Hearing Aids
Your sense of hearing keeps you alert to the world around you and unlocks so much of what you love about life. At Freedom Hearing, our range of hearing aids for pensioners and people over 50 years of age, help you to stay connected to the people you care about most.
Why Hearing Aids Help
Hearing aids combine a microphone, amplifier, and receiver/speaker to help you hear sound.
The microphone receives sound waves and converts them into electrical signals. An amplifier strengthens those signals before sending them to your ear. Finally, the receiver/speaker converts the electrical signal back into sound, which it transmits down your ear canal.
Don’t underestimate the quality of life benefits they deliver.
With hearing aids, you renew your sense of independence and feel safer in the world around you.
Plus, hearing aids help to preserve your cognitive functions and aid in maintaining balance and concentration.
When Do You Need Hearing Aids?
There are several signs to look out for that may suggest you need hearing aids:
Experiencing any of these signs?
Freedom Hearing has several models of hearing aids that may benefit you.
We can also connect you to funding options that make it easier to overcome your hearing loss. Book an appointment to see one of our audiologists. Our team helps people choose hearing aids, Australia-wide.
The History of Hearing Aids
The history of hearing aids is fascinating. We can trace the first device back to the late 19th century:
1898
Miller Reese Hutchison invents the first electric hearing aid, which uses an electric current to amplify weak audio signals.
1913
The first commercial hearing aids are released to the public. Though effective, the devices are large and cumbersome.
1920s
Vacuum-tube hearing aids are invented. These devices transform speech into electrical signals, which the device amplifies.
1948
The transistor is invented. These devices replace vacuum tubes and aid in the miniaturisation of hearing aids.
1970s
Multi-channel amplitude compression and microprocessors come along. The latter enables the use of digital technology in hearing aids.
1980s
In the 1980s, Microcomputers and high-speed processors help to make hearing aids more effective.
1990s
The first all-digital hearing aid is invented.
2010s
Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids arrive
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Hearing Aids FAQs
It may be expensive and challenging to obtain insurance for hearing aids.
Hearing aids are pricey and challenging to insure.
They may only be used for 10 hours a day, but they may cost up to $10,000 which is a lot of money.
The average cost of a hearing aid is around $2,000, according to the Australian Hearing Services Association.
Depending on the kind of hearing loss you have and the features you want in your device, this price range can change.
There are several hearing aid brands and models that are considered to be the best in Australia. Some of the top brands include Starkey, Phonak, Oticon, Widex, and Resound.
It’s important to note that the best hearing aid for one person may not be the best for another, as everyone’s hearing loss and lifestyle needs are unique.
Therefore, it’s best to consult with an audiologist to determine the best hearing aid for your specific needs. They can help you find the best hearing aid for you and your budget.
In Australia, pensioners and veterans may be eligible for government-funded hearing services through the Hearing Services Program (HSP).
This program provides free hearing services, including hearing assessments and the supply of hearing aids, to eligible pensioners and veterans.
The hearing aids provided through the HSP are basic models, but they may also be able to upgrade with additional cost.
Other hearing aids are also available to eligible clients through the program. To be eligible for the program, pensioners and veterans must meet certain criteria.
It’s best to consult with one of our audiologists to see if you qualify for the program.
For those who suffer from hearing loss, hearing aids are essential.
The typical price of hearing aids varies according to the style, dimension, and features you require.
Whether you decide to purchase them online or in-person will also affect the pricing.
Hearing aid prices range from $2000 to $10,000.
The type of hearing aid and the features you want it to have to determine the price.
Hearing-impaired persons can enjoy listening to TV shows, seminars, and other audio content with the use of a remote microphone.
An integrated microphone in a hearing aid is not required.
The earphone socket on your hearing aid is the optimum place to place a remote microphone for use.
For hands-free operation, you may also secure the earphone cable to the remote microphone and wear it around your neck.
There are several different types of hearing aids available on the market, but the most popular types are:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids: These hearing aids sit behind the ear and have a small tube that connects to a custom-fit earmold or dome that sits inside the ear canal. BTE hearing aids are suitable for people with a wide range of hearing loss and are particularly well suited for children.
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids: These hearing aids are custom-made to fit in the ear canal, and are available in full-shell, half-shell, and in-the-canal (ITC) styles. ITE hearing aids are generally suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids: These are the smallest type of hearing aids available and are custom-made to fit deep in the ear canal. They are suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids: These hearing aids have a small wire that goes into the ear canal, ending with a speaker (receiver) which is responsible for sound amplification. RIC hearing aids are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
It’s important to note that the most popular type of hearing aid can vary depending on the population, the region, and the availability of technology. An audiologist will be able to help you determine the best type of hearing aid for your specific needs and hearing loss.
In Australia, the best-selling types of hearing aids can vary depending on the population and the region. However, based on market research and sales data, the following types of hearing aids are considered to be among the best-selling in Australia:
- Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids: These hearing aids are becoming increasingly popular in Australia due to their small size, open-fit design, and high-quality sound. They have a small wire that goes into the ear canal, ending with a speaker (receiver) which is responsible for sound amplification.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids: These hearing aids have been traditionally popular in Australia due to their versatility, and durability and are suitable for people with a wide range of hearing losses.
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids: These hearing aids are custom-made to fit in the ear canal and are suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
It’s important to note that these are not the only types of hearing aids available in the market and that the best type of hearing aid for you will depend on your specific needs and hearing loss. It’s always best to consult with an audiologist who can help you find the best hearing aid for you and your budget.
Comfort is a subjective factor and can vary depending on the individual. However, some types of hearing aids are generally considered to be more comfortable than others.
- Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids: These hearing aids are custom-made to fit deep in the ear canal, and are the smallest type of hearing aids available. They are virtually invisible and are less likely to cause discomfort or irritation.
- In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids: These hearing aids are similar to CICs in terms of size, but they do not fit as deeply in the ear canal. They are less visible than larger hearing aids and are also less likely to cause discomfort.
- Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids: These hearing aids are becoming increasingly popular due to their small size, open-fit design, and high-quality sound. They are less visible than larger hearing aids and are also less likely to cause discomfort.
It’s important to note that comfort can also depend on the fit of the hearing aid, so it’s best to consult with an audiologist to ensure the hearing aid is properly fitted and adjusted to your ear. Also, the constant use of the hearing aid can cause some discomfort, but this can be reduced by taking regular breaks, using an earmold and cleaning the hearing aid regularly.
The type of hearing aid that is least visible is called an “invisible-in-the-canal” (IIC) hearing aid. It is custom-made to fit deep in the ear canal and is virtually invisible when worn.
Other types of hearing aids that are less visible include “completely-in-the-canal” (CIC) and “in-the-canal” (ITC) hearing aids, which are also custom-made to fit in the ear canal but are slightly larger than IIC hearing aids.
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