Hearing Aid Technologies

HEARING AID TECHNOLOGIES

$ Conventional Hearing Aid. These most "basic" hearing aids use analog circuitry to amplify soft, average and loud sounds equally. They are typically the least expensive choice and have manual volume controls. These instruments have been available to consumers since the 1960's and are rapidly being replaced with digital products.

$ Basic Digital Hearing Aid. This type uses digital signal processing to provide a clearer signal using a single program which gives priority to the amplification of soft speech.

$$ Advanced Digital Hearing Aid. These hearing aids use advanced technology and allow the user to choose more than one specific listening program for different situations e.g.: listening in quiet, noise reduction, telephone. They may include options such as directional microphones, noise reduction circuitry and automatic feedback reduction.

$$$ Premium Digital Hearing Aid. These hearing aids provide the most features with the most sophisticated technology to improve communication in different listening environments with multiple microphones, automatic volume control/feedback reduction and noise reduction circuitry. These hearing aids can adjust automatically from one program to another as the listening environment changes.

HOW DO I PURCHASE HEARING AIDS?

The hearing aid selection process begins with a comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessment. If you are a candidate for hearing aids, your audiologist will conduct a hearing aid evaluation. The audiologist will discuss the styles and technologies that are available and most appropriate for you. Policies and procedures for dispensing hearing aids, including costs, will be discussed and impressions of your ear canals will be taken for the customized manufacture of your hearing aids.

When your custom devices arrive you will be seen for a hearing aid fitting. In most cases the devices will be programmed/adjusted for you. The audiologist will insure that the hearing aids are comfortable and you will receive extensive counseling on the use and care of your instruments. Follow up visits will be scheduled so that adjustments can be made to the hearing aids over time to insure optimum benefit and comfort.

It is likely that your hearing will have gradually deteriorated over time, so you should not expect your hearing aids to immediately return your hearing to normal. Using hearing aids successfully takes time and patience. Remember, every hearing loss is different and your performance with hearing aids may vary depending upon the severity of the hearing loss and the listening environment.

WHAT'S INSIDE A HEARING AID?

A hearing aid is an electronic, battery operated device that amplifies and changes sound to allow for improved communication. Hearing aids receive sound through a microphone, which then converts the sound waves to electrical signals. The amplifier increases the loudness of the signals and then sends the sound to the ear through a speaker/receiver. Recent advances in technology have greatly improved the circuitry and signal processing in hearing aids.
At the time of your hearing aid evaluation/consultation, the audiologist will guide you through the many options and help you determine which of the four major technologies is most appropriate for you. All technologies are available in any of the above mentioned styles.

WHAT KIND OF HEARING AIDS SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Hearing aids are available in four distinct styles:

BTE, Behind-The-Ear: The components of this hearing aid fit in a small case worn behind the ear that is connected to a custom fit earmold. This style is appropriate for all degrees of hearing loss and has the most room for options. It uses a larger battery which provides for a longer battery life than the smaller in-the-ear styles. BTEs are also an excellent choice for children who may outgrow in-the-ear instruments

OPEN FIT BTE'S: Unlike traditional BTE (behind the ear) hearing aids open fit BTE's are usually smaller and use an inconspicuous tube instead of the traditional earmold in the ear. This keeps the ear canal open to reduce the plugged up sensation (occlusion.) Advances in feedback suppression in digital hearing aids allow the open fit without annoying feedback (squealing.)

This type of hearing aid is most appropriate for mild-moderate high frequency hearing loss.

ITE, In-The-Ear: These custom instruments fit entirely in the outer portion of the ear. This style is appropriate for mild or moderate hearing loss and usually has room to accommodate a telephone switch and directional microphones. The larger style is easier for patients with poor dexterity or arthritis.

ITC, In-The-Canal: Smaller than the ITE, these custom instruments fit entirely in the ear canal. This style is appropriate for mild or moderate hearing loss but may not work as well on the telephone. Directional microphones may be available depending upon ear size.

CIC, completely-in-the canal: ideally suited for mild to moderate hearing losses, including individuals with fairly severe high frequency sensorineural losses