The Enormous Benefits of Modern Hearing Aids Technology
Are you excited that you might be getting a new pair of hearing aids?
Probably not, and we understand why.
Prescription hearing technology has always had a stigma attached to it, especially those bulky, frustrating gadgets your parents or grandparents struggled with. If you’re hesitant to consider whether assistive hearing devices are right for you, it’s possible that your concerns are based on outdated information.
We’ve got some great news for you!
Today’s advanced-technology hearing aids are smaller, lighter, and more discreet. They also have greater processing power and come with rechargeable batteries and smartphone connectivity, making them more user-friendly.
Now that we have your attention, you may be wondering:
“Where can I get prescription hearing aids near me?”
Your North Texas specialist for prescription hearing aids is North Houston Hearing Solutions. Our doctors of audiology provide advanced hearing solutions to address your hearing needs and your lifestyle in Spring, TX, and nearby communities.
The Good News About Digital Hearing Aid Technology
The bulky, traditional hearing aids that likely pop into your mind when someone brings up the subject of hearing technology is probably analog models. They are essentially a microphone attached to a speaker, so every sound that comes in is amplified equally.
Because there is no filtering process with analog models, the sounds you don’t want to hear are just as loud as the ones you want to hear. Feedback or whistling is another drawback, and constant volume adjustment is required to prevent it.
In contrast, today’s digital hearing technology eliminates those problems and comes with additional features that improve your listening experience.
Digital hearing devices use a digital signal processor, which transforms the electrical signal from sound into digital binary code. Once digitalized, sound signals can be manipulated to adapt to changing environments and your specific hearing abilities.
With digital technology, your hearing care provider can customize your device to process sound in ways that are impossible with analog hearing aids. Digital hearing aids are much more flexible, thanks to features like:
- Multiple directional microphones to receive a broader soundscape
- Memory to store environment-specific settings
- Algorithms to distinguish between voices and background noise
- Suppression of background noise or irrelevant sounds
- Removal of whistling or feedback
- Modern design that’s small and lightweight
- Connectivity with smartphones and other digital devices
Bottom line: Today’s hearing devices are more comfortable, quieter, and more effective at improving your hearing.
Answering Your Questions About Hearing Aids
Q. What are prescription hearing aids?
A. Prescription hearing aids are hearing aids that require authorization from a hearing care professional, like an audiologist, ENT, otologist, or Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS), and are programmed and maintained by them.
Q. How do prescription hearing aids differ from over-the-counter hearing devices?
A. Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are for those 18 and above who have a mild degree of hearing loss. If you have more severe hearing challenges and your hearing loss is disruptive to communication, you will be better served with prescription hearing aids.
Q. Do I need a prescription for hearing aids?
A. If you’re struggling to communicate with others, unable to keep up with your typical lifestyle, or frustrated with trying to enjoy conversation in a noisy restaurant or at a social event, you’re probably a good candidate for prescription hearing aids. However, the only way to know for sure is to schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment.
Q. Are there any insurance coverage options for hearing aids?
A. Medicaid and some insurance supplements provide benefits for prescription hearing aids; this financing is not available if you purchase an OTC device.
Q. Can prescription hearing aids be adjusted as my hearing changes?
A. Yes. Even after you start wearing hearing aids, we will continue to test your hearing on a regular basis to make sure your hearing aids provide the assistance you need.
Q. Can hearing aids be used for tinnitus?
A. The primary use of hearing aids is to address hearing loss. They are not used to manage tinnitus alone, but they can be beneficial if you have both hearing loss and tinnitus, which is common among many patients.
Q. Can I use prescription hearing aids with other electronic devices?
A. One of the great benefits of modern hearing aids is that they come with connectivity options, which means you can connect your hearing aids directly to your smartphone, TV, laptop, and other digital devices.
How Do I Choose the Right Hearing Aid?
There are many options available when choosing a solution for your hearing loss. Our training and experience helping individuals just like you allow us to provide expert guidance as we walk beside you on your journey to better hearing.
Choosing the right solution involves taking a closer look at your lifestyle and how your hearing challenges affect your communication. Our patient-centered approach combines comprehensive audiological evaluations with the latest technology and equipment.
To ensure that you meet your better-hearing goals, we start you out right by helping you choose the appropriate hearing aids by considering:
- Multiple directional microphones to receive a broader soundscape
- Memory to store environment-specific settings
- Algorithms to distinguish between voices and background noise
- Suppression of background noise or irrelevant sounds
- Removal of whistling or feedback
- Modern design that’s small and lightweight
- Connectivity with smartphones and other digital devices
To help you choose the hearing aid that best fits you, we partner with several hearing aid manufacturers, including:
Hearing Device Fitting
1
We use a scientific verification system to create a prescription for your specific hearing loss within the manufacturers’ specialized guidelines, allowing us to adjust your devices for your comfort.
2
We will ensure that the amplification capacity of your device fits your specific hearing loss and lifestyle.
3
We have adequate technology on hand to support the most severe hearing loss levels and the most active lifestyles.
4
The devices we carry have accessory options to help maximize your ability to hear in a multitude of different environments.
5
Our audiologists and technicians go through extensive training with the devices to ensure that you get the most benefit possible.
Hearing Aid Styles
Invisible In The Canal (IIC)
Designed for mild to moderate hearing losses, IIC instruments are the smallest custom-style devices available. In fact, they are invisible, as they are worn past the second bend of the ear canal.
Completely in the Canal (CIC)
CIC instruments offer a high cosmetic appeal because they are fitted deeply within the ear canal, making them almost invisible. They are a great option for mild to moderate hearing losses.
Full Shell or In the Ear (ITE)
Full shell models are larger instruments, sitting flush within the outer ear bowl. They require a larger battery, but this allows room for additional controls and features such as directional microphones and larger receivers. This flexibility means they have enough power for more severe levels of hearing loss. They are recommended for mild to severe hearing loss.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
When you imagine hearing aids, you probably envision the BTE design. These are usually worn by patients with a moderate to severe hearing loss. The main body rests comfortably behind the ear and you’ll find its technology within the casing. A clear plastic acoustical tube sends the amplified sounds into a customized earmold that’s worn inside the canal. BTEs come in many different colors with easy to use buttons. They are highly discreet.
In the Canal (ITC)
ITC instruments fit within the lower portion of the outer ear bowl, therefore making them comfortable and simple to use. Their slightly larger size than CIC models gives them a longer battery life. They are also able to host additional features, such as directional microphones, which make noisy environments easier to handle, and volume controls. Those with mild and moderate hearing losses can benefit from ITC instruments.
Lyric – The Invisible Extended Wear Hearing Devices
The lyric is one of the most in-demand hearing aids on the market. Known as the “invisible hearing aid,” these extended-wear hearing aids can be worn while showering or sleeping and are 100 percent invisible. They can be replaced in-office between every 8-10 weeks.
Join Our Delighted Patients
Schedule a Hearing Assessment
Our team of audiologists at North Houston Hearing Solutions have access to cutting-edge hearing aid technology to address your better-hearing needs. Our comprehensive hearing assessments and hearing aid selection process ensure that you get the device best suited for all of your needs.
To start the process, submit the adjacent form to schedule a hearing assessment, and a member of our team will call you back to assist you.
Don’t want to wait? Call us at: 346-482-4100
Meet Your Team
Norma A. Aguilera
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Dr. Angela F. Poe
DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY
Dr. Lacey Brooks
DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY & TINNITUS SPECIALIST
Dr. Carly Caughlan
Doctor of Audiology
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