HEARING AIDS
NOT WHAT YOU THINK!
Today there is virtually no hearing loss that cannot benefit from the use of appropriate technology. Once a hearing loss is diagnosed, the first step in the rehabilitation process is the evaluation and selection of appropriate hearing aid technology. Like most technology, hearing aids have progressed significantly in recent years.
The days of large, indiscreet hearing aids are over. Technological breakthroughs have resulted in hearing aids that are smaller than ever before. In fact, very often far less noticeable than wearing glasses. Modern hearing aids are small and stylish and come in a vast range from invisible in-the-ear instruments to discreet behind-the-ear instruments to suit every personality and different types of hearing loss.
There are hearing aids available to suit all tastes and pockets and hearing aid colors to match any skin or hair. Hearing care professionals will often recommend a system suitable for your individual needs, but you will always have a choice.
We provide the latest hearing instrument technologies in a variety of styles from the following manufacturers that include, but are not limited to: Oticon, Starkey, and more.
WHAT ARE HEARING AIDS?
Most hearing aids share several similar electronic components, including a microphone that picks up sound; amplifier circuitry that makes the sound louder; a miniature loudspeaker (receiver) that delivers the amplified sound into the ear canal; and batteries that power the electronic parts. Some hearing aids also have ear molds or earpieces to direct the flow of sound into the ear and enhance sound quality. The selection of hearing aids is based on the type and severity of hearing loss, listening needs, and lifestyle.
HOW DO I OBTAIN HEARING AIDS?
To get hearing aids, you should first have a hearing evaluation to determine the type and amount of your hearing loss. The process begins with a medical and audiologic examination.
Medical examination. The medical examination may be performed by any licensed physician including your family doctor or pediatrician, but preferably should be done by an ear, nose, and throat specialist (an otolaryngologist). You will need an examination of your ear, nose, and throat and possibly other testing to rule out any medical reason for your hearing loss, such as infection, injury or deformity, ear wax in the ear canal, and, in rare cases, tumors. You will receive documentation of your medical exam and a statement that says you are a hearing aid candidate.
Audiologic examination. An audiologic exam, or audiogram, involves an evaluation by a hearing health professional specializing the diagnosis and non-medical treatment of hearing loss (an audiologist) to identify the type and amount of your hearing loss and the appropriate rehabilitation of the hearing loss. The audiologist will evaluate your degree of hearing loss, along with your lifestyle and communication needs, to determine the most appropriate hearing instrument technology.
PURCHASING A HEARING AID
Our audiologists will work you to make sure you have absolutely the best type of hearing aid for your situation. We have all the newest options and keep samples here in the office that you can see and evaluate in person. Most of the major hearing aid suppliers also offer a trial period with warrenty on all purchases, which allows you to try the hearing aid of your choice risk-free in real life situations.
Please visit our Hearing Aid Center here.