Hearing Aids

Technology

Hearing aid technology has evolved dramatically, providing more effective and personalized solutions than ever before.

During your hearing aid consultation, a Doctor of Audiology will help you determine the most beneficial digital hearing aid technology levels for your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budgetary goals.

A discussion on how lifestyle & budget dictate technology needs can be found here.
Some of the primary features associated with digital technology are listed below.

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Improve speech understanding in noisy situations. Among other things, this will help you understand conversation in a noisy restaurant. Directional microphones contain dual microphones and have the ability to focus one microphone towards the sound source while the other works to decrease background noise.
Directional microphones improve speech understanding, especially when they are coupled with with digital signal processing (noise reduction algorithms).

Subdues background noise so you can better understand conversation. Digital signal processing algorithms analyze and classify signals as speech, music, noise, or other sounds. Once classified, these algorithms digitally reduce the level of unwanted background noise.
No hearing aid can completely eliminate background noise, but the noise reduction algorithms in hearing aids can make speech more assessable, especially if they are coupled with directional microphones.

Hearing aids will not make squealing sounds in public. Whistling (feedback) from a hearing aid occurs when some portion of the amplified sound escapes from the ear canal and gets re-amplified when it reaches the microphone.
Digital hearing aids can reduce or eliminate whistling by determining and sending a signal opposite the feedback frequencies, thereby canceling each signal.
Today’s advanced feedback management software cancels or eliminates feedback before it occurs without sacrificing performance.

Channels affect how a hearing aid operates, while bands affect how a hearing aid is adjusted. The number of channels and bands is most relevant when you consider your lifestyle and hearing needs.
In general, you will benefit from a greater number of channels and bands if you spend more time in noisy environments. If your lifestyle keeps you in quiet environments you may not need as many channels and bands.
A discussion on how lifestyle dictates technology needs can be found here.

The earpiece of an open fit hearing aid is a small, soft rubber or silicone cap, which is much more comfortable than the tightly fitting earpieces of more traditional designs.
Open fit keeps the ear canal unobstructed and eliminates the occlusion effect, which can feel like you are “talking in a barrel”.
Open-ear hearing instruments sit behind the ear like traditional BTEs but are extremely small and nearly invisible to an observer. They have a barely visible, clear, thin tube that extends from behind the ear into the ear canal for transmitting sound.

Hearing Aid Styles

During your hearing aid consultation, a Doctor of Audiology will help you determine the most beneficial digital hearing aid technology levels for your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budgetary goals.

A discussion on how lifestyle & budget dictate technology needs can be found here.
Some of the primary features associated with digital technology are listed below.

Learn About the Hearing Test Drive™

Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC)

These are the smallest, most discreet hearing aids. This custom-fit style is inserted deep into the ear canal, so it's entirely invisible when worn. You can remove them daily to promote good ear health with a small plastic string. Their profound ear placement means that IICs can not be used by all, and are only used for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

Similar to the IICs, these fit directly into your ear canal. Only a small part of the hearing aid is visible to others, and the style is still more concealed than larger types. CIC types are great for those who don't want to be mindful of their hearing aids. These have more than just aesthetic advantages for those who have an active lifestyle. These personalized hearing aids can easily be placed under helmets or headbands. CIC earpieces use the natural curve of the external ear to provide clear direction and amplification with virtually no wind interference.

In-The-Canal (ITC)

In the lower part of the outer ear bowl, ITC hearing aids are comfortable and easy to use. They can accommodate a broader range of hearing losses, and they have a longer battery life than IIC and CIC styles. Their size allows other features to be included, such as directional microphones to help grasp noise conditions and manual controls.

In-The-Ear (ITE)

This is the largest custom-fit style. Each ITE is made based on your ear mold and fits all components in a plastic box that then fits smoothly into the outside part of the ear. It is also large enough to accommodate manual controls and used for mild to a severe loss of hearing.

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)

RIC devices have the electronics in a case that fits behind the ear. In this way, they look similar to BTE devices. The difference is that sound is electronically transmitted from the case to a small speaker in the ear canal.

Like BTE devices, RITE devices are typically designed to communicate wirelessly to enhance speech comprehension. RITE devices are prescribed in a range of colors and are suitable for mild to severe hearing losses.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

Hearing aids behind the Ear (BTE) are hearing aids that sit outside the ear, hanging behind your external ear. These hearing aids have advanced features and are the most powerful type on the market. They provide the most extensive range of features.

These aids can also house a long-lasting battery, so you don't have to worry about power loss. BTE devices are ideal for severe or profound hearing loss, and their ease of use means they are suitable for any age, from children up to older adults.

Adjusting to Your Hearing Aids

Hearing loss diminishes our hearing capacity and distorts speech. Simply enhancing the sounds perceived by the brain as distorted does not solve your hearing problem altogether. At first, you may have difficulties understanding what you hear as your brain grows familiar with the amplified sounds that come through your hearing aid. As such, it takes time for your brain to adjust to this improved access to sounds.

A learning process is necessary to make the most of your hearing aids.

Your brain needs to establish some new neural patterns as part of this process. You have to be patient, in the same way that you learn a new language.

Despite these caveats, we're sure that hearing aids are worth the time and effort needed to get the most out of them. If you're looking for a hearing aid, talk to us! We can fit hearing aids from all of the major brands (Starkey, Resound, Oticon, Signia, Unitron), and we work primarily with Phonak and Widex.

Assistive Listening Devices

At Pacific Northwest Audiology, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive hearing solutions to enhance your quality of life. Our team of experienced audiologists understands the importance of assistive listening devices in maximizing your hearing results. We offer a wide range of state-of-the-art devices that complement your hearing aids, allowing you to fully engage with the world around you.

Hearing the TV with Direct Streaming

With our assistive listening devices, you can enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies with crystal-clear sound directly streamed to your hearing aids. Say goodbye to straining to hear dialogue or missing important details. Our direct streaming technology delivers the audio wirelessly to your hearing aids, ensuring an immersive and personalized listening experience.

iphone with resound hearing aid charger case and aids

Hearing on the Phone with Direct Streaming

Stay connected with your loved ones and colleagues effortlessly. Through direct streaming, phone conversations are transmitted directly to your hearing aids, eliminating the struggle of holding a phone against your ear or missing out on important details. Enjoy clear, amplified sound and regain your confidence in phone conversations.

Hearing in Noise with Remote Microphones and FM Systems

Noisy environments can be overwhelming for individuals with hearing loss, but our assistive listening devices are designed to address this challenge. Our remote microphones and FM systems provide focused amplification, allowing you to hear speech more clearly amidst background noise. These devices can be worn by a conversation partner or placed strategically in a room, ensuring that you don't miss out on important conversations or social interactions.

Managing How You Hear On the Go with Remote Controls

We understand the importance of convenience and control when it comes to managing your hearing experience. Our remote controls give you the power to adjust volume levels, switch programs, and customize settings on the go. With these user-friendly devices, you can effortlessly optimize your hearing aids' performance to suit your unique listening needs, no matter where you are.

At Pacific Northwest Audiology, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible hearing outcomes.

Our team of highly trained professionals will guide you in selecting the most suitable assistive listening devices to complement your hearing aids and maximize your hearing results. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discover how our assistive listening devices can transform your hearing experience.

How can you be sure which hearing aid is right for you?

At Pacific Northwest Audiology, we believe the only way to know which hearing aid is right for you is to experience the benefits in your day-to-day life. That is why we created a hassle-free, no-pressure process that truly puts you in the driver's seat.

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