Invisible Hearing

Many Hearing Aids today are Virtually Invisible.  Meaning, they are so small most people wouldn't know you were wearing one.  These styles are called:  CIC, RIC's, Slim Tube Fittings or Open Mold.  They make up approximately 73% of new hearing aids purchased.  Once hearing has been analyzed by one of our Hearing Professionals, we will help you determine the most appropriate style for your individual needs.

     The most common styles are listed below:

RIC or Open Ear: A tiny receiver is placed in the canal and with a nearly invisible wire or tube is attached to the unit which is hidden behind the ear. Cosmetically appealing without a plugged feeling

CIC:  Completely in the Canal  A tiny hearing aid that is hidden in the canal.

ITC: In-The-Canal units are usually more expensive than ITEs. They require good dexterity to control the volume wheel and they are smaller than ITEs.

MC: Mini-Canals are the size between ITC and CIC. A mini canal is a good choice when you desire the smallest possible hearing aid with a tiny volume wheel.

ITE: In-The-Ear units are often the most comfortable, the least expensive and the easiest to operate. They are also the largest of the custom made styles.

BTE: Behind-The-Ear hearing aids are the largest hearing aids, often the least expensive, and they are very reliable. BTEs have the most circuit options and they typically offer more power than custom made units. BTEs rest on the back of your ear. They are connected to the ear canal via custom-made plastic tubing; the earmold. The earmold is usually custom made from an ear impression to perfectly replicate the size and shape of your ear.

The style that is best for you depends on the physical characteristic of your ear, the severity of your hearing loss and the instrument most comfortable for you to manage.

What are digital hearing aids
The term DIGITAL is used so often today, it can be confusing. When the term "digital" is used when referring to hearing aids, it generally means the hearing aid is 100% digital. In other words, the hearing aid is indeed a "complete computer". 100% digital hearing aids have been commercially available since the mid-1990s and they are wonders of modern technology. 100% digital hearing aids can process sound using incredibly fast speeds. Interestingly, most 100% digital hearing aids have some analog components, such as the microphone and the receiver. 100% digital hearing aids transform analog information into a digital signal and process the sound to maximize the speech information you want to hear, while minimizing the amplification of sounds you do not want to hear. 

Digital technology is tremendous and it allows the audiologist maximal control over the sound quality and loudness of the hearing aid. Importantly, digital technology allows the audiologist to tailor or customize the sound of your hearing aids to what you need and want to hear. In summary, if you want the best technology -- get 100% digital hearing aids. 

 There is a wide range of instruments available.  When considering amplification, choosing a particular manufacturer should be discussed with your Hearing Professional to assure you find the  instrument  that will best fit your loss, your life style and your budget.  All Aids are not created equal.

Sonic Innovations

Unitron

Persona Medical

Interton

Rexton

Sona

GN Resound
Sebotek
Oticon
Phonak
Bernafon
Danavox
Telex
Starkey
Siemens
Audina
Magnatone