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Hearing aids can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing hearing loss. However, before making a purchase, it’s important to understand what to expect from the process, from the hearing assessment and fitting process to the hearing aid trial, maintenance tips, and cost guide.
Whether you’re getting your first hearing aid or upgrading to a newer model, understanding these essential details will help you make an informed decision.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before getting hearing aids in Singapore, with expert insights from The Hearing Centre.
Understanding Hearing Loss and Why It Matters
Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide and can impact communication, relationships, and overall well-being. It often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook until it starts affecting daily interactions.
The first step in addressing hearing loss is to identify its cause and severity. Not all hearing loss requires a hearing aid — sometimes, it might be temporary due to earwax buildup or an infection. That’s why a professional hearing test at The Hearing Centre is essential before purchasing any device.
The Importance of a Professional Hearing Assessment
A hearing assessment helps determine whether you need hearing aids and what type will best suit your needs. At The Hearing Centre Singapore, the evaluation process includes multiple diagnostic tests to accurately measure your hearing ability.
Types of Hearing Tests You May Undergo:
- Pure Tone Audiometry Test: Measures the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies and volumes.
- ABR/ASSR Testing: Evaluates how your auditory nerve responds to sound stimulation, ideal for infants or those unable to respond actively.
- Tympanometry: Checks the middle ear’s condition and eardrum mobility, identifying possible fluid buildup or infection.
After your assessment, your audiologist will explain the results and recommend suitable hearing aid options that match your hearing profile and lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid Style
There are several types of hearing aids available today, each designed for different degrees of hearing loss and comfort preferences.
Some popular options available at The Hearing Centre include:
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE): Suitable for all levels of hearing loss and provides excellent amplification.
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): Offers a balance between discretion and power.
- In-the-Ear (ITE) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC): Compact, discreet designs ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss.
The Hearing Aid Fitting Process
After your hearing assessment, the fitting process ensures that your chosen hearing aids are programmed and adjusted to match your specific hearing profile.
At The Hearing Centre Singapore, audiologists perform detailed ear measurements to customise the fit and sound delivery. Proper fitting ensures comfort, clarity, and optimal performance.
Steps in the Fitting Process:
- Programming the Device: Your audiologist sets up the hearing aid based on your hearing test results.
- Physical Fit Check: The hearing aid is adjusted to ensure it sits comfortably and securely in or behind your ear.
- Sound Testing: Real-ear measurements are used to fine-tune sound amplification and balance.
- Usage Training: You’ll learn how to insert, remove, and clean your device, and adjust volume or settings when needed.
Hearing Aid Trial: Why It Matters
A hearing aid trial allows you to test different models before making a final decision. This trial period helps you experience how each device performs in real-life environments, such as quiet rooms, outdoors, or crowded restaurants.
The Hearing Centre offers trials for leading brands like Signia, Phonak, Starkey, and ReSound. During this time, audiologists can make small adjustments based on your feedback to ensure the best comfort and sound experience.
What to Observe During a Trial:
- Clarity of speech during conversations
- Comfort during long hours of wear
- Performance in noisy environments
- Ease of using controls or app connectivity
Testing different models helps you find a device that feels natural and fits your daily needs.
Understanding Hearing Aid Features
Modern hearing aids are packed with advanced technology designed to improve your listening experience. When choosing one, it’s helpful to understand which features are most relevant to you.
Common Features Include:
- Noise Reduction: Minimises background noise for clearer speech.
- Directional Microphones: Focus on sounds coming from in front of you.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Enables wireless streaming from smartphones and TVs.
- Rechargeable Batteries: Eco-friendly and convenient, lasting all day.
- AI and Smart Sound Processing: Automatically adjusts sound settings based on the environment.
- Tinnitus Masking: Provides relief from ringing in the ears.
Audiologists at The Hearing Centre can guide you through the different options available across brands and models.
Cost Guide: How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost in Singapore?
The cost of hearing aids in Singapore can vary widely depending on technology level, brand, and features. Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per ear.
Factors that influence cost include:
- Technology Tier: Basic models focus on essential amplification, while premium devices include advanced AI and connectivity.
- Brand: Reputable brands like Signia, Phonak, and Starkey are typically more expensive but offer higher reliability.
- Features and Accessories: Rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth streaming, and tinnitus features add to cost.
- Fitting and Aftercare Services: Professional fitting and follow-up visits are part of the investment.
Your audiologist will provide a transparent cost guide after your assessment, ensuring you understand every component of your purchase.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Performance
Proper hearing aid maintenance is essential to ensure longevity and consistent performance. Moisture, dust, and earwax are the main causes of malfunction, so regular cleaning and servicing are necessary.
