DIAGNOSTIC HEARING TEST
A diagnostic hearing test comprises of a variety of tests to ascertain your ability to hear. You will be required to wear a headphone over wich several sounds will be played in various frequencies (from low to high) and decibels (from loud to soft).
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If a hearing loss is present, the results will depict the extent and type of hearing loss. The test will also determine your ability to detect and understand speech. This is called speech discrimination and plays a major role in your ability to hear what people are saying.
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All the information gathered, including your specific case history, will determine the treatment that will be prescribed. Most medical aids will pay for your test in full, depending on the specific scheme you are on.
FITMENT OF MODERN HEARING AIDS
Hearing aids have come a long way since the first analogue devices of yesteryear, mainly due to the development of the microchip. Modern hearing aids have a tiny computer chip inside with the ability to process sound digitally and amplify sound in real-time. This ability enables the hearing aid to be custom programmed for each individual according to their specific hearing loss and lifestyle. This is one of the reasons why a full diagnostic hearing test is important.
Digital hearing aids with powerful microchips have the advantage of different program settings for different environments, so the patient has far more control over which sounds get amplified. For example, when you are in a noisy environment, such as a restaurant, you may wish to reduce background noise. Some devices connect to your smartphone to enable further control and connectivity. Different providers of hearing aids will offer a range of brands to choose from. They all have different specifications, and their prices vary depending on the technology they offer.
Annemien will assist you in the process of finding the right hearing aids to fit your specific hearing loss, budget and lifestyle.
HEARING AID ADJUSTMENT
Modern hearing aids are adjusted for each individual according to the patient's hearing loss. When you receive hearing aids for the first time, they usually are not set to their full output level. This is done to allow the patient time to adjust. The adjustment period depends on several factors, including how long the patient has lived with a hearing loss before receiving hearing aids for the first time. It typically takes about six weeks. Thereafter, the hearing aids are set to their optimal output levels.
Because digital hearing aids are fine-tuned to an individual's hearing ability, your hearing aids should be adjusted when your hearing loss or environment changes. Fine-tuning of hearing aids are normally done on a computer through specialised software provided by the manufacturer. Annemien can assist you with the adjustment of all major brands of Hearing Aids available in South Africa.
TRAINING IN THE HANDLING AND CARE OF HEARING AIDS
Mattheus Hearing offers comprehensive training on using and taking care of your new hearing aids. This service is included when you order hearing aids. Annemien will instruct you on how to insert your hearing aids into the ears, insert hearing aid batteries correctly, clean your hearing aids, and change filters, domes, and tubes. Depending on your hearing aid model, you will also learn how to change volume and programs according to different listening environments. If your hearing aid can connect to your smartphone, you will learn how to operate the device app.
Annemien will schedule a fitting appointment of 45 minutes to 1 hour as well as two follow-up appointments to ensure you are comfortable using your hearing aids. You are welcome to bring a family member or caregiver along.
STOCKIST OF HEARING AID ACCESSORIES
Modern hearing aids can connect with an assortment of accessories to aid in the device's function and control. This includes additional external microphones to help pick up speech, a remote-control to assist the adjustment of hearing aid settings, tv adaptor to stream sound from your tv directly to your hearing aid, etc.
The accessories available depends on the manufacturer and model. This is something to think about when selecting hearing aids because each patient has different needs. Annemien will help you make the correct choice taking into account your hearing test results, case history, and lifestyle.
STOCKIST OF HEARING AID CONSUMABLES
Hearing aids use some consumables through their lifetime. Behind-the-ear hearing aids use a tube to guide the sound into the ear canal. Your hearing loss will determine whether the tube connects to an earpiece or a dome that fits inside your ear. An earpiece is made of silicone or acrylic and is specifically moulded for your ear. A dome is made of soft silicone or rubber that fits snugly in your ear canal.
Most hearing aids have filters to prevent wax from entering and damaging the device. These filters need to be replaced periodically.
The pH level of the skin in your ear, the amount of wax your ear produces, and how much you sweat, will determine how often these consumables have to be replaced.
HEARING AID REPAIR SERVICE
If your hearing aids stopped working correctly for some reason, Annemien could inspect your device and conduct a minor service. Should your device need a major service or any parts need to be replaced, Annemien will send your hearing aids to the manufacturer's lab. A quote will be obtained first if any parts are not covered under the manufacturer's warranty.
Every hearing aid company in South Africa has a lab enabling them to make repairs and service their devices. Some manufacturers recommend a service every six to twelve months. Others suggest that you send your hearing aid in for a service only when needed.
All of the major hearing aid brands in South Africa offers a warranty on their devices. The length of the warranty varies from one to three years. The warranty covers manufacturing defects. It is recommended that you insure your hearing aids to cover any accidental loss or damage.
