Hearing aids

A guide to better hearing

Modern technology has succeeded in overcoming numerous challenges that affect our quality of life. Hearing aids are a prime example of such breakthroughs, which have improved the lives of millions of people worldwide. Hearing aids are devices designed to help people suffering from various forms of hearing loss. These devices significantly improve the ability to hear sounds and speech, thereby facilitating communication and interaction with the world around us.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the world of hearing aids, including the different types of hearing systems, how they work, and the benefits they offer in improving hearing and overall quality of life.

What types of hearing aids are available?

There is a wide variety of hearing aid types and designs from different manufacturers, each tailored to specific needs and situations. These include requirements relating to the degree of hearing loss, different lifestyles and the individual preferences of users:

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

BTE hearing aids are designed to be positioned behind the ear. From there, they transmit sound signals directly into the ear canal. This type of hearing aid is often the preferred choice for people facing severe hearing loss. They offer high performance and are capable of compensating for a wide range of hearing losses. Although they may be less aesthetically pleasing to some users due to their size and visibility, they are generally easier to use, particularly for people with limited manual dexterity.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

Unlike BTE devices, ITE hearing aids are smaller and are placed directly in the outer ear canal or in the ear cup. They are more discreet than their BTE counterparts and are often preferred by people who want a less conspicuous hearing aid. ITE hearing aids are well suited to people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They also offer a more natural sound quality, as they pick up sound directly in the ear. However, their small size and positioning in the ear can make maintenance and cleaning slightly more challenging.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

ITC hearing aids are even smaller than ITE devices and are inserted directly into the ear canal. Due to their position, they are almost invisible and are therefore particularly popular with users who place great importance on discretion. Furthermore, due to their proximity to the eardrum, they offer a natural listening experience as they utilise the body’s own ability to localise sound. It should be noted, however, that due to their small size and the fact that they are positioned deep within the ear canal, these devices are not suitable for every type of hearing loss and require regular professional maintenance.

Cochlear implants

For people for whom conventional hearing aids are insufficient because they suffer from very severe hearing loss or deafness, cochlear implants may be a suitable option. A cochlear implant is an electronic medical device that replaces the function of the damaged inner ear to send sound signals directly to the auditory nerve.

This device consists of two parts: an external part worn behind the ear that picks up sound signals, and an internal part surgically implanted in the ear that converts these sound signals into electrical impulses. These impulses are then transmitted to the auditory nerve, which relays them to the brain, where they are perceived as sound.

Cochlear implants can help to significantly improve speech intelligibility and can even enable people who are completely deaf to perceive sounds again. However, they require surgery and intensive aftercare and rehabilitation to train hearing and speech comprehension. Therefore, they are generally only used in cases where conventional hearing aids are insufficient or ineffective.

How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids pick up sound signals with a microphone, amplify these signals with a speaker and then direct them into the ear canal. Sounds and speech are transmitted directly into the ear canal via an ear mould, also known as an earpiece or sound tube, to improve the clarity and intelligibility of speech. However, this description is rather simplified. In fact, the way hearing aids work involves much more complex technology, including individual adjustments and special features tailored to the user’s specific hearing needs.

The process begins when the hearing aid’s microphone picks up sound waves from the environment. This sound can include speech, music, background noise and all kinds of sounds that we perceive in our daily lives. This captured acoustic signal is then converted into a digital signal.

The next step takes place in the part of the hearing aid known as the amplifier. Here, the digital signal is amplified, i.e. made louder, before it reaches the speaker. In modern digital hearing aids, however, the amplifier can not only make the signal louder, but also specifically boost certain frequencies that the user has difficulty hearing, whilst reducing the amplification of other frequencies that the user hears more clearly. This allows the hearing aid to be individually tailored to the user’s specific hearing profile.

Another key component of modern hearing systems is the digital signal processor (DSP). This can modify the digital signal in a variety of ways to improve sound quality and reduce background noise. This may include techniques such as noise reduction, feedback suppression or directional microphone technologies.

Once the signal has been processed and amplified, it is converted back into sound waves by the hearing aid’s speaker and transmitted via the earpiece into the ear canal. There, it is perceived as sound by the eardrum and transmitted to the brain, where it is interpreted as information.

What features do modern hearing aids offer?

