Hearing Aids
The decision to purchase a hearing aid can be intimidating, confusing, time-consuming and expensive.
There are many different types of hearing aids available, and deciding which hearing aid is best depends upon a few different factors. No two ears are the same. A hearing aid that works for one person, does not always work for the next. Degree of hearing loss, configuration of hearing loss, shape of an individual’s ear anatomy, and lifestyle can all influence the type of hearing aid that is most appropriate for each person.
The sooner an individual with hearing loss is fit with hearing aids, the easier the adjustment to the hearing aids will be. Although hearing aids cannot prevent further hearing loss, hearing aids return stimulation of speech sounds to the hearing nerve and brain. Hearing aids can improve the brain’s ability to process speech when there is competing background noise which is one of the main complaints of most individuals with hearing loss . In addition to those benefits, research shows that hearing aids also improve:
Hearing aids are essentially mini PA systems that consist of four parts:
- Microphone
- Amplifier
- Receiver (speaker)
- Power supply (batteries)
Today’s hearing aids come in a wide range of technology, sizes and styles. The cost of hearing aids depends on the level of technology that is chosen to best fit one’s specific lifestyle and needs. This will be determined during a hearing aid consultation. At this appointment, the audiologist will review the results of the hearing evaluation as well as discuss one’s home and work life, hobbies and extracurricular activities . Other factors that will influence which hearing aid to choose are:
- Degree of hearing loss
- Hand Dexterity
- Visual Impairments
- Cosmetics
- Anatomical issues/skin allergies
- Budget
The 2 most important topics that will be discussed during a hearing aid consult are:
- Level of technology in the hearing aid
- Style of the hearing aid
Levels of Hearing Aid Technology
Hearing aids come in essentially 4 levels of technology.
Entry Digital
Basic Digital
Advanced Digital
Premium Digital
Styles of Hearing Aids
In-the-Ear Hearing Aids
Full Shell
- Best for mild to severe losses
- Largest style of the custom aids.
- Fill the entire bowl of the outer ear thus allowing more room for controls (volume control, program button), directional microphones and larger battery (13)
- Easier size to handle for those with dexterity and visual impairments
Half Shell
- Best for mild to moderately-severe losses
- Fills half the space in the bowl of the outer ear
- Smaller battery (312)
- Less room to fit all controls along with directional microphones
In-The-Canal
- Best for mild to moderate losses
- Sits in lower portion of the bowl of outer ear – less noticeable in ear
- Less room to fit all controls along with directional microphones
- More difficult to use for individuals with dexterity of visual impairments
Completely-In-The-Canal
- Best for mild to moderate losses
- Smallest fit making is almost invisible in the ear canal
- Unable to fit directional microphones or controls on faceplate
- Smallest battery (10)
Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids
Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) /Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)
- Fit mild to severe loss
- Smaller size hearing aid case behind pinna of ear attached to small wire with receiver at tip.
- The receiver is placed into ear canal using either a dome or micromold for retention in the ear canal
- Most appropriate for sloping high-frequency losses with normal low-frequency hearing to allow for more “open-fit” and less chance of occlusion
- Uses large or small battery size (13 or 312)
Hearing Aid with Standard Earmold
- Fit mild to severe/profound losses
- Fit with custom earmold
- Usually larger size hearing casing – more controls available however some casing can come in mini size
- Larger size battery (675 or 13)
Wireless Technology
Bluetooth, Wireless and Made for iPhone Technology
You may have read, heard or have seen the newest wave of hearing aid technology which is known as Bluetooth Hearing Aids. Bluetooth technology allows users to wirelessly connect their hearing aids to other devices such as smartphones (iPhone and Android phones), televisions, computers, FM systems, iPads, Smart Watches and other exciting assistive technologies.
The use of Bluetooth allows automatic connection from electronic devices, to the hearing aids. This invisible electronic signal results in better sound quality of conversation, music, directions or whatever is being streamed from the electronic device to the aids. Bluetooth technology is available in most levels of digital technology.
At Hearing Healthcare Professionals we offer all styles and levels of technology from some of the world's leaders in hearing aid manufacturing. Call us to make an appointment to determine which option is best for you and your lifestyle.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Rechargeable hearing aids are quickly becoming an option across many manufacturers.
Rechargeable hearing aids are quickly becoming an option across many manufacturers. This new feature in hearing aids saves time buying and disposing of countless batteries each year, is economically-friendly and allows users with visual or dexterity issues to avoid the hassles associated with weekly battery changes.
Some hearing aids are powered by a lithium battery which is fully contained within the hearing aid case while others are powered by silver-zinc batteries which can also be used with standard zinc-air batteries if one chooses. In either option, hearing aids are plugged in to a charging station each night which will allow for 16-20 hours of continual battery life per day.
Hearing Aid Service Plan
Our Hearing Aid Service Plans Include:
- Manufacturer repair
- Loss and damage protection
- Cleans and checks
- Reprogramming
- In office repair
*Years of warranty and service are dependent on technology chosen.
We accept the following payment options.
- Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express
- Personal Check
- Care Credit
- Venmo
We understand affording a hearing aid can be difficult and overwhelming. At Hearing Healthcare Professionals we're sympathetic to the needs of our patients and can provide other payment options as needed. Please contact us for more information.