Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss. These electronic devices are prescribed by a hearing healthcare specialist to meet your specific hearing needs. Similar to most devices we use, hearing aids have experienced significant innovation over the years. Today’s hearing aids are savvier and sleeker than ever before. There is a wide range of styles, features, and technologies that are designed to create the most optimal hearing experiences in all environments. Our team uses their expertise of latest hearing technologies along with your aesthetic preferences, lifestyle and hearing needs to help you navigate your options and choose the device that is best for you.
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How Hearing Aids Work
Hearing aids come in different colors, styles, and offer various features. But all hearing aids share the same basic components which allows them to absorb, amplify, and process sound. This includes:
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Microphone: a small microphone embedded in the hearing aid absorbs sound waves from the environment and converts them into electrical signals.
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Amplifier: the amplifier increases the strength of these signals and sends them to the speaker.
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Speaker: also known as the receiver, the speaker sends the signals received from the amplifier to the inner ear whey they are further processed and then sent to the brain.
All hearing aids also have a power source. Hearing aids are powered by either disposable batteries or a rechargeable battery. A major way devices differ is when it comes to the style of hearing aid.
Common Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids come in several styles, or types, which describes how the hearing aid is worn. Hearing aid brands use three letter acronyms to describe the style of hearing aid which includes the following:
Behind-the-ear
One of the most common and known hearing aids is the BTE. BTE hearing aids consist of a case with hearing aid components which is worn behind the top of the ear. A small tube connects this portion to an earpiece worn in the bowl of the ear. BTE hearing aids are best suited for moderate to severe degrees of hearing loss.
(BTE)
In-the-canal
These hearing aids are also custom made to ensure a perfect fit. ITC hearing aids are smaller than ITC types and are designed to be worn in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl. This style is best for mild to mildly severe forms of hearing loss.
(ITC)
Mini BTE
A smaller type of BTE hearing aid, a mini BTE also consists of a portion that is worn behind the ear. However, this piece is connected to an earpiece worn in the ear. This component is “open fitting” meaning that it doesn’t completely occlude the ear canal. Mini BTEs are optimal for mild to moderate hearing loss.
(RIC)
Invisible-in-the-canal
ICC hearing aids are the smallest type of hearing devices that are available. They are worn further in the ear canal and are nearly invisible to others. Because they sit deeply in the ear canal, there is a small handle that allows people to insert and remove the device. IIC hearing aids are optimal for mild to moderate hearing loss.
(IIC)
In-the-ear
ITE hearing aids are custom made to fit each individual's ears. We take custom molds of your ears which then are used to make your custom ITE device. This is worn in the outer portion of the ear (the ear bowl) ITE hearing aids are designed for mild to severe hearing loss.
(ITE)
The style of hearing aid that is best for you depends on a few factors including degree of hearing loss as well as lifestyle factors like the type of environments you regularly navigate.
Latest Hearing Aid Features
In addition to a variety of hearing aid styles, there is an array of features that enhance connectivity and sound quality. A few common features include:
These features support hearing aids easily integrating into everyday life. If you are interested in hearing aid styles and the latest hearing technologies, contact us today to learn more.
TINNITUS MANAGEMENT
Emits low levels of white noise to mask and alleviate tinnitus.
WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY
Uses Bluetooth technology to connect to other electronic devices, allowing hearing aids to stream audio directly.