Before You Settle for Those Hearing Aids, Here’s A Must Read

Hearing Aid Labs

There are a few features that make you a complete human being. Those things that you simply can’t afford to compromise or else you will not lead a perfect, fulfilling life. And hearing is among them and rightly so.

Your ears must be working right if you are to communicate with people, hear that joyous laugh of your little kid, share sweet nothings with your other half or hold a verbal conversation.

But when you are suffering from hearing loss and can’t hear speech in noisy environments and would prefer to get treated, one of your alternative treatments is to opt for hearing aids. There are several types of these aids, including those that have microphones, computer chip and speakers. However, from digital hearing aids to conventional ones, their significances are really the same.

The little technological marvels have tremendously transformed lives of many hopeless persons and gave them hope again. In South Africa, hundreds of thousands who currently use hearing aids can attest to having experienced restored hearing ability. For instance, at a hearing aid company Pretoria, you will find many who are eager to get assistance on hearing loss opting for digital hearing aids.

Types and Styles

In line with the understandable disparities in severities of hearing loss, preferences, varied user lifestyles and budgets, hearing aids prices and types distinctively vary. In fact, there are at least 10 different types and styles, all of them serving various purposes.

But hearing aids prices differences aside, you will find hearing care professionals classifying them into: in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE). BTEs are currently enjoying a tremendous resurgence in popularity and trying to topple the aesthetically pleasing ITEs. That aside, the most common ITE are:

  • Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) and both are the tiniest and ordinarily ideal for mild hearing losses.
  • In-the-canal (ITC) are placed in the lower portion of the ear’s outer bowl because the battery that necessitates placement outside of the ear. ITCs do have longer battery life and are a bit more effective than the aforementioned.
  • Low-profile hearing aids range from half-shell (HS) or those that fill half the bowl to those that fill virtually the whole ear bowl. For those with dexterity problems, HS hearing aids come in handy given that among their features are volume controls, directional microphones and program buttons.

So, which is the best hearing aid company Pretoria?

With modern hearing aid technologies trying to offer the best products, the preference towards digital ones that require professional fitting and programming is growing by the day. Thankfully, your hearing care practitioner should be able to offer the right pieces of advice, including which is the best hearing aid company Pretoria. You will also get to learn more about hearing aid prices, manufacturers and a bit on where to get the best hearing aid repair shop in Pretoria from them.

Why are Hearing Aids so Expensive?

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If you have been through the process of looking for a hearing aid, you probably must have been dumbfounded by some of the hearing aid prices that you have encountered.

Hearing aids can be quite an expense and if you do not prepare adequately, the final bill can be overwhelming.

Hearing aid prices can go for anywhere between $1,500 and $3,500 for each unit. If you need one in each year, then you will have to double up the final price. Because hearing aid prices can be so costly and generally not covered by insurance, most people that need new ones or replacement hearing aids often put off the search.

Hearing aids are a critical and worthy investment because they are typically in use for all waking hours, seven days every week. While the hearing aid prices may sound exorbitant, it is expected that the prices are bound to increase in the future as technology continues to grow at an exceedingly fast pace.

Why are hearing aids so expensive?

The difference between affordable and high-end hearing aids has to do with the type and caliber of technology embedded in the aids. Hearing aids are designed to meet the needs of various individuals experiencing different levels of hearing loss whether mild, moderate or severe. As such, hearing aids often have different specifications and features. To get an accurate price, it is essential that you learn everything that there is about your level of hearing loss, as well as your personal needs.

Additionally, when you purchase a hearing aid, the final price given often included the all the value-added and professional services that come with the fitting. Keep in mind that your hearing ability may change along the way, which might require your aid to be adjusted. Furthermore, as you continue to utilize the hearing aid, you will need to maintain it to ensure that it is constantly in proper working order. This means replacing your hearing aid batteries when necessary and visiting the hearing aid repair shop when you sense that something is off.

Why you should invest in a high-quality hearing aid

When deciding whether or not to invest your money on hearing aids, you should also consider the impact of not investing in one. It is definitely impossible to put a price on missed conversations with your friends and loved ones, as well as on the sounds of nature and everything that goes on around you. If you are a professional or student, you may also be losing out due to your hearing loss. As the end of the day, hearing loss is a condition that can affect you and others around you and it should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Article By: Hearing Aid Labs

Important Things You Need to Know About Hearing Aid Labs: the Dos and the Don’ts

Hearing Aid Labs

Nowadays, there are plenty of hearing aid types available to those who suffer from hearing loss problems or deafness. Of course, these hearing aids for sale in South Africa today are easy to use, robust, and most of them are pocket-friendly. Nonetheless, they can break down or malfunction, prompting the need for a hearing aid repair service.

