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.
The most modern digital products can now provide better:
- Performance -
3x more powerful with multicore processing for virtually no whistling, better hearing in noice and telephone compatibility.
- Comfort -
Comfortable, high-resolution sound with smoother, seamless transitions between quiet and loud environments. Automatically sets to situations for you.
- Personalization -
Our individualized hearing and lifestyle assessment ensures your hearing aids match your exact hearing loss and listening needs.
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.
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