Products

How Hearing Aids Work:

Sound enters a hearing aid through the microphone. The sound is processed by the circuitry inside the hearing aid and then delivered to a receiver (loudspeaker). The sound enters the wearer’s ear canal from the receiver.

Hearing aids available today use sophisticated digital circuitry. With digital sound processing, the sounds are coded in detail. This level of precision allows the hearing professional to be flexible in customizing the hearing aid to your specific hearing loss needs.

Like anything else in the world of technology, there is a wide array of digital hearing aid technology, ranging from basic to advanced.

Hearing aids vary in price, size, special features and in the way they are placed in your ear.

Types of Hearing Aids:

The following are common hearing aid styles, beginning with the smallest, least visible in the ear:

Deep Insertion, Extended Wear Devices (Lyric)

A deep insertion, extended wear device is a hearing aid that fits deep in the ear canal, close to the eardrum. It is placed in the canal by the hearing professional and is worn day and night without the need to remove it, change batteries or clean the device. At regular intervals, the hearing professional will remove it and replace it with a new device. These hearing aids can be worn during almost every activity, including showering and sleeping. We can determine if this type of device is right for you and can advise you of your options.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

These hearing aids are custom molded to fit deeply inside your ear canal, making them almost invisible. Discreet and with excellent sound quality, they are effective for many hearing losses.

In-the-Canal (ITC)

An in-the-canal hearing aid is custom molded and fits almost entirely in the ear canal, making them hardly visible. These are easier to handle than the CIC style and can fit more severe hearing losses. They can include features that aren’t available with completely-in-the-canal (CIC) aids. This style of aid is appropriate for those with mild to moderately-severe hearing loss.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

An in-the-ear hearing aid is custom made to fit securely in your ear canal and outer ear. It includes features that don’t fit on smaller style hearing aids, may be easier to handle, and they use a larger battery allowing longer battery life. ITE’s are suitable for those with mild to severe hearing loss.

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid hooks over the top of your ear and rests behind the ear. A tube connects the hearing aid to a custom molded ear piece called an earmold that fits in your ear canal. Traditionally this type has been the largest type of hearing aid, though current mini designs are streamlined and barely visible. These aids are capable of more amplification than other styles. BTE’s are appropriate for all ages and those with almost any type of hearing loss.

Open Fit

An open-fit hearing aid is a variation of the behind-the-ear hearing aid with an almost invisible wire connected to small “bud” that fits discreetly inside the ear canal. These hearing aids are almost invisible, often less noticeable than CIC style devices. A very natural sound is achieved because of the open fit design.

Hearing Aid Brands

At Superior Hearing Centre, we carry every available hearing aid brand, assuring that our hearing specialists can prescribe a hearing aid that best meets your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Introducing Phonak

Lyric: The “Invisible” Hearing Aid

Often referred to as the “contact lens for your ear”, the deep insertion, extended wear Lyric is available only at Superior Hearing Centre, Northwestern Ontario’s exclusive Lyric specialist. Utilizing our specialized training equipment, and fitting expertise, we will work with you and your family to determine if this unique approach is suitable for you.

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