Hearing Aids

Hearing Aid Technology

Digital technology includes a digital computer chip that processes information faster, which produces a cleaner, crisper and more natural sound. The instruments are programmed using a computer and allows the audiologist to manipulate the adjustments to more specific needs of the patient. As a patients hearing loss changes, the instruments can be reprogrammed to fit a greater range of need.

Bluetooth technology allows for hearing aids to communicate with Bluetooth devices, such as cell phones and computers, where the information is transmitted directly through the hearing aid.

Hearing Aid Styles

There are many styles of hearing aids. Each patient’s type and severity of hearing loss, life style, cosmetics, dexterity and other factors determines the hearing aid power requirements and options. Also, cost and cosmetic concerns factor into the selection of hearing aids.

Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE)

Fits behind the ear and has a tiny wire that connects between the device and a small speaker that sits directly in the ear canal and provides an open fit, preventing the “plugged up” feeling.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

Fits behind the ear and provides the most circuit options with more power. They are connected with plastic tubing to the custom earmold that is inserted into the ear canal.

In-The-Ear (ITE)

Custom-made to fit into the concha bowl of the ear.

In-The-Canal (ITC)

Small enough to fit almost entirely in the ear canal, occupying the lower portion of the ear and requires good dexterity to control the buttons.

Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)

The smallest and most discreet custom-made hearing instrument. Designed to fit entirely in the ear canal making it virtually invisible and requires a removal string to be removed from the ear.

Hearing Aid Remotes

Some hearing aids have the option of purchasing a remote to either control the volume, change hearing aid programs or connect via bluetooth with compatible devices such as a cell phone.

Manufacturers

Physical Fit and Comfort

Hearing aids need to be comfortable and fit just right, not too tight and not too loose. Do not wear hearing aids if they are causing discomfort or irritations. Contact your hearing professional regarding your problem as soon as possible in order to make appropriate adjustments to the fit of the hearing aid.

Binaural vs. Monaural

When an audiologist makes a recommendation for two hearing aids, there are often questions in the patients mind about why they need two hearing aids. We believe mother nature had it right the first time. If a person has two ears with hearing loss, and if both ears can benefit from hearing aids, people generally will do much better with two hearing aids in most situations.

One of the main reasons audiologists recommend two hearing aids versus one is because the ability to localize sound improves (knowing where the sound came from), which is only possible with two ears and can be the difference between hearing where a warning sound or siren is coming from or not. Using both ears together impacts how well you hear in noise. Understanding speech clearly, particularly in challenging and noisy situations is much easier while using both ears. Using two hearing aids allows people to speak to you from either side of your head, not just your good side.

People generally cannot hear well using only one ear. If you have a hearing loss in both ears and you only wear a hearing aid in one ear, the unaided ear is likely to lose word recognition ability more quickly than the ear wearing the hearing aid.

Hearing Aid Follow-Up

To protect your hearing aid investment, our professionals recommend that you schedule an appointment for your hearing aids to be cleaned and checked every three to six months. Our emphasis is on understanding each person’s unique needs and fitting him/her with the hearing system that will serve the best.

Realistic Expectations

It is important to remember that hearing aids do not restore normal hearing and are designed to assist a person to hear as normally as possible.

Hearing aids work very well once they have been professionally fitted and adjusted to specific needs. Adjustments made to the hearing aids to achieve maximum performance (fit, comfort, sound quality, etc.) usually takes a few weeks of collaboration and cooperation between the patient and the hearing professional.

People adjust to the hearing aids and learn at different rates. Some people may need a day or two, but most need a few weeks and some need a few months. However, while learning to use the hearing aids, use them in easy and comfortable situations with familiar people in favorable listening environments, such as one-on-one conversations in quiet. After becoming comfortable with the easier situations, work towards more difficult listening situations.

Hearing Aid Maintenance

The most common cause of hearing aid failure is earwax accumulation and moisture. The wax problems can be prevented by cleaning your hearing aid regularly and scheduling hearing aid checks with your hearing professional.

Moisture damage can be controlled by using an electronic Dry & Store unit, which absorbs moisture into a dessicant bar by using fans to circulate air around the internal components of the hearing aid and also includes a germicidal light that kills most bacteria and other germs.

Hearing Aid Batteries

WARNING: All hearing aid batteries are toxic and dangerous if swallowed. Keep all batteries away from children and pets.

Most batteries have a life span of 5 – 15 days, depending on the usage of the hearing aid. Once you remove the sticker from the back of the battery, the battery is activated and considered “turned-on”. It helps to open the battery door to your hearing aid while not in use to preserve the life span of the battery. Check with your hearing professional for the battery size you need for your hearing aid if you aren’t sure.

Size 10: YELLOW Size 312: BROWN Size 13: ORANGE Size 675: BLUE