Styles and Selection

Styles of Hearing Instruments
At the turn of the century, when electronic hearing aids first became available, only body aids were worn. They had an amplifier attached to a cord leading to a receiver which fit into the ear. The next development was a hearing aid into the temples of a pair of eyeglasses. Soon to emerge were behind-the-ear instruments. When the first all-in-the-ear hearing aid was produced, it caused a considerable impact among the hearing impaired, because now accessory items such as earmolds, ear connectors, and tubing were no longer required. The most recent advancement has been the very tiny hidden hearing aid (CIC) digital instrument. You have the opportunity to choose from many different styles of hearing aids. Each style is not suitable for all types of hearing impairments your hearing test may reveal. You - as the client- have many different options open to you.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) - is the smallest, least visible custom hearing device. These aids are very compact, yet have enough power to be suitable for mild to moderately severe losses.

In-the Canal (ITC) - is larger than a CIC, but still small enough to be cosmetically appealing with enough power to fit a wide variety of losses.

In-the Ear (ITE) - is the most common of all hearing aid styles and is made from a custom mold of the patient's ear which fit securely in the outer ear, offering easy positioning and adjustment by the user as well as a variety of options such as a telephone coil.

Behind-the Ear (BTE) - is connected to a custom-made ear shell and offers special programming and power as well as flexibility for use with telephones and assistive listening devices (ALD's). This model is suitable for virtually any loss, even the most profound.

Hearing Aid Circuits

Digital Sound Processing (DSP) - the latest advance in hearing aid technology. These 100% digital hearing instruments provide "CD quality sound." It is the solution for clean and clear sound reproduction, low distortion, and more precise fitting.

Digitally Programmable - designed to provide two or more completely different listening environment options ("noisy" and "quiet" for example). Sometimes a remote control is used to adjust hearing instrument functions

*It should be noted, however, that different losses respond uniquely to different types of circuitry. Midwest's Hearing Aid Specialists can explain which type of circuitry option is best for treating your individual type of loss.

*Hearing aids may not provide the same benefits to all patients nor will they "cure" hearing loss any more than eyeglasses "cure" impaired vision. However, they can provide a wealth of benefits to the user. Proper evaluation, selection, fit and auditory rehabilitation are all necessary to achieve the full benefits of your hearing aids.

Hearing Aid Selection Procedures: Hearing aids, like eyeglasses, come in different corrections. What one client needs in his or her hearing aids may be completely different from another individual. Whatever your neighbor needs may not be right for you.

We are interested in your preferences and special needs. If you work in a very noisy place, there are special hearing aids for you. If you are concerned about the cosmetics of hearing aids, we have some very inconspicuous options. If you go to school and need to hear the teacher who is farther away, we have recommendations for you.

Once we have your standard hearing test performed, we will do some additional tests to determine your actual correction needs.

A Hearing Test is the First Step: If you know you have less than normal hearing or suspect a hearing loss, a visit to our hearing aid specialist may be your first step toward better hearing. Our professional hearing aid specialist will conduct scientific hearing tests to evaluate your needs for amplification free of charge.