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 a few factors, such as the severity of your hearing loss, the type of hearing loss and your lifestyle. To help you out, here is a quick guide to the various styles of hearing aids offered by The Hearing Centre.
Hearing Aid Styles
Behind The Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aid models are hooked ever the top of the ear, sitting behind or on the top of the outer ear. These hearing aids are either connected to an ear tip or earmold via a tubing/thin wire which fits in the ear canal. BTE comes with various sizes to accommodate different features, user controls, battery types and degree of power. Larger behind-the-ear hearing aids generally have more power and are more suitable for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. Here are the different types of behind-the-ear hearing aids that are available.
- Behind-The-Ear (BTE) With Earmold
This behind-the-ear hearing aid is connected via a tube to a custom-made ear mold, which fits nicely in the outer ear just before the canal. The longer shape of the hearing aid body follows the contour behind the outer ear, with features such as program button and also volume control. While the traditional BTE hearing aid is the largest and more noticeable type of hearing aid, it is the most powerful hearing aid that amplifies well.
BTE hearing aids offer the best amplification, and they can be used to fit individuals with mild to severe, and even profound hearing loss. They are usually recommended for children and those with active middle ear discharge, as the ear molds can be easily replaced.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aid (left), Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aid (right)
- Completely-In-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid:
Completely-in-canal hearing aids is one of the smallest custom style of hearing aids available and are almost completely hidden from view. CIC hearing aids are discreet and less visible to others when worn, and it fits entirely within the ear canal of an individual. Similar to IIC hearing aids, these small hearing aids are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aid
Today, there are also more modern mini BTE hearing aid models, which are smaller and more discrete in nature. These receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids have a tiny, wired receiver that is connected to a soft tip, which sits in the ear canal instead of covering it. The speaker of the hearing aids is incorporated in the ear tip, instead of the main body of the hearing aid. These RIC hearing aids provide a natural, open feeling as airflow and sounds enter the ear naturally and are suitable for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss.
In The Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
These models of hearing aids are usually custom-made, and they fit nicely in an individual’s ear canal. An ear impression is usually taken to customize these ITE hearing aids based on one’s unique ear canal and shape. There are several styles of in the ear hearing aids, which are suitable for different severity of hearing loss. Here are the various types of hearing aids.
- Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aid
These invisible in canal hearing aids are the smallest and most discreet custom hearing aids available in the market, and they sit invisibly inside the ear canal. Due to its small size, IIC hearing aids are designed specifically for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Invisible-In-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aid
- Completely-In-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid
Completely-in-canal hearing aids is one of the smallest custom style of hearing aids available and are almost completely hidden from view. CIC hearing aids are discreet and less visible to others when worn, and it fits entirely within the ear canal of an individual. Similar to IIC hearing aids, these small hearing aids are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
In-The-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aid (left), Completely-In-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid (right)
- In-The-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aid
An in-the-canal hearing aid is comfortable and easy to use as it sits in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl. With its size larger than IIC and CIC hearing aids, it requires a larger battery, giving it a longer battery life. The size of the hearing aids allows for additional features, such as directional microphones for better speech understanding in noisy environments. Some ITC hearing aids also have buttons for volume controls. These ITC hearing aids are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
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.
- In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aid
Housed in a plastic casing, an in-the-ear hearing aid fits completely in the outer ear bowl. With its large outer surface area, ITE hearing aid allows for maximum features and controls on the hearing aid body, such as directional microphones and buttons for volume control. These in-the-ear hearing aids also require the use of a larger battery, therefore allowing for a longer battery lifespan. The large size of the hearing aids also allows for a larger receiver to be fitted in the hearing aid body, providing enough power to amplify sounds for individuals with more severe hearing impairment. These ITE hearing aids are suitable for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss.
In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aid
Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)
A Bone Anchored Hearing Aid is a hearing device that is an alternative to a regular hearing aids. It transfers sound by bone vibration directly to the cochlea, thus bypassing the outer and middle ear completely. BAHA relies on a working cochlea as it stimulates the cochlea via the vibration of the bone, sending sound information directly to the brain.
There are two parts to a bone conduction hearing aid: an external part (sound processor) that will be worn by the patient, and a surgically implanted fixture placed in the patient’s skull, in the bone behind the ear. There are two types of bone conduction implant: the first is a fixture that protrudes through the skin so that the external sound processor can be attached onto it; the second is implanted under the skin, with the external sound processor attached via a small magnet.
These bone conduction hearing aids are recommended for those who have problems in their outer or middle ear, for those 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.
Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)
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
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
Get the best hearing aids from The Hearing Centre.
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