About BTE Hearing Aid

You will have likely seen these types of hearing aids worn by others. They are located behind the ear and are usually quite visible. However, they come in different sizes with varying capabilities. The part you have seen is a durable shell that contains the electrical components and it sits behind the ear. The shell is attached to a customised earmold via a transparent tube. The earmold sits comfortably inside the ear canal.

Popular Types of BTE Hearing Devices

The Benefits of Choosing a Chinese BTE Amplifier Manufacturer

Of course, there are a multitude of companies producing high-end products, and they can often command high prices. However, Chinese manufacturers are producing devices of matching or superior quality with a significant reduction in price.

There are two distinct advantages that Chinese manufacturers have over the rest of the world.

1. Reduced manufacturing costs
2. Increased production capacity

China is known as the world’s processing plant, and the cost of China’s manufacturing industry is comparatively low. That presents a unique opportunity for any customers looking to buy devices at wholesale prices. LeagueSound mass produces its products with massive capacity. From order to delivery, this process can take a matter of weeks.

How to Buy Hearing Aids From China

When deciding on a manufacturing partner, you must ensure that the manufacturer offers low minimum order quantities and that they are certified and regulated by the appropriate governing bodies.

LeagueSound provides FREE consultations and a standard 12-month warranty on all of their products. They are supremely confident in their high quality and testing methods. The team has particular experience working with European and American retailers, and their manufacturing base is FDA approved.

By incorporating the latest technology in their hearing devices, they actively compete with many of the big brands in the industry and their products are continually improving and expanding.

Most people still have reservations about dealing with Chinese companies because of the language barrier. Great devices are often overlooked due to confusion about the buying process and clarity about the after-sales process and support.

Additionally, purchasing from Chinese manufacturers can be deemed as risky due to geographical location. Sampling can be a drawn-out process due to the time it takes to ship and inspect products. However, some of the above claims are unfounded. You needn’t worry about quality control. Chinese manufacturers have strict regulations when it comes to QC. 

LeagueSound has an outstanding reputation, and their sampling process can be found here. 

The company has dedicated English speaking sales staff and a host of hearing professionals for you to contact. They will quickly and confidently answer any questions that you may have about the entire process. However, it is still always advisable to meet the team and view the production facilities when undertaking any project with a Chinese partner such as LeagueSound. Additionally, we recommend that you always seek legal advice before committing to any contractual obligations.

Common Obstacles When Buying From China

Importing/Exporting

Delivery is simple. Usually, a supplier like FedEx or DHL will handle your delivery and take care of it. However, many people stumble on import/export regulations. Most countries impose restrictions on the types of goods that can be brought in and out of the country, especially on products that are not deemed suitable for personal use. If you were to buy wholesale hearing devices, undoubtedly your home country shall have regulations which shall need to be considered. Always remember to visit your country’s authority website on import rights before you start the buying process.

Regulations

Your home country may also impose strict regulations on medical devices such as hearing aids. You will need to ensure that your design and importantly, the manufacturer can implement these regulations to ensure the final product passes as safe to use in your country. Bear in mind that all countries differ and they have their own unique governing bodies.

For example, America has the FDA which classes a hearing aid as a medical device. Hearing amplifiers are not subject to the same rules and regulations. In America, a hearing aid is defined as “any wearable instrument or device designed for, offered for the purpose of, or represented as aiding persons with or compensating for, impaired hearing”. 

Depending on the class of device, it may be subject to a premarket assessment before it is allowed to be marketed to the general public.

Taxes and duty

When your shipment arrives, you will have to pay the import duty. Of course, how much is dependent on the size of the delivery and the products themselves. These charges can sometimes be significant. Always include import taxes in your final costs to get an accurate picture of your total outlay.