Modern hearing aids are no longer just simple sound amplifiers. They are now sophisticated, intelligent devices equipped with a range of additional features designed to offer users an enhanced listening experience and added comfort. Among the advanced features you can find in modern hearing aids are:

Bluetooth connectivity:
Many of the latest hearing aids offer the ability to connect wirelessly to other devices, such as your smartphone. This Bluetooth connection not only allows you to take phone calls directly through your hearing aid and listen to high-quality music, but also to access a wide range of apps. These apps can help you customise your hearing aid settings, switch between hearing programmes, or even track your hearing data to optimise your hearing performance.

Rechargeable batteries:
In the past, hearing aids often required the regular replacement of small batteries. Now, many models feature built-in, rechargeable batteries. These can be conveniently charged overnight, ensuring you have consistent and reliable performance throughout the day without having to worry about changing the battery. This is not only more environmentally friendly, but also more practical and cost-effective for users.

Hearing protection:
Some advanced hearing aids have special features designed to protect your remaining hearing. They can automatically attenuate very loud noises to protect your ears from potential damage. At the same time, they can amplify very soft sounds to provide you with a balanced listening experience. This type of dynamic sound adjustment allows you to hear clearly in both quiet and noisy environments.

Fall detectors:
Safety features such as fall detectors are built into some of the latest hearing aid models. These devices can detect when you fall and automatically send an alert to a pre-set contact. This provides additional safety and peace of mind, particularly for older people or those with limited mobility.

Tinnitus maskers:
For people suffering from tinnitus, hearing aids with built-in tinnitus maskers can be a great help. This feature generates a soothing, neutral sound that can mask the annoying ringing or buzzing of tinnitus. This can help reduce the impact of tinnitus on quality of life and promote concentration and relaxation.

In addition to hearing aids, there are other specialised hearing aids, assistive devices and technology for the hard of hearing that create an improved listening experience, particularly when used in conjunction with hearing aids. These include the OSKAR TV hearing amplifier from faller audio.

Whilst hearing aids amplify everything when watching TV - including both speech and background noise - the portable TV speaker enhances the TV sound whilst filtering out distracting noises. This means that dialogue and speech on TV can be heard clearly and distinctly, even with a hearing aid.

How do I choose the right hearing aid?

As hearing aids are bespoke solutions for individual hearing problems, a comprehensive and detailed consultation with a hearing care professional is essential. When choosing the right hearing aid, several factors should be taken into account that go far beyond mere technical functionality. These include:

The degree of hearing loss:

This is a crucial factor when selecting a hearing aid. Mild hearing loss requires a different type of support than moderate or severe hearing loss. Your hearing care professional will be able to carry out a thorough hearing test to determine the degree and type of your hearing loss. Based on this information, you can work together to select the most suitable hearing aid.

Your lifestyle:

Different lifestyles require different hearing aids. Are you often in noisy environments? Do you regularly attend social events? Or do you prefer to spend quiet days at home? All these factors can influence which type of hearing aid is best suited to you.

Your manual dexterity:

Some hearing aids are smaller and more discreet, but require greater dexterity when inserting, removing and maintaining them. If you have problems with fine motor skills or limited mobility, a larger and easier-to-handle type of hearing aid might be more suitable for you.

Your budget:

Hearing aids are available in a wide range of price points, from basic models to state-of-the-art premium devices. It is important to find a hearing aid that suits both your budget and your hearing needs. Potential funding options, such as through your health insurance, may also play a role.

Your aesthetic preferences:

Although functionality comes first, the appearance of the hearing aid can be a decisive factor for many people. Some prefer a small, barely visible device, whilst others may feel more comfortable with a visible model. Here too, your personal preferences should be taken into account when making your decision.

How much do hearing aids cost and does health insurance cover the costs?

The cost of hearing aids can vary greatly, depending on the specific features and technology built into each device. There are simple, basic models available for a few hundred euros. At the other end of the spectrum are high-end devices with advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity, background noise cancellation, artificial intelligence and other technologies, which can often cost several thousand euros.

Most statutory health insurance providers in Germany cover a fixed amount for hearing aids, which helps to offset the costs. However, this fixed amount may vary depending on individual needs and the specific hearing loss. Furthermore, some private health insurance providers may cover a larger proportion of the costs or even cover the full cost of high-quality devices.

It is important to note that many hearing aids are available to insured persons at no cost. This means that insured persons do not bear any direct costs, as the health insurance provider covers the majority of the costs. However, a co-payment may be required if the selected hearing aid goes beyond basic functions and offers additional features not covered by the health insurance provider.

Where can you buy a hearing aid?

You can purchase hearing aids from a hearing aid specialist. These experts carry out hearing tests, advise you on choosing the right device and fit it to your ear and your hearing needs.