
Is the hearing aid style suitable for my hearing loss?
What is the battery life on this hearing aid vs another style?
Is hearing aid maintenance different depending on style?
Hearing Aid - Features
Many hearing aids come with advanced features to increase clarity of speech and ease of use such as
Directionality - Modern hearing aids now have directional microphones that can focus on sounds coming from a specific direction. The focus can be decided automatically by hearing aids and some models will allow the users to choose using an app from a smartphones.
Noise reduction - Modern hearing aids have advanced noise reduction technology that can filter out background noise to enhance speech clarity. The efficiency of the noise reduction can differ depending on the technology of the hearing aids.
Bluetooth Connectivity - Modern hearing aids can connect to smartphones and other electronic devices through accessories. This allows the users to stream music, phone calls, and other audio directly to hearing aids.
Rechargeability - Modern hearing aids have rechargeable battery options that can be charged overnight.
Artificial intelligence - Modern hearing aids are equipped with artificial intelligence that can learn the wearer’s preferences and adjust the settings automatically based on their environment and listening needs.
Hearing Aid - Trial Period
Given the cost of the hearing aids it’s very important to choose a hearing aid that comes with a trial period to evaluate the hearing aid’s performance in various listening environments and activities
At Natural Hearing, we offer 6 weeks of obligation-free trial to ensure the chosen hearing aids are comfortable, effective and meet your hearing needs.
The trial period includes a fitting appointment and follow-up appointments to ensure the hearing aid settings are set optimally for the best possible outcome.
