Hearing Aids
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the large variety of hearing devices on the market. We will recommend the best type for you based on hearing loss, aesthetics, lifestyle needs and budget.
Once even mild hearing loss becomes an issue, it is universally agreed that hearing aids should be worn. However, with the right hearing aid services it is easy to become overwhelmed looking at the options on the market today. Hearing aids come in a huge variety of sizes and shapes, and with many choices regarding programmability and features in addition. To learn more about hearing aids visit us in Largo, FL.
But you won’t have to navigate the hearing aid marketplace alone. When you come to Suncoast Audiology, we will ask questions about your lifestyle, occupation, hobbies, and more to get a sense of what your life is like. We have the industry knowledge to match you with the perfect set of hearing aids for you.
Hearing aids today nearly all suppress background noise while accentuating speech, but feature sets still vary wildly beyond that. The features you choose will have to do with the things that are important to you in your life.
For some, pristine sound quality may be the most important thing, while others may prioritize water resistance. Those who regularly attend lectures, movies, or church services may benefit from telecoils (or “T-coils”), while others who mostly stay at home may only want Bluetooth connectivity. Someone who is more physically active may want hearing aids that communicate with each other to improve sound localization, while others may not get much use out of that technology.
Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC)
The Invisible-in-the-Canal device is placed deeper into the ear canal than other styles, making it nearly invisible. In order to maintain good ear health, IIC hearing aids removed daily.
- Custom-made for your ears
- Suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss
- Almost impossible to see
Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing instruments are tailored to fit in the ear canal entirely. Only the tip of a tiny plastic removal cord is visible outside the ear canal.
- Very difficult to see by others
- Great sound quality
- Great for moderate to severe losses
In the Canal (ITC)
ITC’s are placed in the lower part of the outer ear canal. They are a little larger than CIC’s.
- Boasts a slightly longer battery life than smaller aids
- Can fit a wider range of hearing losses
- Able to fit additional features like directional microphones and volume wheels
In-The-Ear (ITE)
Custom-made to fit the ear canal, styles range from half-shell designs filling half of the outer ear to complete-shell models, which fill almost the entire outer ear bowl.
- Large enough to contain more features like directional microphones and manual controls
- Better for people with dexterity issues
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) / Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE)
An open-fit style of hearing aid where the hearing aid speaker sits in the ear canal, the microphone and processor sit behind the ear.
- Highly versatile device, appropriate for most losses
- Most prevalent style
- Likely to come with Bluetooth connectivity
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
The hearing technology is housed in a case which rests behind the ear. A transparent plastic tube directs sound into a custom earmold inside the ear canal.
- Suitable for all types of hearing loss, including profound hearing loss
- Space for a wide range of extra features
Rechargeable Hearing Devices
Lithium ion rechargeable batteries have expanded the capabilities of technology throughout several industries in recent years. Lightweight, small and powerful, they have allowed laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, and numerous medical devices to leap forward in what they can do. They have also allowed hearing aids to become rechargeable for the first time, so you don’t need to purchase replacement batteries, remove the compartment at night, or fumble with changing them any longer! Simply place your hearing aids onto a charging station and they’ll be ready for you again in a few hours. As an added bonus, rechargeables are more environmentally friendly than their disposable counterparts.
Rechargeable batteries are currently used to power smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even a variety of medical devices, including some hearing aids. They provide a lot of power which makes them ideal for the small size of hearing aids.
Benefits to using rechargeable lithium ion hearing aids:
No need to change small batteries every week. Great for those with dexterity issues like arthritis or visually impaired individuals.
It’s very convenient to charge the devices by simply placing them on a charging station.
Rechargeable batteries are much more environmentally friendly than using disposable batteries for the same period of time.
Hearing Aids, Smartphones, and Water Resistance
Increasingly, hearing aids and smartphones are inseparable. Not so long ago, all hearing aids had volume and program controls, as well as battery compartments. But in recent years, manufacturers have started turning to rechargeable battery technology and smartphone app control, allowing them to make hearing aids that are much more resistant to moisture and dirt. It is now common for rechargeable hearing aids to be able to survive submersion in up to three feet of water. While we do not recommend getting your hearing aids wet if you can help it, it is comforting to know that they will likely be okay in the event of an accidental splash.
