Modern technology has been absolutely miraculous in what it has achieved in hearing instrumentation. Today hearing aids are smaller and more efficient than ever and some are indeed totally hidden. We have many patients who wear hearing aids unbeknownst to even members of their own families. The only way the families know that they have sought some help is by the improvement in their communication skills and the end of frustration and emotional upset that they used to feel in dealing with them.

Years ago, hearing aids were a sign of age and today that is not the case. Approximately 50% of the hearing aids worn now are utilized by people under the age of fifty. It's important to remember that an untreated hearing loss is more a sign of aging than anything else. In other words a hearing loss is much more conspicuous or obvious than a hearing aid.

Generally speaking, there are five broad range types of hearing aids with technological differences available in each....

Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)

This is an almost totally hidden hearing aid and it's the latest developed in the industry. These aids are so small that they usually require a clear plastic extraction cord to remove them. These designs also offer superior performance because they fit so deep in the canal that they are closer to the ear drum and are extremely efficient. Unfortunately, because of the extreme miniaturization of the electronics and the printed circuit chips utilized, these aids are the most expensive type and they are usually totally automatic - requiring no volume controls and/or adjustments. The C.I.C. instruments take advantage of the ear canals natural resonance and fairly well eliminate feedback or interference with the telephone (because of the small microphone location). In most patients, there is no need to remove the aid for phone use. The phone can be used directly over the hearing aid. The cosmetic considerations are also important, even though some patients deny it. These wonderful products, because they are virtually invisible when worn, enhance the users sense of well being without hampering self esteem or that feeling of being impaired.

As a general rule, the smaller the instrument, the more expensive to acquire (due to the miniaturization and the fact they are essentially all microscopically hand custom made for each individual patient). However, all costs should be amortized over a four (4) to five (5) year period when considering the purchase as that is the useful life of most better quality products. Therefore, if an aid costs $1,500.00, the average annual cost is only $300.00. Purchase an inexpensive C.I.C. for $895.00 and figure it will last only two (2) years and your average annual cost moves up to $450.00/year.

In-The-Ear (ITE)

These instruments sit entirely in the ear and generally cover the concha or outer portion of the ear and they are used for mild to profound losses. The entire instrument fits within the ear and there are no tubes or behind the ear apparatus associated with the unit. These are particularly useful for patients who have dexterity problems, small ear canals or other conditions which limit the use of the more miniaturized instruments.

In-The-Canal (ITC)

These instruments are small and cosmetically more pleasing than the I.T.E. type and they have become one of the most popular in the marketplace today. The instrument sits in the canal portion of the ear and shows only in the lower portion of the concha or outer ear.

Mini Canal

This type of aid is again smaller than the canal aid and indeed quite cosmetically pleasing. It is what it says it is - it's a miniature canal that usually utilizes a smaller battery than a canal aid and it is less visible than a canal unit. Again, a very popular option in today's market- especially for patients who really want to use a C.I.C. type (totally hidden) but can't do so because of small canal size, for financial reasons or due to power limitations.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

These types of hearing aids sit behind the ear and transmit sound through a tube and a mold into the canal. These are usually for severe to profound hearing losses and they are also widely used by children due to the flexibility associated with the childs continual growth changes in ear size. As the child grows and matures, we can easily change the ear mold and retain the instrument for a number of years.

"Open Ear" Hearing Instruments

The first digital hearing instruments made specifically for the needs of people with high frequency hearing loss. This new technology addresses common patien frustrations with the problems of hearing their own voices and excessive whistling (feedback).

This miniature B.T.E. unit is small and unobtrusive yet keeps the ear canal open to reduce the "plugged up" sensation often experienced with hi-frequency hearing. This is achieved via the use of a virtually invisible thin wire/tubing that replaces a traditional acoustic ear mold.

These new high tech products are light, cosmetically transparent and provide clean, clear, crisp sound quality for hi-frequencies without annoyiing whistling or interference. Truly remarkable and comfortable with automatic volume adjustments that are environmentaly sensitive.

Internet or Mail Order, "One Size Fits All" Stock Hearing Aids

These are cheap amplifiers-usually from the Orient via magazines and mail order houses. They do not work effectively because they are not professionally fit to your exact hearing loss. Additionally, they are usually uncomfortable and can injure your ears. In most states, they are illegal.

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