After a discussion of your hearing test results, a hearing aid evaluation may be recommended. This can be scheduled at our office directly with the audiologist. The purpose of the hearing aid evaluation is to help you decide which hearing aids best suits your needs. During this evaluation the audiologist will help you choose the ear(s) on which you will wear the hearing aid and the best type of hearing aid for your particular hearing impairment. The audiologist then selects hearing aids that are specifically designed to compensate for those sounds you cannot hear.
In-The-Ear (ITE)
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In-The-Ear (ITE) or Full Shell
This style of hearing aid fits all into the ear, filling the entire bowl of the ear. It has a wide range of power capabilities, is easy to handle and can incorporate many technology features, such as dual microphones and volume adjustments, if needed.
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In-The-Canal (ITC)
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In-The-Canal (ITC) or Half Shell
This style also fits all into the ear, but fills only the lower half of the ear. This model can accommodate up to a moderate degree of hearing loss in most cases. Depending on each person's individual ear anatomy, this style can incorporate dual microphones or a memory button and/or a volume adjustment.
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Completely-In- The-Canal (CIC) |
Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
This model is the smallest of the custom hearing aid styles. It has a somewhat limited range of the degree of hearing loss it can accommodate. There is typically no volume adjustment or memory button available. It is not large enough to incorporate dual microphones. However, its small size can make using the telephone very easy to do.
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Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
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Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
This style of hearing aid is the most flexible of all the models. It can accommodate hearing losses from mild to profound degrees. It can incorporate dual microphones, multiple memories and a volume adjustment. It may also be used with FM devices. A custom made earmold fits into the ear canal and the hearing aid is connected via a small tube in the earmold.
Please keep in mind that this is simply a description of the models or sizes of hearing aids available. Most levels of technologies (entry, mid and high end digital technology) can be put into most models of hearing aids. You work with our audiologists to find out which technology features and style of hearing aids best suit your hearing loss and individual communication needs. We will now discuss the various types of technologies available in hearing aids.
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On-The-Ear (OTE) |
Open Fit On-The-Ear (OTE)
This style is the newest addition to hearing aid models. It is a tiny device that sits right on top of the ear, similar to a BTE style. However, the OTE style is much more compact and lightweight. On The Ear hearing aids are typically fit with a standard silicone dome or sleeve. The "open fit" describes the fact that the ear canal is not filled with or occluded by a full earpiece. The result is a very natural sound quality. This style is especially good for mild and/or high frequency hearing losses. |
Custom Ear Molds & Hearing Protection |
Custom Ear Molds & Hearing Protection
Hearing is one of our most important senses. Audiology Associates would like to help you preserve your natural hearing for as long as possible! Noise exposure is responsible for a large portion of hearing loss in America today. We can provide you with comfortable, easy-to-wear custom ear pieces for a variety of activities. Whether your hobbies include performance music, hunting, recreational shooting, or motorcycling we’ve got you covered.
Custom products offer convenience and comfort for everyone, regardless of their hearing status. You can get a better night’s sleep with custom sleep plugs that are effective in reducing the sound of a sleep partner’s snoring. There is also a wide range of custom ear pieces available for your iPod, MP3 player, and hands-free cell phone. If you wish to keep water out of your ears for water activities, we have floatable and colorful custom swim plugs.
Your Audiologist will discuss with you your particular needs and help you find the “perfect fit” custom ear piece. A short appointment to discuss your requirements and a simple ear impression are all that is needed to get you started.
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