Daily Maintenance Tips:
- Wipe your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth every night.
- Keep them in a drying case when not in use.
- Avoid using water, alcohol, or cleaning chemicals.
- Store them in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight.
For deeper cleaning, repairs, or adjustments, visit The Hearing Centre Singapore, where trained audiologists can inspect and maintain your devices.
Common Misconceptions About Hearing Aids
Many people hesitate to get hearing aids due to outdated myths. Here are a few common misconceptions debunked:
- “Hearing aids are only for old people.”
Hearing loss can occur at any age due to noise exposure, genetics, or infections. - “They make everything sound too loud.”
Modern devices are programmed to amplify only what you need, maintaining natural sound balance. - “I can buy them online without a test.”
This is risky. A proper hearing assessment ensures the hearing aid suits your hearing pattern. - “Hearing aids don’t last long.”
With good care and professional servicing, hearing aids can last five years or more.
The Role of Audiologists in Your Hearing Journey
A qualified audiologist is your best partner when it comes to hearing care. At The Hearing Centre Singapore, audiologists guide you through each stage — from diagnosis to post-fitting care.
Audiologists Provide:
- Comprehensive hearing assessments
- Personalised fitting and tuning
- Maintenance and repair services
- Long-term monitoring of hearing health
They can also advise if an alternative treatment, such as a cochlear implant or hearing implant, is more suitable for severe hearing loss.
Adjusting to Your New Hearing Aids
It’s normal for new users to take some time to adapt. At first, your brain needs to re-learn how to interpret amplified sounds.
Tips for Smooth Adjustment:
- Start by wearing your hearing aids for a few hours a day.
- Gradually increase usage time as you become comfortable.
- Test them in different environments — at home, outdoors, and in public places.
- Attend follow-up sessions for fine-tuning.
The Importance of Follow-Up Appointments
After fitting, follow-up appointments ensure that your hearing aids continue to perform optimally. Your audiologist will fine-tune the settings, update firmware if needed, and clean the device professionally.
Regular visits to The Hearing Centre also help identify early issues, extending the lifespan of your device.
Comparing Leading Hearing Aid Brands
Choosing the right brand is as important as selecting the right model. The Hearing Centre provides leading brands such as:
- Signia Hearing Aids Singapore — known for AI-driven sound and advanced speech clarity.
- Phonak Hearing Aids in Singapore — offers universal Bluetooth connectivity and powerful performance.
- Starkey Hearing Aids — focuses on comfort and discreet designs.
- ReSound Hearing Aid Singapore — delivers natural sound through unique environmental adaptability.
Your audiologist will help compare options and suggest the most suitable based on your needs and lifestyle.
When to Consider Implants Instead of Hearing Aids
In some cases of profound hearing loss, conventional hearing aids may not provide enough benefit. For such individuals, a cochlear implant or hearing implant may be recommended.
These advanced devices directly stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing users to perceive sound more effectively.
Conclusion
Getting hearing aids is not just about restoring sound — it’s about regaining connection, confidence, and quality of life. By understanding the full process — from hearing assessment to fitting, trial, maintenance, and cost — you can make an informed decision that suits your individual needs.
At The Hearing Centre Singapore, expert audiologists are dedicated to providing personalised hearing care using the latest technology and compassionate support. Whether you’re exploring your first device or upgrading to a modern model, the journey begins with a simple hearing test.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you frequently ask others to repeat themselves, turn up the TV volume, or struggle to follow conversations, you may benefit from a professional hearing test.
The initial fitting usually takes about an hour, including adjustments and usage training.
Yes, most clinics offer a hearing aid trial period so you can test different models before deciding.
Clean them daily and have them professionally serviced every few months.
Some insurance plans may partially cover hearing aids. Check with your provider for details.
If you have hearing loss in both ears, using two hearing aids provides better sound localisation and balance.
With proper maintenance, they typically last 5–7 years.
You’ll undergo several tests to measure your hearing thresholds and identify any ear-related issues.
Yes, though individuals with profound hearing loss may benefit more from implants.
Many modern hearing aids include tinnitus masking programs that help reduce ringing in the ears.
Evlin is passionate about helping people with hearing loss. With years of experience in audiology, she has diagnosed and treated a wide range of hearing conditions across all age groups. She is accredited to conduct comprehensive hearing assessments and provide treatments for patients from newborns to the elderly. Committed to personalized care, she strives to empower patients to fully engage in life with better hearing.
Designation: Clinical Audiologist
Qualification: Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) (Audiology), University of Science Malaysia
Membership: .Society of Audiology Professionals in Singapore (SAPS)