HEARING SYSTEMS can be divided into two main categories: Daily Wear (by far the most universal style worn today) and Extended Wear. Daily Wear hearing aid systems use replaceable batteries, and are inserted when the patient wants to wear them and removed when they do not. Conversely, Extended Wear hearing aids are worn 24 hours-per-day, 7 days-per-week for up to three months, and they can only be inserted by a specially-trained physician or clinical audiologist. Extended Wear hearing aids have built-in batteries and require no daily care.
DAILY WEAR DEVICES
There are a variety of options in Daily Wear hearing aid systems. The common element among each of these devices is their removable battery, and the wearer gets to choose when he or she wants to wear their hearing aids and when they do not.
Daily Wear hearing aids can be divided into two categories: Behind-the-Ear and In-the-Ear. Within each category, there are several models based on size and how the hearing aid components are configured.
BEHIND-THE-EAR HEARING AIDS
In the BTE family of hearing aids, most or all of the electronics are enclosed in a hard plastic case that fits behind the ear. Today, BTEs are the most popular style of hearing aids due to improvements in cosmetics, comfort and feedback cancellation technology. All levels of technology are available in the BTE, ranging from simple digital to highly advanced.
Here are the three basic styles of Behind-the-Ear hearing aids: Receiver in the Canal (RIC) – Open Fit
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
The RIC consists of three elements: 1) a small, molded case that is tucked behind the ear, 2) a clear, thin tube for carrying sound, and 3) a soft, silicone dome that holds the speaker (also known as the “receiver”) inside the ear canal.
RIC in-the-canal receiver placement increases clarity while reducing feedback.
Its molded, thin tube design and hidden case are considerably less visible—especially when the case is matched to your hair color.
Recommended for patients who feel they can “hear” but “just can’t understand the words”.
Thin Tube – Open Fit
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
Provides the same cosmetic benefits as the RIC Open Fit design.
Differs from the RIC in that all electronics—including the receiver—are located behind the ear.
Uses the thin tube design with a custom ear mold.
Is better suited for patients with runny earwax problems or ear canals that are too small for the RIC.
Standard Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
For moderate to profound hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
The Standard BTE provides greater amplification than RIC or Thin Tube Open Fit hearing aids.
All electronic components are located behind the ear.
Uses a standard tube design connected to a custom ear mold.
IN-THE-EAR HEARING AIDS
The In-the-Ear family of hearing aids has all their electronics enclosed in a hard plastic case that fits into the ear. There are currently four basic ITE sizes.
Deep Insertion Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
The smallest and deepest fitting of the In-the-Canal family of hearing aids.
A 100% invisible, digital, programmable device with a custom shell.
Provides excellent sound quality with no feedback on cell and regular phones.
Works for many patients who are not candidates for other deep canal devices.
The Deep Insertion CIC’s small size may limit technology options.
Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
Slightly larger than the Deep Insertion device, does not fit as deeply into the ear canal.
All components are contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded shell.
Good for patients with smaller ear canals but want the cosmetic advantages of a CIC.
The CIC’s small size may limit technology options.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
For mild to moderately severe hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
A little larger than the CIC, In-the-Canal aids fit in the outer portion of the ear canal and extend slightly into the bowl area.
All components are contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded plastic shell.
Provides for more technology options then the CIC while still being cosmetically pleasing.
Standard In-the-Ear (ITE)
For mild to severe hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
The largest of the In-the-Ear family of hearing aids, fits in the entire bowl of the ear.
Good for patients who require more powerful amplifiers.
Good for patients with dexterity or vision problems.
All components are contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded shell.
EXTENDED WEAR DEVICES
There is currently only one option in non-surgical, Extended Wear hearing aids: Lyric® manufactured by InSound Medical, Inc. Lyric® — Deep Insertion Extended Wear
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
Lyric® is the first 100% invisible extended wear hearing device. It is comfortably placed deep in the ear canal, with no surgery or anesthesia required. Lyric® can be used 24 hours-per-day, 7 days-per-week, for up to 3 months at a time (individual replacement needs may vary). The Lyric® is a non-digital device.
Lyric® uses the patient’s own ear anatomy to deliver natural sound quality.
Only a specially-trained physician or clinical audiologist can insert the Lyric® into the patient’s ear canal.
Lyric® does not require frequent battery changes.
Lyric® is not appropriate for all individuals with hearing loss.
DISPENSING OF DIGITAL HEARING AIDS
Before receiving hearing aids, patients are administered a comprehensive audiologic exam to determine the cause and degree of hearing loss. A detailed case history is also completed.
