How can the features in fully subsidised hearing aids help you?
Hearing loss (and the help hearing aids can provide) differs for everyone. If a hearing test shows you would benefit from a hearing aid you will be offered a fully subsidised hearing device, chosen from a large range of hearing devices available at no cost to you through the program.
How can the features in fully subsidised hearing aids help you?
Hearing loss (and the help hearing aids can provide) differs for everyone. If a hearing test shows you would benefit from a hearing aid you will be offered a fully subsidised hearing device, chosen from a large range of hearing devices available at no cost to you through the program.
Hearing aids each have differing combinations of features. As not every fully subsidised hearing aid will have every feature, thinking about what you would most like to improve through using a hearing aid will help you to choose the right device for you (for example, improving your listening when in a group or a meeting, or when on the telephone). You should talk with your service provider about what you would like to hear better and the features available in fully subsidised devices that can assist you.
The table below lists common situations where people might want to improve their ability to hear and the hearing aid features that can help in those situations. The dots (●) in this table are a general guide as to how these hearing aid features could help you in these situations, or could work to improve how other features in the device perform. For more information, talk to your service provider or visit www.hearingservices.gov.au
|
Noise reduction |
Directional microphone |
Multiple listening programs |
Environmental adaptation * |
Feedback cancellation |
Autophone |
Telecoil |
|
| Common listening situations | |||||||
| One on one conversations |
● |
● |
● |
● |
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| Television, radio, multimedia |
● |
● |
● |
● |
● |
● |
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| Using landline telephones |
● |
● |
● |
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| Small groups of people and meetings |
● |
● |
● |
● |
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| Theatre, movies, places of worship |
● |
● |
● |
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| Listening over distance |
● |
● |
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| Listening comfort |
● |
● |
● |
● |
● |
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| Convenience of use |
● |
● |
● |
● |
● |
● |
● |
Table key
* The hearing aid tries to identify the sounds around you (for example, if you are listening to speech in a quiet or noisy place, or to music) and changes how it processes these sounds to help you hear better, with less need to adjust the settings of the hearing aid yourself.
** The telecoil is a feature of many hearing aids which helps you hear a particular sound through the use of an accessory which you can purchase (for example, compatible telephones). Many public places have a hearing loop installed, which will help you hear better when your telecoil is enabled. Places you can use a telecoil include theatres, places of hip, banks, government offices, or anywhere you see the international hearing loop logo displayed.
