Hearing aids come in a range of styles and types. But what people often neglect to investigate is the technology that the hearing aid uses. Hearing aids can look identical on the outside, but house different components and technologies inside them. Hearing aid manufacturers typically have anywhere between three and six technology levels available for a product. As an example; Starkey have a hearing aid called the Starkey Z Series, but the Z Series comes in 5 tech levels: (from lowest, to highest) i20, i30, i70, i90 and i110
At Hearing Healthcare Centre we offer three technology levels to our clients; ‘entry level’, ‘mid-range’ and ‘premium’. This doesn’t mean we offer the worst, the average, and the best, but rather the three highest tech levels from each manufacturer. In the case of the Z series, our ’entry level’ instrument would be the i70, our ‘mid-range’ instrument the i90 and our ‘premium’ hearing instrument would be the i110.
It is important you are aware of the differences in technology level available to you from different providers. An ‘entry level’ system from elsewhere does not mean it is equivalent to a hearing aid from us.
Buying a hearing system can seem a daunting and complicated process. As an AIHHP Centre of Excellence, we pride ourselves on providing the most suitable hearing solutions for your needs; both personal and environmental. Our 50 years of experience means that we are able to provide accurate information, the best advice and we endeavour to make your decision-making process as easy as possible. In an attempt to make the hearing aid selection process a little easier, we have designed and documented our “Technology Levels”. Please see below for a detailed comparison.
Below is a table representing the typical features and technologies available in the different technology levels, as well as a guide on what technology level may be right for you.
Entry Level Range
All entry level hearing systems are digital, custom-made devices, with a tried-and-tested design to ensure maximum comfort and performance. An entry level hearing device features automatic programmes, suitable for clients with less demanding environmental needs.
Typically Consists of:
Automatic Programmes
Speech in quiet
Speech in moderate noise
Up to 3 Manual Programmes
Suitable For:
Mid Range Level
Our mid-range hearing systems have greater flexibility than the entry level, allowing our clients to manage their hearing in a greater (and more varied) number of challenging environments.
Typically Consists of:
Automatic Programmes:
Speech in quiet
Speech in noise
Comfort in noise
Up to 5 Manual Programmes
Suitable For:
Premium Range Level
Our premium level selection of hearing systems have the most advanced automatic system available in the market. This allows our clients the best possible hearing in the most challenging listening environments.
Typically Consists of:
Automatic Programmes:
Soft Speech in quiet
Loud Speech in quiet
Speech in moderate background noise
Speech in loud background noise
Comfort in moderate noise
Comfort in loud noise
Music
Up to 7 Manual Programmes
Suitable For:
