Hearing Aid Services…

Hearing Aid Styles…

Completely-In-The-Canal
The completely-in-the-canal (CIC) style is the least visible hearing aid. This style aid works best for people with a mild hearing loss.

In-The-Canal
The in-the-canal (ITC) style fits inside the ear canal. Provides good benefit for individuals with a mild or moderate hearing loss.

In-The-Ear
An in-the-ear (ITE) style fits into the contour of the outer ear and extends into the ear canal. These aids are more visible than canal aids and can help people with a greater degree of hearing loss - from mild to moderate or even severe.

Behind-The-Ear
The behind-the-ear (BTE) style fits over and behind the ear and requires an earmold in the outer ear that is connected with the hearing aid via tubing. This aid is recommended for all ranges of hearing loss.

Types Of Hearing Aid Technology…

New technology has advanced the capabilities of hearing aids.

Digitally Programmable Hearing Aids:

• Let you maximizes your hearing in a variety of settings with more precise settings matched to your needs and preferences. A programmable hearing aid stores the appropriate hearing aid settings for different listening environments in the hearing aid's computer chip memory. 
• Easier to use when you move from one listening environment to another. Different settings can be accessed from the hearing aid's memory by using a hand held remote control device. 

Digital Hearing Aids:

Digital hearing aid technology has advanced greatly in the past 3 years such that hearing aids are as sophisticated as many advanced computers on the market today — while still fitting your ear!

• Give you the clearest and most natural sound quality. 
• Allow you the best hearing possible by matching your hearing needs and preferences with the capabilities of the hearing aid.
• Contain the best electronic capabilities available because of the use of computer chips.

Steps to a successful hearing aid experience:

• Hearing Evaluation - the first step in getting the best hearing aid is to get a full hearing evaluation by a licensed audiologist. 
• Hearing aid consultation - your clinician will work with you to understand your lifestyle needs to ensure that you get the best hearing aid you. 
• Earmold impression - an impression of your ear is taken and used to order a custom hearing aid specifically matched to your hearing loss. 
• Hearing aid fitting - you receive your new hearing aid during this visit. Adjustments and modifications will be made to optimize hearing performance, as well as training on use and care of your hearing aids.
• Follow-ups - after a week or two of wearing your hearing aid you return for a progress check to assure that your hearing aids are meeting your needs.
• Six month check up - We schedule this visit to check the progress you have made with your hearing aids and answer any questions you may have. Adjustments and/or modifications to your hearing aids will be made at this time.
• Annual evaluation - Hearing will be assessed in order to monitor any changes in hearing and adjustments to your hearing aid program will be made as needed.

What to Expect from Hearing Aids:

What Can I Realistically Expect From Using Hearing Aids (Results vary according to degree and type of hearing loss and type of hearing aid chosen)

• Hearing in quiet environments (i.e., one to one, TV, etc)
  is improved.
• Hearing in moderate background noise is improved
• Hearing in the presence of loud noise is no worse than without aids.
• Soft speech will be audible, average speech will be comfortable and loud speech will be loud but NOT uncomfortable.
• Comfortable physical fit.
• Own voice is "acceptable" to you
• No feedback when hearing aids are properly seated in
  the ear.
• Hearing sounds that you may not have heard for some time.
• Period of adjustment varies from person to person.