Receiving a hearing impairment diagnosis is life-changing – even for those who have long suspected they had serious auditory issues. For most, the hardest part is adjusting to their new reality. From the sheer number of hearing aid devices on the market to the countless brands, features and technologies that differentiate each, there is so much information to sift through before making an investment.

There aren’t many certainties when it comes to hearing loss, but one thing is for sure: the nature of the condition will determine the best remedy. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. Some diagnoses require surgical intervention, while others will benefit from hearing aids alone. Those diagnosed with profound hearing loss may be better
suited to a cochlear implant. (1)

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of permanent hearing impairment and is caused by damage to inner ear structures or the auditory nerve. Due to its prevalence, many assistive technologies have been developed specifically to restore hearing for sensorineural sufferers. (2)

If you’ve been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing impairment, there are likely hundreds of devices on the market that may be suitable for you. On the contrary, if you suffer from a more niche aural issue, such as auditory neuropathy – whereby the inner ear struggles to send sound to the brain – you’ll likely need a specialised aid. Speak to your audiologist for advice relevant to your condition. (3)

Choosing a hearing aid doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re in the midst of researching devices, the following key pieces of advice will help you to determine which product is best for your needs.

1.Your hearing requirements

Before selecting a top-of-the-line device based on looks and features alone, it’s crucial you take the time to discuss your hearing difficulties with your audiologist so they can assess your condition and recommend suitable treatment options. Most importantly, your specialist will set reasonable expectations as to the level of improvement you can expect to gain.

Many hearing devices are designed to combat specific symptoms – such as tinnitus – so there’s no use investing in a product that may not suit your needs.

2.Features and technology

Modern hearing aids are far more than sound amplification tools. While this remains their core role, many devices on the market boast advanced features far beyond what many users expect. These include things like rechargeability – rather than battery power – smartphone connectivity, extended life and wind noise reduction.

Your specific hearing needs will likely dictate the features your device will be equipped with. So, it’s a good idea to discuss your diagnosis with your audiologist and make a list of the most beneficial technologies for your requirements

3.Budget

Cost is, unsurprisingly, one of the biggest prohibiting factors in obtaining treatment for hearing loss. Most hearing aids range from AU$1,000 to more than $6,000 each, depending on the sophistication. That’s a significant sum for most, but when you consider that devices often have to be updated every few years, it’s even more substantial.

Data analysis in the United States has shown that ownership of hearing aids is lowest among financially disadvantaged populations, with many specifically signaling prices as major obstacles. (4) (5)

Thankfully, in Australia, there are tax and private health fund rebates available, along with financial assistance for pensioners and veterans. Many audiology clinics also offer payment plans. For more information and eligibility, read our pricing page.

4.Hearing aid type

Once you’ve picked a device that’s both affordable and suitable, the next step is to choose a style. There are three main types of hearing aids: daily wear in-the-ear (ITE), daily wear behind-the-ear (BTE) and extended wear. Each has its pros and cons and comes in an array of styles.

Daily wear ITEs are very small devices, fitting snugly into the ear or ear canal. They’re typically recommended for mild to moderate hearing loss. The second type – daily wear BTEs – are the ones you’ll probably recognise. They wrap around the outside of the ear, with a tube directing sound inside. Extended wear hearing aids like the Lyric Invisible Hearing Aid are the most versatile, as they can be left in during all sorts of activities, from showering to exercising and wearing headphones. Take some time to consider which type will best accommodate your lifestyle.

5.Aesthetics

Both technology and medical understanding of the ear have improved exponentially over the last few decades. Say goodbye to the bulky, old-fashioned hearing devices of yesteryear. Today, you can select a hearing aid that looks sleek without blowing your budget.

Invisible in the canal (IIC) and completely in the canal (CIC) devices are the most visually appealing choices, as they’re practically undetectable from the outside. However, BTE devices are just as stylish these days and can be custom-made to match the users skin tone, style or hair colour. ​
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For more advice on how to select a suitable hearing aid, click here.

