Choosing a Hearing Instrument

At Hillcrest Hearing Aids & Balance Center, we dispense state-of-the-art technology and quality products from top manufacturers. We offer the latest in digital hearing aid technology at all levels and we offer advanced programming strategies.

When selecting a hearing aid there are two separate areas to consider. The first is the style (what it will look like) and the second is the technology inside the hearing aid (how will it perform).

First area to consider is style of hearing aid. The style may be determined by:

  • Degree and frequencies of hearing loss
  • Ear anatomy
  • Lifestyle needs
  • Manual dexterity
  • Cosmetic preferences

Styles

The following are the main styles of hearing aids. Your final decision will be based on the degree of your hearing loss, your listening needs, and your personal preference.

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC):
The smallest hearing aid on the market. Usually requires a "removal string" due to their small size and the fact that they fit so deeply into the canal. It will accommodate mild to moderate hearing loss.

In-the-canal (ITC):
This is slightly bigger than the CIC. May come available with more options than a CIC. It will accommodate mild to moderate hearing loss.

In-the-ear (ITE):
Fills the whole "bowl" of the ear. Will have a longer battery life due to the larger size. It will accommodate mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

Behind-the-ear (BTE):
The hearing aid sits behind the ear and transmits sound into the ear canal via an earmold. One of the more flexible hearing aids. It can accommodate hearing loss from mild to profound.

Behind-the-ear slim tubes:
This type of BTE is often referred to as an "open fit" hearing aid. It can accommodate hearing loss form mild to moderate high frequency losses.

Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE):
Similar to a mini BTE however the speaker of the hearing aid sits inside the ear canal. It can accommodate hearing loss from mild to severe while still providing the "open" fitting.

Remember that no hearing aid style is better than another: It is simply a matter of choosing the one that's right for you!


Technology

The second area to be considered is technology. The technology in the hearing aid is determined by your lifestyle and listening needs.

Majority of hearing aids today are digital. Digital processing enables the hearing aids to amplify in specific accordance with the hearing aid wearer's hearing loss. Digital hearing aids separate sound into different frequency regions and amplify each region selectively. The processing within hearing aids enables different amounts of amplification for soft, moderate, and loud sounds. Therefore sounds are audible but loud sounds are not uncomfortable, resulting in excellent sound quality and better speech understanding in noise.


Assistive Listening Devices

We offer a full range of assistive listening devices (ALD). ALDs are designed to bring the desired sound source directly to the ear of the person with a hearing loss. They reduce the effects of noise, distance and reverberation and can be used alone or in conjunction with a hearing instrument. ALD systems are available for telephones, televisions or other group situations. These products are also available with touch or visual signals in place of auditory signals such as smoke alarms, doorbells and alarm clocks


Custom Ear Plugs

Custom ear plugs are available for a variety of applications. Following ear surgery, custom made swim molds are often recommended to protect the ear(s) from water.

Patients exposed to high levels of noise at home, in the workplace or during recreational activities, including high levels of music exposure, may find custom ear plugs beneficial.

Custom made molds for cell phones and IPods are also available.


Repairs

We recommend routine hearing aid servicing every six to eight months for as long as you own your hearing aid. We are fully equipped to handle minor repairs in our office. We can also evaluate the performance of your hearing aid with our state-of-the-art equipment.