Hearing aids are advanced electronic devices designed to improve hearing for individuals experiencing varying degrees of hearing loss. These devices are carefully developed to amplify sound, making it easier for people to understand speech and environmental noise.

To break it down, three basic parts are needed to make hearing aids work: a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. The microphone picks up sound, which is converted into electrical signals. The amplifier then receives the signals and increases their power before sending them to the speaker, which delivers them to the ear.

However, modern hearing aids do more than amplify sound waves. The latest technology integrates cutting-edge features, such as Bluetooth and background noise reduction. When used correctly, these features can combine to create exceptional hearing experiences.

Learn more about the basics of hearing aids.

Hearing aids have evolved significantly over the years, providing diverse options to cater to various needs. Today, we have everything from over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and Hearables, which are more useful for mild cases of hearing loss, to ultra-smart devices. To help you brush up on the essentials, we’ve crafted a simple guide that explores the main types of hearing aids along with the latest features.

One of the current leaders in the hearing aid industry is the ReSound Vivia™ 9. Providing adaptive sound processing and comprehensive connectivity features, this hearing aid delivers a best-in-class hearing experience that can be highly customised to your specific requirements. It’s also available in a range of styles, making it easier to get the right fit.

Resonate is a proud supplier of the ReSound Vivia™ 9 (the very best), which is available through our Unlimited hearing aid subscription. Check it out if you’re interested!

Choosing the best hearing aid brand

There are many different hearing aid brands worldwide, such as ReSound, Phonak, and Oticon, but it’s important to recognise that some models will align with your requirements better than others. Ultimately, determining what hearing aid brand is best depends on you — it’s all about your ear shape, lifestyle, and hearing health.

For instance, water-resistant hearing aids are a perfect option for those leading active lifestyles or living in environments with high humidity. Or, if you’re frequently on the go and want the ability to make hands-free calls, then Bluetooth hearing aids are what you’re looking for. 

If you’re looking for the best option, our team is here to help. Simply contact your local Resonate studio and ask for support with hearing aid fitting and selection. Your audiologist will provide recommendations based on your unique circumstances, and if you opt for one of Resonate’s solutions, they’ll ensure your hearing aid integrates seamlessly with your lifestyle.

Accessing hearing aids in New Zealand has been notoriously challenging for Kiwis, mostly due to the high prices and lack of funding support. There aren’t many cheap hearing aids around — but Resonate provides a unique solution to this challenge, offering Kiwis premium hearing aids at an affordable price.

Want to know how much hearing aids cost in NZ? Our price comparison tool gives you a good picture of the standard costs over time, while also breaking down how they compare to our subscription-based solution, Unlimited. 

Hearing aid funding options in NZ

As for funding support, there are some options available, which may give you the ability to get closer to free hearing aids. For starters, you can check out if you’re eligible for the main funding options, offered via the New Zealand Subsidy Scheme, the New Zealand Funding Scheme, and ACC. 

In addition, there is a handful of other alternative funding avenues that might be useful to you. If you want to discuss your options, get in touch with your local Resonate Studio. Our team is happy to walk you through our offerings and will ensure you make the best decision for you — whether that’s through Resonate or another provider.

Adjusting to life with hearing aids involves some learning and adaptation. We appreciate that changes like these aren’t always easy, so we aim to provide as much support as possible throughout this personal journey.

For those preparing for their first hearing aids, it’s natural to be nervous about the initial experience — how does it feel when wearing a hearing aid for the first time? As you might expect, this experience will be completely unique to you. But it is quite common to feel overwhelmed and exhausted in the first few days. So you may want to keep this in mind.

When living with hearing aids, we like to emphasise the importance of daily wear, even when you’ve just started wearing them. This is because consistency helps to strengthen your hearing pathway, promoting better health in the long term.

There will, of course, be times when specialist advice is needed, such as when using a single hearing aid or learning about how to manage background noise. So please feel free to enquire with our team or call us on 0800 737 662 if you ever have any questions.

Travelling with hearing aids

Whether you’re exploring new destinations or embarking on a routine trip, ensuring the safety and functionality of your hearing aids is essential. In preparation, there are a few things worth brushing up on, such as what to pack and what to keep in mind if flying.

In addition to packing and transporting essentials, it’s also beneficial to consider other technical aspects such as adapting to different environments and knowing how to address any unexpected issues that may arise. This way, you can confidently embark on your travels, fully equipped to make the most of every moment.

Wearing accessories with hearing aids

You may have already asked yourself how you’ll wear certain accessories at the same time as hearing aids. We’re happy to confirm that there is almost always a way to work around these challenges. In fact, there’s often no challenge at all. Items such as glasses, hats, and masks can typically be worn without fuss. However, it does depend on what type of hearing aids you wear and their fit.

When we talk about hearing aid connectivity, we’re referring to devices with the ability to connect with other types of technology, such as smartphones, laptops, or smart TVs. The process is wireless, which could be compared to a virtual handshake, and once two devices meet, it’s often easier to connect again.

The benefits of connecting with technology are extensive and absolutely worthwhile. Of the many features, a few that are widely loved include convenient volume control, enhanced hearing, and hands-free phone calls. Connecting hearing aids to mobile phones is a great place to begin, and it’s a task that the Resonate team are happy to walk you through.

Proper care and maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your hearing aids. There are a few ways you can approach hearing aid maintenance, though it typically comes down to three main considerations: cleanliness, storage, and repairs.

At Resonate, our monthly hearing aid subscription includes a particularly valuable feature: complimentary hearing aid replacement every three years. Typically, the recommended timeline for hearing aid replacements averages around 3-4 years, although this may vary depending on the specific type of device that you use.

By providing frequent best-in-class replacements, we’re able to ensure that you’re getting the right treatment for your hearing loss and that you’re always equipped with the latest technology.

While hearing aids are a fantastic solution for addressing hearing loss, they also contribute toward improving your overall health. This connection between our hearing and well-being has been closely studied for years, and it goes to show just how important our ears are.

The health benefits of wearing hearing aids span from improving audibility to enhancing vital functions such as our memory and balance. It can be incredibly interesting to explore how hearing loss affects your own health, and Resonate’s Ear360 hearing assessment was designed to specifically capture this information, exploring 10 key aspects, such as how your hearing is affecting your sleep. If you’re interested, you can book your own Ear360 appointment at your nearest Resonate studio.

There are, of course, other more serious factors to consider when understanding the impact of your hearing health. If you want to explore further, we suggest looking into the link between hearing loss and dementia.

If you’re interested in purchasing hearing aids or assessing the state of your hearing health, we welcome you to get in touch. After all, hearing excellence doesn’t start with big changes — it begins with a conversation.

Resonate currently has several studios across the country, which you can visit at any time. You can also call us at 0800 737 662, email via hello@resonatehealth.co.nz or book an appointment online.

For those seeking hearing aids, we’ve got you covered! We offer same-day fitting and a free one-month trial on our Unlimited hearing aid subscription. But that’s not all; our team is here to support you throughout the entire hearing health journey. So take your time, and we’ll be ready when you are.