Here are some of the dos and don’ts that might come in handy when your gadget breaks down and you need to get the right hearing aid repair service.

Dos

(1) Do Clean Your Hearing Aid

It might seem like a no-brainer advice, but some people often forget to clean their hearing aids. For best results, however, it’s crucial to give your hearing aid proper cleaning every day. This encompasses getting rid of earwax buildup, grime or dirt. The gadget itself should be thoroughly but carefully cleaned using a dry, soft cloth.

(2) Do Change Hearing Aids Batteries

Most hearing aids for sale come with a battery pack. So, if it stops functioning or sounds distorted or weak, the battery could be the culprit. Make sure to invest in a pack of high-quality hearing aid batteries.

(3) Do See Your Audiologist

Sometimes the type of hearing aid you already have might not be right for your condition. It’s best to visit an audiologist before going for a hearing aid repair service. This way, you can determine if the hearing aid is a perfect match for you.

(4) Do Think About Purchasing a New Hearing Aid

If your hearing aid has malfunctioned or got broken beyond repair, it might be a wise idea to invest in a new set.

Don’ts

(1) Don’t Stop Using Them

As you wait to seek the help of hearing aid repair service, don’t stop wearing them. It may help prevent undesired complications from untreated hearing problems.

(2) Don’t Repair It Yourself

Even if you’re a great DIYer, it’s best to leave this one for the professionals. The hearing aid might seem like a pretty simple gadget, there’s plenty of tiny interconnected parts that might totally malfunction if not handled by an experienced and trained professional.

Replacing Hearing Aid Batteries Has Been Simplified

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A wide selection of hearing aids are available today that aid people with hearing loss or deafness and need to be able to hear better. This wide variety of hearing aids has been developed to match the specific hearing requirements and provide a physical application that satisfies the preferences of the individuals who need them. As with so many technological marvels of today, hearing aids need specially designed hearing aid batteries to work at peak performance.

General Appearance of Hearing Aids Batteries

Although hearing aid batteries are small and round, and appear very similar to those batteries we use for wrist watches, you will find features that help you in your selection of the correct replacement. Hearing aid batteries have been assigned standardised colors. This great feature that will help you to see at a glance which class of hearing aid battery you are currently using and in turn assist you in the replacement process. Many but not all hearing aid users can be classed as elderly people.

Unfortunately loss of hearing often occurs in a period of life when eyesight also begins to suffer. With that fact in mind, it is easy to understand that those little etched numbers on a little battery, can be very difficult to read. On the other hand, a little color coded tab is quickly recognized.

You find that in fact there are several available sizes of hearing aid batteries but that little color coded tab really makes life easier, even in times of diminished vision and failing memories. Remembering a color is much easier that a set of numbers or symbols. The standard for these color codes is very basic and easy to use. Orange tabs represent a size 13 while brown tabs are size 312. Batteries with yellow tabs indicate a size 10 and those batteries with blue tabs is size 675?

Hearing Aid Battery Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of a hearing aid battery is generally directly related to the size of the battery. Considering that fact, you can expect larger batteries to have longer life spans compared to the smaller batteries.

Of course, as with batteries used in any product, the average daily use will directly relate to the expected life of your battery. Hearing aids that see extended daily use and if the hearing aid needs to be adjusted to achieve maximum performance, then obviously the demands on the hearing aid battery are higher and the expected life of that battery will naturally be shorter.

Removal of the Color Coded Tab

On removal of the color coded tab from the hearing aid batteries, they are exposed to the elements and considered active. Once you have removed that little color coded tab from your batteries it is best to use them because the degradation of the physical properties of the battery will accelerate beyond this period. Being fully exposed to air, the free movement of electrons through the air will occur.

It is not even necessary for the batteries to be installed in your hearing aid for them to slowly lose power and integrity.

Hearing aid batteries are available at most electronic suppliers, drug stores and variety stores. Hearing centers will also be a source of high quality batteries that have proven to be dependable and of high quality. Be aware of these few simple facts may help you to understand that proper replacement of your hearing aid batteries may not be as difficult as you might have been thinking.

