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Treatment of Hearing
Hearing
aids
Although hearing aids come in all shapes and sizes,
they all do have the same basic components. Sound is picked
up from the environment by a microphone. The function of
the microphone is to change the sound from an acoustic signal
to an electric signal. The electrical signal is then processed
and amplified. The volume is adjusted with a volume control.
All hearing aids require a battery to supply power to the
system. Once the sound has been amplified, it goes to the
receiver. The receiver works like a speaker changing electronic
signals back into acoustic sound. The sound is delivered
to the ear canal through some kind of tube in the hearing
aid shell or ear mold. Hearing aids can also include on/off
switches, volume controls, telecoil switches and direct audio
input capabilities.
Hearing aid Styles
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles; these can range
from completely-in-the canal to behind-the-ear hearing instruments.
Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages. Selecting
a style that is right for you depend on a number of factors,
including:
· The
severity of your hearing loss
· The
size and shape of your ear
· Your
ability insert and remove the aid (dexterity)
· Your
personal preference for size
· Cost
is also considered when choosing the style
· Technology
inside the hearing aid how you want the hearing aid to perform
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Behind-the-ear (BTE)—Behind the ear
hearing aids have components which are housed in a curved
case that fits neatly and comfortably behind or over your
ear. A custom ear mold is made to fit the exact shape
of your ear. This ear mold is used to direct sound from
the hearing aid into your ear canal as well as hold the
hearing aid in place.
People with a wide range of hearing losses, from mild
to severe, can be fit with behind-the-ear hearing aids.
These hearing aids are thought to be the most durable
due to the components being housed in the case of the
aid. They typically need less repair and have a longer
life expectancy. |
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Open fit behind-the-ear
product—The open fit behind the ear hearing aids are
typically a very small behind the ear device with a small
tube and tip attached to the behind the ear product.
This open fit designed is relatively new and was developed
in for those who want a device that doesn’t plug up the
ear canal as much. These devices are becoming extremely
popular because of their smallness as well as the open
fit ear mold which helps alleviate the plugged up feeling
some get from a custom device. These devices are not
custom made to fit the individual ear, although several
different tip sizes are available to get the best possible
fit depending on each individuals needs. |
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In-the-Ear (ITE)—In
the ear (full shell) hearing aids are custom designed
to fit into the bowl area of your ear. All of the components
are housed within a single plastic shell. There are no
external wires or tubes. These devices are custom molded
to fit your ear and should be comfortable and secure.
The in-the-ear hearing aid can be used for mild to moderately
severe hearing losses. They are usually not recommended
for those who have severe-to-profound hearing loss or
those with special needs such as a difficult to fit ear
canal shape.
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In-the-canal (ITC) and ½
Shell- These hearing aids are custom designed to fit
more deeply into the ear canal than and ITE hearing aid.
The ITC is slightly smaller than a ½ shell hearing aid.
The ½ Shell is custom shaped to fill up ½ of the outer
ear bowl area and the canal fits down in the ear a bit
farther than the ½ shell. This group of hearing instruments
is usually the most popular because of their cosmetic
appeal as well as the cost. Due to the size of these
instruments, they are typically recommended for those
who have mild to moderate hearing losses as well as good
dexterity in their hands. |
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Completely-in-the-Canal
(CIC) – These hearing aids are also custom designed
to fit the ear canal. These are the smallest and least
visible hearing aid that is made. For these reasons they
are the most cosmetically appealing hearing aid. Due
to the hearing aid fitting so deeply into the ear canal
they are less likely to pick up wind noise as well as
feedback (whistling) with the telephone.
The battery for the CIC style instrument is much smaller
and therefore the life of the battery is shorter than
it is for the larger instruments. These instruments require
good dexterity for the hearing aid as well as for the
battery. These hearing aids are more difficult to fit
and may require more follow up appointments in order to
get the casing just right. These hearing instruments
also seem to be more “high maintenence due to the size
and the depth of insertion. They tend to fill up with
wax more frequently and do require more repairs. |
Brands of Hearing Aids
As an independent private practice, Ear Specialists of
Omaha is not limited to the number of manufactures is can
purchase hearing aids from. There are many different hearing
aid manufactures in the world and we are able to purchase
almost any make and model of hearing aid. The audiologists
at Ear Specialists have done a lot of research for you in
order for you to get the best hearing instrument products
for the best value. Some manufactures offer a great Behind-the-Ear
product but may not make such a great In-the-Ear product.
