Hearing Aid Features
Hearing Aid Features
Digital Hearing Aid Features
Choosing the right hearing aid features can be an overwhelming experience, given the vast range of options available. Modern hearing aids are almost all digital, which means there are a range of features beneficial to the wearer.
Today’s digital hearing aids have all the features of analog programmable aids, but they convert sound waves into digital signals and produce an exact duplication of sound.
Computer chips in digital hearing aids analyse speech and other environmental sounds. Digital hearing aids allow for more complex processing of sound during the amplification process which may improve their performance in certain situations (for example, background noise and whistle reduction). They also have greater flexibility in hearing aid programming. This means the sound they transmit can be matched to the needs for a specific pattern of hearing loss.
Digital hearing aids have many features which can improve the user’s listening experience. The following information explains some of the more important features and their associated benefits.
Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Hearing aid technology has come a long way and Bluetooth wireless connectivity has enabled some helpful changes. For example, phones for hearing impaired people can connect directly to your hearing aids. And Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids provide really clear sound and are customisable for your type of hearing loss.
Mobile phones for hearing impaired have also become smarter, with new technology allowing you to listen to music or podcast, or talk on the phone without even taking it out of your pocket.
You can use your smart phone to adjust your hearing aid for different listening situations. And even save presets for them on your phone.
Also available are wireless and user-friendly assistive listening devices specifically designed for enjoying TV and audio. The main advantage of this is real-time high-quality stereo sound. Experience TV or audio sound exactly as it was intended – without annoying distortion, or more importantly echoes.
Directional Microphone in a Hearing Aid
A directional microphone may help you converse and better understand speech in noisy environments. It helps isolate sound coming from a specific direction enabling it to be amplified to a greater level than sound from other directions.
When the directional microphone is activated, sound coming from in front of you (for example during a face-to-face conversation) is amplified to a greater level than sound from behind you. A number of hearing aids have this feature which now adapts automatically to your listening situation without touching your hear aid.
This feature can be helpful in social situations like going out for dinner or parties. You can concentrate on the dinner conversation without distracting background noise. Our clinicians can explain how to customise directional microphone settings for your lifestyle.
T-coil (Telecoil telephone switch) setting for Hearing Aids
A T-coil (telephone switch) or Telecoil allows you to switch from the normal microphone setting to a “T-coil” setting in order to hear better on the telephone and within a hearing impaired induction loop setting/environment. Most telephones produced today which are hearing aid compatible will work with this setting in your hearing aids.
In the “T-coil” setting, environmental sounds are eliminated, and sound is picked up from the telephone or loop. Depending on how the “T-coil” is set up it has the ability to turn off the microphone on your hearing aid so you can talk without your hearing aid “whistling.”
The T-coil works well in theaters, auditoriums, houses of worship, and other places that have an induction loop or FM installation. You may have noticed the T-coil symbol in public places and not realised what it is for. The voice of the speaker, who can be some distance away, is amplified significantly more than any background noise. Some hearing aids have a combination “M” (Microphone) / “T” (Telephone) switch so that, while listening with an induction loop, you can still hear nearby conversation.
Hearing Aid Feedback suppression
Feedback suppression helps suppress whistles and squeals when a hearing aid gets too close to the phone or has a loose-fitting ear mold. It occurs due to a loop where the microphone picks up sound from the speaker and amplifies it. Feedback suppression algorithms in modern hearing aids effectively break this loop. Not only does this improve your comfort, but it also saves you from awkward social situations caused by sudden, loud feedback.
Hearing Aid Battery Life and Determining the Best Features
The more features your hearing aid has, the more power it will consume. This makes battery life a factor in your decision-making process. While rechargeable options are becoming increasingly popular, traditional battery-operated models still have their merits. Your clinician will walk you through the pros and cons during your consultation.
Direct Audio Input for Your Hearing Device
Direct audio input allows you to plug in a remote microphone or an FM assistive listening system, connect directly to a TV, or connect to other devices such as your computer, a CD player, MP3 player and other multimedia devices. It provides a stable, interference-free connection that Bluetooth can sometimes lack. This hardwired option ensures high-quality sound transfer, making it easier to enjoy movies or participate in video conferencing.
Why Professional Fitting Matters for Optimal Feature Utilisation
You could have the most feature-rich hearing aid in the world, but it won’t be effective unless it fits well. An improper fit can cause discomfort and even compromise the performance of various features. That’s why professional fitting by an experienced clinician is so important. During your appointment, we’ll ensure your hearing aid is customised to fit your ear’s anatomy perfectly.
Hearing Aid Features
What Hearing Aid Features are Right for You?
Your lifestyle and typical listening situations in your life will help determine what features will suit you best. How comfortable you are using your mobile phone may also be a consideration (don’t worry, hearing aid apps are easy to learn). Combining multiple features such as Bluetooth with a directional microphone can make a lot of sense.
Other advanced features include noise reduction algorithms, wind noise managers, and even data logging to monitor your usage patterns.
Complete Hearing Solutions will help you choose the best hearing aid for your hearing loss circumstances and your budget. Discuss your social habits and daily activities with us to find the right hearing device with the features you need.
Choose us for a hearing health partner who truly listens
Why Choose Complete Hearing Solutions for Your Hearing Aids?
- Our cutting-edge technology ensures accurate testing and the best possible hearing aid fitting, if needed.
- We are not obligated to supply only certain brands of hearing aids or other treatment. We will recommend what is best for you and your budget.
- With our ongoing support and care, you're not just getting a hearing test; you're joining a community dedicated to enhancing your quality of life through improved hearing.

- At Complete Hearing Solutions, we take a personal, patient-centric approach in everything we do. We believe in one to one care and understanding to build relationships with our clients.
- We specialise in hearing solutions for all adults.
- Dean is a highly experienced Hearing Health Care Professional who takes the time to understand your unique hearing needs and provide solutions just for you.
Get your hearing checked by an independent hearing health partner who truly listens
Book a FREE hearing test today. Or contact us for more information and we will be in touch.