If you’re investigating hearing aids in Salford this summer, Clarity Ear Clinic has a wide range of styles and brands.
Offering a free hearing aid trial, we’re committed to finding the best solution for your requirements. As an independent clinic, we can offer unbiased advice on how to improve your hearing and quality of life.
A short history of hearing aids.
Hearing aids have evolved significantly over the last few hundreds of years. In the 17th century, people had to rely on ear trumpets and horns, but, obviously, unlike with modern hearing aids, it was impossible to conceal one of these devices.
In the Victorian age, people started to use more sophisticated ear trumpets and speaking tubes. However, these were still purely acoustic devices.
The first hearing electronic hearing aid was introduced in 1898.
Called the Akouphone, it was invented by Miller Reese Hutchison. The device used a carbon transmitter to amplify sound.
Later in the 1920s, vacuum tube technology led to the creation of the first wearable hearing aids. However, they were large, bulky and needed to be worn on the body. Finally, shortly after the Second World War, the transistor was invented, which significantly impacted hearing aid technology. Transistor hearing aids were smaller, more reliable, and consumed less power.
In the 1960s-1980s, analogue hearing aids continued to improve.
During this time, they became smaller and more discreet. This was when custom-fit in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids were introduced.
In the 1990s, the introduction of digital signal processing (DSP) revolutionized hearing aids. Digital hearing aids offered better sound quality, more precise amplification, and advanced features like noise reduction and feedback cancellation.
In recent times, hearing aids have become highly advanced.
They can now feature wireless connectivity, smartphone integration, and artificial intelligence to adapt to different listening environments automatically. They are also much smaller and more discreet than earlier models.
These developments have significantly improved the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
What to consider when looking for hearing aids in Salford.
When choosing a hearing aid, several factors should be considered to ensure you select the best device for your specific needs.
The first is the type of hearing loss and how severe it is. Different hearing aids are designed to address various types and levels of hearing loss. An audiologist can help determine the best option based on your hearing test results.
Our experts can also look at your lifestyle before making recommendations. For instance, if you are frequently in noisy places, a hearing aid with good noise reduction and directional microphones might be important.
Don’t forget to ask about the different features.
There are both digital and analogue hearing aids available. Digital hearing aids offer more advanced features, such as better sound quality and noise reduction.
Some modern hearing aids can also connect to smartphones, TVs, and other devices via Bluetooth.
One thing that’s highly important is the rechargeability. Rechargeable hearing aids eliminate the need to frequently change batteries. They can therefore be much more convenient and cost-effective in the long-term.
Then there’s what’s known as a telecoil. This feature helps improve hearing in environments with an induction loop system, such as theaters and churches.
Helping you pick the right design for your comfort.
Our team in Salford is happy to talk you through the different designs available, which typicaly include:
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE): Suitable for most types of hearing loss, durable, and easy to handle.
- In-the-Ear (ITE): Custom-made to fit your ear, more discreet but can be affected by earwax and moisture.
- Completely-in-Canal (CIC) and Invisible-in-Canal (IIC): Very discreet but may not have all the features of larger models and can be harder to handle.
Cost considerations and insurance.
Hearing aids can be expensive, and costs can vary widely. It can help to check if your insurance covers any part of the cost and consider financing options if needed.
We offer a trial period to ensure you’re completely happy.
Ensure the hearing aid comes with a trial period so you can test it in real-life situations. Check the warranty for repairs and replacements.
Ease of Use:
Some hearing aids are more user-friendly than others. Consider the ease of adjusting settings, cleaning, and maintaining the device.
Get support from our dedicated clinic.
The support and service provided by your audiologist can significantly impact your satisfaction with the hearing aid. Our reputable professionals are renowned for delivering good follow-up care.
Often a hearing aid needs to be upgraded or adjusted for potential changes in your hearing over time. We’re happy to talk you through the performance and reliability of different models.
By considering these factors, we can help you find an aid which supports your hearing needs and fit into your lifestyle and budget.
Find out more about our hearing aids in Salford. Or don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for more information.