Considerations for Selecting a Hearing Aid

Selecting the right hearing aid is a critical decision that depends on several individual factors, including hearing loss severity, word understanding ability, hearing in noise capabilities, device style, power, lifestyle needs, communication demands, and auditory processing weaknesses. A carefully chosen hearing aid can significantly enhance speech clarity, listening comfort, and overall quality of life.

  1. Severity of Hearing Loss : Hearing aids come in different power levels, ranging from mild to ultra-power devices. The degree of hearing loss, typically classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound, dictates the appropriate amplification needed. Selecting a device with adequate power ensures clearer sound perception without distortion or discomfort.

  2. Word Understanding Ability: Some individuals with hearing loss experience reduced speech discrimination, meaning they may struggle to understand words even when they are loud enough. Speech discrimination testing helps determine how well a person comprehends speech and whether additional features like directional microphones, noise reduction, or auditory training might be necessary.

  3. Hearing in Noise Capabilities: One of the biggest challenges for hearing aid users is understanding speech in noisy environments. Advanced hearing aids offer Directional Microphones – Focus on speech from the front while reducing background noise, Noise Reduction Technology – Helps filter out background sounds like chatter or traffic, Adaptive Programs – Automatically adjust settings based on the listening environment. For individuals struggling with background noise, selecting a device with strong speech-in-noise processing is crucial.

  4. Device Style (Behind-the-Ear vs. In-the-Ear) : Hearing aids come in different styles, each with benefits based on individual preferences and hearing loss severity. You can read more about hearing aid styles below.

  5. Device Power & Appropriateness for Hearing Loss Severity: Choosing a hearing aid that provides the right power output is essential. A device that is too weak will not properly amplify sound, while a device that is too strong may cause discomfort or distortion. A hearing care professional will match the power level of the hearing aid to the individual's audiogram to ensure optimal performance.

  6. Lifestyle Needs: Different hearing aids cater to different lifestyles. Considerations include:

    • Active Lifestyle (outdoor activities, social gatherings): A device with strong noise reduction and adaptability is ideal.

    • Moderate Lifestyle (small social events, TV, phone conversations): A mid-range hearing aid with directional microphones is beneficial.

    • Quiet Lifestyle (home-centered activities, minimal social engagement): A simpler model with basic amplification may suffice.

  7. Communication & Listening Needs: Hearing aids should match the individual’s daily communication needs, such as:

    • Work & Meetings: Devices with Bluetooth connectivity for phone and virtual meetings.

    • Music & TV Enjoyment: Hearing aids with streaming capabilities and enhanced frequency range.

    • Phone Conversations: Telecoil (T-coil) or Bluetooth compatibility for clearer calls.

  8. Auditory Processing Weaknesses: Some individuals experience difficulty processing sound even with amplification due to Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). In these cases, additional treatment with an auditory training program is

Choosing the right hearing aid involves personalized considerations beyond hearing loss severity and “looks”. Lifestyle, speech understanding ability, noise management needs, auditory processing skills, and daily communication requirements all play a critical role in selecting the most suitable device. Consulting with a qualified Audiologist who follows Best Practices, ensures the chosen hearing aid provides the best possible auditory experience for each individual’s unique needs.

Hearing aid Styles

  • Receiver in the Ear (RIC)

    A RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) hearing aid is a type of hearing aid where the speaker (receiver) sits inside the ear canal, while the main body of the device, which houses the microphone and processor, rests behind the ear. A thin wire connects the two parts with either a non-custom dome or custom molded earpiece. These devices have the most flexibility and options for user controls and connectivity.

    RIC hearing aids are suitable for adults and older children with mild to severe hearing loss and those who prefer a comfortable, discreet, and high-quality hearing solution.

  • Behind the Ear (BTE)

    A BTE (Behind-the-Ear) hearing aid is a type of hearing aid where the main unit sits behind the ear, and sound is delivered into the ear through a tube connected to an earmold. These devices have Super-Power and Ultra-Power options to provide the most amplification possible. They also have multiple options for user controls and connectivity

    BTE hearing aids are ideal for all ages, including children, and for those with moderate to profound hearing loss who need more amplification. They're also great for people who prefer easy handling and durability.

