Hearing aids and Accessories

HEARING AIDS

The latest technology and accessories

The world of audiology has exploded into a myriad of high tech, miniature hearing aids and accessories which include artificial intelligence, bluetooth connectivity, rechargeability, remote fine tuning and digital integration into your lifestyle.

Although this can sound overwhelming, these hearing aid devices and accessories have been made to be easy to use and often can be achieved by the press of a button or a touch on an app on your phone. Don’t stress – we will set it all up for you so you don’t have to be an IT whizz!

Manufacturers have partnered with Apple to produce “Made for iPhone” hearing aids which seamlessly interface with any audio that can be played from your iPhone. This includes streaming phone calls directly into your hearing aids! Accessories are also available which can be attached to your TV so that the sound can be directly streamed to your hearing aids – no more fighting over the TV being too loud!

These features are also available with most Android phones but require an extra remote to be worn on the lapel to act as a middleman through which the hearing aids can connect to your phone.

Hearing aid fittings

It is of utmost importance for us to fit you with the correct hearing aids for your needs and lifestyle. This includes following a process so that we can explore different options to find individualized solutions that work best for you.

As we are brand independent, we can choose from a wide variety of hearing aid manufacturers to suit your needs. We work with Starkey, Oticon, Signia (Siemens) hearing products.

Recommendations regarding hearing aid makes, options, styles and features will be discussed with you. Hearing aid trials can be arranged so that you are able to determine their performance and benefit – the proof is in the pudding! We programme hearing aids specifically to your hearing loss and preferences and are able to verify and validate these settings with further testing to make sure that they are providing you with the optimal fit. Counselling, aural rehabilitation and tips to help navigate difficult listening environments are also provided to assist you achieve better listening and processing.

Follow up sessions, annual hearing testing and reprogramming (where needed) will allow the hearing aids to function optimally and provide the appropriate benefit according your hearing loss.

Bone Conduction Hearing implants and Bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA®)

Conventional hearing aids rely on amplifying sound via air conduction and require some part of the device (shell, mould or receiver) to be in the ear. In cases where the outer ear and canal have not formed correctly (microtia/atresia), where there are complications with the middle ear, e.g. chronic ear infections (otitis media), damaged or missing middle ear bones (ossicles) or an ear that is not functioning (single sided deafness), sound cannot reach its destination.

For these issues the Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) systems are a more effective solution than conventional hearing aids. Bone anchored devices send sound directly from an external sound processor to the bone via a titanium implant, naturally stimulating the inner ear needing no part in the ear canal. Thus, sound received the ear will travel through the skull to the better cochlear and will be heard. This allows the person not to miss out on sounds present in all his/her environments.

In young children, these devices may initially be fitted on a soft-band and later implanted when they are old enough.

There are 3 companies who offer these devices in South Africa; namely MED-EL, Cochlear and Oticon Medical and we are able to fit all of these devices.

We work closely with an ENT surgeon, Dr Duane Mol to determine the correct bone conduction system for you; taking into account your medical condition, hearing loss, medical aid, budget, age and lifestyle.

MED-EL Bonebridge implant

MED-EL Samba sound processor

How Bonebridge works

Cochlear BAHA 5 Attract and Connect

How BAHA 5 Attracts works

Since lunch time, I realised that my Apple keyboard “clicks” [no-one told me, I did not know]. There are more birds than I imagined. I have a voice (not a hum). The dog is tripping on the wooden floor. And that one cracks at places. Some sounds are double or complex, not single. I still must adapt to all that beauty and it is a lot. I just had the first dinner-long conversations (left and right) at the table, that was never before possible. I definitely need the Bi-CROS as it makes all the difference.

DrLissens

Dankie vir jou spesiale aandag aan my dogter met haar gehoorstel toets. Ons waardeer dit baie.

Giel

Using a hearing device gave me a tremendous improvement in quality of life. Hearing the sound of music, the sound of birds and interacting socially with your family and friends is an exceptional asset. According to my personal opinion, I will rather be blind than deaf. I want to pay a sincere tribute to Leesa King for her involvement with my audio frequency tests and the selecting of the appropriate hearing device every two years.

Mr Pelser

Megan, thanks for your professional service and excellent assistance in getting my new hearing aid.

Johan

I can attest that Lisa Calligaro adheres to a high standard of professionalism when dealing with my daughter’s speech therapy. We specifically chose Lisa because of her excellent work ethic and efficiency. Gabriella’s vast improvement in her speech is an example of that.

Anabela

Lisa played a significant and indispensable role in Rachel (bilateral cochlear implant user) now functioning appropriately in her speech, language and auditory processing areas. Lisa always demonstrated professionalism, dedication and reflected a genuine interest in Rachel’s progress, and I can, without hesitation, recommend Lisa.

Darryl

Thank you very much for your support and professional guidance to determine the right choice of hearing aid

Gerard

I am having so much fun now that I can hear the birds, the people, and my beloved dog Ruthie

Annebe

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this wonderful gift of new ears! These hearing aids are amazing, the sound is perfectly natural, and the earpieces are so comfortable that I quickly forget that I am wearing them! It really means a great deal to me.

Rev Clarke

I am a hearing aid wearer for the last 18 years and have been a patient of Calligaro and King Inc since 2008 and what an experience. The practice has not only accomodated me with appointments out of the ordinary, but in order to get my hearing aid setting to my specific needs, I actually also received a house call where the settings were done according to my normal day to day environment. I am convinced that no other audiologist has ever offered such a service. When my hearing aid had to be repaired 2 weeks ago it left me absolutely devastated due to the fact that I am then totally deaf. The audiologist offered me a demo hearing aid – needless to say this was an absolute lifesaver! I can really recommend this audiology practice to each and everyone – pay them a visit for a life changing experience.

Mrs A Fourie

Murder him or divorce him! He couldn’t hear me talk and the TV was so loud I had to leave the room. Before you do either of the above do what I did, I phoned Calligaro and King Inc and made an appointment for a hearing test. Now with a hearing aid in place, peace and contentment have returned to our home. Thank you Leesa and Lisa for your untiring and efficient service.

Margaret

Although I didn’t think I needed it, I have to admit I am very pleased with my hearing aid. Especially the little on/off switch. When my wife starts to nag I pretend to scratch my ear and quietly turn it off! Jokes aside, it has made a tremendous difference to my life. I can unreservedly say that the purchase of a hearing aid from Calligaro and King Inc is really a sound investment. You couldn’t find more caring and professional people to do business with.

Dave

After dealing with Lisa Calligaro from Calligaro and King for many years with my ear problems, Lisa helped me first to obtain my hearing aids when my hearing deteriorated. But the greatest help of all was when she helped me to obtain a BAHA last year June. This was the best thing that could have happened to me as I can hear so much better and not experiencing so much ear infections any more. Lisa has helped me tremendously and has always been available for questions and answers. She is a true Professional and the service I received from Lisa and her practice was and is exceptional!! Thank you Lisa so much for all your help.

Willemien