We strive to look at each individual’s needs and help you
select a product that is best for your hearing loss as well
as your personal preference for style.
Hearing Aid Technology
Once you have chosen the style of hearing aid that suits
your needs we then need to discuss which type of hearing aid
technology is for you. In the past hearing aids have used
analog, computer programmable or digital hearing aid technology.
Currently, we use all digital hearing instruments in our office.
We have four ranges of digital technology for you to choose
from: Entry level digital, mid level digital, advanced mid
level digital, and premium digital.
Entry Level Digital
Entry level digital hearing aids have a basic digital
platform, which provides adequate flexibility and power to
meet your specific needs based on your specific hearing loss.
They do not have any features to help overcome the difficulties
of extraneous background noise. Entry level digital hearing
aids are particularly suitable for quiet environments with
minimal competing noise. They are the most affordable option.
Mid Level Digital
Mid level digital hearing aids have an advanced digital
platform, which provides additional features designed to help
in mild levels of competing noise. They offer limited noise
reduction circuitry and fixed directionality. These features
are designed for those who need some help in noisy environments;
but are not ready for the more aggressive features in the
more advanced hearing aid models.
Advanced Digital
Advanced digital hearing aids offer superior noise reduction
circuitry and second order directional microphone systems.
Second order directional microphone systems offer greater
directionality, which is the most powerful tool currently
available to combat against competing noise sources. The noise
reduction circuitry incorporated into the advanced digital
hearing aids provides more comfort in noisy environments than
its predecessors. These features compliment each other very
nicely making for a highly effective hearing aid in most listening
environments.
Premium Digital
Premium digital hearing aids are the top of the line available
today. They offer the most advanced sound processing in noisy
environments and adaptive second order directional microphones.
Adaptive directional microphones are able to identify the
loudest noise source in a room and decrease the sensitivity
of the microphones in its direction. Premium digital hearing
aids are able to adapt to the environment versus the manual
adjustment the advanced digital hearing aids require. They
adjust their settings to maximize performance regardless of
the environment or how the environment changes. Premium digital
hearing aids are for those who are in the most demanding listening
environments or demand the most from their hearing aids.
Open Fitting Digital Systems
Open hearing instruments are the latest break-through
in hearing aid technology. They are very compact behind the
ear instruments with very small tips, which direct sound to
the eardrum without obstructing the ear canal. This greatly
reduces the plugged up sensation many people get from their
traditional in the ear and behind the ear instruments.
We specialize in the most advanced hearing systems available.
Our experienced and knowledgeable audiology staff will meet
with you and assist you in selecting the type and size of
hearing aid that best fits your needs, lifestyle, and finances.
We offer a 60 day evaluation program which offers you
an effective way to make sure we have selected the appropriate
amplification for you. Upon your initial visit to our office
a hearing evaluation and amplification selection process will
take place. Once you choose the style and technology of hearing
aid that is best for you, we will make a return appointment
in a couple of weeks for the hearing aid fitting process.
Once the fitting is complete, your 60-day hearing aid evaluation
process begins. You will be returning to the office for a
few follow-up appointments during this adjustment period.
The cost of the hearing aids will depend on the style and
technology we choose to meet your hearing loss and lifestyle
needs. Our prices range from $800 to $2600 per hearing aid.
Full payment is due at the time of the hearing aid fitting.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, personal checks, or cash.
All hearing aids dispensed from Ear Specialist come with a
one to three year loss and damage warranty depending on which
technology level is choosen, with a $250.00 deductible per
hearing aid. It also includes a two-year repair warranty
provided by the manufacturer.
Note: Hearing aids will not restore normal hearing, but they
should improve your ability to understand speech. Remember,
even individuals with normal hearing have difficulty hearing
at times.
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