Which Type Of Hearing Aid Is Right For You?
Hearing aids come in a range of styles. Here’s an overview of the primary styles along with our recommendations.
INVISIBLE IN CANAL (IIC) AND COMPLETELY IN CANAL (CIC)
The smallest custom styles, IIC and CIC instruments sit invisibly and entirely in the ear canal. These devices are specifically designed for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
IN THE CANAL (ITC) AND FULL SHELL (FS)
ITC and FS instruments sit in the outer ear bowl, making them comfortable and easy to use. Because they're slightly larger than CIC models, they have longer battery life. They can host additional features such as directional microphones for better understanding in noisy environments, and controls such as volume controls. They are widely recommended for mild-to-severe hearing loss.
RECEIVER IN-EAR (RIC)
RIC models are mini BTEs that have the instrument's speaker incorporated in the ear tip instead of in the main body of the device.
RIC instruments fit mild-to-severe hearing losses.
BEHIND-THE-EAR (BTE)
BTEs with earmolds fit mild through severe hearing losses. Their longer shape follows the contour behind the outer ear and can house many features, including a program button and volume control. The earmold color and style, as well as the wearer's hairstyle, determine exactly how they'll look on each person.
LONG TERM WEAR INVISIBLE (LYRIC)
Lyric hearing aids are a unique product that is invisible, worn 24/7 for months at a time, and can be worn while exercising, sleeping, showering, and talking on the phone. They fit mild to moderate hearing loss. There are no batteries to replace, and the purchase is by subscription only.
How to choose the right hearing aid style?
Hearing is highly individualized. No two people hear the same, and no two people have the exact requirements for hearing aids. There are in-the-ear styles as well as behind- the-ear styles. When selecting a style of hearing aid, the following should be considered:
- The type/degree of the hearing loss
- Power requirements
- Manual dexterity and visual abilities
- Budget
- Cosmetics and aesthetics
- Anatomical and medical considerations
- Lifestyle requirements
Are Assistive Listening Devices the Solution?
A range of assistive listening devices is available to help people with distinctive hearing needs. They fall into these general categories:
Loop (IL) transmission or other transmission method.
FM systems use radio signals to transmit amplified sounds up to 300 feet. They’re useful in many public places such as classrooms, where the instructor wears a small microphone connected to a transmitter and the student listens via a worn receiver, which is tuned to a specific frequency or channel.
IR systems use infrared light to transmit sound. Unlike IL or FM systems, an IR system signal can’t pass through walls. It’s particularly useful in courtrooms, where confidential information is often discussed, and in buildings where competing signals can be a problem, such as classrooms or movie theaters. However, infrared systems can’t be used in environments with too many competing light sources, such as outdoors or in strongly lit rooms.
Personal amplifiers are useful in places where ALDs aren’t available or when you’re watching TV, being outdoors or traveling in a car. About the size of a cell phone, personal amplifiers increase sound levels and reduce background noise for a listener. Some have directional microphones that can be angled toward a speaker or other source of sound. As with other ALDs, listeners wear a receiver, either as a headset or earbuds, which picks up the amplified sound.
Gary Lachow
2022-06-27
People often say “I don't have time to write reviews”, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help others by sharing my mother’s WONDERFUL experience with Dr. Marisa Fassnacht, an extremely knowledgeable, compassionate and upbeat audiologist. Dr. Marisa truly cared about helping my mom, who previously had been to several audiologists but never trusted them. My mom has been having trouble with her hearing aids which didn’t seem to be helping much lately. Dr. Marisa demonstrated the utmost patience by listening to all of my mom’s questions and concerns and thoroughly answering each one of them. After making the necessary adjustments to her hearing aids, Dr. Marisa provided practical tips on how my mom could communicate and interact with people to slowly build up her confidence. My mom recently told me that she feels she is gaining her life back, hearing loved ones and becoming a more active participant in conversations. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Marisa, and the entire exceptional team at the Audiology and Hearing Aid Center. My mom will definitely be seeing Dr. Marisa again when she is ready for her next set of hearing aids, as she has finally found an audiologist she trusts!
earl sigmund
2022-06-15
In my opinion there is no firm better to diagnose and care for your hearing issues than Dr Holi Lish and her staff at AHAC. I am a perfectionist and demand great customer service. I get that and more with Dr Lish and her staff. The process of just getting hearing aides and learning to use them properly is a daunting experience in itself - you just naturally feel old. The process used at AHAC takes all the anxiety and stress out of the hearing aide purchase and the proper use of the equipment. Contact DR Lish and you will see what I mean.
Barbara MannBarbaraM
2022-06-01
What a journey and a joy it has been rediscovering sound after getting hearing aids from Audiology & Hearing Aid Center in Warminster, PA. I knew I had hearing loss but didn’t realize how just bad it is, and I’ve had nothing but delightful times getting used to being able to hear again. To carry on conversations with my friends again in public or private, inside or out, even in the phone, and be able to actually understand what they’re saying. To not be exhausted after speaking with somebody for a while because I’m putting so much effort into trying to understand them, and still getting it wrong much of the time. To be able to speak with children again, and clearly hear their higher pitched voices. To hear just how many birds are really singing and chattering around me, and hear the fullness of the stream in my favorite park. To be able to hear my own voice again… I find myself singing around the house again because I no longer sound off key to myself. I discovered just last night that someone I’ve met in the last year has an accent; I’ve never heard it before because I was only hearing part of his voice. And while brushing my teeth is best done with my hearing aids out 😁, pretty much everything else is best done with them in. I also find I’m more aware of sound even when I’m not wearing them, I think because my brain has been ignoring what it could not interpret, and now is conscious of it again. Sound has been brought back more fully into my world, and I’m so enjoying getting used to it. If you think you have a hearing problem, get it checked out, because you may be missing more than you realize. This practice is a wonderful group of folks who take the time to explain it all, make sure it works for you, and help you get the best experience you can from your hearing aids.