Delays

Sometimes delays can happen; it’s inevitable. Manufacturing your hearing aids in China can save you vast sums of money as long as your devices reach you in time. Of course, a late delivery can have a considerable effect on your business if you haven’t planned for it.However, if you are diligent and do prepare for the worst, it can take most of the sting out of delays. When planning your order and delivery times, always try to take a flexible approach

The Buying Process

Firstly you must choose a manufacturer who has clear communication and processes. The respected partners in this industry have professional sales staff who have dealt with foreign customers before and they will have the experience to help guide you through the entire process. The process is as follows.

• Send the manufacturer your requirements in a spec sheet. Detail what you expect in your device, which style, features, colours and technology would you like to incorporate in your design.
• The manufacturer will typically check your order and requirements to ensure they can facilitate the request. This stage will require a little back and forth between the customer and manufacturer to ensure no detail is missed.
• The manufacturer will produce a hearing aid sample order which they will ship to you for inspection. When you have had a chance to inspect the product, your feedback will be given to the manufacturer to make changes, rectification or improvements. 
• Once the customer is happy, both parties will agree to send the design into full production. Production times can vary depending on the spec and quantity of devices ordered.
• A further quality check shipment will be sent to the customer. It is standard practice to ensure any changes that were agreed at the sampling stage have been implemented correctly.
• Upon approval by the customer, the manufacturer will then do their quality and quantity checks and package the items ready for shipment.

Who Are LeagueSound?

LeagueSound is currently forging a formidable reputation and is fast becoming China’s premium hearing aid manufacturer. Their production base is located in Xiamen City, China. Their cutting edge facility is open to the public, and customers are welcome to visit at any time. LeagueSound design and build Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-the-ear (ITE) types of hearing aids, among other hearing aid products.

The management team is drawn from expert audiologists and many industry professionals with many years of experience in the sector.

They consider themselves a partner, as opposed to just another production facility and their whole team, is dedicated to working together to provide an uncomplicated and seamless service.

The LeagueSound Buying Process with Private Label Service

1. When you submit your spec sheet, the LeagueSound support team will check your order details within 12 working hours. Our English speaking sales team can talk you through any critical decisions. The process is painless each step of the way.
2. A sample will be shipped to your doorstep, which has a lead time of 4-8 days from payment of the sample order.
3. Once approval has been given and the sample proofs confirmed, and the final payment has been made, then we will put your design into full production. Your order will be completed within 8-15 days.
4. Quality and quantity checks shall be carried out to the very highest standards.
5. Shipment to your doorstep by FedEx, the shipping time is approximately 4-6 days.
6. OEM for white label service, We would send the price list by quantities and specification MOQ, Logo, OEM package, manual in your language.

Wholesale Customer Information

If you are looking to start a brand, then there is no better option than to buy from a Chinese manufacturer like LeagueSound. They are the leading manufacturer and were the first company to produce wireless rechargeable hearing aids in China. They are qualified and fully accredited. 

As the country’s leading supplier, they provide patented digital BTE hearing aids which have passed many quality standards including CE, ISO and FDA. Their factory plant has also achieved ISO 13485. 

Their dedicated team are confident and fully qualified to deal with foreign brands looking to get started in the industry. LeagueSound provides an unrivalled OEM service and can support you and your brand every step of the way. 

The LeagueSound Buying Process

1. When you submit your spec sheet, the LeagueSound support team will check your order details within 12 working hours. Our English speaking sales team can talk you through any critical decisions. The process is painless each step of the way.
2. A sample will be shipped to your doorstep, which has a lead time of 4-8 days from payment of the sample order.
3. Once approval has been given and the sample proofs confirmed, and the final payment has been made, then we will put your design into full production. Your order will be completed within 8-15 days.
4. Quality and quantity checks shall be carried out to the very highest standards.
5. Shipment to your doorstep by FedEx, the shipping time is approximately 4-6 days.

Wholesale Customer Information

If you are looking to start a brand, then there is no better option than to buy from a Chinese manufacturer like LeagueSound. They are the leading manufacturer and were the first company to produce wireless rechargeable hearing aids in China. They are qualified and fully accredited. 