  • In the ear (ITE)

    An ITE (In-the-Ear) hearing aid is a custom-molded hearing aid that fits entirely within the outer ear (concha) or the ear canal, depending on the size. Rechargeable ITEs are available with user controls, connectivity, and increased moisture resistance.

    ITE hearing aids are a good choice for people who have mild to moderately-severe hearing loss, prefer a custom-molded design, want user controls without the bulk of a BTE hearing aid.

  • Completely In the Canal (CIC)

    Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are custom-molded devices designed to fit entirely inside the ear canal for a discreet device. Due to its small size, they lack volume control, directional microphones, and wireless connectivity.

    CIC hearing aids are a good choice for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss and who don’t need user controls or connectivity.

  • Invisible in the Canal (IIC)

    An IIC (Invisible-in-the-canal) hearing aid is the most invisible fit. Placed even deeper inside the ear canal than a CIC, making it virtually undetectable. These devices lack volume control, directional microphones, and wireless connectivity.

    IIC hearing aids are a good choice for adults with mild hearing loss who are comfortable with small batteries and no manual controls.

  • Cochlear Implants (CI)*

    A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted medical device designed for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit significantly from traditional hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing users to perceive sound.

    *Lake Medical Hearing Center does not currently work with Cochlear Implants.

Hearing Aid Brands We Work With

  • Oticon

    Oticon Intent™ is a state-of-the-art hearing aid designed to provide personalized listening experiences. Equipped with groundbreaking 4D Sensor technology, it detects user intent by monitoring head and body movements, conversation activity, and the acoustic environment, allowing it to adapt seamlessly to individual listening needs. The device also features Deep Neural Network (DNN) 2.0 technology, enhancing speech clarity in various environments. With Bluetooth® LE Audio and Auracast™ capabilities, Oticon Intent ensures high-quality streaming and connectivity.

  • ReSound

    ReSound Vivia™ is an advanced hearing aid that enhances natural hearing using artificial intelligence (AI). It features the world's smallest AI-powered design, offering discreetness and all-day comfort. The device excels in noisy environments by spotlighting speech and reducing background noise, allowing users to focus on conversations effortlessly. ReSound Vivia supports Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) Audio and Auracast™ broadcast audio, enabling seamless connectivity and streaming. Additionally, it introduces the world's first Auracast Assistant for hearing aids, simplifying access to audio broadcasts in public spaces. Its compact, rechargeable design offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, even with streaming, providing users with clarity, confidence, and connectivity throughout their day.

  • Phonak

    Phonak's Audéo™ Infinio Sphere hearing aids feature a dedicated deep neural network (DNN) chip. This innovation enables real-time AI processing, allowing the device to dynamically adapt to complex auditory environments to more effectively separate speech from background noise. The dual-chip architecture, comprising the ERA and deepsonic chips, provides a 53-fold increase in processing power compared to previous models, resulting in clearer and more natural sound quality.

  • Widex

    Widex SmartRIC™ is an advanced receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid designed to provide a natural listening experience through innovative technology and user-centric design. Equipped with Widex PureSound™ technology, it delivers clear and natural sound by processing audio signals rapidly, minimizing delays and distortions.

  • Signia

    Signia's Pure Charge&Go IX hearing aids are advanced devices designed to enhance speech understanding and connectivity. These hearing aids support Bluetooth Classic, enabling seamless connectivity with various devices. The innovative RealTime Conversation Enhancements system analyzes the environment and head movements to focus on multiple speakers in real-time, adapting quickly to improve speech perception.

  • Starkey

    Starkey's Edge AI hearing aids represent a significant advancement in hearing technology, integrating artificial intelligence to enhance user experience across various listening environments. These devices are powered by the G2 Neuro Processor, which includes a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) for advanced sound processing. The integration of artificial intelligence allows for real-time adjustments to improve speech recognition and sound quality in diverse environments.

  • Unitron

    Unitron's Vivante™ hearing aids are designed with a focus on comfort, aesthetics, and ease of use, making them suitable for diverse lifestyles. Incorporating advanced features such as AutoFocus 360, which utilizes a network of four microphones to enhance speech understanding in challenging listening environments by focusing on the direction of speech and reducing background noise. Additionally, the Conversation in a Crowd program automatically adjusts settings to improve speech clarity in noisy settings, further enhancing the user experience.