HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY
Digital technology includes a computer chip that processes information quickly, producing a cleaner, crisper and more natural sound. The instruments are programmed using a computer; allowing the audiologist to manipulate the adjustments to more precise needs of the patient. As a patient's hearing loss changes, the instruments can be reprogrammed to fit a greater range of need. Bluetooth technology permits hearing aids to communicate with Bluetooth devices, such as cell phones and computers, where information is transmitted directly through the hearing aid.
HEARING AID STYLES
There are many styles of hearing aids. Each patient’s type and severity of hearing loss, life style, cosmetics, dexterity and other factors determines the hearing aid power requirements and options. Also, cost and cosmetic concerns factor into the selection of hearing aids.
Esteem Hearing Implant
The Esteem® Hearing Implant is the only FDA-approved fully implanted active middle ear hearing device that is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss in adults. It’s invisible, completely waterproof, and has a battery that lasts years – not weeks or months.
LYRIC
Lyric® Hearing Aids are a hassle-free, 100% invisible hearing solution – Lyric is the world’s first and only extended wear hearing aid that is worn 24/7 for up to four months* through activities such as showering, exercising and sleeping - all with no daily hassles.
For more information about Lyric, please visit www.lyrichearing.com.
SOUNDBITE
SoundBite™ is a bone conduction prosthetic hearing device. Prosthetic hearing devices produce the perception of sound by replacing the function of the middle ear, cochlea, or auditory nerve. As long as one cochlea is functional, SoundBite Hearing System allows sound to travel via the teeth, through the bones, to the functioning cochlea, bypassing the middle and outer ear entirely. By using bone conduction via the teeth, SoundBite is intended to help patients who suffer from Single Sided Deafness or Conductive Hearing Loss rejoin the conversation of life, all without surgery.
BEHIND THE EAR
Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE)
Fits behind the ear and has a tiny wire that connects between the device and a small speaker that sits directly in the ear canal and provides an open fit, preventing the “plugged up” feeling.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
Its behind the ear and provides the most circuit options with more power. They are connected with plastic ubing to the custom earmold that is inserted into the ear canal.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
Fits behind the ear and provides the most circuit options with more power. They are connected with plastic ubing to the custom earmold that is inserted into the ear canal.
Custom
In-The-Ear (ITE)
Small enough to fit almost entirely in the ear canal, occupying the lower portion of the ear and requires good dexterity to control the buttons.
Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
The smallest and most discreet custom-made hearing instrument. Designed to fit entirely in the ear canal making it virtually invisible and requires a removal string to be removed from the ear.
Hearing Aid Remotes
Some hearing aids have the option of purchasing a remote to either control the volume, change hearing aid programs or connect via bluetooth with compatible devices such as a cell phone.
Physical Fit and Comfort
Hearing aids need to be comfortable and fit just right, not too tight and not too loose. Do not wear hearing aids if they are causing discomfort or irritations. Contact your hearing professional regarding your problem as soon as possible in order to make appropriate adjustments to the fit of the hearing aid. Binaural vs. Monaural When an audiologist makes a recommendation for two hearing aids, there are often questions in the patients mind about why they need two hearing aids. We believe mother nature had it right the first time. If a person has two ears with hearing loss, and if both ears can benefit from hearing aids, people generally will do much better with two hearing aids in most situations.
One of the main reasons audiologists recommend two hearing aids versus one is because the ability to localize sound improves (knowing where the sound came from), which is only possible with two ears and can be the difference between hearing where a warning sound or siren is coming from or not. Using both ears together impacts how well you hear in noise. Understanding speech clearly, particularly in challenging and noisy situations is much easier while using both ears. Using two hearing aids allows people to speak to you from either side of your head, not just your good side. People generally cannot hear well using only one ear. If you have a hearing loss in both ears and you only wear a hearing aid in one ear, the unaided ear is likely to lose word recognition ability more quickly than the ear wearing the hearing aid.
Hearing Aid Follow-Up
To protect your hearing aid investment, our professionals recommend that you schedule an appointment for your hearing aids to be cleaned and checked every three to six months. Our emphasis is on understanding each person’s unique needs and fitting him/her with the hearing system that will serve the best.
Realistic Expectations It is important to remember that hearing aids do not restore normal hearing and are designed to assist a person to hear as normally as possible. Hearing aids work very well once they have been professionally fitted and adjusted to specific needs. Adjustments made to the hearing aids to achieve maximum performance (fit, comfort, sound quality, etc.) usually takes a few weeks of collaboration and cooperation between the patient and the hearing professional. People adjust to the hearing aids and learn at different rates. Some people may need a day or two, but most need a few weeks and some need a few months. However, while learning to use the hearing aids, use them in easy and comfortable situations with familiar people in favorable listening environments, such as one-on-one conversations in quiet. After becoming comfortable with the easier situations, work towards more difficult listening situations.
Hearing Aid Maintenance
The most common cause of hearing aid failure is earwax accumulation and moisture. The wax problems can be prevented by cleaning your hearing aid regularly and scheduling hearing aid checks with your hearing professional.
Moisture damage can be controlled by using an electronic Dry & Store unit, which absorbs moisture into a dessicant bar by using fans to circulate air around the internal components of the hearing aid and also includes a germicidal light that kills most bacteria and other germs.
Hearing Aid Batteries
WARNING: All hearing aid batteries are toxic and dangerous if swallowed. Keep all batteries away from children and pets. Most batteries have a life span of 5 – 15 days, depending on the usage of the hearing aid. Once you remove the sticker from the back of the battery, the battery is activated and considered “turned-on”. It helps to open the battery door to your hearing aid while not in use to preserve the life span of the battery. Check with your hearing professional for the battery size you need for your hearing aid if you aren’t sure.
- Size 10: YELLOW
- Size 312: BROWN
- Size 13: ORANGE
- Size 675: BLUE