AUTHOR: Hearing Aid Labs

How to Get Accustomed to New Hearing Aids

Hearing Aid Labs

If you have a hearing problem, the chances are that you have consulted an auditory expert. Perhaps you have taken a free hearing test, and the doctor recommended a set of the best hearing aids in South Africa. The good news is that there are several hearing aids for sale from trusted brands in South Africa. What’s more – you can also get a variety of replacement hearing aids batteries without much fuss.

With that said, some people find it hard to get used to new hearing aids. The trouble is that first-time users take some time before getting accustomed to them. However, here at top tips to help you make the process effortlessly easy.

#1. Start Off in a Quiet Environment

At the very beginning, you need to condition your ears to the new sound clarity by wearing the hearing aids in somewhat quiet space, perhaps a quiet room at your home. You see, successful acclimatisation to new hearing aids at the onset stage is the key to success. On the contrary, wearing your hearing aids for the first time in a noisy place can get you tired pretty fast.

#2. Commit Yourself

It is understandable that your life is busy, but you need to dedicate at least 30 minutes to get used to your hearing gadgets. It is okay to remove them when you are tired – just put them back on when you feel you’ve had enough break time.

#3. Getting Used to Your Voice

At the initial stage, your own voice will sound a little odd. Don’t sweat it – even the best hearing aids for sale do that. In fact, you will get accustomed to it with time. The best way to get used to your voice is to read aloud to yourself. This way, you will find the sweet spot and manage your volume accordingly.

#4. Work with a Reputable Audiologist

It is essential to note areas or situation whereby you find it difficult to hear with your hearing aids on. It happens. The notes will help your audiologist to fine tune your hearing aids to your unique needs.

#5. Be Patient

Getting used to hearing aids doesn’t just happen. It takes time, patience, and effort. If you find yourself struggling in certain situations, give yourself some time to regain your “normal hearing.”

#6. Invest in Good Hearing Aids Batteries

You can snag a deal when buying these hearing aids batteries. Don’t go for low-quality ones even if they cost a fraction of the price.

Important Foods and Minerals that Boost your Hearing

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In our blog, we’ve mentioned more than once the primary causes of hearing loss, including aging, wax build-up, loud music, hereditary conditions, and ear diseases to name a few. As the hearing expert in South Africa, we recommend a free hearing test to ascertain the extent of hearing loss. Often, you will need to invest in a good pair of hearing aids as a temporary or permanent solution.

In this post, however, we want to provide expert advice on how to take care of your hearing health. More specifically, we are going to look at vital minerals and nutrients that boost hearing.

With more than 7.5% of school-going children in South Africa suffering from some form of hearing loss, it’s more important than ever to talk about hearing health.

#1. Zinc

Right off the bat, you need to know that pesky ear infections and even common colds can lead to loss of hearing ability. In light of that, zinc can come in handy. How so?

You see, zinc is an incredible booster of the immune system. More than that, zinc is responsible for healing wounds and further cell growth. So, zinc has excellent potential for warding off germs that might cause ear infections. That is why most physicians recommend a blend of zinc supplements and antibiotics for these ear infections.

#2. Magnesium

Magnesium is a fantastic mineral that – when combined with Vitamins A, C & E – can do wonders for your hearing health. Don’t just take our word for it. A study carried out by Kresge Hearing Research Institute at the University of Michigan found out that people who took magnesium supplements were more tolerant to noise-related loss of hearing. Magnesium is also great for circulation. Load up on veggies and fruits such as artichokes, bananas, spinach, and tomatoes for a good dose of magnesium.

#3. Folic Acid

Folic acid is known for its role in new cell growth. Several studies have revealed that persons with low levels of folic acids are more susceptible to presbycusis, a hearing loss condition. To increase intake of folic acid, try foods such as spinach, organ meats, asparagus, and broccoli.

#4. Potassium

Potassium plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood and body fluids. It’s also important to hearing health because fluids in our ears translate the sounds we hear into electrical impulses. The age-related drop of potassium in the body is known to cause presbycusis. Take supplements and foods rich in potassium to counter this condition.

These are just but a few foods and minerals that improve your hearing and keep hearing loss at bay. However, it’s best to seek advice from a local hearing expert to determine if you’ll need to use hearing aids.

Did You Know These Surprising Facts About Hearing Loss And Hearing Aid Devices?

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Most people are surprised to learn that they’ve hearing loss problem. However, there are several other startling facts you didn’t know about hearing loss and hearing aid devices.