Greater resistance to moisture and dirt also helps your hearing aids to last longer. Moisture is the most common cause of repairs that are made out of warranty. While you should still have your hearing aids tuned up and dehumidified periodically, the extra water resistance provided by some of today’s hearing aids helps contribute to a longer lifespan, as well.
Since most of us carry our smartphones with us everywhere we go, why not use them to control our hearing aids, which also go everywhere with us? This can be much more convenient than having the controls on the hearing aids themselves, where you need to reach and fiddle with your hearing aids whenever you need to change the volume or program. Now, you can simply open your hearing aids app on your smartphone and adjust the controls within the app. Many wearers appreciate the extra discretion this allows, since others may not know whether you are adjusting hearing aids or checking text messages.
Hearing aids connect to smartphones via Bluetooth. Most hearing aids today include Bluetooth standards, while some offer it as an optional add-on. The Bluetooth connection not only allows you to control your hearing aids via an app but allows you to stream whatever audio your phone would play directly to your hearing aids. Your hearing aids can also connect to other devices like TV adapters, tablets, and computers to stream content on whichever device you happen to be using. Some newer models even allow you to stay connected to your smartphone permanently while connecting to additional devices.
Bluetooth Hearing Devices
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless platform that is used widely in electronics. It allows smartphones and computers to connect to speaker boxes, earbuds and car audio systems, but it isn’t limited to that. In fact, up to 7 devices at a time can connect to one source via Bluetooth. It has taken off in popularity with hearing aids, as well.
By pairing your hearing aids to the various devices you use throughout your day, you can stream audio directly from your smartphone or computer, for phone calls and video conferences. By eliminating the extra speakers and microphones involved in using your hearing aids in the traditional way, you can enjoy much-improved sound quality. You can even pair to your TV using a TV adapter device to get the best audio quality while you’re watching, adjusted exactly to the fitment of your hearing aids.
Widex
Widex is committed to good design both inside and out. You can expect Widex hearing aids to sound spectacular, and look just as good. Every aspect of a Widex hearing aid is designed to be as close to perfect as possible.
Widex MOMENT offers the fastest sound processing available with only 0.5 milliseconds of latency. This allows them to offer the best sound quality available, with realistic sound localization even as you walk around and move your head. Simply put, they’re the most natural-sounding hearing aids you can get!
Zen Therapy is included in Widex hearing aids and helps people with various types of tinnitus.
Phonak
Phonak Audeo Paradise hearing aids are inspired by nature itself to offer the most realistic sound possible. With reimagined hardware and several elevated new features, the result is breathtakingly realistic audio and easy control via smart apps. Offering personalized noise canceling, voice assistant access with a single tap, enhanced speech understanding and crisp, natural sound, if you’re looking for the best in hearing aid audio look no further than Phonak’s Audeo Paradise.
Signia
Featuring revolutionary sensor technology that follows your every move, the new Signia Motion X platform gives you the most realistic sonic picture of the world around you as you move through your day. Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, on-the-go charging, automatic program switching as you change environments, and an AI digital assistant at the ready, Signia’s Motion X represents a new bar in hearing aid technology.
With rechargeable batteries that last up to 61 hours on a single charge, a sleek behind-the-ear fit that’s as comfortable as it is attractive, and the brilliant sound quality of the Signia Xperience sound engine, you can be sure you’re getting the state of the art when you choose Signia Motion X.
Starkey
Starkey’s Livio Edge AI offers next-generation sound that has never been possible… Until now. The sound field around you is interpreted by artificial intelligence to bring you the best quality imaginable, even in challenging environments. You’ll hear what’s important to you above and beyond the noise, restoring hearing ability in most cases to the equivalent of a 20-year-old with normal hearing.
Turn on “Edge Mode” to give speech a boost when you need to hear someone through a facemask, or in a busy crowd. What’s more, you have the option to choose between the standard rechargeable behind-the-ear type, or the world’s first in-the-canal rechargeable type, perfect for wearing with facemasks.
The benefits of Livio Edge AI don’t stop at hearing. Accompanying smart apps utilize your hearing aids’ accelerometers and audio to keep track of your movement throughout the day, as well as your brain engagement. There’s even a feature to automatically send an alert in case of a fall. Livio Edge AI truly keeps up with you, so you can keep up with life!