For hearing aid wearers

We've got answers for all of your questions.

Use hearing systems

Most hearing aids in public places work via induction (T-coil). If your hearing aid or cochlear implant has a T-coil, you can receive the sound directly - usually by activating the "T" or "MT" programme on your device. Look out for the blue symbol with the ear and the letter "T".

For radio systems (FM) or infrared systems (IR), you need a portable receiver, which you can usually borrow from reception or the cash desk. The signal is then transmitted inductively to your hearing aid via a neckloop.

Auracast is a new technology. It is based on Bluetooth and enables reception directly on compatible hearing aids or headphones - without any additional device. Auracast-compatible systems will be increasingly used in the future.

Reception may vary depending on the room type and technology. If no further information is available, it is best to ask on site about the best place for good reception.

You can find out more about the use of the different types of hearing systems and the symbols

Look out for the blue symbols that indicate rooms in which a hearing system is installed. 

 Inductive hearing system

The most common symbol stands for the so-called T-mode (telecoil). Hearing aids with a corresponding programme button can be switched to this mode in order to receive the direct sound from the system.

In rooms with an induction system, you can activate the T mode of your hearing aid to benefit from the hearing system.

 FM hearing system 

With FM hearing systems, you can obtain a portable receiver with an inductive neck loop from reception or the cash desk. This transmits the signal wirelessly to your hearing aid, which is switched to T mode.

 IR hearing aid 

In some cases, the sound is transmitted via infrared light to a portable device with an inductive neckloop. The device transmits the sound to your hearing aid, which is switched to T mode. A corresponding receiver can also be obtained from reception or the cash desk.

Auracast-Höranlage Auracast hearing aids

Auracast is a new standard based on Bluetooth Low Energy Audio. It enables the wireless transmission of audio content directly to compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants or headphones - without the need for additional receivers.

Rooms with Auracast will be labelled with a corresponding symbol in future. To be able to use Auracast, your hearing aid must support this technology. The first hearing aids with Auracast function are already available or have been announced.

Auracast pocket receivers with inductive neckloops may be available. These transmit the signal to hearing aids that are set to T-mode.

Our testers and technical specialists regularly assess hearing assistance systems across Switzerland and document the measurement results in our directory. In the directory, you can check when the last inspection took place and how well the system performed. Additional notes or floor plans often show where reception is best.

The 5-star system is used to consistently rate the quality of hearing assistance systems in publicly accessible spaces:

☆☆☆☆☆ 0 stars: No hearing system installed or system defective; no inspection carried out.

★☆☆☆☆ 1 star: Reception possible, but poor quality – regardless of the seat.

★★★☆☆ 3 stars: Good reception only in certain areas. A seating plan is needed.

★★★★☆ 4 stars: Good reception in the front area.

★★★★★ 5 stars: Good reception in all areas. 

Frequently asked questions

In principle, all hearing aids are built on the same basic structure. However, sound quality and speech understanding can vary greatly depending on the model. Generally, the more advanced the device, the more natural the listening experience. This is because high-end models include additional features such as greater bandwidth, automatic volume adjustment, noise management and feedback suppression. Some of these features can be found in entry-level devices too, but not all in full combination.

Modern hearing aids offer many personalization options and can connect wirelessly to external devices – via telecoil, radio transmission or, more recently, Bluetooth (e.g. to a smartphone). The most advanced technology is always found in the latest models – and that comes at a price. However, there are hearing aids available for every budget.

So if someone asks you today how a hearing aid works, you can confidently say: like a hearing computer.

There are different types of hearing aids, depending on the degree of hearing loss and personal needs:

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
These are worn behind the ear and deliver sound into the ear via a tube or an external receiver. They are powerful and suitable for most types of hearing loss.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids
These are placed directly in the ear canal or the outer ear (concha). They are more discreet than BTE models.

Bone conduction hearing aids
These transmit sound as vibrations through the skull bone, bypassing the middle ear. They are used for people with conductive hearing loss or without an ear canal.

Cochlear implants (CI)
Used for people with profound hearing loss or deafness. The implant bypasses the inner ear and stimulates the auditory nerve with electrical signals.

CROS and BiCROS systems
Designed for people with single-sided deafness. CROS systems send sound from the deaf ear to the better-hearing ear. BiCROS systems also amplify the better ear if it has hearing loss too.

