If you suspect you may have a hearing loss, our hearing specialists at Apex Audiology can help. We will assess your needs and determine if hearing aids would be right for you. If so, you will be fitted with the most advanced hearing aid technology on the market.
According to the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), about 36 million Americans experience hearing loss, and about 90 percent of them can be treated with hearing aids.
How do hearing aids work?
There are three basic parts to a hearing aid: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. Hearing aids pick up sound using a microphone, which converts the sound waves to electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker.
How do digital hearing aids work?
Digital hearing aids use digital sound technology to improve hearing aid performance. They convert sound waves into digital binary code (0’s and 1’s), which helps to produce an exact duplication of each sound. They also use computer chips to analyze speech and other sounds, allowing for more complex processing of sounds during amplification.
With the advancement of digital technology, manufacturers have enhanced the functionality of hearing devices, offering patients several benefits, such as
They can be programmed with noise reduction algorithms to help reduce background noise;
They are highly programmable for various listening environments; and
They can be adjusted to meet specific user needs.
Are there different styles of hearing aids?
Hearing aids are available in many different sizes and styles thanks to advancements in digital technology and miniaturization of the internal components. Many of today’s hearing aids are considered sleek, compact, and innovative – offering solutions to a wide range of hearing aid wearers.
A wide range of technology and a host of features are available in each hearing aid style. The cost of hearing aids generally depends on the technology and the number of features the instrument has, not necessarily on the style selected. Today’s digital hearing aid styles are typically offered at various levels, such as basic, entry, advanced, and premium. Within each level, different technology and features are available.
Basic digital hearing aid styles generally require the wearer to make some manual adjustments in certain listening environments. For example, they may need to turn a volume control up or push a button to change listening programs. In contrast, a premium or more advanced hearing aid responds automatically to changes in the listener’s environment, making changes based on the signals detected by the hearing aid. The hearing aid wearer is not required to make any manual changes. As the level of technology increases in hearing aids, so does the availability of advanced features.
There are three basic types of hearing aids: behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), and in-the-canal (ITC) with the following variations in style:
Behind the Ear (BTE)
In-the-Ear (ITE)
In-The-Canal (ITC)
Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)
Which hearing aid style is right for you?
When selecting a hearing aid style, our hearing specialists consider the following factors to ensure you get the right hearing aid for your needs:
The degree of hearing loss (power requirements)
Manual dexterity and visual abilities
Patient budget
Cosmetics
Skin sensitivities
Anatomical/medical considerations
At Apex Audiology, we work with all the major manufacturers, including:
Oticon
Phonak
Signia
Widex
Starkey
ReSound
Sonic
How can hearing aids help?
Hearing aids help to improve hearing and speech comprehension for people who have hearing loss. A hearing aid magnifies sound vibrations entering the ear. Hair cells detect the larger vibrations and convert them into neural signals that are passed along to the brain. The more severe the hearing loss, the greater the hearing aid amplification needed.
Do hearing aids work for everyone?
Whether or not a hearing aid will work for you usually depends on the type of hearing loss or the degree of hearing loss you may have. To learn more, check out our page on Hearing Loss.
How can you get evaluated for a hearing aid?
If you suspect that you might need a hearing aid, you will first need to have a hearing test. At the time of your hearing test, a case history will be taken to determine the extent to which your hearing problem impacts your day-to-day life as well as the lives of your family members. Your hearing specialist will review your general health history and ask when and how the hearing loss started, if there is ringing in your ears (tinnitus), and if you experience dizziness.
The results from your hearing test will provide your hearing specialist with an outline of what sounds you may be missing or hearing. In addition, the personal answers about your daily life and your perception of your hearing will provide the basis for a more comprehensive hearing evaluation. You may be referred to a medical doctor specializing in disorders of the ear if you are a candidate for hearing aids or if there are other medical conditions your hearing specialist thinks should be addressed before hearing aids are recommended. This referral is often the first step in the hearing aid examination.
If your hearing test reveals permanent hearing loss, your hearing specialist may recommend a hearing aid for one or both ears. He or she may explain what sounds you are not hearing and what a hearing aid (or hearing aids) can do to help. It is usually at this appointment that you will get to see and touch different styles of hearing aids. In some cases, you may even be able to listen to a hearing aid. Your hearing specialist will help you choose the best hearing aid style, features, and level of sophistication based on your degree of hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your financial circumstances. However, the final decision regarding which hearing aid to purchase is your choice. To help you make this choice, ask us about our free hearing aid test drive.
Contact Us
If you think you need a hearing aid, contact Apex Audiology at (719) 247-9000 to make an appointment with one of our hearing specialists for a hearing evaluation. You may also schedule an appointment online.
Schedule An Appointment
With a variety of hearing technology available, we’ll find the right fit for your lifestyle!
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