As the country’s leading supplier, they provide patented digital BTE hearing aids which have passed many quality standards including CE, ISO and FDA. Their factory plant has also achieved ISO 13485. 

Their dedicated team are confident and fully qualified to deal with foreign brands looking to get started in the industry. LeagueSound provides an unrivalled OEM service and can support you and your brand every step of the way. 

The Future of Hearing Aids and Innovations to Come

Gadgets located in the ear are common. From earbuds to headphones, most people have had an instrument inserted into their ear at some point. ‘Hearables’ is a new term coined to describe a hybrid device that can monitor and improve your hearing health. Essentially an everyday earbud that can be used for music, improved hearing and daily wear.

At the click of a button or the tap of an app, you could have superhero-like qualities and detect sound from greater distances than you could with unaided hearing.

The market for hearables will be worth more than $17 billion by 2020.

Well, here we are already, and there has been no better time to start a hearing aid brand.

There are multiple opportunities to capitalise on this market. The opportunities do not begin and end with devices that can be inserted into the ear. In this ever-connected world, even a trip to the audiologist could be a thing of the past with the advent of self-diagnosing, 24/7 monitoring hearing devices.

An otoscope is a medical device that can be used to look deep into the ear. No doubt you’ve probably seen one already. Recently otoscopes were introduced to help diagnose hearing problems at home. For example, take a look at TytoCare’s new product that can be attached to a smartphone – immediately turning your phone into a medical device which can beam the results to a specialist. This is especially useful for small children and the elderly who may not be able or willing to attend a doctor’s surgery.

Really, the possibilities are endless, and we have only just scratched the surface. Check out the LeagueSound website for the latest news and innovations here.

Behind the Ear Hearing Aids – The Ultimate Buyers Guide

The hearing aid market is a billion-dollar industry and is dominated by large brands. Therefore, choosing the right hearing aid can be a daunting prospect. It can be difficult to sift through and dissect thousands of devices and the mountains of information online. That’s why we have put together this guide to give you a better understanding of BTE’s and their capabilities, as well as their disadvantages. Ultimately this guide will empower you to make an informed buying decision. Throughout this article, we have also included some bonus tips and general maintenance advice to help you out further.

BTE’s are designed to be used for moderate to severe hearing loss. However, if you haven’t done so already then please ensure you seek medical advice before purchasing any type of hearing instrument.

Main Components of a BTE Type Hearing Aid

The most substantial part of a BTE is the body which sits behind your ear and contains the vital electrical components. A BTE instrument consists of: –

Microphone – This component picks up the external sounds and sends it to the amplifier. Some microphones have advanced capabilities like being able to distinguish between voice and background noise.

Amplifier – The sole purpose of the amplifier is to convert physical sound waves into electrical signals that can be cleaned up and played at a higher volume through the speaker.

Power source – Nowadays, many modern devices have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. There is a fine line between design and power capacity. However, BTE designs can accommodate a larger battery and therefore, a longer life span. 

Speaker – A tiny speaker converts the amplified electrical signal back into detectible sound waves and sends them into the ear canal.

Dome or Earmold – This is the rubber attachment that is in the ear and is designed to fit each individual comfortably.

Controls – There are several control features typically used on BTE devices. For example, users can adjust and control the output volume at the touch of a button. Additionally, programs have been created to optimise hearing in specific environments such as loud restaurants.

What Is Moderate to Severe Hearing Loss?

Firstly, there are two main types of hearing loss. You can have conductive, sensorineural or a mixture of both.

Conductive hearing loss can happen for several reasons. It is usually an issue with the outer or middle ear which can stop sound waves from reaching the inner ear or at least not as well as it should. Conductive hearing loss can be temporary. Usually, it is a symptom of wax build-up in the ear canal. However, on occasion, a middle-ear condition may require medical intervention.

Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and is typically caused by damage to the extremely sensitive hair cells inside the cochlea or the auditory nerve (a bundle of nerve fibres carrying hearing information between the cochlea and the brain).

