Think All Hearing Aids Are Alike? Think Again!
We are a multi-manufacturer dispenser, allowing you to have many options to improve your ability to hear. We provide service and repairs as well for all models by GN Resound, Oticon, Phonak, Siemens, Starkey, Rexton, Widex and many others.
There are many types and styles of hearing aids from which to choose. The professionals at Muskegon Hearing and Speech Center will recommend the best solutions for you based on your personal preferences, your lifestyle, your level of hearing loss and your personal budget. However, we believe that an educated patient is our most satisfied patient. That is why we have attempted to describe some differences in the various types of hearing aids listed below.
Open Fit Hearing Aids
21st century design
Delta's hi-tech, triangular design propels hearing devices into the 21st century and sets a new standard for aesthetics. Delta's tiny size and ultra thin sound wire makes the whole device practically invisible when worn.
Enjoy your freedom with Delta
Delta is all about helping you get on with your active life without noticing you are wearing it. Simply put it on and hear clearly again.
With Delta on your ear, speech comes through more clearly whether you are in quiet or noisy environments. Artificial Intelligence inside Delta makes thousands of subtle digital adjustments every second to keep any listening experience clear and effortless.
Delta offers the most sophisticated sound processing technologies available today. From advanced noise management to voice detection systems, Delta has all you need to help you hear better in noise. You can find more information about Delta on www.my-delta.com.
Non-Programmable Digital Trimmer Aids
This type of aid can be used for patients with a wide range of hearing loss configurations.
Conventional hearing aids use an analog circuit commonly known as a Class A amplifier. Class A amplifier uses linear amplification. This means that all sounds will be amplified equally. A low-pitched sound, for example, will be amplified with the same amount of volume as a high-pitched sound. Since the conventional aid uses linear amplification, some patients may find that it produces too much sound or not enough sound in order to hear at a comfortable listening level. The price of a conventional aid varies depending on the manufacturer, as well as, the additional options added to the aid, but is generally the least expensive.
Optional features that can be added to the aid include:
- Low frequency tone control
- High frequency tone control
- Output control
- Telephone switch
- Various colors
Candidates for conventional aids:
- Clients with a wide range of hearing loss
- Clients with a flat or gently sloping hearing loss
- Clients who need amplification but have financial concerns
Benefits:
- Available in a variety of styles (sizes) from in the ear to completely in the ear.
- Low cost
- Can be used as a backup hearing aid if needed.
Digital and Computer Hearing Aids
Digital aids are the most advanced hearing instruments on the market today. A digital hearing aid uses a computer chip, which can be programmed by the audiologist to your specific hearing loss. Digital technology uses separate channels or bands to independently process sound in specific frequency areas. Most of the digital aids include automatic volume adjustments and adjustable compression.
Programmable hearing aids use analog technology in combination with computerization. This allows the audiologist to fine tune with greater flexibility. Programmable aids use advanced technology and are available with multi-channel technology, as well as, directional microphones.
Prices for programmable and digital hearing aids vary depending on the manufacturer and optional features, but will be more at the higher end of the cost spectrum.
Optional features:
- Remote control by the new watch pilot or the new palm pilot!
- Single and multi-channel compression
- Input compression
- Output compression
- Multiple memories for different listening situations
Candidacy:
- Clients who want the most advanced technology on the market today
- New or experienced hearing aid users
- Clients with a wide range of hearing losses
Benefits:
- Automatically increases the volume for soft sounds and decreases the volume for louder low-pitched sounds
- Digital computer technology
- Ability to readjust your hearing aid should your hearing loss change
- vailable in all styles
Miniaturized Hearing Aids
Over the past several years hearing aid circuitry has begun to reach micro miniaturization.
Because of this, hearing aids are now available in mini canal and completely in the canal styles.
The completely in the canal (CIC) aid fits deeply into the ear canal. The faceplate of the aid can also be darkened to blend in with the shadows of the ear. This makes the CIC less visible.
