We're Hear For You

Hearing Instruments depicted, from left to right, are the Behind The Ear (BTE) aid, the In The Ear (ITE) aid, the In The Canal (ITC) aid, the Completely In The Canal (CIC) aid, and the Over The Ear (OTE) aid.

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 advancements has been the very tiny hidden hearing aid (CIC) and the open ear OTE digital instruments. 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 most hearing 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, which helps with communication on the phone.

Behind-the Ear (BTE) - is connected to a custom-made ear mold 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.

Over- The- Ear (OTE) - is connected via a tiny, virtually tranparent custom-made ear mold or stock ear bud and offers special programming and open ear canal to reduce occlusion, or the "in a barrel" sensation. This model is suitable for mild- to- moderate high frequency loss.

Hearing Aid Circuits 

Nanotechnology -  the latest advance in hearing aid technology. These 100% digital hearing instruments utilize components at a molecular level (thus, the name "nano", or 10 to the minus ninth power) which allows for the most advanced processing ever available.

Digital Sound Processing (DSP) - 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.  

Digitally Programmable -  designed to provide two or more completely different listening environment options ("noisy" and "quiet" for example). Sometimes a remote control is used to adjust hearing instrument functions

• It should be noted, however, that different hearing losses respond uniquely to different types of circuitry. Hearing Systems' professionals can explain which type of circuitry options, such as Directional Microphones or Feedback Management circuitry, for example, will be best for treating your individual type of loss.

• Hearing aids may not provide the same benefits to all patients nor will they "cure" hearing loss any more than eyeglasses "cure" impaired vision. However, they can provide a wealth of benefits to the user. Proper evaluation, selection, fit and auditory rehabilitation are all necessary to achieve the full benefits of your hearing aids.

A Hearing Test is the First Step: If you know you have less than normal hearing or suspect a hearing loss, a visit to our audiologists should be your first step toward better hearing. Our professional staff will conduct scientific hearing tests to evaluate your hearing.

• Once we have your comprehensive hearing test performed, together we will determine your actual amplification needs.  

Hearing Aid Selection Procedures: Hearing aids come in different corrections. What one client needs in his or her hearing aids may be completely different from another individual. A hearing aid your neighbor has may not be right for you.

• We are interested in your preferences and special needs. If too much background noise is a problem for you, there are special hearing aids to address this situation. If you are concerned about the cosmetics of hearing aids, we have some very inconspicuous options. If you  need to hear a speaker who is farther away, we have recommendations for you.

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