A cochlear implant (CI) is a hearing prosthesis that enables people with severe to profound hearing loss to perceive sound again. It consists of two main components: an external audio processor and an implanted part with an electrode array inserted into the cochlea (inner ear).

The audio processor picks up sounds, converts them into electrical signals, and transmits them wirelessly to the implant. The implant then converts the signals into electrical impulses, which are delivered directly to the auditory nerve via the electrodes. This allows the brain to process sound information – even when natural hearing is significantly impaired.

Many cochlear implants – like hearing aids – are equipped with an integrated telecoil (T-coil). This allows CI users to make use of inductive hearing assistance systems, provided the T-mode can be activated on the audio processor.

Binaural hearing refers to the ability to hear with both ears at the same time. This allows the brain to localise sound sources, perceive sounds spatially and better filter out speech from background noise.

Binaural hearing is essential for spatial hearing and improves speech intelligibility, especially in noisy environments.

Monaural hearing means that a person only hears with one ear or that a sound signal is only transmitted to one ear. This can either be congenital, caused by hearing loss in one ear or due to illness or accident.

While binaural hearing is essential for spatial orientation and speech comprehension, people with monaural hearing can learn strategies to find their way around despite the limitations.

Whether a hearing aid can fully restore normal hearing depends on several factors:

Type and degree of hearing loss

  • Mild to moderate hearing loss: A hearing aid can often enable almost normal hearing perception.

  • Severe to profound hearing loss: Speech intelligibility can be significantly improved, but hearing remains different from that of people with normal hearing.

  • Deafness or profound sensorineural hearing loss: Cochlear implants can enable the perception of sounds and speech, but natural hearing is not fully restored.

How hearing aids work

Hearing aids and cochlear implants amplify or replace hearing, but they do not provide exactly the same sound quality as natural hearing. Some sounds may sound artificial or metallic.

Adaptation and familiarisation

  • The brain often has to get used to the new sound processing.

  • Speech intelligibility improves over time, especially with hearing training or with auditory training and lip reading,

  • Especially with severe hearing loss, it can be more difficult to understand complex sound patterns or voices in noisy environments.

Conclusion

Hearing aids can significantly improve hearing, but in most cases they do not fully restore natural hearing. Nevertheless, they enable better communication, orientation and quality of life.

Tips and tricks

Many modern hearing aids are equipped with a telecoil (T-coil) that allows the use of inductive hearing assistance systems. You can find out if your device has one by:

  • Asking your hearing care professional, who can tell you if a telecoil is included and how to activate it.

  • Checking the user manual or the manufacturer's website.

  • Consulting the official list from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS):
    METAS device list

The telecoil is often activated via a program button or app – commonly labeled as “T”, “MT” or “induction”. A clear signal from an induction loop system can only be received when the T-coil is activated.

Caring for your hearing aids is important to prolong their life and ensure optimum sound quality. Here are some tips for proper care:

  1. Daily cleaning:

    • Inspect your hearing aids daily for visible dirt.
    • Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to gently wipe them.
    • Don't forget to clean the loose parts (such as domes or earpieces) as well.
  2. Avoid moisture:
  • Hearing aids don't like water or moisture.
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  • Keep them in a dry place.
  • Use a case to protect them from dust, pollen and dirt.

  1. Special cleaning agents:

    • Use special cleaning agents for hearing aids. Avoid water, alcohol or other household cleaners.

  1. Change the filter

:

    • For hearing aids with an Ex receiver (RIC), you should change the wax filter regularly (every 4 weeks).
    • This prevents blockages and protects the technology in the hearing aid.

  1. Professional cleaning:

    • Have your hearing aids professionally cleaned regularly to ensure optimum performance.

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Remember that each type of hearing aid has individual care requirements. If you are unsure, ask your hearing care professional for advice!

To ensure that hearing aids and cochlear implants work reliably, it is important to change or charge the batteries in good time.

Hearing aid batteries

There are two main types of batteries: Zinc-air batteries and rechargeable batteries.

Signs that the battery needs changing:

  • The hearing aid emits warning tones or voice messages.

  • The sound becomes quieter or distorted.

  • The hearing aid switches off unexpectedly.

Tip: Always have spare batteries with you or use the charger.

Cochlear implant batteries

  • Batteries (rechargeable) last between 8 and 30 hours depending on the model and must be recharged regularly.

  • Disposable batteries (silver-zinc or special cochlear implant batteries) often last 1-3 days.

Tip: Always have a spare battery or a charged rechargeable battery with you, especially when travelling

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