Hearing loss can affect people at different stages of their lives, therefore, there is no such thing as one style for all. Some people suffer from hearing loss in their younger years as a result of infection or trauma, some patients are affected by sudden deafness with no known cause and others lose their hearing as part of the aging process.

Identifying and accepting hearing loss can be a daunting and isolating experience. Most often, hearing loss is coupled with feeling isolated in social situations and a fear of being cut off. Emotions of anxiety and fear of isolation can stem from thoughts such as “people around me are talking about me which makes me feel alone” or “I didn’t hear that conversation very well, perhaps, I should avoid such situations in future”.

It’s quite challenging to empathise with a person who has hearing loss. Imagine only hearing a few words of a conversation with your family or friends, or thinking of a world without music or sounds.  Therefore, understanding the type of hearing loss, their lifestyle, and environment is a major part of the process to find a hearing care solution

At Gatwick Audiology, we understand that your hearing needs are as individual as you are and therefore, your hearing solution should be as customized as possible. We, being an independent audiology company, offer a large selection of hearing care solutions from several leading global manufacturers. These manufacturers have shown continuing advances in hearing technology which provides options for hearing restoration and consequently improving quality of life.

Our Audiologists will work through a person’s hearing loss and priorities to help identify a suitable hearing care solution. The first major step is identifying and accepting a hearing loss. Research has clearly shown that being fitted with hearing aids can allay a person’s fears and restore empowerment and social integration.

The type of fit should be understood correctly factoring in a person’s lifestyle; sound quality, total cost, aesthetic appearance; durability, and comfort. We believe that there is more to hearing aids than just restoring hearing and this process is person-specific. To many the thought of older style bulky, beige NHS hearing aids puts them off accepting a hearing loss, and the fear of being treated differently because of visible hearing aids can become a key factor in the decision-making process.

Advances in hearing aid technology are continuing and that has allowed access to a wide variety of styles.

For those wanting a small, inconspicuous solution, completely-in-canal (CIC), in-the-canal (ITC) and in-the-ear (ITE) styles offer a range of amplification with decreased visibility.

A larger range of hearing aids, sound quality, and offering a manual adjustment, behind-the-ear (BTE) style offer the widest range of amplification for mild to profound hearing loss. These are just a few examples.

Some styles are more sensitive to transmitting wind noise and factors including hobbies and occupations need to be factored.

To discuss your hearing care needs, book an appointment at hello@gatwickaudiology.co.uk or call 0333 011 7717.