Our Hearing Instruments and Hearing Aids
At Audiology of the Pines, we help our patients choose the style of hearing instrument that best suits their hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget.
What is a Hearing Aid?
A hearing aid is a small electronic device that sits in or on the ear, and selectively amplifies and processes sounds. All hearing aids contain the following components: microphones to pick up sounds, an amplifier, a receiver or speaker that sends the signal from the amplifier into your ear and a power source. These are packaged together into various styles to fit different cosmetic and power requirements.
ITE Hearing Aid
A custom In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing instrument fills the outer portion of the ear. This style is appropriate for mild to severe hearing losses and may include features such as directional microphones, multiple listening programs, and a tele-coil.
ITC Hearing Aid
The In-The-Canal (ITC) style hearing instrument is a smaller model than the full-shell ITE and is appropriate for hearing losses from mild to moderately severe. Features are limited due to size restrictions. Good manual dexterity is more important for this style.
CIC Hearing Aid
The Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) hearing instrument is almost invisible. The appropriateness of this style hearing instrument is based on your degree of hearing loss and manual dexterity. Features are limited due to size restrictions.
RITE Hearing Aid
Receiver-In-the-Ear (RITE) and “Slim Tube” hearing aids are the most unobtrusive type of hearing instrument currently available. This style keeps the ear canal open to reduce any plugged-up sensation. The appropriateness of these hearing devices is limited based on the degree of hearing loss.
BTE Hearing Aid
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) instruments are appropriate for hearing losses from mild to severe. Directional microphones, multiple listening programs and a tele-coil for compatibility are available for these models. This style is best suited for pediatric patients and individuals with excessive moisture and accumulative cerumen (earwax).
Now offering Rechargeable Hearing Aids
24 hours* of hearing with one simple charge - Smart charging options offer flexibility. The Phonak rechargeable hearing aid is the first ever hearing aid to feature a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, providing 24 hours of hearing with a simple charge of just 3 hours.
The Phonak rechargeable hearing aid is the first ever hearing aid to feature a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, providing 24 hours of hearing with a simple charge of just 3 hours. The 30 minute fast-charging option gives 6 hours of immediate use. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries last through the lifetime of a hearing aid, even after years of repeated charging. This combined with the fact that the battery compartment is sealed, frees customers from the cumbersome task of regularly changing their batteries. The new technology is also environmentally friendly with users typically going through around a 100 batteries per year and hearing aid.
Ideal for those constantly on the move, Phonak rechargeable hearing aids also come with smart charging options. The power pack, which is easily attached to the Phonak Charger Case, provides power for seven full charges of two hearing aids, ideal for short trips where no power source is available. In addition, Phonak offers a compact mini charger giving users full flexibility.
* Expected results when fully charged, and up to 80 minutes wireless streaming time.
Complete Hearing Health Care® Program
We offer the most comprehensive aftercare program available so that our patients can get the most out of their hearing aids long after purchase:
- Warranties vary from 1 to 3 years
- Complimentary in-office maintenance and cleanings
- Battery Program