About Hearing aids

How much do hearing aids cost?

Remember that there are different models of hearing aids within each level of technology. The cost of digital hearing aids may range from "basic to "best" much like a car. You cannot expect the same level of comfort from a Nissan Sentra compact car as you expect from a Cadillac Escalade. It’s what is on the inside that counts! It’s also what’s on the inside that drives the price. The more you expect a hearing aid to function like a human ear, the more sophisticated technology required. Likewise, the more you expect a hearing aid to function like a human ear, the more expensive it will be. We take into account your hearing loss and your specific listening difficulties you encounter on a daily basis and then we prescribe the best hearing aid to meet as many of your needs as possible. If the "best" hearing aid is not in your price range or budget, the we try to find a "good" one to meet as many needs as possible. Either way, we will try to help you understand exactly what to expect from your hearing aid.

When shopping for hearing aids, you must compare "apples to apples", just like you would when shopping for a vehicle.

How long do hearing aids last?

Hearing aids, with proper care, should last between 5 to 7 years.

The most common repairs required by hearing aids are based on dirt and debris blocking the microphones and the receivers. In other words, the majority of repairs required are due to poor/low maintenance. We will review with you how to maintain your hearing aids, how to keep them clean and dry, how to change batteries etc. We also offer FREE classes on hearing loss and hearing aids to help our patients to learn more about hearing aid care, use and maintenance.
Do all hearing aids work the same way?

No. Hearing aids work in many different ways to provide the needed and desired speech signals to the listener.

Again, this is where we take the time to find out from you where you are having the most trouble communicating and hearing and recommend a best hearing aid for your needs. Some hearing aids deliver sound through the air, some deliver sound through bone conduction. Some hearing aids use FM signals, some use electro-magnetic signals (T-coils). Most hearing aids use digital technology, although some still use analog technology…some hearing aids use noise reduction technology, others don’t! In brief, there are dozens of varieties and alternatives in the way hearing aids work!

What are the most common hearing aid styles?

There are many styles of hearing aids. The most common styles are listed below All typesof hearing aids have their advantages and disadvantages.

ITE: In-The-Ear Full shell in-the-ear the largest of the custom made styles. ITE’s fill the bowl of th ear and fit flush with the outside of the ear.

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.

CIC: Completely-In-the-Canal units are the tiniest hearing aids made. They require a "removal string" due to their small size and the fact that they fit deeply into the ear canal. CICs can be difficult to remove without the pull string. CICs do not usually have manual controls attached to them because they are too small.

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.

PAC: Post-auricular-canal instrument. This is a new hearing aid design which physically separates the processor from the receiver/speaker. This design offers comfort and acoustic options as the tiny processor is placed behind the ear, and the receiver/speaker is placed deep in the ear canal.