Hearing aids are very important for people who have trouble hearing. They help people hear better and enjoy their lives more.
If you need a hearing aid, the audiologists at Brant Audiology & Tinnitus can help you find the right one. Our experts will give you special care and make sure you get the best hearing aid for you.
Call us today to make your hearing better and improve your life.
Hearing Aid Selection
Hearing aid selection is the process of picking the best hearing aid for someone who has trouble hearing. Hearing aids are small devices that help people hear better. They are worn in or behind the ear and make sounds louder so the person can hear more clearly.
Audiologists at Brant Audiology and Tinnitus are experts in helping people with hearing problems, from performing hearing tests to recommending the best hearing solutions.
Hearing aid styles
Hearing aids come in different types, made to fit what people like, how much they can hear, and how they want them to look. Knowing about these different types can help people choose the best hearing aid for them.
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) or Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIE)
The Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC), or sometimes called Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIE) is the most common type of hearing aid used today. It has a small plastic case with important electrical parts inside. This case is connected to a wire that runs to a speaker that fits into the ear canal.
RIC hearing aids can be used by people with slight to severe hearing loss. Because the wire connecting the case to the speaker is so small, the RIC hearing aid is very discrete. They are easy to use and can have helpful features like volume controls and multiple microphones that help you hear better in noisy places.
RIC hearing aids often have the ability to connect to smartphones using Bluetooth technology. They are easy to use and care for. They are very comfortable on the ear making them a popular choice to help people improve their hearing.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
The Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aid is a tiny device that fits inside your ear canal. It is often so small that other people can’t see it, making it a great choice if you want your hearing aid to be hidden.
Each CIC hearing aid is made to fit the exact shape of your ear. This means it will be comfortable and stay in place. Even though it is small, it still has advanced technology to help you hear better in different places.
CIC hearing aids might not work well for people who have very bad hearing or who find it hard to use tiny devices. But for many people, CIC hearing aids are a fantastic choice because they are often nearly invisible and help you hear well.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
An In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aid is a small device that fits partly inside your ear canal. Because it’s smaller, it’s harder to see compared to larger hearing aids..
ITC hearing aids are made to fit the shape of your ear, so they are comfortable to wear and stay in place well. They are a bit bigger than Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids, which means they can have extra features like multiplemicrophones and manual controls.
Even though they are small, ITC hearing aids are easier to handle, which is helpful if you have trouble with your fingers. They work well for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and can give better sound quality and less feedback (that annoying whistling sound) than the very tiny CIC aids.
ITC hearing aids are a good mix of being small enough to hide, comfy to wear, and packed with useful features. This makes them a popular choice for many people who need help with their hearing.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
The In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aid is a special device made to fit perfectly in the outer part of your ear. Unlike smaller hearing aids that go deep inside your ear, like Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) or Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) aids, you can see the ITE hearing aid in your ear.
ITE hearing aids come in different sizes to help people with different levels of hearing loss. They are easy to use and can have helpful features like volume controls and multiple microphones that help you hear better in noisy places. Even though they are more noticeable than smaller hearing aids, ITE hearing aids fit comfortably and work well for many types of hearing loss, from mild to severe.
Because they are bigger, ITE hearing aids have longer battery life and are easier to take care of. This makes them a great choice for many people who need help with their hearing.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
The Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid is a popular choice that fits comfortably behind your ear. It has a small plastic case with the important parts inside. This case is connected to an earmold or a thin tube that sends sound into your ear.
BTE hearing aids can help with different levels of hearing loss, from mild to very severe. Because they are a bit bigger, they can make sounds louder and have special features like manual controls and multiple microphones that help you hear better and technology to help you use the phone.
BTE hearing aids are easy to use and take care of, making them good for people of all ages, including kids and older adults. They give you great sound quality and don’t get clogged with earwax as much as other types.
Hearing Aid Fitting
Getting a hearing aid fitted is an important step to make sure it works well and feels comfortable. An audiologist (hearing doctor) or hearing aid specialist, helps you adjust the hearing aid to fit your needs and preferences.
How We Make Sure Your Hearing Aid Fits Right
At Brant Audiology & Tinnitus, we use special tests called real ear measurements. These tests help us see if your hearing aid is set up correctly for your ears.
What Happens During a Hearing Aid Fitting?
When you come for a hearing aid fitting, we will show you how to use your hearing aids. This includes:
- How to put them in and take them out
- How to take care of and clean them
- How to change the batteries or recharge them (rechargeable models only)
Bring Someone for Support
We suggest bringing a family member or a close friend with you to the fitting. They can help you remember everything we talk about and give you support.
