Hearing Aid Technology

Hearing aid technology has rapidly expanded over the last few years. With the precision in manufacturing techniques, the instruments have become increasingly smaller. With the advances in digital technology, the flexibility and programmability of hearing aids have improved hearing performance in our users. If there was every a perfect time to invest in hearing aids for your hearing loss, now is the time.

Size and Styles

There are currently many options available to the patient as to styles of hearing aids. The Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid consists of a thin curved case that houses the electronic components, and fits behind the ear and connects to an earmold that fits inside the ear. The In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid is a custom-molded plastic case that houses the electronic components all within the bowl of the ear (concha). The In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is similar to the ITE but is smaller and more compact. The Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid is the smallest device available. It is important to note that all styles are available in all technologies, but that certain styles may not be suitable to all patients. Choosing the correct style for you will depend on how much power you need, your lifestyle and many other factors.

Digital Hearing Aids

The wave of the future for all electronic devices is digital. It is no different in hearing aid technology. The clarity and flexibility offered by digital technology is exceptional. Digital hearing aids are fully digital in that they have a micro chip that controls signal processing as well as the actual amplifier section of the hearing aid. The performance in clarity and quality is often superior to other technologies. Digital aids have the ability to enhance speech by monitoring your surrounding environment and making fine adjustments automatically. For the benefit of our hearing aid users, we welcome digital technology.

Digitally-Programmable Hearing Aids

These hearing aids are highly recommended if you wish to have an analog hearing aid. These devices are still processed by a conventional analog amplifier, but they add programmability done digitally. This allows our audiologists to communicate with the hearing aids by way of a ribbon cable and a desktop computer. We can then adjust several aspects of your hearing aids. The results of your hearing test are also downloaded into the computer to optimize the aids' performance. This flexibility allow you to maintain your hearing as your needs change over time.

Analog Hearing Aids

These conventional hearing aids have a microphone which converts sound pressure into an electrical signal. This signal is then processed and amplified. This signal can be controlled by a manual volume control or may even be done automatically depending upon your environment at that time. This is then sent to a receiver which continues to deliver the sound to your eardrum.