Hearing aid technology moves fast, so trying to keep up can be daunting. But don’t worry – that’s what we’re here for.

It’s our priority to have all the information available so we can make an accurate diagnosis. Once we’ve zeroed in on your hearing issues, we can present some options YOU can choose from.

Those options will most likely be from the list provided below.

When Should You Start Looking to Get Hearing Aids?

If your hearing loss is diagnosed by a professional, considering hearing aids should be a top priority.

Recent research has found a link between hearing loss (especially if left untreated), cognitive decline, and an increased risk of dementia. Pursuing hearing aids will not only improve your hearing and understanding of speech, but it’s also the best help for your overall brain health.

How Do I Choose Which One Is Best for Me?

It’s essential to have a complete comprehensive audiological evaluation by a reputable hearing specialist to ensure you have accurate results.

A lot goes into choosing the correct hearing aid for you, which involves your hearing loss severity, the type of hearing loss, your communication needs, and your physical ability to manage the devices (dexterity issues) among many other options.

Hearing aids are not one-size-fits-all.

Some hearing aids have Bluetooth automatically built into them. Bluetooth allows the hearing aids to connect wirelessly to cell phones to stream phone calls or any other audio source.

The phone would also act as a remote in which the patient can easily adjust the hearing aids with the app.

Brief Descriptions of Hearing Aid Types

Below are some of the different types of hearing aids available:

Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC) – An IIC hearing aid is a custom device made via a 3D image of the patient's ear. It’s completely invisible when placed in the ear. This is an excellent option for someone who wants something discreet and someone who can handle small batteries and parts. It’s typically best for mild to moderate hearing losses.

Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) – A CIC hearing aid is a custom device made via a 3D image of a patient's ear.  It’s somewhat visible in the ear but is easy to handle physically and has rechargeable options.  This is great for mild to severe hearing losses and is perfect for someone who does not want something around the ear (which can get tangled with facemasks, glasses, oxygen masks, etc.).

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) – A receiver-in-canal hearing aid is great for someone who wants incredibly comfortable devices that do not fill up the ear canal.  Most RICs are pretty discreet when placed on the ear.  They have rechargeable options and the ability to have Bluetooth to pair with cell phones.  It is best for mild to severe hearing losses.

In-The-Canal (ITC) – An ITC hearing aid is a custom-made hearing aid created by taking a 3D image of the patient's ear canal. It has rechargeable options and is larger than a CIC, so it's easier to handle for someone with dexterity or vision issues. It can fit mild to severe hearing losses.

In-The-Ear (ITE) – An ITE is the largest custom device (also made by a 3D image of the patient's ear).  It can fit mild to severe/profound hearing losses.  It’s the best option for someone who has dexterity or vision issues and needs something easier to handle and see.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) – A BTE device is a device that sits on top of the ear with a hollow tube running down the front connected to a custom mold in the patient's ear.  BTEs are best for severe to profound hearing losses or children due to the size of their ears changing as they grow.

Where Can I Get Hearing Aids?

Nowadays, you can get hearing aids straight off the shelf at your local pharmacy. You can also order them online and have them delivered to your doorstep. However, we caution you with these types of hearing aids.

This is similar to buying readers off the shelf versus prescription glasses.  Buying something off the shelf will only provide slight improvement (if any).

Hearing loss has many different levels, types, degrees, and configurations, and to hear the best (and improve brain health!), you need to have an intricately fine-tuned hearing aid for each specific frequency.

Purchasing online also does not allow you to have a doctor of audiology fine-tune or adjust the hearing aids if there are any issues or sound quality concerns.

What is My Next Step?

For total peace of mind and to get your money’s worth, it’s vital that you come to see us first for a comprehensive hearing assessment. This alone will tell us what we’re dealing with and gives us the answers needed to solve your hearing problem.

As always, if you have any questions regarding your hearing or that of a loved one, please call us immediately. We are here to help in any way we can.