Digital Hearing Aids and Styles

DIGITAL technology is the most sophisticated hearing aid technology. Digital technology gives the audiologist maximum control over sound quality and sound processing characteristics. All hearing aids provided at Estes Audiology are digital, however the range of technology is vast and recommendations for which type of digital is best for YOU is based on your hearing loss and your communication needs.

There is qualitative and quantitative evidence that digital instruments outperform analog hearing aids. Digitals are not perfect, but they are extremely good -- However, not all digital hearing aids are the same! Within the "digital" world, there are better and lesser units...speak with your Audiologist to be sure you're getting the right one for you. 

Styles

ITE: In-The-Ear units are often the best for poor dexterity and the easiest to operate. They are the largest of the custom made styles.

ITC: In-The-Canal equire good dexterity to control the volume wheel and they are smaller than ITEs.

CIC: Completely-In-the-Canal units are one of the tiniest hearing aids made. They require a "removal string" due to their small size and the fact that they fit deeply into the ear canal. CICs can be difficult to remove without the pull string. CICs do not usually have manual controls attached to them because they are too small but volume can be adjusted by a remote control or even your cell phone!

BTE: Behind-The-Ear hearing aids are very reliable. BTEs typically have the most circuit options and they offer more power than custom made units. BTEs rest on the back of your ear. They are connected to the ear canal via custom-made plastic tubing; the earmold. The earmold is usually custom made from an ear impression to perfectly replicate the size and shape of your ear.

Open or Receiver-in-the-ear BTE is the latest behind-the-ear style that uses a tiny casing, coupled with nearly invisible slim tube. Open fittings offers a great, cosmetically appealing solution for people who want their hearing aid to work with their life. These lightweight BTE's have virtually invisible slim tube open fittings. Tiny, transparant plastic domes replace custom earmolds, for a hearing aid that you, and those around you, won't even notice.