Hearing Aid Technology

Choosing the right hearing instruments for your individual needs comes down to a number of issues: your hearing loss, the features and look you prefer, and your lifestyle. There are many products to choose from, each with their own unique features and advantages.  It isn’t a case of what’s the best style of hearing instrument, but rather what’s the best style of hearing instrument for YOU.

Your hearing instruments are an important investment with equally important benefits. Here are some key considerations to help you make your decision.

HEARING INSTRUMENT STYLES

Completely-in-the canal (CIC)

Hearing instruments fit deeply inside your ear canal, making them almost invisible.  They are cosmetically appealing.  CICs are suitable for mild to moderate severe hearing losses.

In-the-canal (ITC)

Hearing instruments fit almost entirely inside your ear canal, making them very discreet. They have additional room to accommodate options that may not fit on a CIC.  ITCs are suitable for mild to moderate severe hearing losses.

In-the-ear (ITE)

Hearing instruments fit securely in your outer ear, ensuring optimum performance and comfort.  They provide sufficient space for extra options, such as directional microphones or telecoil switches for use with a telephone.  ITEs are suitable for mild to severe hearing losses.

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

Hearing instruments sit comfortably behind your ear.  Amplified sounds pass through a tube to an earmold that fits securely in your outer ear.  BTEs are most adaptable to your changing listening needs.  They offer longer battery life and most are compatible with assistive listening devices.  BTEs are suitable for mild to profound hearing losses.

Ultra-Small Behind-the-ear (mini-BTE)

Hearing devices have a discrete slim tube which directs sound into the ear giving you a more brilliant, natural sounding experience.  With mini BTEs you’ll get a digital hearing device with the most advanced technology in a sophisticated package.  These devices are appropriate for clients with mild to severe hearing losses who desire fully featured discrete hearing instruments.

RITE Receiver-in-the-ear:

Receiver-in-the-ear is a new technology that made its debut on the American Market in 2003. While it can be viewed as an Open-Fit device, there are many differences that set RITE devices apart. This style of device can be fit on a more serious hearing impairment because of insertion gain. The closer the speaker/reciever is moved to the TM (Eardrum), the less gain that is needed to receive the same benefit. This conserves battery life, gives a clearer reproduction of sound and makes the device less sensitive to annoying feedback.gt;

FUSE:

The very first cross-over hearing instrument – an evolutionary design that combines the very best characteristics of proven hearing technologies.  And it’s the ultra-modern way to get back to listening pleasure.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Our hearing healthcare professional will conduct a number of tests and ask questions to help determine which is the best choice of hearing instrument for you.  The considerations include:

Degree of hearing loss:

Not all shell styles and technologies are appropriate for all hearing losses.

Ear Anatomy:

Some ear canals are very tiny, making it almost impossible to fit a CIC.

Lifestyle:

Your different listening environments will help dictate the best hearing instrument to meet those needs.

Manual dexterity:

ITCs and CICs are easy to insert, but require steady hands.

Cosmetic preferences:

There’s a wide range of styles, colors and sizes from which to choose.

Budget:

Hearing instruments are available in a wide range of prices with a model for every budget.

GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME

Hearing instrument technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, which is great news for anyone with a hearing loss. Engineers and research audiologists are designing hearing instruments that are smaller and produce better quality sound than ever before. If you think you have a hearing loss or you’re considering upgrading your hearing instrument, talk to your hearing healthcare professional. We’re here to help.