Digital Hearing Aids

Due to the rapidly changing technology associated with computers and digital hearing aids, it is essential that time be spent reviewing the wide spectrum of devices available. We will review options and appropriate styles and technologies recommended, to assist in the overall decision making process. Our goal is to provide the best instrument available for your listening needs and lifestyle.

Digitally Programmable Hearing Aids

These were the first hearing aids that were programmed, initially through a special device and then through a computer. These hearing aids allowed for greater flexibility when doing the fitting because we could access the controls from the computer; however, the signal processing was still analog similar to their conventional analog predecessors. Due to the advances of true digital technology, the “programmables” are disappearing from the hearing aid landscape. Thus, with a few exceptions, these devices are a part of hearing aid history.

These instruments are the most advanced of all hearing aids available. Most major manufacturers have converted the majority of their hearing aid product line to fully digital units. The devices are more efficient, provide increased programming flexibility and recently have added product lines that are priced lower than many traditional analog hearing aids.
The units use a connection to either a PC or special programming device to allow precise adjustments. Sounds are received by the microphone of the hearing aid and sent to an A to D converter where the sound is changed to digital binary (numeric number 0 or 1) codes. It is then manipulated to more precisely fit the needs of the user, and passed on to a D to A converter where it is changed back to analog sound and sent to the receiver of the hearing aid. The complexity of the digital hearing aid will determine how much flexibility and extra options are available. Some units are fully automatic and capable of detecting background noise and reducing it without any assistance from the hearing aid user while others require the user to manually operate some of the controls. Digital hearing aids are the only hearing aids capable of providing effective feedback management (elimination of whistling).

Custom In-The-Ear Hearing Aids

To obtain a custom hearing aid, an impression is taken of your ear. The impression, which is then used to make the shell, is sent to the designated manufacturer. The shell, which can then be ordered in various sizes, contains all the components of your hearing aid. Nowadays, top manufacturers are employing laser shell technology to more precisely replicate the shape of your ear as well as being able to store the information in their database.

Full-shell: This type fills the entire outer ear and can accommodate all options including a volume control. This unit is capable of utilizing a larger battery size than other in-the-ear models, therefore enabling a longer batterylife. It can also provide the most power of all in-the-ear models.

Half-shell: This type fills half of the outer ear and most of the time can accommodate all options including a volume control.

Canal: This type fills approximately one-third of the outer ear. Typically, it cannot accommodate a manual volume control and relies on automatic volume adjustments.

Completely-in-canal (CIC): This type is the smallest hearing aid that fits entirely in the ear canal making it the most inconspicuous of the custom models. It does not have a volume control and requires a nylon cord for easy removal. The unit works very well with telephones (including cellular)because of the microphone placement deeper in the ear canal. It requires good manual dexterity due to the small battery and the need for frequent battery replacement.

Behind-The-Ear Hearing (BTE) Aids

These hearing aids, situated behind the ear, route sound to the ear through a tube and an earmold. These hearing aids can accommodate all ranges of hearing loss from mild to profound. They are also best suited for individuals who may have drainage in their ear canals from infections.

Open Ear Devices

These devices are setting new standards in hearing health care as well as aesthetics. Designed with the most advanced digital technology available, these units are capable of making automatic adjustments for surrounding sounds while maintaining "open ear" insertion. The end result is a comfortable, non-occluding fitting that maintains normal low frequency responses while amplifying high frequencies. These units are ideal for individuals who have high frequency hearing losses due to noise exposure or whose main complaint is not an inability to hear, but an INABILITY TO UNDERSTAND SPEECH. A traditional earmold is not required for this type of fitting, therefor a fitting can be completed generally within a week.