About Hearing Aids
Hearing aids come in many shapes, sizes, and colors for people of all ages. While hearing aids can’t completely restore normal hearing, they can dramatically improve your hearing by amplifying soft sounds to help you hear sounds that you’ve had trouble hearing.
Perhaps you’ve thought about getting a hearing aid (or two), but you’re worried about how it will look or whether it will really help. Today’s hearing aids are so advanced that there are a variety of features between hearing aid styles and brands. As technology has increased in the field of hearing aids, so have the options and availability.
We will help you decide which hearing aid style and brand will be best for your hearing health! This can range from styles that allow manual adjustments all the way to hearing aids that adjust for you.
Technology & Wearing Styles
Hearing aids come in a wide range of technology levels and styles. They are offered in various levels described as “Entry, Advanced, and Premium”. Within each level, different technology and features are available.
Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and requirements. Dr. Wilson will make recommendations based on your information she collected from you to help you make the right choice.
Things to Consider When Selecting a Hearing Aid
- The degree of hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Dexterity
- Budget
- Lifestyle
- Cosmetics
- Skin Sensitivities
- Medical Considerations
Hearing Aid Styles
Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) or Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
RITE hearing aid styles are BTEs that have the speaker built into the ear tip instead of the main body. It is still relatively unnoticeable when worn. They are designed for mild to severe hearing loss.
At Dr. Wilson’s offices, this is the most commonly fit hearing aid style and uses the most current electronics technology while being very cosmetically pleasing.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Behind-the-Ear instruments sit behind or on top of the outer ear with a tube that connects to an ear tip or mold inside of the ear. BTE’s offer the widest range of features, colors, battery types, and degrees of power.
Today, they’re offered in small, discreet designs that are often unnoticeable when worn. For those who prefer to “show them off”, they also come in multiple colors and designs.
In-the-Ear (ITE) Wearing Styles
Hearing aids worn in the ear are generally custom-fit based on an impression of the ear. There are a variety of ITE styles that are available.
Invisible In-the-Canal (IIC)
IIC instruments are the smallest custom hearing aids available. They sit in the second bend of the canal and are nearly invisible to the naked eye. They are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss. They do not have directional microphone technology which is the most beneficial way to reduce background noise.
Completely In-the-Canal (CIC)
CIC instruments fit deeply into the ear canal. Slightly larger than the IIC, they are still relatively hard to see. They are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss. They do not have directional microphone technology which is the most beneficial way to reduce background noise.
In-the-Canal (ITC) or Half Shell
ITC instruments sit in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl. Since they are slightly larger than the CIC, they are able to hold additional features. These include a larger battery, directional microphones, and volume controls. They are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss.
In-the-Ear (ITE) or Full Shell
Full shell instruments fill the entire outer ear bowl. Due to their larger size, they allow for more features and functions. These include a larger battery, directional microphones, volume controls, and can fit larger receivers for more severe hearing losses. They are designed for mild to severe hearing loss.
Modern Hearing Aid Features
Hearing aids have come a long way and today’s models are packed full of advanced features that make wearing them a breeze!
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth Hearing Aids, Smartphone Apps, and More
Hearing aids have come a very long way in terms of design and usability. Smart hearing aids are the most popular and effective treatment option for any type of hearing loss because they offer automatic functionality. This allows users to interact with their environment naturally while the device’s algorithms enhance desired sound in real time.
With smart hearing aids, you can easily synchronize all your devices (whether it be a smartphone, tablet or even your smart tv!) and navigate between audio sources with ease without sacrificing discretion or audio quality.
Plus, hearing aid design has become sleeker and more modern, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with clunky models. You can move forward with your life and hear better than ever before!
Smartphone Apps Offer Customized Hearing Experience
Part of what makes this wireless connectivity so incredible is the ease of use that comes along with your advanced hearing aid.
In most cases, you can install an app onto your smartphone that allows you to adjust the volume or change the settings of your hearing aid. You can create a customized hearing experience depending on the environment you’re in, all with the discreet and simple action of touching the screen of your phone.
Wireless Capabilities with Bluetooth
Wireless features also work to improve your hearing ability and the ease in which you can communicate with others. Many hearing aids can link to your phone via Bluetooth technology to provide clear and crisp conversations. By streaming directly to your aids, you remove the possibility of feedback or asking people to repeat themselves.
Other audio activities like enjoying podcasts, audiobooks, listening to music, and more can also stream directly to your devices, allowing you to enjoy your favorite hobbies once again.
