Hearing Aid Dispensing, Fitting, and Repairs
The Care You Deserve
We want our patients to receive benefit from their hearing aids and not just to buy them and have them sit in their sock draw. That's why we provide demos of our hearing aids before we attempt to sell them so that you know what you are getting before you fully commit. Below is some information about the hearing aids we provide.
A wide range of technology and a host of features are available in each hearing aid style. The cost of hearing aids generally depends on the technology and the number of features the instrument has and not necessarily on the style selected. Today's digital hearing aids are typically offered in various levels, such as basic, entry, advanced or premium level. Within each level, different technology and features are available.
Basic digital hearing aids generally require the wearer to make some manual adjustments in certain listening environments, such as turning a volume control up or down, or pushing a button to change listening programs. In contrast, a premium or more advanced hearing aid responds automatically to changes in the listener's environment, making changes based on the signals being detected by the hearing aid. The hearing aid wearer is not required to make any manual changes. As the level of the technology increases in hearing aids, so does the availability of advanced features. Examples of some of the advanced features found in today's digital hearing aids are shown below.
When selecting hearing aids it is important to consider:
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Amount of amplification needed
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Patients budget
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The users dexterity in order to put the hearing aids in and to change the battery and filter
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Ability to connect to electronic devices
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Cosmetics
Styles of Hearing Aids
Making an appointment with our licensed audiologist is the best way to ensure that you get the best hearing aids for your type of hearing loss. Below are the different types of hearing aid styles that are provided and possible options that the audiologist can choose based on your needs.
Invisible in the Canal (IIC)
The smallest custom style, IIC sit deep in the canal and are near impossible to see. They are the most difficult to get in and out so they are not recommended for those with dexterity issues.
Completely in the Canal (CIC)
CIC fit deep and fill up the entire canal opening of the ear. Since they sit in the canal they are nearly hidden from sight but they are also a problem for those with dexterity issues.
In the Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids are a little bigger than CIC since they sit on the outside of the canal but this allows them to have a bigger battery and host additional features. This includes things such as directional microphones for better understanding in noisy environments, and controls such as volume controls. They are still small and can be an issue for those with dexterity issues.
Receiver in the Ear (RITE)
RITE devices (also known as RIC devices) are similar to BTE devices. The main difference is that with a RITE device the receiver sits in the ear canal. The RITE devices are the most common devices because of their ability to fit a wide range of hearing loss and ease of use when putting it in the ear.
BTE devices are designed to fit more severe hearing loss and are typically larger in size. The top image shows the BTE with an ear mold which provides a better fit and sound for those who need it.
Behind the Ear (BTE)
In the Ear (ITE)
Full Shell (FS) and Half Shell (HS)
ITE devices fit the ear fully and are a bit larger than CIC and ITC so they are a little easier to insert and remove. They also are able to accommodate more options and features such as volume control and directional microphones.