Hearing Aids
Modern hearing aids are small, discreet and reliable. They will not only help you to HEAR better, but they will help you to FEEL better.
There are different types of hearing aids and what is best for you will be recommended according to your level of hearing loss, personal preferences, lifestyle needs and budget.
• Invisible-in the-canal (IIC)
This custom-made hearing aid fits deep into the ear canal to be invisible when worn. IIC hearing aids are removed daily to ensure good ear health. The fit of this hearing aid is determined on the size of your ear canal and invisibility may vary based on your ear’s anatomy.
• Completely-in-canal (CIC) CIC hearing aids are custom-made to fit completely in the canal and can be made in a variety of skin tones so that they are not noticeable when worn. They are removed with a small transparent wire.
• In-the-canal (ITC) ITC hearing aids are custom-made but are slightly larger than the CIC hearing aids and can be seen in the ear canal. They have a longer battery life and can be easier to handle.
• In-the-ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids are custom-made to fit the outer portion of the ear and are mostly used for more severe hearing losses. They are easier to adjust and to handle than the smaller types.
All hearing aids that are worn inside the ear can be susceptible to damage from ear wax and moisture. The position of the hearing aid in the ear canal may also cause a feeling that the ear is plugged up in some people.
• Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
These hearing aids have a small portion that fits behind the ear with a thin tube that holds the speaker in the ear canal. These hearing aids give a comfortable open fit so that sounds are more natural, particularly you own voice. These hearing aids are very discreet and often go unnoticed.
• Behind-the-ear (BTE)
A BTE hearing aid is worn behind the ear and is connected to the ear canal with a tube and custom mould or tip. These hearing aids also come in different sizes like mini, standard and power. These hearing aids are easy to use and reliable.
Hearing aids with Bluetooth technology do have the ability to receive phone calls and music from a smartphone wirelessly. This technology can help you to stay connected to iOS and Android phones, TV’s and tablets.
You can also control your hearings aids with your smartphone by being able to change the volume and programs to adjust to different listening situations.
Some styles of hearing aids are rechargeable and this is very convenient as you don’t have to exchange batteries. Hearing aids are simply placed in a charger at night and in the morning picked up and placed in your ears.
The latest technology hearing aids have the functionality to be programmed without the client coming into the office. This can be extremely convenient and time saving to the client, especially for people living far from the practice.
Requests for adjustments are sent to the audiologist via a smartphone App and when the changes are ready for download the hearing aids are updated directly form the App on your phone. Some hearing aids can also be remotely adjusted in real-time by using a video-link to the hearing aid.
We offer follow-up consultations and re-programming of your hearing aids.
Not Sure What You Need?
Simply give us a call and book an appointment for yourself. We are here to help! Michaelides and Vermaas, your hearing care provider since 1992.