There are various reasons for this to happen—for example, prolonged exposure to loud noise or through the ageing process over time. Once the hair cells are damaged, they can never be replaced. Sensorineural hearing loss can occur gradually and affects both ears typically.

However, to what degree does hearing loss become moderate or severe?

Ultimately an audiologist will diagnose and classify your loss of hearing. Below we have mentioned a few essential points to be aware of if you feel you may have a hearing issue and haven’t been diagnosed by a professional yet.

Image from:( https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/41775-Degrees-of-hearing-loss)

Mild hearing loss

Difficulty hearing soft-spoken people and young children could signal mild hearing loss. It is possible to identify louder, more intense sounds, but you may find it hard to pick up some soft consonant sounds. On occasion, you may have to ask people to repeat themselves or talk louder.

Moderate hearing loss

Vowel sounds may be difficult to hear if moderate hearing loss is apparent. It is common for people to report that they can perceive sound without the aid of a hearing device. Still, sometimes the sound isn’t very clear or easy to understand.

Moderate to severe hearing loss

At this degree of hearing loss, speech is not audible without the help of a hearing aid. Sometimes even with the assistance of a hearing instrument speech can be hard to understand.

Severe hearing loss

Without hearing aids or cochlear implants, speech is inaudible.

Profound hearing loss

At this degree, even deafening noises like machinery and jet engines can’t be heard.

How to Choose the Right BTE Hearing Aids

Hearing loss is unique to the individual, and everybody’s circumstances differ and choosing the correct device to suit you can be challenging. However, you must select the appropriate device for your situation as the wrong hearing aid could hinder you. Worryingly the wrong device could even make your hearing loss more profound. 

Before choosing a hearing aid, you must follow these steps mentioned below.

Hearing checkup

In the first instance, you should immediately consult a medical professional who can advise you on the appropriate action to take. They will assess your situation and may refer you to a specialist like an audiologist. An audiologist will categorise your hearing loss and suggest solutions appropriate for your level of hearing loss. Additionally, the problem could be something as simple as an ear infection or wax build-up. You will want to know the facts before you spend vast sums on a hearing aid. 

Trial period

When you start using your new device, it is usually necessary to go through a trial period. A trial period will enable your audiologist to fine-tune your device to ensure it is optimised to your situation and lifestyle.

Future proofing

Most devices are modifiable and incorporate design features that are flexible to allow you to use them far into the future. Importantly, your device should have the day to day flexibility to allow you to adjust settings depending on your environment. We all understand that technology is changing rapidly. Still, an important consideration when buying your first hearing aid is how quickly it is likely to fall behind current devices and become obsolete.

Check warranty policy

Every company has a different policy, but quality vendors will provide a comprehensive warranty which will replace a faulty device with no questions asked. That is an essential consideration as most devices are expensive and can’t be easily replaced.

The Prices of Behind the Ear Hearing Aids

Unfortunately, price is always going to be a deciding factor. As we all know, typically, the more you spend on a hearing aid, the better quality it will likely be. You may need to plan your purchase well in advance to be able to afford it. Indeed, it is better to save and get the right device as opposed to buying a cheap one that will let you down when you need it the most. 

Avoid irresponsible and misleading claims

Unscrupulous manufacturers will promise to resolve all kinds of hearing loss with the latest technology, which quite frankly, often prove to be false claims. Think carefully about where and from whom you buy your hearing aid. We suggest you should always try to find social proof of how well companies’ products are received among their current customer base. A quick Google search can help to reveal unhappy customers and identify bad reviews. Any of these things should be a warning sign to you.

Your Personal Requirements 

In addition to the points mentioned above, there will likely be several personal considerations that need to be made when purchasing your hearing aid. You will have to live with it for a long time, and you must be happy from the start. Your device will need to match your lifestyle and have all the functionality that matters to you. After all, it is supposed to improve your hearing and your life and not create further issues.

