Hearing aids evolve with new tech
Hearing Awareness Week has arrived, which for people taking advantage of the rapid advances in hearing aid technology highlights what is fast becoming a golden age for hearing treatment.
Today’s audiologists have at their disposal a wide range of discreet and stylish devices that are increasingly being designed for ease of handling and to tie in with surrounding technologies. Many can be fine-tuned for specific conditions.
Audiologist Carolyn Till treats a variety of hearing problems at her clinic, Sincock & Till Audiology, including tinnitus. As an independent provider of hearing aids, the clinic has access to whatever model best suits a patient’s needs.
Carolyn says one of the strongest trends is toward rechargeable batteries, with several manufacturers now adopting lithium-ion and other technologies that put an end to fiddly battery changes.
Portable power packs can charge such hearing aids on the go or in the rare event of a blackout. The rechargeable batteries are also a more environmentally friendly option than sending spent batteries to landfill.
Carolyn says if people don’t want rechargeable batteries or it’s not an option, Sincock & Till Audiology can collect old hearing aid batteries for recycling into new products.
‘‘For people who own hearing aids but may not be wearing them, there are a lot of other advances that may help, including a wide range of domes/connections to optimise comfort, and the flexibility to make adjustments through a cellphone with several models,’’ she says. ‘‘Many hearing aids can stream phone calls and music directly to your ear.’’
Hearing aids with their own apps allow Carolyn to fine-tune some models via the internet – ideal for patients who travel often or live outside Christchurch. Tweaks could include adjustments to make the sound of a jug boiling or a dog barking less intrusive.
Other types of hearing aid can be programmed to automatically adjust to specific environments.
With conditions like tinnitus, treatment for the ringing or buzzing sounds heard in the ears or head often goes beyond electronics. But here, too, approaches are evolving.
Carolyn is part of a small group of audiologists specialised in treating tinnitus. Recently, she returned from a tinnitus masterclass in Auckland where the latest strategies and techniques for managing this challenging condition were shared.
To make treatment for all types of hearing loss as accessible as possible, Sincock & Till Audiology emphasises a personalised, empathetic service for all its patients.
Support people are encouraged to attend appointments and patients always see the same qualified audiologist.
Carolyn says the earlier someone seeks treatment for hearing loss, the better the outcome, especially through improved relationships as socialising becomes easier, and through reduced cognitive decline as a person ages.
‘‘Doing something about your hearing loss can lead to a much higher quality of life so it’s great to see people who are proactive.’’
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❚ For more information, call Sincock & Till Audiology on 03 385 6036 or visit staudiology.co.nz. The clinic is located at 701 Barbadoes St, St Albans, has off-street parking and is on the 44 and 100 bus routes.