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• Hearing Aid Types
• Hearing Aid Brands
• Hearing/Ear Protection
• Assistive Listening Devices
• Hearing Aid Accessories

Hearing Aid Types

RIC- Receiver in the Canal:

RIC hearing aids are the newest in open fit technology. The design places the microphone inside a small case that rests behind the ear and receiver (output) deep inside the ear canal. It is virtually invisible when worn.

CIC- Completely in the Canal:

The smallest of the custom hearing aid types. This hearing aid fits deeply into the ear canal and is barely visible.

ITC- In the Canal:

The ITC hearing aid is larger then the CIC hearing aid. It fits deeply into the canal and can be partially seen in the outer ear.

ITE- In the Ear:

ITE hearing aids are the second largest custom hearing aid. It is made to fit snugly in the ear and is easy to manipulate.

BTE- Behind the Ear:

The largest style of hearing aid that fits comfortably behind the ear. Sound is sent into the ear through plastic tubing leading to a custom ear mold in the ear. For more information about the brands of hearing aids we offer, please click on this link.

Mini BTE

Mini Behind the Ear: The mini BTE is the smallest BTE model available. Like the regular BTE, it rests behind the ear comfortably and sound is sent through tubing to a custom ear mold or ear bud. It is appropriate for most types of hearing loss.

Power RIC- Power Receiver in the Canal

Power RIC hearing aids are designed exactly like regular RIC hearing aids except the receiver (output) is encased in a custom mold. People with severe to profound hearing loss can now experience receiver-in-canal technology.

Invisibel™

Invisibel™ is the newest hearing aid style that was introduced in Spring 2010. The Invisibel™ fits even deeper than the CIC (completely in the canal) hearing aid and is completely invisible. It is a custom hearing aid that is removed daily to promote better ear health. It is completely digital and programmable. Because of the extreme deep fit of the Invisibel™, not everyone is a candidate for this style.

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Hearing Aid Brands

Hearing HealthCare Centers is an exclusive distributor of Audibel, the premier division of Starkey Laboratories. Starkey is an American owned company and the largest international custom hearing aid manufacturer in the world.

There many brands of hearing aids to choose from and it can be overwhelming when you are first learning about hearing loss and amplification. Although Hearing HealthCare Centers is an exclusive distributor of Audibel, we keep current with new developments of all brands of hearing aids. We are committed to fitting our patients with the type of hearing aid that best fits their specific needs. We ask that our patients trust the knowledge of our providers to find the correct hearing aid for them.

Hearing HealthCare Centers has the capability of servicing and programming many brands of hearing aids like Phonak, Oticon, Rexton, SeboTek, Siemens, Sonic Innovation, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. If you want to know if we can service your hearing aids, please contact us.

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Exposure to loud noise is the most common cause of hearing loss. Loud noise exposure can be something as simple as a gun being fired at close range or consistent daily exposure to unsafe levels of sound. The loud noise can damage the delicate hair cells in the cochlea (inner ear). A good rule to determine if you are being exposed to an unsafe level of sound is if you have to raise your voice in order to speak with someone who is an arm’s length away. It is important to realize sounds do not have to be painful in order to damage your hearing.

If you are exposed to loud sounds, the best thing you can do for your hearing is invest in custom hearing protection. Hearing HealthCare Centers primarily utilizes Westone, a company located in Colorado Springs for our hearing protection needs. Some of the types of hearing protection they offer are snore plugs, hunting plugs, musician plugs and construction plugs among many others. For more information about hearing protection, please contact our office or visit the Westone website.

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Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

What is an ALD and when should I use one?

An ALD can easily be defined as any type of device that will help you function better in certain listening situations. ALDs can be used in conjunction with or separate from hearing aids. In some cases ALDs can assist in overcoming obstacles like distance, excessive background noise and rooms with poor acoustics.

What are the different types of ALDs and how they can help?

Attached TV Ears

This is a device that plugs directly into the source- the TV- and brings the sounds right to your ears without losing sounds traveling across the room or competing with ambient sounds in your home like dishwashers and heating/air conditioners. Each TV Ears device has a manual volume control that allows the user to adjust the volume without changing the volume on the TV. TV Ears are a great choice when you struggle to hear the TV but do not feel ready to purchase hearing aids. Certain models can be used in conjunction with hearing aids.

Pocket Talker

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Talkers is a personal amplifier that can be used during one-on-one conversations or in small group interactions. The person using the Pocket Talker usually wears earbuds or headphones connected to a microphone system that is about the size of a deck of cards. The device is placed in between the speaker and the listener such as in the middle of a dinner table.

Amplified Phones

Amplified phones are a great solution to the difficulties some people experience. Not only is the sound coming through the phone amplified but the ringer is also amplified so it is easier to hear when someone is calling. Most amplified phones have an amplified speaker phone function that can be very useful for hearing aid users.

Clock/Fire Alarm.

In a recent study, it was found that a fire alarm emitting a lower frequency signal woke up 92% of the participants in the study while a normal higher frequency only woke up 56% of the participants. This device not only works as a normal clock and alarm but it also has a fire alarm, which signals a lower frequency tone, which is easier for people with a hearing loss to hear.

T Coil Loops

T- Coil loops couple with hearing aids that are equipped with a t-coil setting. The system works together along with devices like TV, computers, music devices and cell phones so that you can listen through your hearing aids. All of the above products are carried in our offices. We also have a selection of other specialty products that can be ordered as needed.

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Hearing Aid Accessories

Batteries

There are four sizes of hearing aid batteries: 10, 312, 13 and 675 which range from smallest to the largest and longest lasting. Hearing aid batteries are zinc-air activated. They come with a shelf life of a couple of years. To activate the battery, you remove the sticky tab from the battery. Once the sticky tab has been removed, the battery will begin to lose energy. Depending on the size of the battery, once activated, it can last anywhere from 4-14 days.

Cleaning tools

There are a few basic tools used to keep your hearing aids clean. To see how to properly clean a hearing aid, please click the link to watch a helpful video>>

Dehumidifiers

Hearing aids and moisture do not mix well. It is important to keep your hearing aids dry. A dehumidifier is a simple way to get rid of excess moisture. Miracell: Many people suffer from itchy ears. Miracell is an oil that was developed to help for overall ear health. It helps to soothe itchy ears and dry skin, heal any abrasions or irritations and soften impacted cerumen (ear wax).

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