Prescription Hearing Aid Technology
Advanced Prescription Hearing Aid Technology Along With Proven Expertise
Although hearing technology is only part of the jigsaw of achieving better hearing, it’s the part that holds many people back from taking a positive step in the right direction.
That’s because, when most of us think about prescription hearing aids, an image of those bulky, ugly contraptions our grandparents wore come to mind. However, today’s prescription hearing aids are nothing like they were a couple of decades past.
Innovations in micro-digital technology allow modern prescription hearing aids to feature a streamlined design, much lighter weight, more intuitive user interaction, and are so discrete that most people will never know that you wear them. In fact, many of our patients share how their friends or loved ones have never even noticed them.
Advanced hearing aid technology supports a wide range of connectivity and streaming options due to the integration of Bluetooth technology. Using your smartphone, it is now possible to discretely fine-tune your hearing aids, enhance the clarity of telephone conversations, provide a richer television or movie experience, and optimize their performance.
Troubleshooting and performance adjustments from your audiologist, through remote assistance, are also possible regardless of where you are located.
Anyone can sell you an advanced technology hearing aid, but there’s more involved in hearing aid selection than amplification and style.
West Coast Hearing guides you through the process of selecting the hearing instrument that best meets your specific needs such as the degree of your hearing loss, power and options requirements, your manual dexterity, cosmetic, and other factors relating to your lifestyle and personal preferences.
The Different Styles of Prescription Hearing Aids
Invisible-In-the-Ear (IIC)
The first 100% invisible, digital, and fully programmable hearing aids. IIC style instruments are designed for a snug fit within the second bend of the ear canal. IIC devices have no manual controls due to their small size and depth of insertion, making them a simple solution for discrete wearers.
Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
Similar to ITC instruments, CIC devices insert deeper into the ear canal using a clear plastic post. Although they are much less visible than other styles of hearing aids, insertion requires extreme dexterity. They do not include manual controls due to their small size, so CIC units are simple to use.
In-The-Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids insert further into the ear than ITE devices. They are molded to fit inside the canal and do not fill up as much of the space in the outer portion of the ear, making them a bit more discrete. All of their technology, volume control wheels, and other controls are integrated into a very small area, making fine dexterity a must.
In-The-Ear (ITE)
ITE instruments eliminate the piece behind the ear. The custom formed plastic shell, which is fitted in the outer opening of your ear canal, houses all of its technology. This style is often preferred by individuals who wear glasses or use an oxygen cannula, because there is no interference with the hearing aid. ITE devices come in a variety of sizes to fit the larger part of the outer ear or farther in the opening, and comes in a variety of skin tone matching colors.
Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
A modification of the Open Fit mini-BTE, RITE hearing aids remove the receiver (or speaker) out of the behind the ear portion of the device and fit it into the ear canal. A very thin wire, encased in clear plastic tubing, connects the two pieces of the device. In the canal placement tends to enhance natural sound quality. Ear pieces on these instruments can be custom or standard and they come in a wide variety of colors and shapes.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
The most reliable and largest hearing aids available are BTE hearing aids. They provide the most circuit options and produce more power and performance than other custom fit hearing instruments. BTEs “sit” on the back of your ear and connect to the ear canal via plastic tubing, which carries amplified sound to an earmold made from an ear impression that perfectly replicates the size and shape of your ear.
Lyric Extended Wear (Invisible)
The lyric extended wear device is placed in your ear canal, meaning the Lyric remains completely out of sight – invisible to the world. You will enjoy clear and natural sounds and are able to wear them 24/7 even through daily activities such as showering and exercising.
Schedule a Hearing
Assessment
A hearing assessment at West Coast Hearing and Balance Center is quick, non-invasive and we’ll be able to share the results with you immediately.
Simply complete this form referencing your preferred day and time, and we’ll contact you shortly to schedule your appointment.
Local Hearing Loss Journeys
"The staff were very professional and friendly and put my mind at ease"
"I remember feeling confused at the prospect of having a hearing loss. I had so many preconceived ideas about visiting an audiologist but my experience with West Coast Hearing & Balance Center has been 10 out of 10.
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Lucie M
"They were competent and knew what they were doing"
“My hearing loss was getting worse over time and I got to the point where I just wanted to hear better again. My impression of West Coast Hearing & Balance Center was that they were competent
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Murray R
“It’s not your fault if you have a hearing loss, and you deserve to hear without having to ask people to repeat everything to you.”
My family has a history of hearing difficulties, with my grandmother being born deaf and several of my aunts and uncles struggling with hearing as well.
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Julianne Williams
“The results have been much better than I ever could have imagined.”
I was advised to get my hearing checked, but my first experience left me feeling like I was being sold a package of goods. That all changed when I met Dr. Nelson. He is a true professional who explained everything and answered all my concerns, which made me feel confident in his care.
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Steven Ralphs
“My worries were quickly alleviated when I visited West Coast Hearing & Balance Center.”
I was very concerned about how I would appear to other people if I were to need a hearing aid. Would they see me as old or disabled? And the thought of being dependent on something to hear was daunting.
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Frances Elson