How do hearing aids work?

Directional microphones

Automatic directionality provides you with the benefit of picking up speech over background noise like traffic or music in a restaurant. Hearing aids with directional microphones can selectively tune in and tune out certain noises in the environment. Some directional microphones tune out the noises coming from behind you, while others tune out noises selectively from moving sources, such as cars or passing bikes.

Automatic directional microphones

Automatic directional microphones operate according to the listening environment. In a quiet situation they’ll operate in directional mode and adaptive directional mode, if available.

Adaptive directional microphones

This microphone can detect the location of the strongest noise source and minimise it. If the noise source moves, like a motorbike on the road, then the microphone system adapts to keep that noise reduced.

Noise reduction

This reduces the amplification of non-speech sounds, making it more comfortable in noisy conditions by automatically sensing and then reducing the background noise. So you can better concentrate, or enjoy conversations in busy places.

Wind noise reduction

Wind noise reduction is an electronic system that reduces the bothersome sound of wind whistling over the microphones. The hearing aid detects windy conditions and adapts automatically for maximum comfort – particularly useful for outdoor activities, like golf or walking.

Transient noise reduction

This feature identifies and reduces annoying sounds like rustling paper and clattering dishes without affecting speech clarity. It’s also known as ‘sound-smoothing’ and ‘anti-shock’.

Automatic programmes

Hearing aids will often use automatic programmes to identify the listening environment and choose the proper instrument settings accordingly. This allows you to get the best settings for any hearing situation without pushing a button.

Binaural synchronisation

So you can hear better in a range of situations, there’s often a wireless communication system between two hearing aids that synchronises the settings between them. This means that everything is properly balanced in both hearing aids.

Data logging and frequency bands

Modern hearing aids can record the listening programmes and volumes used under different listening environments, as well as marking the range and frequency of sounds you most often hear. This allows our hearing experts to fine tune your hearing aids to better suit your lifestyle.

Speech enhancement

Modern hearing aids pick up the sound patterns, or frequencies, of speech while minimising background noise, helping you to hear conversations more clearly.

Hearing aid feedback cancellation

Feedback is when your hearing aids makes a whistling noise. This can be caused by poor fitting, excessive or impacted earwax, or if you place anything over your ear (like a hand or hat). Feedback cancellation technology removes any annoying feedback sounds you may experience.

Adaptive feedback cancellation

This is similar to the ‘feedback cancellation’ feature but is able to automatically adapt its speed of operation to improve performance according to different environments – like when you use the phone, listen to music, or hear alarm beeps.

Remote control and management

Most modern hearing aids are now controllable via mobile apps. These allow you to turn the volume of the aids up or down and easily select programmes to suit the environment you're in.