Hearing Aid Options for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

There are several types of hearing aids. Each type offers different advantages, depending on its design, levels of amplification, and size. Before purchasing any hearing aid, ask whether it has a warranty that will allow you to try it out. Most manufacturers allow a 30- to 60-day trial period during which aids can be returned for a refund.

Hearing Aid Differences

The specialist programs the hearing aid with a computer and can adjust the sound quality and response time on an individual basis. Digital hearing aids use a microphone, receiver, battery, and computer chip. Digital circuitry provides the most flexibility for the specialist to make adjustments for the hearing aid, and gives the client the most advantages. The digital programmable hearing aid can be adjusted with a remote to several different listening environments. Digital hearing aids have raised the bar in hearing health resulting in many more happy clients. Contact us or visit us in Oshawa to schedule a consultation.

In-The-Canal (ITC)

In-the-canal instruments feature an earmold that fits down into the ear canal and a smaller portion that faces out into the outer ear.

• Appropriate for mild to mildly severe hearing loss
• Variety of technology level choices that previously required a larger aid
• Custom made just for you
• Available in S Series IQ 11, 9, 7 & S Series 5

OtoLens

Now you can provide the first invisible hearing aid using the latest in digital signal processing. Introducing S Series iQ OtoLens™, the only Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC) product to feature S Series IQ technology. With OtoLens, you can now offer patients a completely invisible hearing solution that:

• Lives in the second bend of the ear for complete invisibility with minimal occlusion
• Is molded to the patient’s ear using Starkey’s Comfort Fit Process
• 35dB gain fits patients with moderate to severe hearing loss

Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

These devices fit completely in the canal. Only the head of a tiny plastic line - with which you insert or remove the instrument - shows above the canal.

• Fits completely in the ear canal & is virtually invisible
• Appropriate for mild to mildly severe hearing loss
• Custom made just for you
• Requires some manual dexterity
• Available in S Series IQ 11, 9, 7 and S Series 5

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)

A comfortable and open fit the sleek design is barely visible when worn, for mild to moderate hearing loss, Variety of colour options available.

• Comfortable open fit
• Sleek design barely visible when worn
• For mild to moderate hearing loss
• Variety of colour options available

In-The-Ear (ITE)

Hearing aids fit completely in the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. The case, which holds the components, is made of hard plastic. ITE aids can accommodate added technical mechanisms such as a telecoil, a small magnetic coil contained in the hearing aid that improves sound transmission during telephone calls. ITE aids can be damaged by earwax and ear drainage, and their small size can cause adjustment problems and feedback. They are not usually worn by children because the casings need to be replaced as the ear grows.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

BTE instruments' technology is housed in a casing that rests behind the ear. A clear plastic tube then directs amplified sound into an earmold inside the ear canal.

• With Sweep™ Technology, changing volume and settings is as easy as a simple sweep or touch of the finger
• Easiest to adjust
• Appropriate for most types of hearing loss
• Color choices to match your hair, skin tone and lifestyle
• Offers greater amplification compared to smaller, in-the-ear instruments
• Available as an Open Fit Solution for the most comfortable fit
• Switches modes seamlessly to match your listening environment
• Improved speech understanding with the industry’s top-rated feedback canceller
• Available in S Series iQ 11, 9, 7 and S Series 5

Mini Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

BTE instruments' technology is housed in a casing that rests behind the ear. A clear plastic tube then directs amplified sound into an earmold inside the ear canal.

• Features Sweep™ Technology, allowing you to change the hearing aid volume up and down and adjust settings to match your environment with the simple sweep or touch of a finger
• Smallest BTE model
• Available with thin tubing and a tiny ear bud for ultimate discretion
• Appropriate for most types of hearing loss and ages
• Available in S Series IQ 11, 9, 7 and S Series 5

Receiver-In-Canal Absolute Power (RIC AP)

The receiver-in-canal Absolute Power instrument combines a custom-formed earmold with the sleek, sophisticated receiver-in-canal instrument allowing people with even the most severe hearing loss to enjoy style without sacrificing power and performance.

• Ultimate power and performance
• Replaces large behind-the-ear products for power needs
• For moderate to severe hearing loss
• Discreet, barely visible when worn
• Color choices to match your hair, skin tone & lifestyle
• Switches modes seamlessly to match your listening environment
• Improved speech understanding with the industry’s top-rated feedback canceler
• Available in S Series IQ 11, 9, 7 & S Series 5

Making Sure Your Hearing Aids Work Properly

If you are experiencing problems with your hearing aids, here are some tips to making sure they are working properly. If you are still experiencing problems, call today to book an appointment with your Hearing Instrument Specialist.

• Ear wax debris may be blocking the sound outlet or microphone of the hearing aid. Brush the hearing aid or earmold lightly with a soft bristled toothbrush. This should help clear the sound outlet.
• Check and replace the hearing aid battery.

Our Hearing Centre

We are conveniently located in Oshawa