Hearing Aids Today
Hearing aids come in a wide range of technology levels and styles. They are offered in various levels ranging from ‘Entry-level’ to ‘Premium’. Within each level different technology and features are available. Some are designed for active lifestyles where others are for those in need of more power. Choosing the right hearing aid depends on your specific needs and requirements. Our hearing care professionals can help you make the right choice.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
BTE hearing aids sit behind or on top of the outer ear with a tube that connects to an ear tip or mold inside of the ear. BTE’s offer the widest range of features, colors, battery types, and degrees of power. Today, they’re offered in small, discreet designs that are often unnoticeable when worn.
In-the-ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
ITE hearing aids are worn in the ear and custom-fit based on an impression of the ear. There are a variety of ITE styles available including:
- Invisible in-the-canal (IIC)
- Completely in-the-canal (CIC)
- Half shell
- Full shell
Caring for Your Hearing Aids
Proper care and maintenance of your hearing aids will prolong their life and ensure you’re getting the best performance possible. Below are some quick tips for caring for your hearing aids:
Cleaning
- Clean your hearing aids every day with a soft cloth.
- Never use alcohol or cleansers.
- Use a dehumidifier kit regularly to help combat moisture.
- Use a wax loop or brush to remove ear wax from the hearing aid or earmold.
- Change your wax filters every 1-2 months, or any time your hearing aids sound weak.
- Schedule an appointment for us to replace earmolds and tubing when they become dry, cracked, stiff, or discolored.
Storing
- Open the battery door when the hearing aid is not in use.
- Store it in a cool, dry place away from moisture and humidity.
- Protect your hearing aid from excessive heat.
- Never put your hearing aids in a pocket or wrap them in a tissue—use the protective cases they came with instead.
Care
- Do not get your hearing aids wet. Remove hearing aids when swimming, showering, etc.
- If your hearing aids get wet, remove the battery and open the battery door. Call us to schedule an appointment to make sure they are not damaged.
- Do not use hair care products (especially hair spray) or apply lotion, sunscreen or makeup to your face while wearing hearing aids.
- Bring your hearing aids in for regular servicing and performance checks.
- Avoid dropping or banging your hearing aids on hard surfaces.
Hearing Aid Batteries
Battery life can vary between hearing aids. The exact schedule for changing batteries depends on factors including the size of the battery, the amount of time the hearing aids are worn and the power requirements of the hearing aid. Depending on your instrument, battery life can last anywhere from 5-21 days. Here are some tips for maximizing your battery life:
- Store batteries in a dry, safe location away from children and pets. Do not refrigerate hearing aid batteries.
- Discard and replace dead batteries immediately, as they can leak and corrode your hearing aid.
- Do not remove tabs until you need the battery. Once the tab is removed, it will slowly lose power.
- Never put batteries in your mouth. If a battery is swallowed, call the battery ingestion hotline printed on the back of each pack of batteries immediately.
Hearing Aid Brands
We are proud to carry only the highest quality hearing aids available today from leading manufacturers. We carry hearing aids from Oticon, Phonak, Starkey, Widex, ReSound each of which are programmed for your specific needs.