If you have been thinking about getting a hearing aid but feel unsure about where to start, you are certainly not alone. With so many styles, features and price points available, the process can seem overwhelming at first. The good news is that choosing the right hearing aid does not have to be complicated, especially when you have friendly, expert support right here in Lewes.
At Sussex Audiology Centre, we are a family-founded and family-run business, and we have helped countless people across East Sussex find hearing aids that genuinely suit their lives. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing a hearing aid, from understanding the different types and features to knowing what to expect from your appointment with us.
Hearing loss affects a significant number of people in the UK. According to RNID, around 1 in 3 adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. Left unaddressed, hearing loss can affect your confidence, relationships and overall wellbeing. A well-fitted hearing aid can make a remarkable difference, helping you enjoy conversations, feel more connected in social settings and stay engaged with the world around you.
Whether you are noticing the early signs of hearing loss or have been managing it for some time, choosing the right device is an important step. And it all starts with understanding what is available.
Before choosing a hearing aid, it is essential to have a professional hearing assessment. A hearing test helps us understand the type and degree of your hearing loss, which directly influences which hearing aid will work best for you.
At our Lewes clinic, we offer free hearing aid assessments that include a full review of your health history, a hearing test, a discussion about your lifestyle, and tailored recommendations based on the results. You do not need a GP referral to book an appointment with us, and we also offer home visits if getting to the clinic is difficult.
Understanding your level of hearing loss, whether it is mild, moderate, severe or profound, is the first building block in selecting the best hearing aid for you.
Hearing aids come in a range of styles, and each one is designed to suit different levels of hearing loss, lifestyle preferences and comfort requirements. Here is an overview of the most common types.
BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear with a tube that directs sound into the ear canal. They are suitable for most types of hearing loss, from mild to profound, and are often the most durable option. Their slightly larger size also makes them easier to handle, which can be helpful if you have dexterity concerns.
RIC hearing aids are similar to BTE models but are smaller and more discreet. The receiver (or speaker) sits inside the ear canal rather than behind the ear, which can offer a more natural sound quality. These are a popular choice for mild to moderate hearing loss and tend to be very comfortable for day-to-day wear.
ITE hearing aids are custom-made to fit within the outer ear. They are less visible than BTE models and are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Because they sit in the ear itself, they can be a good option for people who wear glasses.
ITC and CIC hearing aids are smaller again, fitting partly or completely inside the ear canal. They offer a more discreet appearance but may not be suitable for severe hearing loss due to their compact size. They are a great choice if discretion is a priority for you.
As the name suggests, invisible hearing aids sit deep inside the ear canal and are virtually undetectable. They are ideal for those who want the most discreet option possible and typically suit mild to moderate hearing loss. If the idea of wearing a visible hearing aid has been putting you off, IIC devices are well worth exploring.
Each of these styles has its own strengths, and the best one for you will depend on your hearing test results, your personal preferences and your daily routine. We work with leading hearing aid brands including Phonak, Oticon, Signia, ReSound, Widex and Starkey, so you can be confident that we will find the right match.
Modern digital hearing aids are packed with technology designed to make your listening experience as seamless as possible. Here are some of the features worth thinking about when comparing your options.
Rechargeable hearing aids have become increasingly popular and for good reason. Rather than fiddling with tiny disposable batteries, you simply place your hearing aids in a charging dock overnight. This is especially convenient for people with limited dexterity or those who prefer a low-maintenance routine.
Many of today’s hearing aids can connect wirelessly to your smartphone, television or tablet. This means you can stream phone calls, music and audio directly to your hearing aids. It is a feature that many of our patients in Lewes find genuinely life-changing, particularly for staying connected with family and friends.
If you spend time in noisy environments, such as busy cafes, social gatherings or even walking along Lewes High Street on market day, directional microphones and noise reduction features can make a significant difference. These technologies help your hearing aid focus on the sounds you want to hear while reducing background noise.
A telecoil (or T-coil) allows your hearing aid to connect to loop systems, which are commonly found in public venues, theatres and places of worship. It is a simple but valuable feature that can improve your hearing experience in many everyday situations.
The NHS provides useful guidance on the different types and features of hearing aids, and we are always happy to talk you through the options in more detail during your consultation.
