Hearing Device Benefits in Victoria

Allows frequencies to be adjusted individually from other frequencies. Arguably, the more channels/bands a hearing device has, the more precisely the device(s) can be adjusted to an individual's hearing loss. This is particularly important if the audiogram (chart of hearing loss) is complex. Additionally, more channels/bands can be beneficial in difficult listening situations as it may allow the device(s) to reduce unwanted noise without unnecessarily affecting speech.

Permits the user to select different settings for various situations. This is useful because certain situations can confuse the hearing device. One example is when music is being played with no other sounds in the environment — the device may mistakenly make changes to the sound, which are not optimal for music listening. Another situation may be when wanting to use the T-coil in a theatre. Hearing device(s) are becoming even more intelligent and are able to select the appropriate programme for themselves.

Allows the hearing device to reduce gain (volume) at various frequencies when it hears sounds that it interprets to be non-speech sounds. Speech is a complex signal with lots of variations in tonal structure. This differs from what is usually perceived as background noise, which is generally a steady-state noise. An example of a steady-state noise, for instance, would be the sound from a vacuum cleaner or an air conditioner. Unfortunately, noise reduction does not on its own reduce unwanted speech from people nearby, which is best achieved by directional microphone technology.

The "gold" standard when it comes to reducing unwanted noise. Essentially, the hearing device has two microphones or two separate openings connected to one microphone. In simple terms, sounds collected from the rear opening of the hearing device are "subtracted" from the sound collected by the front microphone, and the net result is that the wearer receives greater information from the direction that he or she is looking toward. This is an oversimplified explanation of a complex technology that has many variations and can be discussed in more detail with your practitioner.

This enables the hearing device(s) to convert a signal, which is carried in a loop of wire, often on the floor of churches, government buildings or even cinemas, into an acoustic or audible signal that we can understand. The same principle is used in some telephones. It allows the hearing device wearer to use the telephone without the usual feedback or "whistling" when you place the phone receiver near the hearing device. It is important to note that when a T-coil is activated, the hearing device is not using its microphone(s), and therefore, you will not hear normal acoustic sounds but rather only what is being transmitted through the loop system or induction coil of the phone.

Essentially, it allows the hearing device to minimise the annoying whistles that are often present when an object like a hand or hat is placed too close to the device; as with all technology, there are various levels of effectiveness. Some devices simply reduce the output when feedback is detected, which affects the wearer's listening ability, while at the other end of the technology spectrum, devices can cancel feedback without sacrificing any gain/output to the wearer.

Enables the wearer to turn the device(s) on without the need to adjust any controls to alter the output of the device. A comfort range must be established by the practitioner, who takes into account the degree of hearing loss and the wearer's preferences.