Design

Your first question will likely be about how it looks. There are plenty of colours, shapes and sizes to choose from, and many manufacturers offer custom designs to make yours unique. Some people like to hide their device and others wear it proudly the choice is entirely up to you.

Considering your lifestyle

The capabilities you will need is entirely dependent on the most likely scenarios you will find yourself in day to day. Do you tend to go out to noisy places? Is your work environment loud, or do you stay at home? The environment settings will be incredibly important for anyone who owns a hearing instrument. Most devices link to your phone, and these settings can be adjusted, but your device needs to have the functionality to achieve optimal performance and the best possible results for you.

What you want to hear is a choice too. Some people have difficulty hearing softer sounds. If those sounds are important to you, then you will need to have your device configured to help you achieve this. 

Technology

Do you want to stream music or TV directly to your device? If you are a smartphone user, you can connect your hearing aid to a host of apps and programs to help you connect to the world around you. Many apps will stream data back to the manufacturer to help improve your hearing health and avoid further damage. 

Behind The Ear Hearing aids New Technology 

How to Insert a BTE Hearing Aid

How to Clean a Behind the Ear Hearing Device

For all types of hearing aids, do the following at night:

• Don’t leave your device overnight. Remove it and remove the batteries if possible. Leave the battery compartment open to dry out. If the power source is rechargeable, then recharge it overnight.
• If you are an active person or you live in a humid climate, it may seem impossible to keep your device dry and clean no matter what you do. In that instance, it would be advisable to purchase a hearing aid dehumidifier.

How to Maintain a Behind the Ear Hearing Device

A-List Of Behind The Ear Hearing Aids Features You Should Know

Anti-phase feedback 

Identifies whistles and eradicates feedback. Can also be known as feedback management, feedback cancellation and ultra whistle control manager. Most hearing aids on the market today utilize this technology. 

Automatic acclimatisation adaptation 

An intelligent self-learning capability where the hearing device can learn and change the amplification levels as opposed to the audiologist doing it manually. 

Automatic compression 

Automatic compression allows low-level sounds to be amplified while simultaneously preventing loud noises. That will lead to a more balanced listening experience while protecting against dangerous noise levels.

Automatic noise detection/reduction

Again this is usually found in most hearing aids available today. It is a feature that detects and eliminates loud or sharp background noises like hammering or the clicking of plates, etc. It can also be labelled as transient noise reduction or impulse noise reduction. 

Bands or channels 

Most instruments split the frequency rage and segregate them into bands or channels. They can then be fine-tuned to improve the hearing of individuals. More bands can allow for improved tracking of the hearing loss pattern. However, more bands do not necessarily mean better quality. Still, it can give an audiologist better flexibility when fine-tuning hearing devices for specific scenarios. 

Choice of listening programs

Technology is a wonderful thing, and some devices come equipped with pre-set listening programs. That is essentially a software that can detect an environment and adjust the sound levels automatically, for example, in a loud bar or traffic. Many digital hearing aids can give the user multiple options, and they can choose between them to suit their current situation. 

Direct audio input Direct audio input (DAI)

DAI is how digital hearing devices connect to third-party audio interfaces such as music systems, headphones and mobile phones in the form of a cable and adaptor plug. However, this has been superseded by wireless technology.

Ear to ear directionality or wireless 

You will likely have been introduced to this technology before. It is the new way devices talk to each other. Your hearing device may also synchronise various features to reduce confusion such as directional microphones to form a single hearing system and prioritise speech. Usually, this is done automatically to prevent the user from having to do it themselves.

Frequency lowering

Your hearing instruments are designed to take a specific frequency of sound and transpose it to a level where your hearing is better. That process can also be carried out through frequency transposition and frequency compression.

Low-battery indicator 

A low battery indicator simply tells a user when to change or charge the batteries.

Microphones 

Your hearing aids pick up sounds using various microphones.

