Features of hearing aids different levels different prices hearing needs.

These features will vary depending on the level of technology and the aid/s you select (one star
being the basic aid and five stars being the top of the range). For more information on our star
rating of hearing aids, contact our office 3378 5999.

Automatic: Aids which continually analyse and process incoming sound and adapt to ensure the
best listening experience, so hearing aid wearers don't have to worry about their hearing aid
settings or changing programs.

Multiple programs/memories: Your hearing aids can be set up for different situations to suit your
lifestyle and needs. For example, programs could be set up for quiet situations, noisy environments
e.g. restaurants, watching television, listening on the phone and more. There are two types of
memories, manual and automatic. Manual programs need to be selected by pushing a button or
using a remote control. When your hearing aid has automatic programs it does it for you. Some
aids have both manual and automatic programs.

Channels/Bands: Channels are what we use to adjust the volume of hearing aids. It is a range of
frequencies that can be adjusted independent of other frequencies. The more channels the more
control we have when we program the hearing aid and consequently achieve a better match to your
hearing loss.

Directional Microphones: This suppresses the noise from the back and allows you to hear sound
coming from the front. This is beneficial in background noise and allows you to focus on the
individuals you are facing. They can be automatic, so your hearing aid turns them on when the
sound level in the room gets too loud. Some can also be adaptive that is they can track moving
sounds or reduce several different sounds at the same time. Available on most behind the ear, in
the ear, and in the canal styles of hearing aids.

Noise reduction: Your hearing aids will identify the difference between speech and background
noise (e.g. traffic, machinery) and reduce background noise to a comfortable level. The more
advanced hearing aids manage noise better by dividing the frequencies up into smaller sections.
The more channels (smaller frequency sections) the better the aid can isolate noise from speech.

Feedback cancellation: Feedback is a high pitch squeal. Most people will experience feedback
when they put their hand over their ear. This automatically removes feedback by producing a signal
exactly opposite of the feedback signal, consequently reducing the amount of feedback you
experience.

Telecoil (T-coil): Enables you to listen on the phone through your hearing aid without feedback.
These can be automatic. So when a telephone is placed on your hearing aid it will switch to the
t-coil but only if your phone is compatible (has a magnetic coil). They can also be used where there
are loop systems (sometimes found in halls, cinemas and churches), resulting in improved
transmission without ambient noise.

Bluetooth: A type of wireless connection for electronic devices e.g. mobile, television, MP3
players.

Data logging: Your hearing aid keeps a record of what kind of environments you have been
exposed to, hours of usage, volume changes etc. and may even make recommendations for
adjustments.

Data learning: Learns which volume settings you prefer and automatically adjusts to these. This
minimises the need for adjustments in volume.

Sound learning: Learns your preferred loudness and tone in specific situations.

Quick sync: Control both instruments with one touch so they are always balanced and
synchronized.

e2e wireless: Wirelessly couples and synchronises the aid settings for better localisation in every
direction. Studies have revealed that this feature can improve the left-right localisation of sounds.

Sound smoothing/sound relax/anti-shock: Impulse noise suppression e.g. clattering dishes,
heels on the floor.

Echo block: Designed to reduce reverberated sound or echo.

Wind noise manager: Reduces the sound of wind noise on the microphone.

Sound Recover: High-pitched sounds like children's voices become audible again and the
understanding of speech is greatly improved. Sound Recover is of great benefit for wearers with all
degrees of hearing loss.

Sound Brilliance: Enhances the perception of higher pitched sounds (up to 12 kHz). This feature
adds richness and fullness to the sound, especially when listening to music.