Cost of Hearing Aids
The price of hearing aid solutions is based on several factors so the cost of hearing aids can range. Criteria that can affect the price of hearing aids include:
- Technology level
- Features
- Style of hearing aid
- Size
There really is no one-size-fits-all option in terms of hearing aids so it is not easy to determine a flat cost that applies to everyone because it is important to purchase a hearing aid that offers you what you need in terms of style, usability and features so you can get the most personal benefit out of your investment. Hearing aids can and will change your life if you choose the option that works best for you long-term.
Which hearing aid is right for you?
With the ever-growing list of options these days, selecting the best hearing aid for your needs can seem daunting. Many factors will determine the best model of hearing aid for you, including your unique hearing ability, lifestyle requirements, budget, and preferences for specific features and hearing aid styles. You can trust that we’re experts at making this an easy and straightforward process so you can find a hearing aid that best suits you.
The first step to finding the right hearing aids for you comes with a hearing evaluation, allowing us to determine exactly which features will work the best for you. If it is determined that you would benefit from a hearing aid, we will be happy to discuss all of your options with you in detail, so you feel comfortable with your decision.
To learn more about modern hearing aids and how they can fit into your life, please contact us or explore the information on our website. It’s our goal to reconnect you with the world again and provide clear hearing day in and day out. We look forward to serving you and your hearing health needs.
The Best Hearing Aid Brands
Oticon Hearing Aids
Oticon has a rich history in the hearing aid industry and creates innovative devices that meet the needs of every patient. Founded over 100 years ago, they continuously develop new models that assist in making sounds clearer and allowing you to interpret what you’re hearing with ease.
Recently, Oticon has introduced BrainHearing™ and OpenSound Navigator™, two platforms that assess your surroundings 100 times per second to provide you with natural and balanced hearing. By taking on much of the work your brain tends to do, Oticon’s devices allow you to enjoy any activities you desire.
As our world becomes increasingly connected, you might find that you need more from your hearing aids. Oticon’s latest line, More, integrates Bluetooth capability along with a rechargeable battery for the ultimate in convenience. Add to this their Tinnitus SoundSupport™ and you have one device that does it all.
We find that patients from all walks of life see immense success with Oticon products. To learn more about their full lineup of hearing aids, visit their website here.
Phonak Hearing Aids
A household name that’s known for making quality and diverse products, Phonak’s line of hearing aids tackle even the most challenging hearing impairments. From utilizing the latest technology to creating devices that are fun for children to wear, they aim to offer a full array of hearing aids for everyone.
Partnering with Phonak is easy, as they place a strong emphasis on educating hearing healthcare professionals. Through this training, we are able to recommend the ideal Phonak product for your specific needs. Advanced features including rechargeable batteries, titanium construction, and the implementation of easy to use wireless accessories make Phonak an easy choice.
Many patients find success with Lyric™, an extended-wear device that sits deep within the ear canal. With the ability to wear it for months on end, it gives you clear hearing while being virtually invisible. Discrete and comfortable, Lyric™ has a high success rate with patients across America.
Phonak continues to pave the way in hearing aid technology by offering robust features and intuitive design. To learn more about their products, visit the Phonak website here.
ReSound Hearing Aids
Founded in 1943 by Dr. Rodney Perkins at Stanford University, ReSound offers a range of hearing aids to meet every unique budget, lifestyle, and type of hearing loss. By combining breakthroughs in technology with common sense design, they’ve become a favorite of patients and hearing healthcare professionals alike.
Placing an emphasis on innovative products, ReSound knows that you depend on your devices each and every day. Their iSolate Nanotech™ coatings protect each hearing aid from moisture damage, and their unique microphone design works with your ear anatomy to provide clear sounds like never before.
Both the ENZO and LiNX product ranges include a variety of features and functions and allow you to utilize several smartphone apps that make using your hearing aid easier than ever. To learn more about the options available from ReSound, visit their website here.
Widex Hearing Aids
Function and design are both seamlessly integrated in hearing aids manufactured by Widex. Two Danish families established the brand in 1956, and by 1995 they were the first in the market to release a completely digital hearing aid. Since then they have proven time and time again that innovative craftsmanship and a commitment to quality are essential when creating products that last.
Offering a range of products, Widex has recently released their own line of rechargeable options along with a plethora of hearing aids that pair with wireless devices. Their Made for iPhone® hearing aids allow wearers to stream podcasts, music, and phone calls with ease, and their latest CUSTOM™ design provides optimal comfort and impeccable sound quality.
Widex not only takes care of our patients but makes huge strides toward improving our planet. With a carbon-neutral headquarters that runs from renewable energy sources, they are dedicated to making our world a better place. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help with hearing loss.