Frequently Asked Questions

A hearing aid is a small electronic device that you wear behind or inside of your ear. It is designed to amplify the sounds that you are missing so that you can listen, communicate, and participate more fully in daily activities. It is programmed by an audiologist through advanced software to ensure that it is correctly set up for you specific hearing. A hearing aid can help people hear more in both quiet and noisy situations. However, only about one out of five people who would benefit from a hearing aid uses one.
A hearing aid has four basic parts: a microphone, microchip, amplifier, and speaker. The hearing aid receives sound through a microphone; sound is analysed by the microchip at tremendous speeds (some can make up to 600 million calculations per second). The amplifier receives this processed sound, increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker.

If your hearing loss cannot be treated medically and is affecting your communication or quality of life, your audiologist may recommend hearing aids.

No, hearing aids are not designed to restore hearing loss, but they aim to maintain your hearing by amplifying and clarifying sounds. They help your brain process sound more efficiently, which significantly improves how well you hear and understand speech.

With proper care, most hearing aids last 3–5 years. Regular servicing and gentle handling can extend their lifespan. Most warranties last 2-3 years, and it is recommended that the hearing aids are upgraded after that time.

The best hearing aid depends on your hearing loss, lifestyle, budget, cosmetic preferences, and communication needs. Your audiologist are qualified to recommend the best personalised solution for you hearing loss.

Most people adjust within a few weeks. Your brain needs time to adapt to hearing sounds it may have been missing.

Many modern hearing aids connect directly to smartphones, televisions, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Modern hearing aids are much smaller and more discreet than many people expect.

Properly fitted hearing aids should not whistle during normal use. If they do, adjustments may be needed.

Yes, although excessive moisture should be avoided. Your audiologist can recommend suitable options for active lifestyles

Light rain is usually not a problem, but hearing aids should not be submerged in water.

Depending on the type of hearing loss you have, two hearing aids (where there is a loss in both ears – even just a mild one), are always better than fitting just one hearing aid. It provides a more natural and balanced hearing experience, which includes improved speech understanding. With all the new technology, the hearing aids also works as one system which means that you will experience better sound localization, enhanced sound quality, and reduced listening fatigue when wearing two. This binaural amplification provides more balanced sound, allows for a more natural hearing experience, and can help maintain brain health by stimulating both auditory nerves.
Imagine sitting in a noisy room where there are a lot of different sounds around you, and these sounds are only processed on one side. If only wearing one hearing aid you will still struggle with the competing noise sounds that enters the ear on the side that’s not fitted and that can cause increased difficulty in discriminating speech sounds.

Consistent, full-time use helps your brain adapt quicker to the sound and reduces listening fatigue

Yes, even with a mild hearing loss, you should still be fitted. Early intervention can stimulate your auditory system, help slow the progression of hearing loss, and improve quality of life by reducing listening strain. Untreated hearing loss are the highest risk factor for the development of Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Hearing aids are primarily useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension of people who have hearing loss that results from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, called hair cells. This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. The damage can occur because of disease, aging, or injury from noise or certain medicines. A hearing aid magnifies sound vibrations entering the ear. Surviving hair cells detect the larger vibrations and convert them into neural signals that are passed along to the brain. The greater the damage to a person’s hair cells, the more severe the hearing loss, and the greater the hearing aid amplification needed to make up the difference. However, there are practical limits to the amount of amplification a hearing aid can provide. In addition, if the inner ear is too damaged, even large vibrations will not be converted into neural signals. In this situation, a hearing aid would be ineffective.

Hearing aids are available in different technology levels – it is the technology inside the hearing aid that determines the price of the hearing aid, the design or style of the hearing aid has a lesser influence. Your communication needs and lifestyle determine the technology level you need and should be considered in conjunction with your audiologist.
The features and technology mentioned includes these factors amongst others:
Sound quality Reduction of background noise Preservation of speech in background noise The good news is that there are affordable options available! Good hearing aid features have filtered down to the bottom price range which enables you to buy a good quality hearing aid even with a restricted budget.

Hearing aids amplify sounds making them louder and clearer so you can hear speech and everyday noises more easily. They don’t just turn up the volume — they use smart technology to amplify speech and important sounds while reducing background noise. Each hearing aid has three main parts:

• Microphone – picks up sound from your surroundings.
• Amplifier/Processor – processes and enhances sound based on your specific hearing needs.
• Receiver (speaker) – delivers the amplified sound into your ear.

Modern digital hearing aids automatically adjust to your environment, helping you hear comfortably whether you’re at home, in a meeting, or outdoors. Many also feature Bluetooth connectivity, directional microphones, and tinnitus relief programs for a natural, effortless listening experience.

Hearing aids vary in type and price. The cost depends on the model, technology level, and features. At Spectrum Hearing, we offer a wide range of models from entry-level to premium options. Your audiologist will recommend the most suitable option for your needs and budget.

There are several styles, including:

• Behind-the-Ear (BTE) – sits comfortably behind the ear and suits most hearing losses.
• Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) – discreet, lightweight, and clear.
• In-the-Ear (ITE) – custom-moulded to your ear for comfort.
• Completely-in-Canal (CIC) – nearly invisible and ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Your audiologist will recommend the most suitable option based on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and preferences.

Yes. Technology continues to advance rapidly, and upgrading after several years can improve sound quality, comfort, and connectivity features. Your audiologist will guide you through the options and process of upgrading.

Your audiologist will check your hearing aid performance, clean the devices, adjust settings, and answer any questions to ensure you’re hearing comfortably. If you have concerns, your audiologist will provide appropriate solutions.

Yes, many modern hearing aids include tinnitus management or sound therapy features. Your audiologist can recommend the most suitable options for relief.

Yes. Wearing them throughout the day helps your brain adapt to sound more naturally and efficiently. Remove them only when sleeping, showering, or swimming.

No. Remove them before sleeping to let your ears rest and prevent damage. If rechargeable, place in the charger overnight. If battery-operated, open the battery door to turn them off.

No. Hearing aids are not waterproof. Always remove them before showering, swimming, or using hair products. If accidentally exposed to moisture, put them in a sealed container with a drying capsule and contact your audiologist immediately.

Yes. Keep them in your carry-on luggage along with your charger or spare batteries. Airport security scanners are safe for hearing aids.

Yes, but behind-the-ear models can shift when putting on or removing masks or glasses. Handle them carefully and check their position afterward.

Research shows that people wait an average of 7 years from the time they are first diagnosed with a hearing loss until they get their first set of hearing aids. The longer a person waits to obtain hearing aids, the longer the brain is deprived of sound and the more likely the person is to struggle to get used to amplified sound. The sooner a person starts to use hearing aids, the easier they will adjust to them and the more likely they are to be a successful user in the long run.

You may want to consider new hearing aids if:

• Your hearing has changed, and your current devices no longer provide the clarity or comfort they once did.
• Your hearing aids are over 3 years old. Most hearing aids last about 3–5 years, but technology and your hearing needs can change.
• You would like access to newer features — such as Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries, improved background noise reduction, or more natural sound processing.

If unsure whether your current hearing aids meet your needs, book a check-up with your audiologist. They can test your hearing, assess the devices, and help you decide if an upgrade would improve your hearing and quality of life.