Hearing Aids
Academic Hearing Aids is a company set up in order to train Melbourne University Audiology students on all aspects of hearing aid fitting.
Hearing aids can help virtually anybody with a hearing loss, even though they cannot restore normal hearing.
This page provides general information about the types of hearing aids available and some of their features.
Hearing Aids: what are they?
All hearing aids have a:
- Microphone (this picks up sounds)
- Amplifier (this is to make the sounds louder)
- Receiver (like a miniature loudspeaker, this sends the amplified sounds to the ear)
- Battery (to power the microphone, amplifier and receiver)
There are several styles of hearing aids that are most commonly available. These are:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids sit behind the ear, with a plastic earmoulds sitting in the person’s ear (taking the sound to their ear canal). BTE aids are capable of being extremely powerful, if required. These hearing aids come in a range of colours (eg hair colour, skin colour or bright colour). These hearing aids are very reliable.
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids sit in the outer part of the ear. These are generally matched to skin colour.
- Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids sit in the ear canal. Because of their small size, switches etc are kept to a minimum.
Hearing Aids: Getting Used To Them
Because hearing aids amplify those sounds you have been unable to hear well (often for at least several years), it usually takes some time to adjust to the way things sound with the hearing aid. By attending the Hearing Aid Clinic for a number of follow-up appointments after you obtain your hearing aid, you will be able to discuss your experiences with the Audiologist. As a result of these discussions, minor adjustments are often made to the hearing aid settings during those first few weeks and months. At Academic Hearing Aids, we expect this to be the case, and are very happy to see you for this follow-up. (This does not cost any extra!)Obtaining a hearing aid
Hearing aids can help virtually anybody with a hearing loss, even though they cannot restore normal hearing. When you decide to obtain hearing aids from Academic Hearing Aids a number of appointments will be made.The first appointment is an interview to discuss hearing aids and decide on the type of hearing aid(s) you wish to obtain, and the particular features you would like. Consideration is given to the nature of your hearing loss, physical characteristics of your ears, manual dexterity, personal preferences and the cost of the hearing aid(s). Impression/s are taken of your ear/s for the manufacture of your hearing aid(s).
The second appointment occurs two weeks later. The hearing aid(s) are ready to be given to you. Your Audiologist checks the fitting, ensures the amplification is appropriate and instructs you in the use of the hearing aid(s). You pay for the hearing aid(s) and take them with you.
The third appointment takes place approximately two weeks later. This is an interview to discuss your experiences with the hearing aid(s) in your everyday life. Adjustments to the hearing aid(s) may be made in view of your comments.
A fourth appointment is often required to determine whether any further adjustments are required. Subsequent appointments are organised as/if required. Sometimes it takes a longer period for a client to become a successful hearing aid user. Alternatively, sometimes a decision is made to try a different hearing aid (with the original hearing aid returned within the trial period).
All hearing aid appointments are included in the initial cost of the hearing aid(s).
Clients attending the hearing aid clinic may also benefit from attending rehabilitation classes or by obtaining specific devices (eg for the telephone, TV, etc). These are discussed during the hearing aid fitting process.
You are encouraged to bring a family member or friend to the hearing aid appointments.
For further information and appointments please contact:
Academic Hearing Aids
172 Victoria Parade
East Melbourne 3002
Telephone: 9929 8740
Fax: 9662 3312
Date Created: Thursday February 19 2004
Last Updated: Tuesday February 24 2004
Maintainer: Webmaster, The Bionic Ear Institute
Email: webmaster@bionicear.org
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