There are several factors to consider when determining the most appropriate hearing aid for your hearing loss and lifestyle.

Hearing Aid Size

We offer 5 main choices in the size of your hearing aid:

• Behind the Ear (BTE) - This hearing aid goes behind the ear with a tube connected to an ear mold within the ear
  
  
• In the Ear (ITE) - fills the outer bowl of the ear and within the ear canal

Please note the following hearing aids may not be appropriate for patients with greater than a moderate hearing loss.

• Half Shell - fits within the outer ear cavity and in the canal
  
  
• In-the-Canal (ITC) - fits within the outer bowl of the ear and half of the ear canal
  
  
• Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) - fits completely in the ear canal
  

Type of Circuit

Most hearing aids dispensed at this time utilize digital circuitry. Digital hearing aids have improved sound comfort and quality over the older analog and programmable technologies. There are several levels of digital products. Please see below for a description of each:

Level Four

• Most advanced technology available
• Up to 4 programs are available for use in different listening environments (phone, group settings, quiet settings, etc)
• Most efficient at reducing background noise while amplifying speech
• Most flexible fine tuning options to provide a precise individual fit
• Multiple microphones available for use in background noise

Level Three

• Up to 3 programs
• Multiple microphones
• More efficient in reducing background noise
• More flexible in fine tuning
• More advanced technology

Level Two

• Up to 3 programs (2 environmental and a telephone program)
• Multiple microphones
• Flexible fine tuning
• Efficient in reducing background noise

Level One

• Up to 2 programs (basic and a telephone program)
• Most basic technology available
• Limited efficiency in background noise
• Limited flexibility in fine tuning

One vs Two Hearing Aids

Wearing two hearing instruments, or binaural amplification, is usually recommended by hearing health care professionals for several reasons:

• It has been found that one is more relaxed with two instruments because binaural amplficiation eliminates the need to strain to hear a sound. If only one instrument is worn, one will continually use the "good" ear by turning toward the source of the sound.
  
  
• Wearing two instruments makes it easier to locate the source of a sound - whether it is an ambulance nearby, someone calling one's name, or the room where the phone is ringing.
  
  
• Two instruments help one better understand speech, especially in a situation where noise is present.
  
  
• The use of two hearing instruments allows a more balanced sense of hearing and better overall sound. One is surrounded by sound. Many try to turn up the volume on their sole instrument in an effort to improve the audibility of the sound, but this only makes the sound louder and distorted. It will not bring more sounds in or give one better sound quality.