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Hearing Aids

A1 Hearing are able to supply a huge range of different hearing aids from a number of major world-wide suppliers.

Styles

There are two basic categories of style in hearing instruments: BTE's (those that fit Behind The Ear) and ITE's (those that fit In The Ear)

BTE hearing instruments sit behind the ear and use a separate piece, called an earmold, to direct sound into the ear canal. Their larger size allows them to fit more severe hearing losses and to incorporate more features than the smaller models.

ITE hearing instruments come in several sub-categories. The entire hearing instrument is built into the earmold shell. The standard ITE fills up the entire ear. The ITC (In The Canal) style is smaller, with the instrument filling only the canal portion of the ear. The smallest type are the CIC (Completely In The Canal) instruments which fit deep inside the ear canal and are the least visible of the styles. The size and shape of your ear and your degree of hearing loss will determine which style is best for you.

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
These devices fit completely in the canal. Only the head of a tiny plastic line—with which you insert or remove the instrument—shows above the canal.

Since your web browser does not support JavaScript, here is a non-JavaScript version of the image slideshow: <hr /> <img src="images/Styles-CIC.jpg" alt="CIC (Completely-In-the-ear-Canal)" /> Completely-In-Canal (CIC) These devices fit completely in the canal. Only the head of a tiny plastic line—with which you insert or remove the instrument—shows above the canal. <hr /> <img src="images/Styles-ITC.jpg" alt="ITC (In-The-ear-Canal)" /> In-The-Canal (ITC) In-The-Canal instruments feature an earmold that fits down into the ear canal and a smaller portion that faces out into the outer ear. <hr /> <img src="images/Styles-BTE.jpg" alt="BTE (Behind-The-Ear) with earmold" /> BTE (Behind-The-Ear) BTE instruments' technology is housed in a casing that rests behind the ear. A clear plastic tube then directs amplified sound into an earmold inside the ear canal. <hr /> <img src="images/Styles-RIC_AP.jpg" alt="Receiver-In-Canal Absolute Power (RIC AP)" /> Receiver-In-Canal Absolute Power (RIC AP) The receiver-in-canal Absolute Power instrument combines a custom-formed earmold with the sleek, sophisticated receiver-in-canal instrument allowing people with even the most severe hearing loss to enjoy style without sacrificing power and performance. <hr /> <img src="images/Styles-RIC.jpg" alt="Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)" /> Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) The receiver-in-the-canal device is small, discreet, and incredibly quick to fit; perfect for many first-time wearers. <hr /> <img src="images/Styles-ITE.jpg" alt="In-The-Ear (ITE)" /> In-The-Ear (ITE) In-the-ear instruments house the technology components in a custom-formed earmold that fits within the outer portion of the ear.

Technology

There are two main categories of hearing instrument circuitry - digital and analog.

Digital hearing instruments are the newest and most sophisticated type. They use computer technology to process sounds. Digital instruments have the advantage of allowing more control of the sound signal and they can be programmed in the hearing care professional's office to adjust to the wearer's hearing loss. They allow more flexibility in fitting individual hearing losses. Digital hearing instruments are available in all styles.

Analog hearing instruments can still be repaired but replacements are no longer available.

Special Features

In addition to circuitry, there are many special features available to enhance your hearing system. These include things like directional microphones, multiple listening programmes, audio input capability, automatic function, remote control, telecoils for phone use etc.

So which types are better? How do you know which special features would be the most useful? It all depends on your individual hearing loss pattern, the severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle and personal preferences.

This is why it is so important to find a knowledgeable hearing care professional who can assess your personal situation and recommend the best system for you.

How do they work?

All hearing instruments operate on the same basic principles. A miniature microphone picks up sound, an amplifier circuit makes the sound louder and a tiny receiver (or speaker) delivers the amplified sound to the ear. Hearing systems differ in style and technology.

Will they really help?

Once you begin to wear your hearing instruments, it will take some time to get used to them. Just like getting bifocals, you will need to refocus your hearing and readjust to sounds you have been missing for a long time. You may notice some improvement right away, but it can take several weeks until you are able to obtain maximum benefit from your hearing instruments. Patience and perseverance are the key. Your hearing care professional will work with you to make adjustments to obtain the best settings for you. You will be instructed to practice listening in a variety of environments. With dedicated practice you will soon be on your way to becoming a happy and satisfied hearing instrument user.

A1 Hearing Limited - 95 St George Street - Papatoetoe - Manukau - Auckland - Phone (09) 278 1021