{"id":211,"date":"2019-07-03T11:15:38","date_gmt":"2019-07-03T17:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/santafeent.fm1.dev\/?page_id=211"},"modified":"2023-04-26T10:10:02","modified_gmt":"2023-04-26T16:10:02","slug":"hearing-aids-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/santafeent.com\/ear-hearing\/hearing-aids\/hearing-aids-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Aids Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Southwestern Hearing & Balance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We are pleased to partner exclusively with Southwestern Hearing & Balance<\/a><\/strong> where you will find the best Doctors of Audiology in northern New Mexico.  Located conveniently next door to our office, the team at Southwestern Hearing & Balance works in close collaboration with the staff at David R. Brown, MD ENT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Southwestern Hearing & Balance<\/a><\/strong>, dispenses hearing aids from the top hearing aid manufacturers in the industry. These manufactures provide not only technology, but excellent service based on our high standards. The entire team at Southwestern Hearing & Balance is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for you and your family.  To schedule an appointment  with Southwestern Hearing & Balance, call (505) 946-3955.
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Hearing Aid Styles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hearing aids have improved greatly with the advent of digital technology. If you\u2019re picturing big and bulky devices with questionable sound quality, you\u2019ll be pleased to learn today\u2019s instruments are smaller, more comfortable and provide sound that is more natural. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so finding one that appeals to your lifestyle needs and cosmetic preferences should be easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the types available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)<\/h3>\n\n\n
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An RIC hearing aid consists of a tiny housing containing all electronics except the receiver, which is positioned behind the ear. A thin tube connects the housing to the receiver, which is worn in the concha (bowl-shaped portion) of the ear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a small and discreet unit but powerful enough for treating mild to moderately severe hearing loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Behind-the-Ear (BTE)<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The most popular style of hearing aid (about 60 percent of users choose this type), a BTE device is curved to match the contour of the ear and rests directly behind the ear. The housing, which contains all the electronics, is encased in plastic and connects to the ear canal with a thin, clear tube or ear mold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though more visible than other styles, the BTE is simple to use, making it a popular choice for children. It\u2019s powerful enough for all types of hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)<\/h3>\n\n\n
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This hearing aid is placed in the ear canal and is the smallest available. It takes advantage of the ear\u2019s natural ability to collect sound, and its discreet size makes the device virtually invisible to others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trade-off is a shorter battery life, and it may prove difficult to adjust for those with poor manual dexterity. This is a good choice for mild to moderate hearing loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In-the-Canal (ITC)<\/h3>\n\n\n
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This style is also designed to fit in the ear canal, but not as deeply as a CIC device, resting securely in the lower portion instead. It\u2019s a little larger, making it easier to insert and remove and extending the battery life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In-the-Ear (ITE)<\/h3>\n\n\n
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This hearing aid is designed to fill the outer portion of the ear, and is larger than those worn in the ear canals. It is less discreet, but the size allows for more features and makes the unit easier to adjust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A bigger battery translates to longer life and means those with severe or profound hearing loss can benefit from this style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hearing Aid Technologies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hearing aid technology has improved drastically over the past couple of decades. Early devices relied on vacuum tubes and bulky batteries, but today\u2019s instruments take advantage of digital signal processing, microchips and computerization. Keeping track of the latest technological features can be challenging, but we\u2019ll cover a few of the more popular options here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the breakthroughs in hearing aid technology include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n