Hearing Aids: Independent Advice for Your Needs

Choosing hearing aids can feel complicated. There are many brands, styles, technology levels and features available, and the most expensive or newest device is not automatically the right choice for everyone.

Better Hearing Co. is an independent hearing clinic in Christchurch. Because we are not owned by a hearing aid manufacturer, we can consider technology from a broad range of leading brands. Our recommendations are guided by your hearing, communication needs, lifestyle, preferences and budget.

Our aim is to help you understand your options and make a well-informed decision without pressure.

Which hearing aids are best?

There is no single hearing aid that is best for every person.

The right choice depends on factors such as:

The type and degree of your hearing loss
Your ear shape, dexterity and eyesight
The places in which you most need to hear
Whether you use a smartphone or other digital devices
Your preference for rechargeable or disposable batteries
Cosmetic and comfort considerations
Your budget and funding eligibility
Any tinnitus or sound-sensitivity concerns

Some hearing aids perform particularly well in background noise, while others may be selected for their sound quality, connectivity, physical design or ease of use. We will explain the meaningful differences so that you can compare suitable options.

Hearing aid styles

Modern hearing aids are available in several styles. Each has its own advantages and limitations.

Receiver-in-canal hearing aids

Receiver-in-canal, or RIC, hearing aids sit discreetly behind the ear, with a thin wire connecting to a small receiver in the ear canal.

RIC hearing aids are widely used because they are comfortable, adaptable and suitable for many degrees of hearing loss. They are available with rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth connectivity and a range of different earpieces and earmoulds.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids

Behind-the-ear, or BTE, hearing aids sit behind the ear and deliver sound through tubing connected to an earmould or earpiece.

They can provide reliable amplification for a wide range of hearing losses and may be particularly suitable when greater power, durability or ease of handling is required.

In-the-ear hearing aids

In-the-ear hearing aids are custom-made to fit within the outer ear or ear canal. Depending on their size, they may include features such as rechargeable batteries, directional microphones and Bluetooth connectivity.

Custom hearing aids can be a convenient option for some people, but their suitability depends on hearing levels, ear anatomy, dexterity and the features required.

Invisible and discreet hearing aids

Small in-canal hearing aids can be difficult to see when worn. They may appeal to people who prioritise discretion, but the smallest device is not always the most practical or effective option.

Very small hearing aids can have limitations involving battery life, power, wireless connectivity and ease of handling. We can assess your ears and hearing to determine whether an invisible hearing aid is appropriate for you.

Rechargeable hearing aids

Rechargeable hearing aids have become a popular alternative to devices using disposable batteries. They are placed into a charger overnight and are generally designed to provide power for a full day of typical use.

Rechargeable hearing aids may be helpful for people who:

Prefer not to handle small batteries
Use their hearing aids throughout the day
Stream calls, music or television
Want a convenient daily routine
Would like to reduce their use of disposable batteries

Battery-powered hearing aids remain useful in some situations, particularly when access to electricity is limited or when a particular custom style is preferred.

Bluetooth hearing aids

Many current hearing aids can connect wirelessly to compatible smartphones and other devices.

Depending on the hearing aid and phone combination, Bluetooth may allow you to:

Stream phone calls through your hearing aids
Listen to music, podcasts and other audio
Hear video calls more clearly
Use a mobile app to adjust selected settings
Connect to compatible television accessories
Access remote-support features where available

Not every hearing aid connects in the same way to every phone. We will check compatibility and help set up the relevant features during your hearing aid fitting.

For additional help in difficult environments, accessories such as remote microphones may also be considered.

Hearing aid brands available

As an independent audiology practice, Better Hearing Co. works with a selection of established hearing aid manufacturers, including:

Widex
Signia
Oticon
Phonak
Starkey
Unitron
GN Resound

Access to more manufacturers allows us to compare different sound-processing approaches, physical styles, connectivity options and price levels.

A particular brand may be well suited to one person but not another. Our role is to recommend an appropriate solution based on your individual needs rather than automatically fitting the same product to everyone.

What happens before hearing aids are recommended?

The process normally begins with a comprehensive hearing assessment. We will discuss the listening situations you find difficult and complete testing to understand the nature and degree of your hearing loss.

We will then explain:

Your hearing results
Whether hearing aids are likely to help
Suitable hearing aid styles
Relevant technology and features
Available price levels
Funding or subsidy options where applicable
What to expect during the fitting and adjustment period

You are welcome to involve a family member or communication partner in this discussion.

Your hearing aid fitting appointment

Once your hearing aids have been selected and ordered, you will return for a fitting appointment.

Your hearing aid fitting in Christchurch may include:

Checking the physical fit and comfort
Programming the devices for your hearing levels
Using real-ear measurement to verify the amplification
Fine-tuning the sound for comfort and clarity
Explaining insertion, removal and daily care
Demonstrating charging or battery replacement
Connecting the hearing aids to a compatible phone
Discussing a realistic plan for adapting to amplification

Real-ear measurement allows us to assess the sound delivered within your individual ear canal. This helps ensure that the hearing aids are providing appropriate amplification rather than relying only on the manufacturer’s initial settings.

Adjusting to new hearing aids

When hearing loss has developed gradually, the brain may have become accustomed to receiving less sound. New hearing aids can therefore make everyday sounds seem unfamiliar at first.

During the adjustment period, you may notice sounds such as:

Your own voice
Footsteps
Running water
Paper rustling
Cutlery and dishes
Traffic and background activity

This does not necessarily mean the hearing aids are too loud. Regular use gives your brain an opportunity to relearn which sounds are important and which can remain in the background.

Most people adapt gradually over several weeks, although everyone’s experience is different.

Follow-up care and hearing aid fine-tuning

Follow-up care is an important part of a successful hearing aid fitting. Your experiences outside the clinic help us understand where further adjustment may be beneficial.

Better Hearing Co. provides ongoing hearing aid care, including:

Hearing aid fine-tuning
Comfort and physical-fit adjustments
Cleaning and routine maintenance
Bluetooth and app support
Troubleshooting
Minor in-clinic repairs
Manufacturer repair arrangements
Periodic hearing and hearing aid reviews

Your hearing and listening needs can change over time. Regular reviews allow us to check that your devices continue to provide suitable support.

Hearing aid trials, warranties and aftercare

Generally Better Hearing Co allows a 60 day right of return period for new hearing aids purchased form us. This is to make sure you are happy with the selection. We offer all the appointments you need in the first year at no extra cost to ensure you establish a good routine and are benefitting fully from your new hearing aids. Hearing aids usually last 6 years and require annual review with your Audiologist.

Hearing aid funding and subsidies

Some people may qualify for financial assistance towards hearing aids through ACC, Enable, Veteran’s Affairs and the Ministry of Social Development.

Eligibility depends on individual circumstances. We can explain the funding options that may be relevant and assist with appropriate applications and documentation.

Book a hearing aid consultation in Christchurch

If you are concerned about your hearing or would like independent advice about hearing aids in Christchurch, contact Better Hearing Co.

We will assess your hearing, discuss the situations in which you need help and explain the available hearing solutions clearly and without pressure.