OUR DOCTORS OF
AUDIOLOGY ARE BEST QUALIFIED TO DETERMINE THE BEST TYPE AND TECHNOLOGY
OF HEARING AIDS FOR YOUR HEARING LOSS.
At Medical
Gardens Hearing and Balance
Center, our hearing aid devices are the best quality from the most respected
hearing aid manufacturers in the hearing aid industry, such as Siemens,
Widex, Starkey, Phonak, GN Danavox/ReSound, Bernafon, Oticon, Sonic
Innovations and more. We dispense all makes and models from behind
the ear to the completely in the canal models. Our technology ranges
from conventional to the programmable and to the new fully digital
hearing aids.
Conventional
Hearing Aids
These hearing
aids have circuits that may be adjusted with a screwdriver for small
changes in hearing aid response. However, the manufacturer sets major
parameters such as output, frequency response and gain. Any
significant adjustments would have to be made by the manufacturer.
These instruments process sound using analog signal processing. This
means that they cannot be programmed, and it is not possible to
control many features that enhance hearing and understanding. These
are adequate for some losses but fall short for high frequency losses
and those with poor speech discrimination. They are relatively
inexpensive.
Digitally
Programmable, Analog Circuits
These hearing
aids allow the Doctor of Audiology to digitally program them with a
computer. The technology allows much more control in terms of how the
hearing aids will amplify incoming sounds. These circuits, although
not truly digital, do allow for flexible use and the ability to change
the hearing aids as the hearing loss progresses. The computer chip in
the hearing aids recognizes soft and loud sounds as well as low and
high frequency sounds. The sound processor adjusts the output
automatically. Some of these instruments have volume controls and some
do not. Some have multiple programs so that the hearing aids can
change in a more difficult listening environment. The signal
processing is still analog but because they are programmable
instruments, many adjustments are possible. However, even a
programmable, analog system may not be the best choice for some
people. This technology is a great step forward for those who want
newer technology but cannot afford the more costly fully digital
hearing aid systems.
Digital
Hearing Aids
This is the
newest hearing aid technology. Digital signal processing means that
the incoming sounds are converted to binary numbers, analyzed and
sampled at extremely rapid speeds. These aids differentiate soft from
loud sounds and low pitch from high pitch sounds. The hearing aids
have a tiny computer chip that allows the Doctor of Audiology to
digitally program the hearing aids through the computer. These
hearing aids allow maximum flexibility in terms of custom fitting the
hearing aids to any particular hearing loss. With 100% digital signal
processing the signal is quieter, more clear and easier to
understand. Precipitous losses or difficult losses are far more
successfully fit, as many of the digital instruments allow us to
change not only individual channels, but individual frequencies as
well. With these instruments, we also have the ability to make
extremely minimal changes to accommodate sensitivities to loud or
uncomfortable sounds, and to reduce feedback. This sound processing
can allow us to enhance the speech signal without over amplifying
background sounds, in order to obtain better understanding in noise.
These instruments can be reprogrammed as the hearing loss changes and
may allow multiple programs or power instruments with directional/omni
directional microphone capability. In addition, some manufacturers
have a choice of digital products, making it possible for more people
to take advantage of this wonderful technology. They are the result
of years of extensive research by the most respected manufacturers in
the world.