At Brant Audiology & Tinnitus, we are here to make sure your hearing aids work the best they can for you!
Hearing Aid Programming and Adjustments
When you get new hearing aids, they might need some changes over time. This can happen as you get accustomed to your hearing aids, because your hearing changes, the hearing aids feel uncomfortable, or the places where you listen to sounds are different. Audiologists are trained to program and make adjustments on hearing aids.
We adjust things like how loud the hearing aids are, the different tones they pick up, and how well they block out background noise. These changes help the hearing aids work better for you.
During these adjustment times, you can tell the audiologist how the hearing aids sound. This helps them make the best changes for you.
It’s important to go back to the audiologist regularly. They can check if your hearing has changed and make more adjustments if needed. By doing this, your hearing aids will keep working well and help you hear your best.
Counseling and Education
Understanding hearing loss and how to use hearing aids properly is very important for living well. When you go to counseling and education sessions, you will learn about talking with others, taking care of your hearing aids, and handling tough situations.
Only audiologists can give you the best help because they have special knowledge and training.
Audiologists at Brant Audiology and Tinnitus can check your hearing accurately and give you personal advice. We offer ongoing support to help you get the most out of your hearing aids and improve your life.
Real ear measurements
Real Ear Measurements (REMs) help make sure hearing aids work just right for each person. When someone gets new hearing aids, these measurements are very important. They help the hearing aids give the right amount of sound for the person’s ears and hearing needs.
During REMs, a small microphone is put inside the ear canal while the person wears their hearing aids. The audiologist, who is a hearing specialist, checks the sounds made by the hearing aids. They see how the hearing aids handle different sounds and volumes.
Why is a real ear measurement important?
The shape and size of everyone’s ear canals are different, and people hear sounds differently. Real ear measures help audiologists (hearing doctors) check that the hearing aids are set up perfectly for each person’s ears and hearing needs.
Hearing Aid Repairs
Hearing aids are electronic devices exposed to a lot of environmental factors; they have tiny working parts, and it is not uncommon for them to require repairs over time.
Common issues causing hearing aid problems include wax buildup blocking sound, dead or weak batteries, damaged tubing, and moisture accumulation. Additionally,, physical damage, or worn-out components can affect performance. Regular maintenance and professional check-ups can help prevent or address these issues promptly.
We offer basic repairs on-site in our clinics. Depending on the hearing aid Service Plan you selected or if your hearing aids were not purchased from us, there may be a charge for these services. We also facilitate external lab repairs, with costs dependent on the age of the instruments. Please note that the ability to repair hearing aids 5 years old or older is subject to the availability of replacement parts.
Warranty coverage varies depending on the type and age of the device. External lab repairs for devices out of warranty and less than 5 years old come with a 1-year warranty. For devices 5 years old or older, the warranty period is 6 months. In-house repairs do not carry a specific warranty.
Follow-up and Maintenance
Follow-up and maintenance are essential for ensuring optimal performance and longevity of hearing aids. Here are some tips:
- Daily Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the hearing aids and remove any earwax or debris. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, including rubbing alcohol, as they can damage the electronics.
- Battery Care: Replace batteries regularly and store them in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Open the battery door at night to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.Do not store hearing aid batteries in the refrigerator.
- Wax Protection: Use wax guards or filters to prevent earwax from entering the hearing aid components. Replace these guards regularly to maintain optimal performance.
- Avoid Moisture: Remove hearing aids before showering, swimming, or engaging in water-related activities. Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit to remove any moisture buildup.
- Professional Check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your audiologist for professional cleaning, adjustments, and maintenance. They can also perform routine checks to ensure your hearing aids are functioning correctly.
By following these tips and maintaining regular communication with your audiologist, you can maximize the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids, ensuring continued clarity and comfort in your hearing experience.
Brant Audiology & Tinnitus Hearing Aid Services
At Brant Audiology & Tinnitus, we offer comprehensive hearing aid services to help you regain clarity and improve your quality of life. Our expert audiologists provide personalized assessments to determine the most suitable hearing aid for your unique needs, ensuring optimal performance and comfort.
From behind-the-ear to completely-in-the-canal styles, we offer a range of options to accommodate different preferences and degrees of hearing loss. With our commitment to excellence and ongoing support, we strive to enhance your auditory experience and empower you to reconnect with the world around you.
Schedule a consultation with us today to take the first step towards better hearing and a brighter future.