Features:
- Clear pull cord for easy removal of the aid
- No volume control to constantly adjust
- Most CIC aids can have the volume adjusted by the audiologist by programming or by screw set adjustment.
Candidacy:
- Clients with an active lifestyle
- Clients who prefer a hearing aid that is less visible
- Clients with a wide range of hearing losses
Benefits:
- Deeper fitting, which makes it almost invisible when worn
- Reduced wind noise
- Easier to use on the telephone
- Less power is needed, because the hearing aid is in closer proximity to the eardrum
Advanced Technology Hearing Aids Circuitry
Through scientific research and amplification, advances in technology have been developed.
These developments are known as non-linear or compression amplifiers. The result is a hearing aid that can limit the amount of sound making a more natural volume without getting too loud or too soft. Examples of compression circuitry include automatic signal processing, automatic gain control-input, automatic gain control-output, wide dynamic range compression and adaptive compression. Advanced technology aids can also use multi-channel technology, as well as, directional microphones. Prices may vary depending on the manufacturer and amplifier options.
Optional Features:
- The world's only true waterproof hearing aid from RION!
- Threshold kneepoint control
- Low frequency tone control
- Frequent feedback control
- Output control
- Input control
- Telephone switch
- Various colors
Also Available:
- Microtech water resistant titanium case
- Programmable
Candidacy:
- Clients with a wide range of hearing losses
- Especially useful for clients with a reduced tolerance to loud sounds
- New users, as well as, experienced hearing aid users
Benefits:
- Improved listening comfort in most situations. Most users feel it is neither too soft nor too loud.
- More natural sound quality
- Larger listening range in comparison to conventional older Class A hearing aids
- Less distortion
- Available in a wide range of in the ear, canal, mini-canal, completely in canal, and behind the ear style aids
Swim Molds
AquaNot and Swyrls are made from floatable silicone. With incredible comfort and array of colors, they can be used for any water activity. Custom molded from impressions taken of your ear, AquaNot and Swyrl products offer a comfortable and reliable way to keep water out of your ears.
As great as AquaNots and Swryls are as swimplugs, the microsphere technology that allows them to float also makes these earplugs work great as hearing protection devices. The exceptional fit and extraordinary comfort of this product provide all day comfort.
AquaNot’s are available in eleven solid, vibrant colors. Swyrls feature three custom mixed colors in a bright rainbow pattern.
News Flash! A Note About False Advertising
There is some new advertising which promises “significant benefits” with “new” technology. They don’t tell you what is new, but it sounds like a come on. Again, you get the feeling this is the greatest thing and too good to be true. Well, if is sounds too good….. don’t be fooled. If you have questions, call or email. Also, you may wish to check with the American Academy of Audiology for more information.
FALSE ADVERTISING IN THE HEARING AID INDUSTRY
You probably have seen those full page advertisements stating that particular hearing aids were made for and are only available at particular offices. Well, for the most part that is not true. This is just a clever attempt to obtain your business. The reality is, most companies that provide hearing aids have access to products from most hearing aid manufacturers.
Have you also seen the hearing aid advertisements stating “new breakthrough” in technology? But did you know that a large number of these companies are showing hearing aids that are at least a year old? Hmmmm.
You need to be very careful in what these advertisements promise. A good rule of thumb is before you buy, check out different hearing aid providers.
Before you buy a hearing aid
Looking for information on digitally programmable or the 100% digital hearing aids from Siemens, Starkey, Phonak, or others? Call us. We have the information you’re looking for:
Digital hearing aids offer exceptional flexibility and improved background noise hearing. But they’re not for everyone, so trial periods are essential. Also, ever wonder if those newspaper ads tell the truth?
For more information look in the talking phone book McLeodUSA under Hearing Loss. All types of aids are available to anyone including the "completely in canal". We accept BCBS, AETNA, BCN, FIA and more (fee adjustments available for low income by our United Way affiliation).
We are a center for everyone. Call us for your individual consultation.
Send us an email now, for more information concerning possible hearing aid solutions for you.
