I. General Information
Hearing aids are used
to improve a person's ability to hear sounds which were previously inaudible
due to their hearing loss, as well as to improve a person's ability to discriminate
speech in various acoustic environments.
II. Style Choices
Hearing aids come in various styles, sizes and with varying degrees
of technological advances. There are two basic styles of hearing aids, in-the-ear
(ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) styles. In each of these groups are variations
of the basic style. The most commonly fitted hearing aid in the United States
is the custom fitted ITE. Each style has certain benefits and drawbacks,
therefore, we recommend that you learn what these are before you ultimately
decide on a specific style of hearing aid(s).
III. Conventional,
Programmable or Digital?
Recently, the hearing aid industry has seen an influx of newer,
more technologically advanced hearing aids. Some of the newer programmable
hearing aids are much more comfortable to wear, adjust automatically to
differing input signals and can be reprogrammed if the hearing loss worsens.
Furthermore, many have multiple memories or programs for which the user
can choose from when in different listening environments. Consumer response
to the newer digitally programmable analog and newest digital sound processing
hearing aids has been very positive. More and more people are satisfied
with their hearing aids and find them easier than ever to use and communicate
with.
IV. Cost Consideration
The cost of hearing aids varies widely depending on the type, style
and technology that is incorporated into the hearing aid.
The least expensive hearing aids today are the older style conventional
hearing aids which have a fixed frequency response curve to match the person's
hearing loss and allows for limited adjustments and flexibility.
Moderately priced instruments include the more advanced conventional
hearing aids which have advanced compression systems, adjustable trim pots
for increased flexibility using active filters, as well as add-on circuits
such as telephone coils and low cut switches for reducing low frequency
noise. Also included in this category would be the entry level programmable
analog hearing aids with a limited range of adjustment.
Slightly more expensive digitally programmable analog hearing
aids incorporate various features such as remote control function, multiple
memories, dual band compression, noise canceling circuitry such as twin
microphones with phase canceling capabilities, as well as additional features
not found in the lower priced programmables or conventionals.
Recently the digital sound processing hearing aids have been introduced
to the hearing aid industry and have been well received. These digital sound
processing hearing aids, also known as DSP's, not only utilize many of the
advanced features found in the high-end programmable hearing aids, but also
incorporate digital sound processing to improve the speech to noise ratio,
which ultimately improves speech understanding. The DSP's have a variety
of different options and are available in all styles of hearing aids. As
with all new technology, these hearing aids also demand the highest price
of all available hearing aids today. For additional information call us
at 509-943-2682 or toll free 1-888-225-5432.
V. Specific Brands
There are a variety of different brands of hearing aids available
on the market today. Most of these companies have been around for many years
and provide good quality products at reasonable prices. Most audiologists
are aware of the variety of specific brands and will be able to assess which
brand will work best for your specific situation. A list of some of the
most common brand names available today are listed below alphabetically:
Beltone Phillips
Bernafon Phonak
Danavox ReSound
Maico Siemens
Omni Starkey
Oticon Widex
Otosonic
VI. Payment
Options
Columbia Basin Hearing
Centers have a variety of payment options. CBHC accepts check, cash, VISA,
Mastercard, and Discover, American Express. Extended payment plans are also
available.
VII. Special
Discounts
Columbia Basin Hearing Centers always offer special discounts and
promotions to certain groups including senior citizens, Welfare (DSHS),
retired Hanford workers and others. CBHC also accepts trade-ins toward the
purchase of new hearing instruments.