• Omni-directional microphones. They detect sound at 180 degrees around you. So when wearing two devices, the field of sound becomes 360 degrees. 
• Adaptive microphones. They are also known as binaural multiband adaptive directionality. This microphone will identify where the speech is strongest and amplify while reducing annoying background noise.
• Directional microphones. A hearing aid has two microphones pointing in the opposite direction. In a noisy environment, the rear-facing microphone is turned off, to allow the hearing aid to amplify the sound in front of the user. That is a particularly useful feature that allows a person to focus, especially in one on one conversations. Modern devices can automatically detect the type of environment it finds itself in and can automatically turn the microphones on or off without the user having to touch anything. 

Music programme

Also known as an equaliser, a hearing device can optimize itself for listening to music.

Sound softener 

Another common feature. A sound softener attacks and suppresses transient noise.

Telecoil (also known as a loop) 

A telecoil is a tiny coil inside your hearing aids. The coil is designed to work as a small receiver which detects signals from a loop system that acts as an electromagnetic field—hearing aids that have this feature convert this field into a sound signal. Because only the signal from the loop system’s microphone is amplified, background noise is shut out.

Vents 

Small cutouts in the earmoulds that help to minimise the clogged sensation people can sometimes experience when wearing hearing aids.

Wax guard or trap 

A simple device that is incorporated in most hearing aid styles unless you have an earmold. It helps to prevent wax build-up in the ear.

Wind noise manager or reduction

This feature can detect wind blowing and will reduce low frequencies and adjust for the noise. If the wind is blowing across one hearing aid, it will reduce the amplification in the low frequencies automatically to reduce the wind noise. This feature is handy for people who spend a significant amount of time outdoors.

How Many Years Does a Hearing Aid Last?

Getting Used to Wearing a BTE Hearing Aid

Upon purchasing your first set of hearing aids, you should be instructed on how to tell left from right and how to wear them correctly. Key features should be pointed out to you and instructions on how to charge or change the batteries should also be given.

The do’s and don’ts should be made clear and general maintenance tasks described.

It can be a little bewildering at first because there is an awful lot of information to take in. Some devices are packed with modern tech and programs that connect wirelessly to your phone or earphones. You may wish to spend some time getting to know your instrument and its features.

Never walk away from a consultation until you fully understand all that is necessary to get the most out of your hearing aids. 

When getting used to hearing aids, the ear may become a little sensitive due to the nature of the device sitting in your ear. It is advisable to formulate a structured plan to break them in gradually even then some adjustment may be required.

Follow up appointments may be scheduled to adjust the earmold to achieve the correct fit. However, you should wear hearing aids as regularly as possible to avoid your hearing loss from becoming worse and also to practice those essential functions to keep them clean and safe.

Travelling With BTE Hearing Aids

Flying takes a particular toll on people who use hearing aids.

At take-off and landing, the noise inside a plane cabin can reach as high as 105 decibels. When the plane is cruising at altitude, the noise drops to around 85 decibels. It’s important to know that hearing damage can occur at 85 decibels. This is an issue many people fail to realise. Aeroplanes are loud.

There are a few things you can do to protect your hearing when travelling on a plane.

Simply turn off your device and it will act as a ready-made earplug or buy some. They are widely available and can be purchased from most airports. If you prefer to remove your hearing instrument and use earplugs instead then ensure you store your hearing instrument in a safe and secure place. Additionally, noise-cancelling headphones are a brilliant way of taming the noise from those large jet engines. However, they can be a little pricey.

Five Daily Tips

Colour-coded batteries

When travelling, it can be challenging to identify the correct batteries needed for your particular device. If you haven’t planned ahead, the language barrier could spell disaster for your trip. However, did you know that batteries are colour coded to an international standard? Batteries are universally coded by colour and number: yellow size 10, orange size 13, brown size 312 and blue size 675

Dedicated storage location

People lead busy lives, and it’s all too easy to misplace things. Car keys, wallets and hearing aids all go missing daily. This one tip could save you lots of money. Find a dedicated location for your hearing aid. It takes discipline so label the place if you must but force yourself to store your device in the same spot each time you remove it. Eventually, it will become a habit, and you will know where your hearing instrument is kept at all times. I bet you know where your toothbrush is right now.

