Choosing hearing aids

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How We Hear

Noise & Hearing Loss

Types of Hearing Loss

Choosing Hearing Aids

Children's Hearing & Speech

Choosing Hearing Aids

1. Obtain a hearing evaluation by one of our licensed/certified audiologists. This type of evaluation will show the type and extent of your hearing loss.

2. A medical evaluation of your ears should be performed by your family physician to rule out certain medical conditions of the ear that might be correctable. The Food and Drug Administration does require that the medical exam be performed prior to being fitted with a hearing aid unless the consumer elects to sign a medical waiver.

3. Following the medical examination, the audiologist will perform a hearing aid evaluation, which will help you decide which type of hearing instrument and circuit is appropriate for you. At this time, an ear mold impression(s) will be taken.

4. A 30-day evaluation of the hearing aid is required by law in most states. This evaluation period gives the user the opportunity to wear the hearing aid in various listening situations. During this evaluation period, the audiologist will set up recheck appointments for any needed adjustments to the hearing aid(s).

Styles & Circuits

Choosing a hearing aid is a combined effort. Together, you and your audiologist will review the different styles and circuits that are available and will determine which one will best fit your lifestyle and communicative needs. Most hearing aid circuits are available in most styles.

Hearing Aids Styles

	Completely in the canal hearing aids (CIC) Contained entirely in the canal Smallest hearing aid available Offers some cosmetic and listening advantages
	Canal hearing aids (ITC) Offers some cosmetic advantages Small size, however, the microphone is not located in the canal
	In the ear hearing aids (ITE) Fits in the outer portion of the ear Larger than the canal and the CIC aids May be easier to manipulate More options are available than on smaller hearing aids
	Behind the ear hearing aids (BTE) Sits behind the ear Coupled to the ear via a tube in an ear mold which fits in the ear Most often chosen for children for safety and growth reasons Feedback less likely to occur for severe hearing loss
	Over the Ear Hearing Aids Smaller and less visible than traditional BTE hearing aids

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Hearing Aid Circuits

Conventional

Uses a traditional analog processor. The audiologist modifies the hearing aid response by adjusting controls in the hearing aid case or shell. Generally soft, medium and loud sounds are amplified fairly equally. Adequate, if the user is in a quiet environment.

Digital

Digital Signal Processing: These circuits use an internal microprocessor to convert sound to numbers according to a mathematical formula called an algorythm.

The user may have different memories for different listening environments or choose an aid that will automatically change in different environments. Digital hearing instruments provide a clearer more natural sound. They may perform better in more adverse listening conditions.