Key References 

1.“Effectiveness of Cochlear Implants in Adults with Sensorineural Hearing Loss,” NCBI. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285762/

2.“About Hearing Loss,” Deafness Foundation. Source:
https://www.deafness.org.au/about-hearing-loss#:~:text=Sensorineural%20hearing%20loss%20is%20the%20most%20common%20type%20of%20permanent%20hearing%20loss

3.“Auditory Neuropathy,” National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Source:
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/auditory-neuropathy

4.“Opening the Market for Lower Cost Hearing Aids: Regulatory Change Can Improve the Health of Older Americans,” NCBI. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC488023/#bib9

5.“Determinants of Hearing Aid Acquisition in Older Adults,” AJPH. Source: https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2010.300078
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Acknowledging the deterioration of your hearing is a tough thing to grapple with. For some, it conjures feelings of shame and embarrassment – as if it’s a sign of weakness or ageing. These emotions are natural, of course, but completely unfounded. In fact, hearing loss is an oft-misunderstood condition, despite its prevalence.

These days, there’s no need to accept the condition as a permanent sentence. Advances in technology and scientific understanding of the human ear have culminated in hearing devices that have completely transformed the lives of sufferers. A 2007 study published in medical journal Hippokratia, found that 80% of participants with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss reported “significant benefit[s] from hearing aid use.” Their findings demonstrated a clear trend between patients with bilateral hearing loss who use binaural hearing aids and a higher quality of life. 

So, how can a small, in-ear device change a person’s life for the better? Here are six of the most significant ways:

1. Strengthens relationships

One of the most common by-products of hearing loss is social isolation. Without the ability to communicate freely and easily, affected people can begin to feel detached from their loved ones. It may start small, like missing parts of a conversation or struggling to chat on the phone. But over time, these feelings of frustration can cause sufferers to withdraw from social interaction and snowball into significant mental health problems like depression.

Hearing aids work to fill these crucial gaps in communication, facilitating stronger relationships between those with hearing impairment and the people around them.

2. Improves cognitive function

Research into the impact of hearing loss on brain function is ongoing, but studies have demonstrated an undeniable correlation. In 2017, a collection of cohort studies into hearing loss was analysed, whereby participants with either mild cognitive impairment or alzheimers were examined by scientists. This meta-analysis of over 15,000 patients found that hearing impairment was associated with a greater risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. A number of factors are thought to impact the onset of these conditions in those with hearing loss, but three of the most prevalent theories include: brain cell shrinkage from lack of stimulation, social isolation leading to less brain stimuli and heavy cognitive load due to a constant strain to understand speech and sound. 

The use of hearing aids essentially addresses all of these potential causes of mental impairment; they stimulate your mind, enable interaction with others and take some of the cognitive strain off your brain.

3. Bolsters financial independence

The impacts of hearing loss on a person’s life can be far-reaching. A key area which is commonly overlooked is earning potential. The inability to hear well and communicate effectively can lead individuals to retire prematurely, miss out on career growth opportunities, have their income restricted or even become excluded from the workforce entirely. A 2006 report by Access Economics supports this conclusion; in Australia, the rate of employment for those with hearing loss was 11% lower than the general population. 

The good news? Many with hearing difficulties can be aided by hearing devices, thereby allowing them to participate in the workforce and gain – or retain – financial independence.

4. Enhances safety and wellbeing

Hearing, much like health in general, is incredibly easy to take for granted. For most people, it’s not until they begin to experience difficulties that they typically grasp how important the sense is in their daily life. Without the ability to hear everyday hazards, from speeding cars to fire alarms, your personal safety could be at risk. You’re also far less likely to be able to reliably identify where danger is coming from.

While hearing aids aren’t miracle devices, they can typically enhance a wearer’s hearing to the point of perceiving danger, therefore improving their personal safety.

5. Contributes to ongoing physical health

In some instances, such as exposure to loud sounds, hearing impairment is simply a by-product of circumstances. But in many cases, it’s either a signal of other morbidities – such as diabetes – or the cause of further complications like depression, anxiety and heart disease. So, whether minor or severe, a loss of hearing should never be ignored.

6. Complements lifestyle choices

Do the words ‘hearing aid’ trigger images of your grandparent’s bulky ear piece that used to emit high-pitched feedback at random intervals? Thankfully, technology has come a long way over the last several decades. Just like televisions keep getting clearer and phones become smarter, hearing aids have evolved with the times, too.

Modern hearing aids are sleek and practical, enabling wearers to live active lives. Some are practically invisible, sitting right inside the ear like an earbud. The only thing that changes when you invest in your aural health is your ability to hear.