Make your environment work for you

When your hearing is compromised, your other senses become heightened. It’s easy for your eyes to become overworked when searching for clues to help you understand your environment. For instance, you will unknowingly focus on a face trying to spot those little clues, like reading lips and facial expressions to help you understand the conversation. If it is dark, turn on a light, so you do not strain your eyes and try to keep background noise to a minimum to avoid further confusion. If it is possible, try to prepare the environment in advance to help yourself out.

Tell people about your hearing loss

Of course, people have their own preference when it comes to telling people about their hearing loss. Sharing your experience will help people to understand your situation better. They will likely respond positively and in a way that will help you to understand each other better.

Wear your hearing aids every day

Studies have shown that even mild hearing loss can double your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Many people tend to remove their hearing aids because they view them as a communication device only. However, we recommend that you wear them everyday even if you’re staying at home and don’t plan to meet anyone. Hearing activates the brain. It stimulates thinking which helps to keep Alzeimers at bay.

If your mental health isn’t a good enough reason then maybe your physical well being might persuade you to keep your hearing devices on. If you were ever unfortunate enough to have a fire in the home or some sort of emergency where it signalled an alarm, hopefully you would be in a position to hear that alarm and respond to it. 

Stay connected

Lastly, the latest hearing devices can help to keep you connected to loved ones. They keep you socially connected to friends and colleagues too. Many of them have the ability to connect to your smart devices in and around the home, like television for instance. It will help to keep you connected to the wider world and up to date with the latest news.  

If you have Bluetooth enabled hearing aids you can easily place a Facetime call, call neighbours, or have video conferences with the people that matter in your life. Streaming music and hearing loved ones can help to improve your mental state.

Common Faults You need to know

If you are new to the world of hearing aids, then it will undoubtedly take you some time to get used to them. However, here are a few tips to help you identify some of the most common problems hearing aid users are likely to face and how to troubleshoot them.

Batteries

At some point in time, your batteries will go flat, so it is advisable to carry spares with you everywhere you go. Prior planning can help to avoid this problem. Don’t forget to switch off your device if you are not using it to prolong battery life.

Feedback

Feedback can be a high pitched squeal or it can closely resemble whistling. This problem can be a nuisance and an issue that is very likely to happen to you at some point. It can be caused by something as simple as brushing against a scarf. Feedback occurs when sound is returned from the ear canal back into the device and re amplified. The resulting sound can be quite deafening. There are a few things you can do to limit this from happening. In the first instance ensure your hearing aid isn’t loose in the ear. An ill fitting hearing aid is the most likely cause of whistling and if this is the case you will need to return to the specialist to rectify the issue. Sometimes feedback can be a symptom of having the device turned up too high.If the sound is too high it will undoubtedly be picked up by the device and re amplified.  Ensure you switch on the device when it is fully inserted into the ear and not before. Also, ensure you purchase a device with anti-feedback technology which will resolve many of the most common problems.

Discomfort

Have you ever had that constricted feeling when wearing a new suit? If you’re not used to wearing one, it can leave you feeling trapped and physically changes the way you move. The same applies to hearing aids. In the first few weeks of wearing one, you will undoubtedly notice it a lot. However, over time you will become used to it and forget it is even there. Additionally, most modern devices are small and lightweight.

Headaches

Unfortunately, this can be a problem for some people. When getting used to your new devices, it can sometimes bring on mild headaches or leave people with “stuffy head syndrome,” which feels a bit like having plugged ears.

Persistent headaches are uncomfortable, and if you experience these symptoms, then there may be a problem with the fit or design of your hearing instrument. Always mention it to your supplier first who can advise you on how to wear them properly or adjust the settings for you. However, if the headaches remain, you should visit a medical professional.

