Modern Hearing Aids
Not all hearing aids are created equal. No set of hearing aids will suit every person with hearing loss.
Your Able Hearing audiologist is the best person to give you unbiased advice about the best hearing instrument option, following a thorough diagnostic assessment of your hearing and an in-depth discussion of your hearing needs. However, it is wise to be informed about available options for the best possible hearing outcome.
We believe that every person looking to improve hearing would like to see their hearing aids to be
DISCREET, FIT FOR PURPOSE and SOPHISTICATED. We have developed a system based on these three simple principles to highlight the benefits various hearing instruments could deliver to you.
Discreet
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Recent improvements in hearing aid technology have meant that a wide range of hearing losses can be successfully fitted by cosmetically appealing hearing instruments... These may include a range of custom-fitted in the ear instruments such as CIC/IIC devices or discreet behind the ear options like RITE aids.
IIC/CIC Instruments
CIC and IIC devices are the smallest hearing aids available today. They sit deeply in the ear canal and dependant on your ear anatomy may be virtually invisible. These tiny instruments can be powerful as well as sophisticated, which means they can be fitted to large losses, whereas in the past much larger instruments were indicated.
RIC Instruments
Receiver in the ear (RITE) hearing instruments are the second smallest type of hearing instruments available today. These devices are highly versatile and comfortable. They feature advanced options such as Bluetooth wireless streaming, connecting you to a range of digital devices including mobile phones, MP3 players and TV wirelessly.
Fit for purpose
Fit for purpose to us is when hearing aid technology correctly addresses your hearing concerns to form a positive hearing experience and result in a significant improvement in communication.
We always consider the following factors to achieve a successful outcome.
1. hearing aid design
The instrument must conform to the shape of your ear and must be satisfactory to you in appearance
2. electroacoustic precision
The device must be accurately tuned by an experienced Able Hearing audiologist to ensure that every aspect of the technology enhances your listening experience.
3. type and degree of hearing loss
The device MUST have sufficient power reserves to be satisfactory at time of fitting and can be adjusted over time. A choice of style must be considered in reference to the type of loss you present with.
4. physical requirements and limitations
The hearing aid must be chosen with consideration to your ability to handle and manage the device. We recommend that patients with limited vision and dexterity choose instruments that are easier for them to see and handle.
Larger and easier to handle hearing aids are generally more robust, more resistant to water, wax and infection. They have more controls and are easier to clean. They include a wide range of in-the-ear and behind-the-ear devices.
5. your individual hearing needs
It is important to choose the device that has the appropriate technology that WILL address ALL your hearing concerns. Selecting the aid that cannot achieve your hearing goals will inevitably result in an unsatisfactory outcome.
6. hearing accessories and alternative options
We always consider your individual circumstances to work out if additional devices may be of benefit to you.
Sophisticated
There are 4 classes of technology available today to suit your needs and budgets. More sophisticated instruments are generally designed to address more elaborate hearing needs or specific cosmetic preferences of an individual. We will advise you on the range of options available from all the leading hearing instrument manufacturers. Please see below for a comparative chart with typical features available within different classes of technology and an indicative price range.
Budget Range
$990 - $1,490
Effective solutions for basic hearing needs
100% digital
Manual control options
4-8 channels
Multiple program options (2-3)
Whistling management system
Automatic loudness adjustment
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Remote Control Options
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Advanced Range
$2,000 - $3,500
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Advanced features for busy people
100% digital
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Machine Learning Systems
Adaptive Automatic options
16-20 channels
Multiple program options (4-6)
Adaptive Whistling management system
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Adaptive Wind Suppression
Automatic loudness adjustment and impact noise controls
Advanced Background Noise management system and Virtual Mic Arrays
Wireless streaming options
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made for iPhone or Android streaming
Smart Phone remote controls​
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Rechargeable Options
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Data-logging and some learning options
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Active Range
$1,500 - $2,100
Automatic devices for better hearing in noise
100% digital
Manual or Automatic options
8-16 channels
Multiple program options (2-3)
Adaptive Whistling management system
Automatic loudness adjustment
Background noise management system
Remote control options
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Bluetooth Options
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made for iPhone Streaming
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Smart Phone remote control
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Rechargeable Options
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Data-logging standard
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Premium Range
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$3,800 - $5,500
Effortless hearing everyday
100% digital
Machine Learning Systems
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Artifical Intelligence (AI)
Adaptive Automatic options
64+ channels
Multiple program options (4-6)
Adaptive Whistling management system (Binaural)
Automatic loudness adjustment and impact noise controls
Advanced Background noise management system (Multiple Base Situation
Detection) and Virtual Binaural Sound Processing (for exceptional performance
when hearing in noise is essential)
Rechargeable Options
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Bluetooth Wireless streaming options
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Data-learning and self-adjustment options
Smart Phone remote control (iPhone or Android)
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Narrow Directional Beaming
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Fall Detection
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Brain Tracking
Translate and Transcribe
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Activity and Heart Rate Tracker
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and much much more