Hearing Aids
Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids come in a wide range of technology levels and styles to meet the wide array of user preferences and hearing assistance capacities. They are offered in various levels ranging from ‘entry-level’ to ‘premium,’ with each level offering different technology and features. Choosing the right hearing aid for your situation depends on your specific hearing requirements, lifestyle and activities, and aesthetic preference. At Hearing Aid Specialists of the Central Coast, we are experts in each hearing aid option and can help you make the right choice.
When considering which hearing aid style you should select, consider the following factors and how they apply to your life and unique hearing situation:
- Degree of hearing loss
- Lifestyle
- Common activities
- Common environments you’re in
- Cosmetics and aesthetic qualities
- Budget
- Dexterity
- Skin sensitivities
In-the-Ear (ITE)
Hearing aids worn in the ear are generally custom-fit based on an impression of the ear. There are a variety of ITE styles available:
Invisible In-the-Canal (IIC)
Complete In-the-Canal (CIC)
In-the-Canal (ITC) or Half Shell
In-the-Ear (ITE) or Full Shell
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Behind-the-Ear instruments sit behind or on top of the outer ear with a tube that connects to an ear tip or mold inside of the ear. BTE’s offer the widest range of features, colors, battery types, and degrees of power. Today, they’re offered in small, discreet designs that are often unnoticeable when worn. For those who prefer to “show them off”, they also come in multiple colors and designs.
Mini BTE
Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) or Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) with Earmold
Hearing Aid Accessories
Whether you recently purchased hearing aids, or you’re ready to take your devices to the next level, there’s never a bad time to check out some hearing aid accessories. They can help your hearing aids perform even better, and give you new tools for interacting with the world around you. Hearing aid accessories can help you hear more clearly, or can be used to maintain your hearing devices.
Cleaning Tools
When it comes to looking after your hearing aid, it’s very important that you clean them every day. Even a quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth will go a long way to removing any build up of dirt, dust, or earwax that collected during the day, and ensuring that your hearing aids are working in tip top shape. For proper care, you should have a cleaning brush with a soft tip that can reach the sound port and clean the battery compartment. In addition, a wax pick will help you remove built up wax or dirt from the small nooks of your hearing device.
Dehumidifier
One of the best accessories for hearing aid care is a dehumidifier. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, sweat a lot, or live in a humid place, making sure your hearing aids are dry will protect their sound quality for years. Simply place your hearing aids in the dehumidifier overnight to dry them thoroughly, and you’ll protect them from moisture damage. Some dehumidifiers use a desiccant to draw the moisture out of your devices overnight, while other models use UV light to both dry and sanitize the devices.
Accessories on the Go
Do you lead a very active lifestyle? Along with a dehumidifier to keep your devices dry, many hearing aid wearers use sweatbands during workouts. If you bike, run, or play baseball, a sweatband will keep perspiration from collecting in your devices, and keep your hearing aids safe and dry. They’ll also ensure your hearing aids sit snuggly in place during exercise, so you won’t need to worry about losing your hearing aids.
Assistive Listening Device (ALD)
An assistive listening device can be very complimentary to your hearing aid and enhance your listening experience. If you’ve been struggling to hear in crowded places, or have difficulty following conversations, an ALD can make it easier to talk on the phone, watch TV, or hear clearly during meetings at work. The SurfLink accessories from Starkey help with one-on-one conversations in difficult environments, and can connect your devices to the TV, streaming the audio directly to your ears. Some ALDs are designed to help you hear in large environments like a classroom or amphitheater, and others help you hearing at home by amplifying phone calls or streaming audio to your ears.
Bluetooth Device
Many of today’s newest hearing aids use Bluetooth technology to connect your hearing aids to the devices you use the most, such as your smartphone or computer. Whether streaming music, phone calls, timers, notifications, or even driving directions, you’re able to hear all this audio streamed directly to your ears. If your hearing aids are a couple of years old, or you didn’t purchase a Made for iPhone hearing aid, you can still enjoy full connectivity and streaming with a Bluetooth streaming device. For example, the COM-DEX Bluetooth device from Widex lets your effortlessly connect your hearing aids to all your favorite devices, and hear audio streamed directly to both ears.
Remote Control
Many of today’s hearing aids can be controlled via a remote, like ReSound’s Remote Control 2. With this sleek device, you can discreetly control your devices from the palm of your hand, and you won’t waste time fiddling with your hearing aids. Switching between listening environments? With a few quick clicks you can change programs and hear clearly.
Hearing Aid Specialists of the Central Coast
Are you looking to get the most out of your hearing aids? Visit us today at Hearing Aid Specialists of the Central Coast and discover the hearing aid accessories that will help you hear when you need it the most. We work with the world’s best hearing aid manufacturers, and together we’ll choose the devices that will help you maintain and enjoy your hearing aids in new and exciting ways.