Once a patient becomes a candidate for a hearing aid, based upon their hearing test, all options are discussed with the patient—including their lifestyle, the style of hearing instrument desired, and the appropriate level of technology to meet their communication goals. The hearing aids are then programmed frequency-by-frequency to match the patient’s unique hearing loss, and every patient undergoes comprehensive instruction on how to begin listening again. Particular emphasis is placed on how the brain must relearn to focus on specific sounds the patient wants to hear and to ignore sounds they find irrelevant. All patients are also instructed on the proper use and care of their hearing instruments and follow-up tests are performed to ensure optimal programming of the aids, and their fit and comfort.
HEARING AID CHECKS & SERVICE
The cornerstone of our customer service is the follow-up care our patients receive after they have been fit with hearing aids. Most patients initially require 3-4 office visits for minor adjustments and instruction on how to listen to their world again and how to care for their hearing aids. Subsequent hearing aid adjustments and trouble shooting is always available at no charge for up to three years. All patients are scheduled for an annual hearing exam to retest their unaided, natural hearing, and to clean and check that their hearing aids are working properly. Appointment reminders are mailed every 6 months or as often as the patient desires.
Check out the Hearing Care Blog
Hearing Aid Technology & Styles
Hearing Aid Styles
HEARING SYSTEMS can be divided into two main categories: Daily Wear (by far the most universal style worn today) and Extended Wear. Daily Wear hearing aid systems use replaceable batteries, and are inserted when the patient wants to wear them and removed when they do not. Conversely, Extended Wear hearing aids are worn 24 hours-per-day, 7 days-per-week for up to three months, and they can only be inserted by a specially-trained physician or clinical audiologist. Extended Wear hearing aids have built-in batteries and require no daily care.
DAILY WEAR DEVICES
There are a variety of options in Daily Wear hearing aid systems. The common element among each of these devices is their removable battery, and the wearer gets to choose when he or she wants to wear their hearing aids and when they do not.
Daily Wear hearing aids can be divided into two categories: Behind-the-Ear and In-the-Ear. Within each category, there are several models based on size and how the hearing aid components are configured.
BEHIND-THE-EAR HEARING AIDS
In the BTE family of hearing aids, most or all of the electronics are enclosed in a hard plastic case that fits behind the ear. Today, BTEs are the most popular style of hearing aids due to improvements in cosmetics, comfort and feedback cancellation technology. All levels of technology are available in the BTE, ranging from simple digital to highly advanced.
Receiver in the Canal (RIC) – Open Fit
Here are the three basic styles of Behind-the-Ear hearing aids:
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
For moderate to profound hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
IN-THE-EAR HEARING AIDS
The In-the-Ear family of hearing aids has all their electronics enclosed in a hard plastic case that fits into the ear. There are currently four basic ITE sizes.
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
For mild to moderately severe hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
For mild to severe hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
EXTENDED WEAR DEVICES
There is currently only one option in non-surgical, Extended Wear hearing aids: Lyric® manufactured by InSound Medical, Inc.
Lyric® — Deep Insertion Extended Wear
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™
Lyric® is the first 100% invisible extended wear hearing device. It is comfortably placed deep in the ear canal, with no surgery or anesthesia required. Lyric® can be used 24 hours-per-day, 7 days-per-week, for up to 3 months at a time (individual replacement needs may vary). The Lyric® is a non-digital device.
DISPENSING OF DIGITAL HEARING AIDS
Before receiving hearing aids, patients are administered a comprehensive audiologic exam to determine the cause and degree of hearing loss. A detailed case history is also completed.
Once a patient becomes a candidate for a hearing aid, based upon their hearing test, all options are discussed with the patient—including their lifestyle, the style of hearing instrument desired, and the appropriate level of technology to meet their communication goals. The hearing aids are then programmed frequency-by-frequency to match the patient’s unique hearing loss, and every patient undergoes comprehensive instruction on how to begin listening again. Particular emphasis is placed on how the brain must relearn to focus on specific sounds the patient wants to hear and to ignore sounds they find irrelevant. All patients are also instructed on the proper use and care of their hearing instruments and follow-up tests are performed to ensure optimal programming of the aids, and their fit and comfort.
HEARING AID CHECKS & SERVICE
The cornerstone of our customer service is the follow-up care our patients receive after they have been fit with hearing aids. Most patients initially require 3-4 office visits for minor adjustments and instruction on how to listen to their world again and how to care for their hearing aids. Subsequent hearing aid adjustments and trouble shooting is always available at no charge for up to three years. All patients are scheduled for an annual hearing exam to retest their unaided, natural hearing, and to clean and check that their hearing aids are working properly. Appointment reminders are mailed every 6 months or as often as the patient desires.