One of the most common questions we are asked is about hearing aid prices. The cost of hearing aids can vary widely depending on the style, the technology level and the brand. More advanced digital hearing aids with features like Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries will typically sit at a higher price point, while simpler models may be more affordable.
At Sussex Audiology Centre, we believe that better hearing should be accessible. That is why we offer finance plans to help spread the cost, making it easier for you to invest in the hearing aid that truly suits your needs without compromise. We are always transparent about hearing aid cost during your assessment, and we will never recommend something that is not right for you.
It is also worth noting that when you invest in hearing aids through an independent audiologist like us, you are not just paying for the device. You are getting the full package of professional fitting, programming, aftercare and ongoing support.
Your hearing aid should fit your life, not the other way around. During your assessment at our Lewes clinic, we take the time to understand how you spend your days so we can recommend the most suitable option.
If you lead an active lifestyle, perhaps walking the South Downs or cycling through the East Sussex countryside, you may benefit from a hearing aid with moisture and sweat resistance. If you spend a lot of time on the phone or in meetings, Bluetooth connectivity could be a priority. And if you prefer something completely invisible, we can explore IIC or CIC options with you.
For those who wear glasses, certain styles such as RIC or ITE hearing aids can be more comfortable, as they avoid the area behind the ear where your frames sit. If you have any concerns about handling smaller devices, a BTE hearing aid with easy-to-use controls may be the better choice.
We take all of these factors into account so that the hearing aid you leave with feels like a natural, comfortable part of your everyday routine.
If you have never visited an audiologist before, it is completely natural to feel a little uncertain about what to expect. We want to reassure you that the process is straightforward and relaxed.
Your hearing aid assessment with us includes a thorough review of your hearing health, a professional hearing test, and a friendly conversation about your lifestyle and hearing goals. Based on this, we provide personalised recommendations tailored specifically to you. There is no pressure to make a decision on the day, and we are here to answer every question you have.
Once you have chosen your hearing aid, we handle the fitting and programming to ensure it is perfectly adjusted for your ears and your level of hearing loss. We also provide guidance on getting used to your new hearing aids, cleaning and maintenance tips, and ongoing aftercare support.
As one of our recent patients shared: “What a first class experience! From making the appointment to getting the hearing aid fitted, the team at Sussex Audiology have been outstanding.”
It is completely normal for new hearing aids to take a little time to get used to. Your brain needs to readjust to hearing sounds it may have been missing for a while. We typically recommend wearing your hearing aids for gradually increasing periods over the first few weeks.
During this time, you may notice that some sounds seem louder or different from what you expected. This is perfectly normal. We encourage you to keep notes on your experience so that we can fine-tune the settings at your follow-up appointment. The NIDCD also offers helpful information about adjusting to hearing aids and what to expect during the process.
Our team is always just a phone call or email away if you need advice between appointments. Your comfort and confidence are our top priority.
Looking after your hearing aids properly will help them last longer and perform at their best. We recommend wiping your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth each day, keeping them away from moisture and heat when not in use, and regularly checking and replacing wax filters as needed.
During your fitting, we will show you exactly how to clean and maintain your specific model. And if you ever have any concerns about performance, you are always welcome to get in touch.
We understand that choosing a hearing aid is a personal decision, and it helps to have a team you can trust by your side. As a family-run business with clinics across Sussex, including right here in Lewes, we pride ourselves on providing a personalised, friendly service that puts you first.
You can book directly without needing a referral, and we offer free hearing aid assessments so you can explore your options with no obligation. We also provide ear wax removal, tinnitus therapy and custom hearing protection, making us your complete hearing care partner in East Sussex.
Another happy patient recently told us: “Katie at Sussex Audiology made my whole experience of getting hearing aids very positive and so easy! Was supported the whole way through.”
If you are ready to take the next step towards better hearing, we would love to help. Whether you are looking for advice on the best hearing aids for your needs, want to compare different types of hearing aids, or simply want to book a hearing test in Lewes, our friendly team is here for you.
Get in touch with us today to book your free consultation, or drop us an email at info@sussexaudiologycentre.co.uk. We look forward to welcoming you.
For more helpful articles and hearing advice, visit our blog.
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