Hearing Aids

Digital

Has a computer chip inside, precisely tuned to match your hearing loss and listening needs. While digitals can offer the most flexibility and highest sound quality, being digital doesn't necessarily indicate the best technology - there are a large range of digital instruments.<

Analog

Uses filters to create the desired output, tending to have more distortion and noise than digitals.

Programmable

Can be digital or analog, varying widely in sound quality. The hearing aid settings are adjusted on a computer, to match a person's specific hearing loss.

Omni-Directional

Amplifies sound from all directions equally.

Directional (Dual)

Two microphones are working together to emphasize sound from the front, reducing sound from the rear and sides. This increases comprehension in background noise. Advanced hearing aids can switch between microphone settings, and respond to your environment automa-tically, for comfort and flexibility.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

The electronics are housed in a case that fits behind the ear. The ear canal can allow sound to enter naturally, for good audio quality and a comfortable, more open feeling. All electronics are outside of the ear, away from wax and moisture, and the case allows components to be reinforced. Options include dual microphones and a telecoil. This style generally provides superior listening under a variety of conditions.

In-The-Ear (ITE)

The electronics are in a custom-molded shell that fills the canal and external ear. For people with limited dexterity, these may be easiest to insert. The ear feels more open than with smaller styles. Size may allow options such as a telecoil or dual microphones.

In-The-Canal (ITC) & Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

The electronics are in a custom-molded shell that fills the ear canal. CIC instruments are completely seated within the ear canal, making them the least visible style. The reduced size, however, comes with some compromise, and can limit the amount of hearing improvement they provide. ITCs are slightly larger, extending into the external ear.

Volume Controls

Some hearing aids can be set to adjust for softer and louder sounds automatically; others have a manual control, or both.

Telecoils

A telecoil, or "T-switch", can be built into hearing aids to enhance the use of telephones or other equipment, like TV listening devices. The user benefits from the power of their hearing aids with compatible phones or other technology.

Hearing with both ears feels the most natural, improving comprehension in noisy environments, and your ability to hear people on either side of you. It also helps you distinguish where sounds are coming from, and allows you to hear a wider range of sounds with reduced discomfort from loud sounds. And, research shows that utilizing both ears keeps them functioning well for longer.