CONSIDERATIONS FOR HEARING AID PURCHASE
There are more than 28 million people in the United States that have
a significant hearing loss. There have been tremendous advancements
made in hearing instrument technology over the past several years.
Despite the advances in technology, selecting a hearing aid depends
upon personal preference along with the degree and shape of the
hearing loss. Options for different types of circuitry and the size
of the instrument must be discussed with our staff in order to
select the hearing aid that is most appropriate for each individual.
Hearing aids come in different sizes. These sizes range from the
behind-the-ear hearing aids to completely-in-the-canal hearing aids.
For some people a particular size of instrument is necessary to
provide them with the best amplification possible and for others it
may simply be a cosmetic preference.
Different Hearing Aid Sizes
In purchasing a new
hearing aid, the main cost factor is the choice of circuitry and the
level of technology in the instrument. Circuit options include: digital
circuits, digitally programmable circuits, and analog circuits. Both
digital and programmable hearing instruments offer flexibility in the
fitting process of the hearing aids because the instruments are actually
programmed in our office. The circuitry in the aid can be adjusted
through our computers to meet the needs of each individual and their
specific listening environments. This type of technology also allows us
to change the settings in the hearing aid based on any changes that may
occur in the individual's hearing loss over a period of time.
Hearing aid circuitry
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