In the second part of the post, I would like to talk about the pros and cons of hearing aids.

Hearing Aids
Pros:
Specialized Design: Hearing aids are purpose-built to address various degrees of hearing loss. They come in a range of styles for different configuration and different degree of hearing loss, and  the audiologists take a client’s life style and personal preferences into consideration in their hearing aids recommendations. For instance, individuals with mild hearing loss concerned about aesthetics may benefit from an IIC (Invisible in the Canal) hearing aid, an option not currently available in the hearable market.

Customisation: One of the key advantages of hearing aids is the ability to customize them to an individual's specific hearing profile. Audiologists can fine-tune settings to optimise the listening experience for the wearer. For people who have hearing loss which is beyond mild to moderate degree, hearables are unlikely to be “powerful” enough for them.

Advanced Features: Modern hearing aids are equipped with an array of features, such as noise reduction, feedback suppression and artificial intelligence features. While some hearables have advanced features like noise reduction, they still hard to compete with the sophistication of hearing aids.

Long battery life: Hearing aids are designed for all day usage and some of them can even stay in your ear canal for months without the need to change the batteries, while most hearables only have a few hours’ battery life.

Cons:

Cost: The primary drawback of hearing aids is their cost. They can be relatively expensive, so the financial barrier may pose challenges for individuals seeking hearing assistance.

Social Stigma: Despite advancements in design, hearing aids may still carry a social stigma, leading to reluctance in adopting this technology. Some individuals may feel self-conscious about wearing a visible hearing aid.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required for hearing aids, including cleaning and battery replacement or recharging, as well as regular appointments to your audiologist. However, nowadays most of the hearing aids are relatively low maintenance and the appointments with audiologists often can be done through telehealth, or audiologists can offer home visit appointments to their clients, increasing hearing aids uptake rate to people concerned about hearing aids maintenance.

Conclusion:

Choosing between hearing aids and hearables boils down to personal preferences, the nature of the hearing impairment and budget considerations. Hearing aids offer a proven and specialised solution, with customisation and advanced features to enhance the listening experience. As technology continues to advance, we may see further innovations in hearing aid design and functionality, offering even more tailored and accessible options for individuals looking to improve their hearing experience. Always consult with a hearing healthcare professional to determine the most suitable option for your unique circumstances.