display

Big, bulky and unattractive: this cliché about hearing aids was a thing of the past.

Today the little buttons in the ear can do amazing things as mini-computers.

Modern hearing systems are equipped with at least three hearing programs, four channels, digital technology and the suppression of background noise and feedback as standard.

However, statutory health insurance often have to pay for additional accessories for convenience, comfort or aesthetics.

What is worthwhile and what can be dispensed with?

A selection of accessories and advertising promises - with classification.

Remote controls for hearing aids

display

They can be used to set and change various hearing programs and hearing system volumes.

“This is comfortable if the person affected has limited fine motor skills due to gout or osteoarthritis,” says the President of the Federal Guild of Hearing Aid, Marianne Frickel.

According to the ENT specialist Bernhard Junge-Hülsing from Starnberg, remote controls are a good investment for hearing aid wearers up to 75 years of age.

"Especially when you have to attend meetings or follow lectures."

Aesthetic options for hearing aids

A lot has happened here.

“You can compare the development of hearing aids with that of the rotary dial telephone to the iPhone 12,” says Junge-Hülsing.

display

Frickel also emphasizes miniaturization: “Almost all models are discreet in shape and easy to carry.” Some are even smaller than two-cent pieces.

Hearing aids have now become very inconspicuous overall, so-called in-the-ear hearing systems are particularly discreet

Source: dpa-tmn

Is an individually manufactured in-the-ear hearing system (IO) worthwhile that is particularly inconspicuous?

That is a personal consideration.

Junge-Hülsing says: Basically, you get more technology for behind the ear (BTE) systems for the same money than IO.

Hearing aids with Bluetooth connections

Some hearing systems can be connected to and controlled via Bluetooth with a smartphone or TV.

"This means that the information and words can be clearly understood even in the presence of ambient noise," says Frickel.

display

For ENT doctor Junge-Hülsing, the option is a "useful addition" because it enables music or conferences, for example, to be transmitted directly to the hearing aid.

But they are only worth the investment if you get involved with the technology.

Automatic adjustments to listening situations

Most hearing systems nowadays are digital and transmit the sound in real time.

"In order to be able to adjust to different listening situations, each system has at least three programs," says Frickel.

High-end devices also recognize the noise situation automatically.

According to Junge-Hülsing, this function is recommended for all hearing aids.

Good broadband quality

Worth considering, especially for music lovers.

“Last year, when I was 56, I noticed a slight hearing loss in the inner ear with four percent hearing loss on both sides,” says ENT doctor Junge-Hülsing.

“I borrowed my brother's hearing aid, he has 35 percent hearing loss on both sides.

I was able to enjoy a concert by the Berliner Philharmoniker even better. "

Sound comfort of a hearing system

The sound of a hearing system is adjusted to the subjective hearing perception of the person affected, explains the president of the guild, Frickel.

So that's not really an extra.

“Sound comfort is an empty advertising term,” says Junge-Hülsing.

Basically, he recommends loyalty to the brand, because the manufacturers' hearing aids differ in sound nuances.

"One sounds exaggerated like in the bathroom, the other like in the living room."

Cleaning set and dry box

display

Cleaning sets are available for the care of hearing systems.

Because the microphone inputs are only a few tenths of a millimeter in size, they can easily clog when dirty, explains Frickel.

There are dry boxes for storage after wearing.

Junge-Hülsing recommends both as "indispensable tools".

Use, however, requires instruction from the hearing care professional.

Sports clips for hearing aids

They are used to additionally secure the device behind the ear and ensure that the systems are not lost when wearing mouth and nose protection or during sports training.

“They can actually be helpful,” says Junge-Hülsing.

T-coil / inductive hearing system

Hearing systems with a T-coil can connect to an induction loop, which can be located in a museum or church, for example, and then deliver acoustic signals without interference - regardless of distance and room acoustics.

“However, a T-coil needs space, so there are limits to miniaturization,” says Frickel.

Junge-Hülsing's assessment is: Inductive hearing systems could be useful for severe hearing impairments as well as for mild peripheral hearing disorders that occur in combination with hearing processing disorders or central auditory perception and processing disorders (AVWS).

Hands-free function when driving a car

Some hearing systems can be used as a hands-free system while driving.

Announcements from the navigation system can be played at the same time.

“That increases safety when driving a car,” says Junge-Hülsing.

Hearing aids and the question of costs

According to the Federal Guild of Hearing Acousticians, more than 3.7 million people in Germany have a hearing system.

They are supplied by 6500 master craftsmen.

People with statutory health insurance are entitled to additional payment-free hearing systems, for which only a co-payment of ten euros is due.

display

According to the consumer advice centers, the devices are often sufficient.

You shouldn't be rushed to buy a device with a high personal contribution.

The consumer advocates advise: If people with hearing impairment decide for medical reasons in favor of a device that is not free of additional charges, they should always submit an application to their health insurance company to cover the additional costs.