Wearing a hearing aid for the first time

Hearing aids are electronic devices that improve your hearing. But how do they work? These devices amplify sound vibrations to match your hearing level. This is made possible by three key components in the hearing aid: the microphone, which captures and converts sound into a digital signal; the amplifier, which boosts the volume, and the receiver, which plays the enhanced sound into your ear.

The decision to wear one or two hearing aids depends on the type of hearing loss. For unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in one ear), a single hearing aid may suffice. For bilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in both ears), wearing two hearing aids is recommended for better hearing quality.

Hearing aids come in various shapes, sizes, and technologies. Choosing the right hearing aid depends on several factors, primarily the type and severity of your hearing loss. Your individual needs and preferences, such as work-related demands, aesthetic preferences, daily routines, and budget constraints, also play a crucial role in this decision.

Whatever your needs may be, Amplifon and its team of experts are here to help you find the ideal hearing aid.

Hearing aids come in three different styles:

• In-the-ear (ITE): In these devices, the receiver is positioned completely inside the ear canal, offering comfort and discretion.
• Receiver-in-canal (RIC): This type of device is slim and elegant and adapts to every ear canal, combining efficiency and aesthetics.
• Behind-the-ear (BTE): These devices sit behind the ear and use a transparent tube connected to an earpiece to deliver sound into the ear canal. They are known for their practicality and power.

Testing out a hearing aid is crucial to getting used to the device and experiencing its benefits. Amplifon, for instance, offers a 14-day free trial of their hearing aids. This allows you to wear it at home, work, during leisure activities, in noisy environments, and in all the situations that make up your daily life.

Using a hearing aid can help individuals with hearing impairment or sensorineural deafness partially regain their hearing. The extent to which hearing is restored depends on the underlying cause, such as issues with the cochlea, which can be damaged due to disease, injury, or age-related hearing loss.

Understanding the lifespan of a hearing aid is an important consideration when selecting one. Typically, hearing aids can last between 3 to 5 years. Proper maintenance not only ensures their longevity but also guarantees their optimal performance.

Another factor to consider is the lifespan of hearing aid batteries. Battery life varies from 4 to 25 days, depending on the battery type, hearing aid model, and usage frequency. Additionally, modern rechargeable hearing aids offer up to 30 hours of autonomy, and a quick charge of less than 3 hours is all you need.

Getting used to hearing aids typically takes a few weeks for the ear and brain to reacquaint themselves with auditory stimuli. Initially, you might experience some discomfort, but these sensations are only temporary. Once you've passed the initial stages, you'll notice a significant improvement in your quality of life. Wearing the device throughout the day is essential to help your ear clearly distinguish sounds once again. 

Hearing aid prices vary significantly. Amplifon offers high-quality solutions for various price ranges. The cost of the devices depends on factors such as:

• Noise reduction capabilities.
• Compatibility with other devices.
• Sound reception quality.
• Rechargeability capabilities.
• Environmental detection capabilties.

Amplifon offers customised hearing aids, entirely tailored to your budget. You have the option to purchase a device with convenient monthly installments, which can extend up to 60 months. Alternatively, you can request financing, simply visit one of the our Amplifon centres and speak to a member of our team.

Amplifon's hearing aid cost includes a range of services, such as:

• Free adjustments, inspections, and cleanings.
• Periodic hearing tests at no charge.
• Initial supply of batteries and cleaning products, free of charge.

Yes, hearing aids can be insured. Given their importance, insuring hearing aids can protect your device against potential damage, theft, and loss. Amplifon's advanced hearing aids, known for their nearly invisible design and excellent sound quality, are particularly valuable and should be protected with insurance to prevent any inconvenient situations.

Insurance coverage can include:

• Annual maintenance and free repairs.
• Warranty extension.
• A replacement device, in case of repairs.
• A new device, in case of theft or loss.
• Discounts on accessories.

Amplifon offers a range of post-purchase services to its customers, including:

• Inspection, adjustment and cleaning of the devices

We provide free assistance for the periodic inspection, adjustment, and cleaning of your hearing aids, ensuring their proper functioning.

• Amplifon App

The Amplifon App allows you to quickly and easily adjust some functions of your hearing aids directly from your smartphone.

In addition to these services, Amplifon after-sales services offer:

• A practical and resistant case for storing your hearing aids.
• A free battery charger or a spare set of batteries.
• A welcome kit with hearing aid cleaning products.
• A sanitisation and dehumidification kit with a UV lamp, along with a free hot air treatment every 12 months.

Hearing aid warranties typically last for two years, after which free repairs for any damage are no longer available. However, with insurance, you can extend the warranty on your hearing aids and continue to receive free repairs.

Proper hearing aid maintenance involves a series of essential tasks, such as:

• Protecting the appliance from dirt, heat and humidity.
• Storing the device in its case overnight.
• Replacing batteries, domes and filters.
• Removing earwax from the hearing aid.
• Scheduling professional cleanings.
• Periodic checks of your hearing and hearing aids.

At Amplifon, we offer products tailored for the proper maintenance of your hearing aids , ensuring clear hearing. In particular, we provide a convenient and comprehensive cleaning kit for hearing aids, which includes spray, cleaning wipes, and dehumidifying tablets. With these products, you can easily keep your devices clean and ensure their daily functionality.

Amplifon also offers a hearing aid repair service. If your hearing aid has stopped working, before contacting our assistance, there are some checks you can carry out, such as:

• Make sure the battery is inserted correctly.
• Replace hearing aid batteries.
• Check that the hearing aid is turned on.
• Check for any twists in the sound tube, in the case of a BTE hearing aid.
• Check if the snail is blocked by wax or liquid.
• For hearing aids with different programs: check whether the correct program is set.

If your appliance continues and does not work, contact one of the Amplifon assistance centers. Our experts are available to take care of your device and your hearing.