Hearing aid technology has drastically changed over the last decade. Modern hearing aid solutions are designed to fit your specific needs. El Dorado Hearing specializes in custom hearing aid solutions designed to fit your hearing loss needs, your lifestyle, and your cosmetic desire. Most people are aware of hearing aid types, which traditionally refer to:
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
While hearing aids cannot restore your hearing, they can amplify sounds and make it easier to hear. El Dorado Hearing is here to help you find the best hearing aid solution for your needs.
How Hearing Aids Work
Most of today’s hearing aids are digital and collect sounds from the environment using a small microphone. Hearing aids have a small computer chip designed to convert sound into digital code. Hearing aid chips will analyze and adjust sound based on hearing loss and listening needs, and the sound level of the environment around you. Amplified signals are converted into sound waves and deliver sound through speakers into the ears.
Hearing aids vary based on size, special features, and price. Schedule an appointment for a custom hearing test and hearing aid fitting to choose the best hearing aid for your needs.
Analog Hearing Aids
Conventional analog hearing aids have manual volume controls and amplifiers. Analog hearing aids are used for one-on-one conversations, television listening, and quiet listening needs. Analog hearing aids have mostly been replaced with modern hearing aids as they provide greater flexibility to hearing aid wearers.
Digital Hearing Aids
Digital hearing aids are commonly used with dual microphones to provide more precise hearing in noisy situations. Hands-free technology provides wearers the ability to have automatic adjustment for all listening environments, including windstorms.
Types of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles and types. During a hearing aid consultation, El Dorado Hearing will discuss multiple options to find the best fit for your needs. We will custom-fit you to a hearing aid that allows sound to be amplified in the way you prefer. Here are some of the different types of hearing aids and recommendations:
- Behind the Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
- In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
- In the Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids and Completely in the Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
- Receiver in Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids and Receiver in the Ear (RITE) Hearing Aids
- Open Fit Hearing Aids
- Extended Wear Hearing Aids
Behind the Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Recommended for all ages and degrees of hearing
BTE hearing aids are designed to sit directly behind the top of the ear. Earmolds are custom-made for each patient to provide maximum hearing support and comfort. BTE hearing aids come in a variety of styles and colors that can be customized.
In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
Recommended for patients with disabilities, dexterity challenges, and mild to severe hearing loss
ITE hearing aids are wildly popular due to their true custom-design nature. ITE hearing aids are molded to the outer ear contours and formed to the exact shape of the patient’s ear. ITE style hearing aids amplify sound and can include additional features like telecoil. Our hearing aids can be color customized.
In the Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids & Completely in the Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
Recommended for patients with mild to moderately severe hearing loss
ITC and CIC hearing aids are the smallest and most discrete custom hearing aid. The amplification can fit entirely or partially within the ear canal, ranging from 1-3cm long. The CIC models are smaller and fit closer to the eardrum.
Receiver in Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids & Receiver in the Ear (RITE) Hearing Aids
Recommended for patients with mild to severe hearing loss
Active patients prefer RIC and RITE hearing aids as they are designed to deal with crowded environments and movement. The directional microphone helps conversations to come through clearly in overcrowded environments by targeting the speech signal and amplifying that sound. The RIC hearing aids and RITE hearing aid design is discrete, making them easy to hide during social events. Telecoil and other customizable features are available for both models.
Open Fit Hearing Aids
Recommended for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss
Open fit hearing aids are similar to the BTE hearing aids with a small tube. The ear isn’t plugged and is not overly visible. The ear canal is kept open, allowing sounds to naturally enter the ears and allowing the hearing aid to focus on amplifying the low-frequency sounds.
Extended Wear Hearing Aids
Recommended for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss
Patients seeking the most discrete hearing aids often prefer the extended wear hearing aids. This hearing aid style uses the ITE style with minimal maintenance and maximum comfort. These hearing aids are designed to be worn 24/7 without charging needs. The hearing aid focuses on optimal sound based on proximity to the patient.
Special Hearing Aid Features
El Dorado Hearing specializes in custom-made hearing aid solutions. Many of our devices include special programming features including:
- Noise management programs
- Automatic adjustments
- Ear to ear communication
- Function controls
- Directional microphones
- Wireless Bluetooth controls
- Music programs
- Telecoil
Schedule a hearing aid consultation today to determine the best hearing aid style for your healthcare needs.
Types of Assistive Listening Devices
Several assistive listening devices are available for patients seeking an alternative solution to traditional hearing aids or who have distinctive hearing needs. We provide several types of assistive listening devices including:
- Assistive listening devices (ALDs)
- Augmentative and alternative communication devices (AACs)
- Alerting devices
- FM systems
- IR systems
- Personal amplifiers
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
ALDs are designed to amplify sounds close to the patient when there is a lot of background noise. ALDs are designed to be used with a hearing aid or cochlear implant to amplify the sound better.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices (AACs)
AACs are designed to help patients with communication disorders clearly express themselves. AACs include a picture board connected to a computer screen to synthesize speech from text.
Altering Devices
Patients struggling with hearing loss often cannot hear certain sounds, like the chime from a doorbell. Altering devices emit a louder sound or blinking light to provide visual notification and sound amplification to patients.
FM Systems
FM systems broadcast radio signals from a microphone or audio source, helping patients amplify their voice. Educators often use an FM system with a microphone transmitter and receiver for students.
IR Systems
IR systems use infrared light to help transmit sound. An IR system cannot pass through walls, so it is often relied on in confidential rooms like a courtroom.
Personal Amplifier
When ALDs are not available, personal amplifiers can assist. Wearers can place them around their neck or use headphones to help increase sound levels and reduce background noise.
If you are struggling with hearing loss, contact El Dorado Hearing. Our experts can help improve your hearing, making it easier to enjoy your day-to-day activities. Schedule a consultation to find the right type of hearing aid solution for your needs.
info@ElDoradoHearing.com
