A hearing test can reveal if a client is suffering from some form of hearing loss, and a Hearing Practitioner will determine if hearing aids are the best. If hearing loss affects both ears, then two hearing aids are always recommended. This ensures better and improved speech clarity, the ability to localize sounds, and a better sense of balance for the patient.

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles, level of technology, flexibility, and effectiveness within a noisy environment. Prices depend on the level of technology recommended for each individual’s lifestyle.

The type of hearing aid is based on the degree of hearing loss, the anatomy of the ear, and the client’s preference. The level of technology and features vary among hearing aids, as they are designed to meet the unique needs and lifestyle of each client. Once selected, the hearing aids are then prepared for a client with care by a Hearing Practitioner at a ‘fitting’ session. This ensures the shape, style and settings are suited to the individual.

      Benefits of Hearing Aids:

• Hearing aids enhance sound quality.
• They increase the ability to locate sounds (localization).
• They improve the ability to UNDERSTAND speech.
• Hearing aids give a better sense of balance.
• Hearing aids can help slow cognitive decline in older adults, as seniors with hearing loss may likely to develop dementia over time than those with normal hearing.
• Most hearing aids today also offer a tinnitus therapy feature. This provides the ability to hear more natural environmental sounds, creating a “masking” effect by refocusing the brain on other sounds rather than on the tinnitus.

Based on your lifestyle, hearing loss and needs, you and your Hearing Practitioner will decide together which level of hearing aid technology is best suited for you. The more complex listening environments you are in, the better and more sophisticated hearing aid technology you will require.

Early detection and treatment of hearing loss can slow down the progression of hearing loss and help maintain brain health. That’s why it is recommended that everyone over the age of 60 should get a baseline hearing test. It can help you and your hearing health care practitioner monitor the changes in your hearing over time and detect problems early.