Hearing Aids

Over many decades of development, we have designed the latest, innovative technology that is created with the user in mind. Since the original design, scientist have experience a renaissance in technology that has produced devices that are sleek, discrete and have several advanced features. This new technology gives users the option of almost invisible, comfortable fits, and high fidelity hearing aids. Although this step may seem overwhelming, hearing aids will bring the joy of hearing back into your life and help you regain lost confidence.

How Hearing Aids Work

Microphones collect sounds that are then transmitted to a computer chip that is located within the hearing aid. The same technology analyzes all incoming sounds and adjusts the volume to create a more natural experience. Audio signals are then fed into your ear using miniature speakers.

Choosing a hearing aid that will suit your lifestyle and budget. Your hearing aid specialist will help show you the best technology that will fit your activity level, and comfort level.

Improve Your Hearing

Despite the fact that there are several different makes and models when it comes to hearing aids, they all have the same basic parts: microphone and amplifier; battery compartment; and on/off switch. All hearing aids are made to accomplish the same goal: receiving and amplifying surrounding sounds to provide a natural listening experience.

Although you may feel overwhelmed by the many options, our hearing aid specialist can help you discover which device is best for you according to your lifestyle and budget. Once a device is chosen, your specialist can adjust settings to ensure the best hearing experience.

Choose Your Hearing Aid Style

There are three main styles when it comes to wearing hearing aids: in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, and receiver-in-canal/receiver-in-the-ear. There are even options that allows you to keep the hearing air in for months at a time and wirelessly connects to multiple devices.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

ITE hearing aids are literally made to fit your ear. Available in both half and full shells, ITE hearing aids sit on the surface of your ear. Full shell ITE hearing aids are meant to treat moderate to severe hearing loss, while half shells are made to treat milder degrees of hearing loss. Although they are slightly visible, they can be customized to match your skin tone.

Within this category, there are invisible-in-canal (IIC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids. The smallest hearing aid options are the IIC and CIC hearing aids and are preferred by people who want complete discretion when it comes to their hearing devices. Worn deep inside your ear canal, they are invisible when worn. Adjustments can be easily made by a remote control.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

Comprised of a dual part system, BTE hearing aid technology is encased in a plastic housing worn over the ear. Plastic tubing connects to a custom-fitted earmold that sits inside the ear canal and delivers sound. One of the greatest perks of choosing this type of hearing aid is that they come in a variety of sizes, the smallest being, “mini.” Another reason that this option is so popular is because they cover a large range of hearing loss.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids

Similar to the BTE hearing aid aesthetically, the placement of the speaker RIC and RITE hearing aids separates them from all other types of devices. The microphone and processor are encased in the plastic component that rests over the ear, while the speaker rests inside the ear canal.

Hearing Aid Features

Depending on your lifestyle and activity level, your hearing aid can be adjusted to best fit your specific needs and degree of hearing loss. When a patient is matched with the right hearing aid, they can easily enjoy seamless sound and rich environments. When you come into Southwest Hearing Clinic, we will help you find the best treatment for your hearing loss. Our trained experts will talk with you and discover in which areas of your life you are having the most difficulty and then direct you towards the best solution. Below you will find more information on features that are most common in hearing aid technology.

Noise Cancellation: One of the most common complaints when patients begin to use hearing aids is that the background noise often overshadows the most important parts of their conversations. With the new technology, hearing aids can now cancel out background noises, which provides a more natural listening experience.
Speech Recognition: Hearing aids are now built with speech recognition features that isolate and organize speech patterns in a number of different environments such as the breakfast table, conference rooms and at the baseball field.
Wind Reduction & Shock Suppression: Those who often find themselves participating in outdoor activities will appreciate features that work to reduce and cancel out sounds that may cause discomfort or interference. During activities such as cycling, sailing or hiking, wind reduction features help to ensure a better overall sound experience while you enjoy mother nature at her finest.
Feedback Management: When the microphones pick up the sound that is amplified by your hearing aid, feedback can occur. This effect can cause a loud high-pitched screeching noise that is both uncomfortable and frustrating to the listener. Feedback management features anticipate and eliminate these sounds before they become an issue.
Wireless Connectivity: Certain hearing aids are now equipped to be paired with other devices through wireless technology. Bluetooth connections allow users to stream television shows, music and much more directly from other devices to their hearing aids. From streaming music to controlling phone calls, this new technology makes living with hearing loss less frustrating and allows for more freedom in daily routines.

One Hearing Aid vs. Two Hearing Aids

It isn’t a coincidence that you have two ears. If you are experiencing hearing loss in both of your ears then you should notify your specialists so that they can assist you in being fitted for hearing aids that work best for you. Having hearing aids in both ears will:

Improve your ability to hear in noisy settings.
Allow you to determine where sounds are coming from.
Improve your ability to understand speech, even from a distance.
Help you hear soft sounds at lower levels.
Give sound a fuller quality.

Hearing Aid Battery Options

Although there are several options when it comes to hearing aid batteries, the majority uses disposable zinc air batteries. These batteries generally last up to seven days, however, with all of the new capabilities and features that are now available, this number may fluctuate. Those who have been using hearing aids for a while will soon notice that they have to change their hearing aid’s batteries more frequently than the older models. In order to accommodate for this change, scientists have now manufactured rechargeable hearing aids, which use lithium-ion batteries. This change allows for greater lifespan between charges and do not require a lengthy amount of time to recharge.

Which Brands Are Best?

We are dedicated to providing premium products so your hearing experience is the most satisfying possible. We only supply brands that have been proven to deliver excellent quality. The longer you live with hearing loss, the more difficult it is to adjust to living with hearing aids. Call us today and get on your way to better hearing.