It’s not that hearing aid companies make poor products, says audiologist Mary Jane Garnett of Hearing Services of Antioch. In fact, she says, most do a good job. The problem is that no single hearing aid or brand can help every person.
That’s why Dr. Garnett advises people to seek treatment from highly educated and experienced hearing specialists. They’re more likely to be familiar with the entire range of hearing aids available and, if your hearing needs are less conventional, can steer to you toward a smaller niche product that might suit you perfectly. “Find someone you trust, who you know is honest and can give you good advice,” she says.
For the same reason, stay clear of hearing service providers that sell only one product. You could end up being forced into a product just because they’re used to working with it. Dr. Garnett recommends you choose a business that’s been active and successful for a long time. “If you buy your hearing aid from someone who moves out next week, you’re stuck with whatever you have,” she says. “There are people who come into a town, put an ad in the paper, try selling inexpensive hearing aids, and then move on.”
Generally speaking, says Dr. Garnett, the best hearing aids cost the most money. If someone promises you exceptional products and unreasonably low prices, you’re probably not getting the whole story. Rather than making pie-in-the-sky promises, your audiologist should be up-front about how your budget restrictions might affect the quality of your hearing device. “There are technology levels that are less expensive but can still be made to work for you,” she says. “You may have to give up some things, but your provider should be honest about that. Trust is the key.”
Here is some additional in-depth information on technology that can help with hearing loss:
There are two main things to consider when purchasing amplification devices: the style or appearance of the hearing aids and, more importantly, the sound processing used to improve your hearing. Some hearing aids to consider: Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) and "Open Fit" over-the-ear devices that are barely visible. Prices can vary greatly depending on the level of technology needed by each individual, which can range from conventional (analog) circuits to simple digital processing to state-of-the art digital sound processing.
BTE (Behind-the-Ear)
Behind-the-Ear hearing aids are great instruments for individuals who are suffering from mild to intense hearing loss. This type of hearing aid is especially good for children and patients who experience excessive moisture and wax in their ears. BTE instruments require ear molds and can include features such as directional microphones, telecoils, and multiple listening programs. New, smaller styles are now available to individuals with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss for a less visible, "open fit."
ITE (In-the-Ear)
In-the-Ear hearing devices work well for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss. This type of hearing aid fills the outer portion of the ear and is custom made for the best fit. ITE hearing aids have larger amplifiers due to their size. These hearing aids can include features such as multiple listening programs, telecoils, and directional microphones.
ITC (In-the-Canal)
Smaller than ITE hearing aids, In-the-Canal hearing aids are designed for patients with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Because they are small, ITC hearing aids are unobtrusive and aesthetically appealing. However, because of their size, optional features that are available for other hearing aid models are limited.
CIC (Completely-in-Canal)
Completely-in-Canal hearing aids are the smallest hearing instruments available. They are designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and who have an ear canal big enough to accommodate them. CIC hearing instruments fit deep inside the ear, allowing for the most natural sound reception. These custom-designed hearing aids are cosmetically appealing because they are virtually undetectable.
RITE (Receiver-in-the-Ear)
Advanced hearing aid technology has resulted in a new category of hearing aids called Receiver-in-the-Ear. RITE hearing aids are extremely lightweight and as discreet as CIC devices, but deliver superior speech understanding. They are designed for patients with high-frequency hearing loss as well as severe hearing loss. RITE hearing aids feature advanced functionality options such as directional microphones. The Oticon® Delta™ hearing aid offered at Hearing Services of Antioch is the first of these devices to be made available.
What's New in Hearing Aid Technology?
Oticon® Delta™
The Oticon® Delta™ incorporates Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) technology that makes the device discreet, effective, and comfortable. Because it is driven by artificial intelligence technology, the Delta™ delivers exceptional sound quality and speech understanding. The Delta™ comes in 17 appealing colors and includes advanced functionality features such as directional microphones. It recently won the prestigious International CES Best of Innovations 2007 Design and Engineering Award for its revolutionary design and advanced features.
Oticon® Epoq™
The Oticon® Epoq™ is one of the newest hearing products on the market. Its wireless technology allows it to transfer data 100 times faster than any other hearing aid on the market, making it more effective at improving hearing than conventional earpieces. The Epoq™ also serves as a Bluetooth® wireless headset, which can be programmed to access wireless audio media devices such as MP3 players, computers, and cellular phones. The Epoq™ is available in a variety of styles, including RITE, BTE, and CIC, so that individuals with different hearing aid preferences can take advantage of this new technology.
Oticon® Corda™
The Oticon® Corda™ is one of the latest options in open-fit hearing aids. The Corda™ is an ultra thin acoustic tube that fits well with other Oticon® BTE hearing aids such as the Syncro™, Tego™, and Tego™ Pro. The sleek and virtually undetectable design is driven by artificial intelligence technology for excellent sound quality and outstanding performance.
Popular hearing aid brands
Here are some of the more popular brands of hearing aids you may consider:
• Audina®
• Bernafon-Maico™
• General Hearing Instruments
• Micro-Tech™
• Oticon®
• Phonak™
• Interton™
• GN ReSound®
• Rexton™
• SeboTek®
• Siemens™
• Sonic Innovations™
• Sonovations
• Starkey®
• Unitron®
• Vivatone™
• Widex®
