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How to Choose a Hearing Aid

Our audiologists will help you choose the right hearing aid. In general, you’ll want to consider:

  • What are your hearing needs? Some devices are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, while others can help with profound or severe hearing loss.  
  • What is the frequency of your hearing loss? Different hearing aids are better for low frequency sounds and high frequency sounds. 
  • What lifestyle preferences do you need to accommodate? Talk to your audiologist about how you spend your time. Whether you spend most of your time indoors with a small group of friends or you lead an active lifestyle with ample background noise, we can help you select a hearing aid that works with your life. 

Hearing Aid Features

  • Extra noise and wind noise reduction
  • Directional microphones to improve your hearing when there’s background noise
  • Rechargeable batteries so you don’t have to regularly change the battery
  • Wireless connectivity so you can interact with your cellphone, computer, TV, and more
  • Remote controls so you can adjust your features without touching your hearing aid
  • Direct audio input so you can plug in from a compatible device with a cord
  • Preprogrammed settings for different environments
  • Synchronization so you can program two hearing aids simultaneously
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Types of Hearing Aids

Today’s hearing aids are discreet, comfortable, and provide a natural sound. They’re available in many sizes and styles, so you’re sure to find one that works for you.

Receiver in Canal Behind the Ear In the Ear Completely in Canal

Receiver in Canal (RIC)

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) is a small, discreet, and powerful instrument for treating mild to moderate hearing loss. The housing contains all pertinent electronics except for the receiver, which is positioned behind the ear and connected to the housing via a thin tube. RIC devices are prone to low-frequency noise leakage, so they’re ideal for high-frequency ranges.

Related conditions:

  • Fits a range of hearing losses
  • Connects to your smartphone and other devices
  • Available with rechargeability and Bluetooth connectivity

Behind the Ear (BTE)

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) is a popular hearing aid style that’s curved to match your ear’s contour. It rests directly behind the ear and the housing connects to the ear canal with a thin, clear tube. It’s more visible than other types, but it’s simple to use and powerful enough for all types of hearing loss. Due to its simplicity, this is the type of hearing aid we recommend for children.

Related conditions:

  • These durable devices are typically fit to those patients with severe to profound hearing loss
  • They are a good option for those people with limited dexterity
  • Available with rechargeability and Bluetooth connectivity

In the Ear (ITE) or In the Canal (ITC)

In-the-Canal (ITC) also fits inside the ear canal but not as deeply as CIC devices. It’s also a little larger, which makes it easier to insert and extends the battery life. This device is also ideal for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss. In-the-Ear (ITE) is a larger hearing aid that fills the outer portion of the ear. Although it’s less discreet than other options, it has more features and a bigger battery.

Related conditions:

  • A good choice for those who may have trouble fitting a BTE/RIC style hearing aid
  • Patients with near normal low frequency hearing may experience a “plugged up” feeling known as occlusion
  • Some models may connect to your smartphone for technology integration

Completely in canal (CIC) / Invisible in the canal (IIC)

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are the smallest available. They’re incredibly discreet and placed completely inside the ear canal. However, they have a shorter battery life and tend to work best for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Related conditions:

  • Almost invisible to those around you
  • Requires batteries that are changed frequently
  • This style compromises technology integration because of the small design
woman getting her hearing aids

Hearing Aid Fitting

Once you’ve chosen your hearing aid, we’ll schedule your fitting. This critical process involves programming your hearing aids to the correct amplification levels for your hearing loss. 

To begin, we’ll check your hearing aid’s physical fit ensure you’re comfortable. Then, we’ll program the device so it’s tuned to your unique needs. We will then place the hearing aids in your ears and measure volume levels to ensure you can hear the total range of sounds properly. 

After this initial visit, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to finetune your hearing aid and answer any questions you have about using your device. 

Hearing Aid Counseling

During your fitting, we’ll also talk to you about this major lifestyle change. This is key in making sure you’re prepared and ensuring your long-term success. We’ve found that having realistic expectations for what your hearing aid can accomplish is especially important. It will absolutely improve your ability to communicate, but it can’t cure hearing loss. Understanding the limitations can help ensure a smooth transition.  

With 3 convenient locations across the Central Florida area, we’re never far away.

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