Hearing Aids
Ear Moulds
Accessories
Cochlear Implants
FM Systems
Customised Noise Plugs
Hearing Aids
All hearing aids amplify sounds but not all can serve the diverse and delicate needs of infants, children, active adults and the elderly for better communication. Delivering effective and world class auditory-oral rehabilitation requires considerable expertise in the selection of quality hearing aids especially for infants and young children who are yet to develop speech and language. Phonics Hearing Centre is exclusively supported in this process by a worldwide leader in hearing aid technology and guided by ongoing scientific evidence from local and international research.
In general, hearing aids can be grouped into three main categories:
By Technology
- Analogue Programmable
- Digital
By Appearance
- Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
- In-The-Ear (ITE)
- In-The-Canal (ITC)
- Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
By Cost
- Budget range
- Standard/Mid-range
- High end/Premium
Earmoulds
It is essential that behind-the-ear hearing aids are fitted with earmoulds for optimal results. Earmoulds for growing children need to be replaced from time to time because of changes in the ear structure. This will ensure a better fit and performance of the hearing aids. Our Centre, with on-going support of its technical partners operates an advanced earmould laboratory for the production of custom-made earmoulds.
Accessories
The Centre stocks a range of essential and high quality accessories and consumables for hearing aids, such as batteries, drying capsules etc. Our clients are therefore able to use their hearing aids at all times.
Cochlear Implants
The centre has no facilities for cochlear implants. Candidates for cochlear implants are referred to ENT surgeons locally or overseas. Although we have recently acquired resources to support cochlear implanted children, this service is only available by special arrangement with ENT surgeons.
FM Systems
The benefits from hearing devices may be limited in the classroom because of background noise, reverberation and the distance of the student from the teacher. FM (frequency modulated) systems are commonly used to transmit sound from one person to another over distance to overcome the effects of noise, reverberation and distance. Our FM systems can help students overcome poor listening conditions and improve the quality of sound in the classroom.
Customised Noise Plugs
We produce high quality customised noise plugs for field workers in Aviation, Oil Exploration and Mining; factory workers in Manufacturing Industries (e.g. Bottling, Textiles, Glass, Iron & Steel, etc.); musicians as well as ear protection plugs for swimmers.
Deriving Optimal Benefits from Hearing Aids
In order to derive the desired benefits from hearing aids, a prospective user must obtain the following services from the dispenser:
- Accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of hearing loss.
- Sufficient knowledge of available options and capabilities of various types of hearing aids.
- Appropriate selection of hearing aids for specific types of hearing loss.
- Proper fitting by an experienced and competent dispenser.
- Right counselling (especially for first timers) on what to and not to expect from hearing aids.
- Excellent back-up services: repairs, up-dates, accessories availability and warranties.
As with most electronic devices, the lifespan of a hearing aid equally depends on its proper usage and maintenance by the owner. This and other useful consumer information are supplied with every purchase from the Centre. In addition we undertake periodic customer satisfaction surveys to ensure that the services provided by the Centre are carefully tailored to meet the needs of our clients. [Useful reference: Article by Bola Olusanya on Professional tips in support of administering hearing aids. NAFDAC Consumer Safety Bulletin, July – September 2002, Vol 1, No. 2: 38 – 39. Published by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Abuja, Nigeria].
As a corporate policy, the centre does not trade in, market or supply medical or audiological equipment to third parties.