#1. Hollowed-Out Horns were once used as Hearing Aids

In the bye-gone era, long before the geniuses came up with the nifty hearing aid devices you find in South Africa today, hollowed-out horns were utilised as archaic hearing aids. Whether they worked or not, they sure made for a comic effect during the meetings of nobles.

#2. 1 in 5 Teenagers Suffer from Hearing Loss

You could blame earphones and loud music, but it remains quite startling that 1 in every 5 teenagers have some sort of hearing loss.

#3. 165 Million People Age above 65 years has hearing loss

One in every three seniors over 65 suffers from hearing loss according to WHO.

#4. Some Hearing Aid Devices can be Computer-Programmed

Most digital hearing aid devices in South Africa can be programmed using a computer to work with every sound landscape.

#5. There’s something for everyone

Modern hearing aid devices are fabulously varied. There’s a hearing aid for the partygoer, the fashionista, the fitness fanatic, the cautious grandpa, the trendsetter — you catch the drift?

#6. Hearing Aids are Literally Invisible

These devices fit comfortably and discreetly inside the ear canal, providing crisp, natural sound quality.

#7. There are Waterproof, Dust proof, and Sweat-proof Hearing Aids

With today’s advanced hearing aid devices in South Africa, you don’t have to worry about dust, water, sweat, and even wax build-up.

#8. Computer, Smartphone-Friendly

Digital, wireless hearing aid devices are now standard in SA. They can sync seamlessly with your FM stereo, computer, tablets, and whatnot.

#9. Long-Lasting Hearing Aids Batteries

Hearing aid batteries have made huge leaps and milestones. They can now last up to 10 days or even longer.

#10. 32 million children aged below 15 years have hearing loss

Article By: Hearing Aid Labs

Signs That You Might Need Hearing Aids

Hearing Aid Labs

Growing older is no picnic. As we age, we tend to lose party of our hearing ability. Of course, there are other myriad causes of hearing loss, including ear infections, ear wax buildup, disease, and heredity to name a few. Nonetheless, hearing loss amongst adults aged 35 years and above is caused predominantly by overexposure to loud noises and ageing.

How can you know for sure that you are suffering from hearing loss? When do you know that it’s time to get some hearing aids?

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of signs that may show that you may need to undertake a hearing test.

#1. Asking Others to Repeat what they said

It starts out slow, but you’ll find yourself always asking people to repeat something in a conversation. When that happens, it could be the time you saw an ear specialist or pay a visit to one of the best hearing aid companies in South Africa.

#2. Problem with Cell Phone Volume Setting

This is perhaps one of the most common signs among modern folks who suffer from hearing loss. Unfortunately, most of these individuals don’t realise until it’s too late. That’s right – if you often set your in-call volume at or near max, but you still find it difficult to follow the conversation, it’s highly likely that you need hearing aids.

#3. Difficulty with Intimate Conversations

If softly spoken words and whispers from a speaker who’s a short distance away have become hard to understand, you need help with hearing loss. It could be a temporary hearing loss, but you need to have a hearing test done to be sure.

#4. Mumbling

If you often complain that people are mumbling, then you need to get your ears checked for hearing impairment.

#5. Difficulty following Group Conversations

People with hearing loss find it hard to follow every bit of a group conversation. If these signs become consistent, you may need hearing aids or at least a hearing test done.

#6. Children Conversations

Children talk, especially when they are in a large group, consists of primarily high-frequency elements. Sadly, a high-frequency hearing loss is one of the most rampant in South Africa. So, if you cannot hear or understand your little ones’ conversation, you’re missing out on unforgettable moments because of hearing loss. Get yourself a pair of hearing aids and never miss such precious life moments.

There you are – 6 signs that indicate that you may need hearing aids. Visit any one of our stores across the country for a free screen test

AUTHOR: Hearing Aid Labs

Hearing Aid Batteries: The Past, Present, and Future

Describe the unique sorts of hearing aid batteries presently used.

Explain the advantages of lithium-ion batteries as an energy source for hearing aids.

Describe the distinction between galvanic and inductive batteries.

Introduction

Modern virtual hearing aids offer a large sort of shape factors, functions, and wi-fi connectivity alternatives that permit for man or woman hearing aids. However, the price of features like state of affairs-based totally actual-time processing, binaural algorithms, or streaming is an expanded demand on battery overall performance. So some distance, the topic of efficient powering has acquired simplest scant interest, but this could exchange soon because of the many proper motives for using rechargeable batteries.

