Proudly serving residents of The Santa Cruz area
Menu
Proudly serving residents of The Santa Cruz area
Although hearing technology is only part of the equation of achieving better hearing, it is the part that creates the most resistance and stops many people from moving forward.
That’s because many of us have a stigma toward hearing aids as we remember the large, clunky devices from yesteryear that our grandparents or parents once wore.
The good news is that the stigma has drastically changed over recent years, with new hearing technology now being small, discreet, and incredibly powerful. In fact, it’s likely that you have a friend, loved one, or colleague that is a hearing aid wearer and you have never even noticed.
Best of all, the latest technology boasts some incredible features. With rechargeable batteries and with connectivity to your smartphone, television, and computer, you can seamlessly stream music, audio, and phone calls directly to your hearing devices.
This means that today’s hearing technology doesn’t just amplify sound but it also amplifies your life.
IIC hearing aids are the smallest custom style you can find on the market today. They are invisible, resting in or just beyond the second bend of your ear canal. IIC devices have been designed specifically for those who have a mild to moderate hearing loss.
CIC hearing aids fit deeply and completely inside the ear canal and are custom styled to the individual. Many patients find these devices cosmetically appealing as they are almost invisible when worn, so are a very discreet option. They are suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing losses.
ITC hearing aids are really comfortable and incredibly easy to use. They are placed in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl and are designed for those with a mild to moderate hearing loss. They are slightly larger in size, an advantage of this being their longer battery life and additional features such as directional microphones and volume controls. These features are really handy for better understanding in loud environments.
Full shell models sit flush within the outer ear bowl. They are larger in size, which brings a maximum number of controls and features. These include directional microphones, which require extra space on the outer portion of the device. They use a larger battery than the smaller hearing aids, which means they can manage a larger receiver that has enough power for some severe hearing losses. Due to their range of options and additional features, they are highly recommended for people with mild to severe hearing losses.
RIC style hearing aids are an incredibly versatile hearing instrument and a firm favorite among many audiologists. The RIC models look very similar to the BTEs when worn, as they are like mini versions of them. Their speaker is incorporated into the ear tip as opposed to the main unit of the hearing aid. RICs are recommended for those with mild to severe hearing losses.
Patients with a profound hearing loss usually require some additional performance features, which are provided by the BTE model hearing aids. This instrument may not be invisible, but it is a more streamlined and lightweight instrument than its predecessors. The BTE’s technology is housed behind the ear in the hearing aid’s casing while the clear, plastic acoustical tube sends the amplified sounds into a customized earmold fitted inside the ear canal.
If you are concerned about your hearing, have a question, or would like to understand whether the “All Ears Club”’ is right for you, then you can request a no-obligation callback by completing this form.
When I am available between appointments, I will call you for a friendly discussion to answer your questions and offer my advice.
There is no such thing as a silly question. I’m here to help.