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We believe that in order to get the best for your
money, you need to be well informed about the different kinds of
hearing aids available on the market. In this section we go over
some of the hearing aid technologies available today so you can decide
for yourself. We strongly encourage you to make an appointment
with our hearing health care specialist for a free hearing
consultation.
There are basically three major types of hearing aids:
1. Conventional or Standard Hearing Aids - These are
the hearing aids with volume control which have been around for many
years. They are linear in compression and are usually the least
expensive of all (less than $1,000 a piece).
Conventional devices typically amplify both weak and strong speech sounds by
the same amount, much like using a magnifying glass. When the volume
is increased to make the very weak sounds audible, stronger sounds are
over-amplified. Frequent volume adjustments are often useless in
noisy situations. Words remain somewhat distorted and easily confused.
Because of their less-than-desirable qualities, we do
not dispense conventional hearing aids. We favor higher quality
100% digital hearing aids.
2. Analog
Computerized Hearing Aids - These are digitally programmable
hearing aids with an optional remote control. The remote control can
store a total of four different user selectable prescriptions; two for each
year. You can use the remote control to discreetly adjust the volume
of either or both devices if necessary. A telecoil option is also
available for improved usage with compatible telephones.
3.
Fully Digital or 100% Digital Hearing Aids - Digital
hearing aids use digital sound processing (DSP) technology. DSP
converts sounds into numbers, eliminates background noises, then
converts them back into sound again, making the end result clear and
easy to understand. In a way digital hearing aids can be described as
small microcomputers inside your ears! Features vary by brand and
model:
Vivatone™, the first digital hearing aid with
Totally Open Canal™ design leaves the ear canal open, eliminating the
"plugged up" and "echo chamber" sensation while providing more natural
sound quality and clarity.
More...
Oticon Delta's “hi tech” design sits snuggly
behind your ear. It's completely discreet and blends in beautifully
with your skin and hair.
More...
Phonak's Savia - the first hearing aid to
implement the unique capabilities of biological systems using state of
the art digital technology!
More...
Widex's Diva speaks for itself. Unique sound
reproduction, clear speech and discreet size.
More...
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