Hearing Aids by The Hearing Centre Singapore

Hearing Aid Guide

A hearing aid is a small electronic device that helps those with hearing loss and the partially deaf hear more clearly by amplifying sound waves. If you are experiencing hearing loss such that you have difficulty picking up moderate noises, such as a normal conversation, it might be time to consider a hearing aid. There are different types of hearing aids which can either be worn on the ear or within the ear itself, and you can get them from hearing aid specialists like The Hearing Centre.

When choosing a hearing aid, you will first have to visit an audiologist to get your ears assessed. While they all serve the same purpose, the type of hearing aid that is recommended to you would depend on your lifestyle. To help you out, here is a quick guide to the various hearing aids offered by The Hearing Centre.

Hearing Aid Styles

● Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aid:

A behind-the-ear hearing aid is hooked over the top of the ear and rests behind it. This is connected via a tube to a custom-made piece, moulded to fit the outer ear just before the canal. While the traditional BTE hearing aid is the largest and most noticeable type of hearing aid, it amplifies well.

Today, there are also more modern mini BTE hearing aid models, which are more discrete in nature with a tiny wired receiver plugged into the ear canal instead of covering it. These may also be referred to as receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids.

BTE hearing aids offer the best amplification, which makes them suitable for those with severe hearing loss. They are usually recommended for children, as the ear moulds can be easily replaced as they grow.

● In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aid:

Housed in a plastic casing, an in-the-ear hearing aid fits completely in the outer part of the ear. Some ITE hearing aids come with telecoils – a magnetic coil circuitry for the wearer to receive sounds instead of via a microphone. This allows one to hear phone conversations more clearly, especially suitable for those who are required to make frequent phone calls as part of their jobs.

● In-The-Canal (ITC) and Completely-In-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid:

An in-the-canal hearing aid is designed to fit a person’s unique ear canal shape and is relatively more discrete compared to other styles of hearing aids. Completely-in-canal hearing aids are similar and are almost completely hidden from view.

Since they are fitted within the ear canal, ITC and CIC hearing aids are suitable for those with active lifestyles, as they will not get in the way or be subjected to sweat during exercise. However, due to their small size, the amplification is not as powerful, so they are best for those with mild or moderate hearing loss.

● Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA):

A Bone Anchored Hearing Aid is surgically implanted into the side of the patient’s skull. Instead of using air conduction to transmit sound waves, a BAHA stimulates the cochlea via vibrations of the bone, thus bypassing the ear completely. The patient will also be required to wear a sound processor which connects to the implant.

This surgical hearing aid is recommended for those who are prone to ear infections or have ear deformities such that other forms of hearing aids cannot be fitted. It is suitable for those who have profound hearing loss in one ear, with normal or near-normal hearing in the other.

Best Hearing Aid Brands

Phonak
● Receiver-in-canal hearing aids from Switzerland
● With built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery options
● Compact portable charging cases
● A reliable pick for both first-time and seasoned users

Signia
● Some of the smallest but most powerful hearing aids
● Discrete, barely noticeable
● Suitable for people with active lifestyles

Resound
● Hearing aids compatible with iPhones and Apple devices
● Natural hearing experience
● Perfect for tech-savvy individuals who enjoy the convenience
of having connectivity across devices
Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)

Starkey
● Small, in-canal hearing aids that won’t get tangled
● Speech audibility boost with just a tap
● Suitable for wearing with masks
● Great for career persons who have to meet people often on
the job

Additional Hearing Aid Features

Other than allowing those with hearing loss to hear better, hearing aids can have additional features such as volume control, which will be useful in different environments.

Today, many modern hearing aids come with Bluetooth capabilities, which allows wearers to connect them to their smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and other tech devices. Music streaming is also possible, with the hearing aid doubling up as wireless earphones.

The Hearing Centre – Best Hearing Aids in Singapore

If you are searching for the best hearing aids in Singapore, look to The Hearing Centre. We are a pioneer in providing the top-quality hearing aids to the hearing impaired for over 17 years and counting. Our experienced team provides a full suite of hearing-related services from consultation, to assessment, hearing aid fitting, and post-care, all tailored to your individual needs.

We provide customers with the best hearing aids at most affordable prices and are proud to operate with high standards of integrity.

Hearing Aid FAQs:

1. How much does a hearing aid cost?
The price of a hearing aid roughly varies from $800 to $6000 per side, depending on style and technology used. This includes the cost of consultation, fittings, and any hearing examinations required.

2. How long does a hearing aid last?
Usually, hearing aids last between 3 to 7 years, depending on brand and heaviness of usage. In between, maintenance such as replacement of batteries or minor repairs might be required.

3. Which hearing aid types should I use?
This depends on your individual needs, factoring in lifestyle, age, and the severity of hearing loss. A consultation with a medical expert will give you a better idea of which hearing aid styles to consider.

4. Can a hearing aid cure hearing loss?
A hearing aid simply helps the deaf and partially deaf hear better by amplifying sounds. It cannot cure, reverse, or slow down deafness, but can certainly improve quality of life.

5. What will I need to get used to when wearing a hearing aid?
The way noises are amplified in different environments might sound slightly different from usual. Even your own voice may not sound the same, so you might need some time adjusting to these changes. You may experience slight discomfort from wearing the device at first, though a properly fitted one should feel reasonably comfortable after a while.

If your hearing aid has rechargeable batteries, you might have to set reminders to charge it before it becomes part of your daily routine.

6. Will a hearing aid affect my hearing abilities?
No, when properly prescribed and fitted, a hearing aid should not further damage your present state of hearing. Visit a proper audiologist for an accurate assessment of your needs if you are experiencing hearing loss.

The Hearing Centre Reviews

“I really thank Ms Fu from The Hearing Centre for helping me to hear again.”
– Mdm Thong

“I went to The Hearing Centre and met up with Ms Brenda Fu, who recommended this pair of Phonak hearing aids. After wearing the hearing aid, my son has had great improvement…when we talk to him now, his response and attention has improved a lot. Thank you!”
– Father of Yang JX