Malfunctions

For those of you who aren’t particularly tech-savvy, then this can be a frustrating problem. When do you know if it’s a genuine fault or just user-generated issue? Your device will come with a manual with some common pointers to help you troubleshoot any problems that may occur. However, if your device is under warranty, return it to the manufacturer to be rectified. If a warranty does not cover it, then ensure you find a competent technician in your local area to help you fix it. Do not try to fix it yourself you could cause damage to the device and consequently risk damaging your hearing.

Insurance

While most devices are robust they are not completely indestructible and accidents do happen from time to time. Purchasing an insurance plan will help you to cover the unexpected cost of repairing or replacing a hearing aid if it is damaged, lost, or is stolen.

Connectivity errors

Occasionally apps and programs can be glitchy and if your device will not connect to your hearing aid then you should attempt to reset your device. Simply turn off your device and your hearing aid and restart them. 99% of the time this simple trick will resolve the issue.

The Best Hearing Aid Manufacturers in the World

Choosing from where or whom you buy your hearing aid is a tough decision. There are plenty of reputable manufacturers out there. However, there are seven leading manufacturers, and each has its own style, support and customer service. Below you will find a brief description of each of them.

Widex

Widex was established in 1956 and has a significant product portfolio. They are a member of the giant Sivantos Group. The company is headquartered at Lynge, Denmark and employs over 4000 people. The company prestigiously manufactured the first 100% digital hearing aid in 1995. 

Resound

Resound have been in business since 1943, and have continuously provided cutting edge hearing solutions. Their product range included digital hearing aids, wireless hearing accessories, and innovative mobile apps that enable users to adjust sound settings with the touch of a button. ReSound’s three main models cover a wide range of hearing loss levels. 

Beltone

Like Resound Beltone trade under the GN Nord group of brands. Beltone is a US company founded in the 1940s. They currently ship products to over 40 countries and are one of the most reliable independent manufacturers in the sector. 

Phonak

Sonova is another international titan and owns brands like Phonak, Unitron and Hansaton. Phonak is credited with producing the world’s first entirely invisible hearing instrument. Their brand also provides products specifically for children, and they consistently deliver the finest devices available.

Signia

Signia was previously part of Siemens until it was sold to the Sivantos group in 2015. For over 140 years, they have continued to build and produce quality products. They are considered one of the top three manufacturers in the world today. Signia produce some of the most technologically advanced products available.

Additionally, they deliver tools and apps to improve client experiences on all levels of hearing aid management.

Oticon

Hans Demant founded Oticon in 1903 inspired by his wife, who was hard of hearing. Oticon began manufacturing their own hearing aids in 1940 and have gone from success to success over the years.

The engineers at Oticon are focused on delivering life-changing technology and offer a broad spectrum of products and services.

LeagueSound

LeagueSound is the only Chinese manufacturer on our list and one of only a few genuinely independent manufacturers in the industry. They design and build their products in Xiamen from a purpose-built manufacturing facility. Considered the leading Chinese manufacturer, they also have the means to mass-produce for wholesale clientele. The team at LeagueSound consists of audio professionals who are highly regarded with many years of experience under their belts.

Contact leaguesound

We hope you have enjoyed reading our BTE buyers guide and we hope you have learned enough to make an informed buying decision. We hope you can identify your problem, choose a device, and feel confident about using and maintaining it. However, if you do have questions or you are considering buying from us then please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our staff are available to talk to you 24/7.

If you would like to stay up to date with the latest news and information regarding the industry and our company. Then please visit our blog.

https://www.leaguesound.com/

WeChat: hychen003

Whatsapp: +86 15259219767

zoya@Leaguesound.com

+86-0592-6254212

Room 203,2F,No.189,Dongren West 2nd Road, Xiamen City, Fujian, China

LeagueSound will Rocket Your Business with our Top Digital BTE Hearing Aids.