There are many hearing aids available on the market today and one size does not fit all. At Valley Audiology we have chosen manufacturers that offer a variety of quality products and excellent customer service.
When you meet with your audiologist she will determine your needs and preferences and will recommend hearing aids that would best suit you. The following is a brief introduction to the decisions you will be making when buying a hearing aid.
Behind the Ear Style
The behind the ear hearing aid is the most versatile style. It is appropriate for mild all the way to profound hearing loss. It is the hearing aid of choice for children and it is an excellent choice for people who have had trouble with hearing aid maintenance in the past. The battery will last longer and the larger size of the hearing aid has space for options such as a volume control and directional microphones.
Micro-Power
A new alternative to the behind-the-ear hearing aid is the micro-power. In this hearing aid the receiver is worn in the ear and the microphone is behind the ear allowing for a smaller, more cosmetically appealing aid.
Open Fit/RITE Style
The newest style of hearing aid is the open fit for people with normal hearing in the low frequencies and hearing loss in the high frequencies. The aid is very cosmetically appealing. The open fit allows the wearer to hear the low frequencies naturally and to hear his/her own voice in a more natural manner.
In the Ear Style
The in the ear style aid is especially good for those who have trouble with their vision or dexterity. The large size allows for a larger battery and most aids can be ordered with options such as a volume control and directional microphones. All in the ear hearing aids need to be cleaned daily to keep wax and moisture from damaging the aid.
In the Canal Style
The canal style is a smaller in the ear style of aid. It is also easy to insert and remove. It has a smaller battery and therefore will have to be changed more often. The smaller size is attractive but it cannot always accommodate all features. All in the ear hearing aids must be cleaned daily.
Completely in the Canal Style
The completely in the canal style of aid is the smallest available. Once in the ear it can hardly be seen making it very cosmetically appealing. It has a tiny battery which needs to be changed often and it cannot accommodate directional microphones. All in the ear hearing aids need to be cleaned daily.
What level of technology do I need?
Almost all of the hearing aids we fit now are digital. They have small computer chips in them that sample the sounds in the environment and make decisions about how much or how little to amplify those sounds. There is a wide range of price and technology from simple digital aids with good sound quality to high tech aids with directional microphones and multiple programs. The best type for you depends upon your hearing loss, your lifestyle and your listening environments.
What else can you help me with at Valley Audiology?
In addition to hearing aids we also have many hearing aid accessories and we make custom earmolds for hearing aids, hearing protection or to fit onto standard earbuds. We can show you assistive listening devices that can be used instead of buying a hearing aid or used in addition to your hearing aid. We can tell you about devices for hearing the television, doorbell, alarm clock, smoke alarm and telephone. We are also knowledgeable about FM systems that can be used in conjunction with your hearing aids to improve your hearing in noisy situations.
For more information about the services that we offer, please see our Services page.