Jay Resnick
2022-03-23
I recently got my second pair of hearing aids from Dr. Lish and the team at AHAC. I was so happy with my previous pair, until they started deteriorating. Dr. Lish cleaned and tested them, and informed me they were on their way out. I now have a new pair (of Phonak ones this time) and I could not be happier with how well they work. I am so grateful to Dr. Lish for her help and advice - and always seeing her smile (you can even see it through her very cool mask now). Delighted seems a fitting word for my experience with AHAC; I wouldn't consider going anywhere else for my hearing needs.
Dolores Martinchek
2022-03-22
I have been wearing hearing aids since I was 49 yrs old, am now 69 yrs old, and thrilled to be wearing the newest rechargeable battery hearing aids. No messing around with keeping batteries in my pocket or purse or needing to change them at the most inappropriate moment. Plug them in at night before going to sleep, unplug and place in my ears first thing in the morning, and done. At AHAC, my audiologist, Holly, is always up to date with the latest in hearing aid improvements. Holly takes the time to explain patiently how any of the devices work and wisely schedules check-up appts for the devices. AHAC is the best hearing aid center I have been with.
Martin C
2022-02-15
After several pair of hearing aids and audiologists over the last 7 years, I finally found an audiologist who is fantastic! Dr. Maryann Nikander is a hearing impaired individuals dream! Starting from the initial hearing test, to the actual hearing aid determination, to the first fitting, EVERYTHING was accomplished in accordance with “best hearing practices.” I had a pair of custom ear pieces made by Dr. Nikander and they are perfect! No more annoying feedback noises or stuck domes in the ear canal! During the first fitting, she spent 2 hours with me fine tuning the hearing aids and explaining everything in detail!
After two weeks, during my first post visit, we discussed what I liked and disliked about the aids and made adjustments. She even called the hearing aid manufacturer to ask about a question I had brought up!
At every step in the process she thoroughly explained what she was doing and made sure that all my questions and concerns were addressed before I left. I never feel rushed and I am able to get every question answered. My hearing has never been better! I can actually hear sounds that just a few months ago I thought were gone forever!
I watch the you tube channel and follow Dr. Cliff. He is a wealth of knowledge on hearing and hearing aids. Dr. Nikander was listed on his site as a qualified audiologist, with many years of experience who he determined follows Best practices. I highly recommend her when you require hearing and hearing aid expertise.
Cipollo SJ
2022-02-07
Dr. Lish and the entire AHAC staff are the nicest, attentive and efficient people to work with. They listen, are professional and I would recommend AHAC to my family and friends. Dr. Lish meets you with a smile and is personable. Thank you for making my hearing improvement experience memorable.
Joe Donahue
2022-02-02
I was very fortunate to have my brother refer me to the Audiology and Hearing Aid Center in Warminster, PA and, in particular, Dr. Holli Lish. My brother called his hearing aids a "game changer" and how right he was. He told me that Dr. Lish would be most professional yet caring, helpful with the latest knowledge and offer me a simple way to understand the complex issues of adapting to hearing aids. Dr. Lish was all of that PLUS. When I had some initial problems adjusting the newly prescribed aids, she provided technical support in a very friendly manner. Dr. Lish has the most pleasing disposition in dealing with me because she comes across more as a 'friend with knowledge' than an overbearing 'know-it-all'. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Lish, or for that the whole staff at the Audiology and Hearing Aid Center in Warminster, PA, for any audiology needs.
Mike Seifried
2022-01-27
I found Audiology and Hearing Aid Center in Warminster in a directory of audiologists that follow best practices. Dr. Holli Lish did an excellent job of understanding my specific needs and selecting and fitting the hearing aids best suited to my situation. Hearing aids are a significant investment in quality of life, so it is important that they are programmed and fitted correctly. I feel confident that my hearing aids are working at their absolute best, and I am hearing things I haven't heard in years. Highly recommended!
Matthew Suchodolski
2021-12-02
For years I struggled with a decreased level of hearing in parallel with an increased level of Tinnitus. As I look back, I now realize that I negated these occurrences; didn't want to admit it. It took a toll in regard to career performance and general life satisfaction. My mind was filling in the blanks and drawing inaccurate conclusions of what people were saying. Since being fitted up properly with hearing aids by Maryann at the Audiology and Hearing Center in 2019 my life has changed! I no longer fill in those blanks of what others are saying and my communication skills (both listening and speaking) have improved exponentially; especially in this day of age where communication is vital at both home and the office. The improved ability to hear really does support quality of life along with having a positive mindset. Maryann and her team at the Audiology and Hearing Aid Center are top notch professionals. For an end note, I have included the image below, because at age 55 vinyl records have never sounded better!
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