Hearing Aid Battery Basics

Why is it crucial to reflect on consideration on hearing aid batteries? Batteries are the most sensible answer when it comes to powering smaller electronic devices of every kind. Rechargeable batteries have determined their manner into our each day life for almost every tool, but a huge range of disposable batteries are nonetheless being used. An expected 1.4 billion disposable listening to resource batteries are dumped in landfills annually. On the opposite hand, there may be an ongoing trend toward greater environmental awareness and “inexperienced” technologies. Maybe purchasers are just lacking the proper solution?

Hearing aid users had been expressing a high interest in hearing useful resource batteries and their ease of use for a long time. In the MarkeTrack VI survey (Kochkin, 2002), about 80 percentage of US purchasers asked batteries that final longer, and about 1/2 of the users asked hearing devices featuring less complicated-to-alternate batteries. The handiest different features that received an equally high ranking were listening to resource extent control, far flung manipulate, and so on.

The photo has no longer modified a great deal considering then. In the most recent MarkeTrak nine (Abrams & Kihm, 2015), potential new hearing resource users have been requested what they remember to be the maximum compelling features. A rechargeable listening to useful resource and/or rechargeable batteries for hearing aids have been rated as more critical than any digital feature or wireless connectivity.

This isn’t sudden, on the grounds that rechargeable batteries offer a number of blessings, including:

Greater consolation and ease of use: No need to cope with small batteries on a everyday basis. Depending on the answer, hearing aids may want to really be placed right into a charger at night. This is particularly beneficial for customers with dexterity demanding situations.

Environmentally friendly: Over a 3-yr time span, two virtual hearing aids will use a median of extra than three hundred disposable hearing useful resource batteries. An common of handiest two lithium-ion rechargeable batteries could be used under the same conditions.

Cost effective: A single zinc-air battery fees an average. Assuming the standard bilateral listening to resource wearer changes each batteries once a week, fees can exceed hundred all through a 3 12 months duration.

Convenience: No need to consider to purchase new batteries or discover them whilst they are wanted.

Peace of mind: Knowing that the listening to resource batteries receiver’s go dead within the center of the day, perhaps at some point of an critical assembly or event. 

https://hearingaidlabs.co.za/index.php/using-joomla/extensions/components/147-hearing-aid-labs-in-centurion

Indispensable Caring Tips for Your Hearing Aids

In the past decade or so, we’ve seen an influx of excellent hearing aid companies in South Africa. That means you can get a free hearing test and garner top-of-the-line hearing aids without going deep into your pockets.

However, maintaining your hearing aids in excellent working condition is crucial. After all, you count on these nifty gadgets to provide you with high-quality hearing you’ve come to get used to. But did you know poor care, debris, wax, and moisture can take a huge toll on your hearing aids?

Here are top care tips so you can get the most out of your hearing aids.

Take a Hearing Test

This is not a caring tip per se, but it’s crucial for the longevity of your hearing aids. Why? Undergoing a hearing test is poised to help an ear specialist determine the extent of the damage. This way, hearing aid companies in South Africa can help you find the best gadget regarding size and power. The good news is that most of them offer a free hearing test.

Always look for left and right markers

Hearings are often marked blue for the left ear and red for the right one. Placing a hearing aid on the wrong hear can be not only excruciating but may also cause further damage. That’s a big no-no. They shouldn’t be swapped because hearing aid companies in South Africa individually set each piece to specific setting levels.

Hearing Aid Batteries Tips

Hearing aids often use batteries, but the size often varies depending on the gadget. Some even have optional rechargeable batteries. When replacing hearing aid batteries, ensure that they are placed in the compartment with the flat side or plus (+) symbol facing upwards. Any other way will damage your hearing aid.

Removing Wax

An accumulation of wax can cause your hearing aid to malfunction. Nudge the tubing away from the ear hook to remove the ear mould. Once removed, attach the tip of the air blower to the open end of pipe – and blow the wax away. Push the tubing back on the hook to replace the ear mould.

Avoid Moisture

Don’t use your hearing aids in wet places like spas, sauna or steam rooms. They can damage the complex circuitry inside. Instead, store in a dry place.

Other Tips

  • Change Wax Filter Frequently
  • Don’t subject your hearing aids to extreme heat
  • Schedule routine cleaning of your gadget with a dry tissue or cloth

There you are – top caring tips for your hearing aids. Ensure that top-notch hearing aid companies in South Africa supply your gadget. Also, the free hearing test can come in handy.

AUTHOR: Hearing Aid Labs