Advanced Prescription Hearing Aids
Access to Advanced Hearing Technology to Suit Your Unique Needs, Preferences and Budget
Historically, prescription hearing aids were often large and clunky, creating a stigma around their use.
You might recall your grandparents wearing these bulky devices. However, recent advancements have transformed hearing aids into small, discreet, and sometimes even invisible pieces of technology.
Today’s hearing aids do more than just amplify sound—they amplify your life. Modern devices connect seamlessly to your cell phone, tablet, or television, allowing you to stream music, audio, and phone calls irectly to your hearing aids. This connectivity keeps you more connected than ever.
At the Ear Depot, we have developed a unique “Patient Journey” based on our experience caring for thousands of patients.
This journey outlines the process we use to help our patients continue making a difference in the world and performing at their best through healthy hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aids
Q. How do I know if I need a Hearing Aid?
If you struggle to communicate well with others, find it challenging to maintain your active and independent lifestyle, or no longer enjoy conversations in noisy environments like restaurants or social events, you might benefit from hearing aids. The first step in determining if hearing aids are right for you is to undergo a comprehensive hearing assessment.
Q. Do hearing aids cure hearing loss?
Hearing aids assist your natural hearing by processing sound to clarify and amplify it, but they cannot restore the natural function of your ears. While not a cure, hearing aids can slow hearing deterioration, limit cognitive decline, alleviate tinnitus symptoms, and help correct balance and vertigo issues.
Q. How long will a hearing aid last?
The average lifespan of hearing aids is between three to six years with proper care, including daily cleaning, regular maintenance, tune-ups, and repairs. Most hearing care professionals recommend upgrading every five years to take advantage of the latest technologies in this rapidly developing field.
4. How often should I have a hearing test?
It is recommended to have your hearing tested annually, especially if you are over 50 or have noticed changes in your hearing. Regular hearing assessments help to detect any issues early on, making it easier to manage and treat potential problems. If you have a family history of hearing loss, work in a noisy environment, or experience symptoms like ringing in your ears, it is even more crucial to monitor your hearing health regularly.
Q. How long will it take me to adjust to my hearing aids?
The adjustment period for hearing aids varies for each individual. When you start using hearing aids, your brain undergoes an adjustment as it acclimates to the processed sounds it hasn’t heard in a while. This process can take some time as your brain relearns how to process these new sounds.Your hearing
care provider will offer programming adjustments, counseling, technical support, troubleshooting, and coping strategies to help speed up the adjustment process and make it as smooth as possible.
What Are The Different Styles?
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aid Styles
BTE hearing aids are known for their processing unit that rests behind the ear. Unlike older models, modern BTEs use digital technology to process sound. The processed sound is transmitted to the outer ear in various ways, depending on the specific style. BTE hearing aids typically offer greater processing power than In-the-Ear (ITE) devices and often include manual programming buttons and/or dials.
This style features a longer-shaped processor that can house additional processing components. A key feature is the use of acoustical tubing to deliver processed sound to an earmold. The earmold can be quick-fit or custom-formed to match the contours of the outer ear canal.
A smaller version of the traditional BTE, mini BTEs hide behind the outer ear and use ultra-thin tubing to route sound discreetly to the ear. Instead of an earmold that occludes the ear canal, this style uses a soft tip that sits in the ear canal but does not occlude it. Known as “open fitting,” this allows natural airflow and sound to enter the ear around the tip while amplified sound enters through it.
Similar to BTEs and mini BTEs, RIC and RITE models place the speaker of the instrument in the earmold or ear tip rather than in the main body of the device. Processed sound is transmitted from the processor to the speaker
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aid Styles
ITE hearing aids contain both the processing unit and the speaker within a single housing. These devices vary in size and are positioned differently in the ear canal. One advantage of ITE devices is that they do not interfere with glasses, oxygen cannula, or headwear. They also offer a more secure fit for active individuals and provide greater wearing discretion.
These are the most powerful ITE hearing instruments and sit flush within the outer ear bowl. Their larger size allows for additional controls and features like directional microphones and larger batteries, which offer longer battery life. These benefits become limited or disappear as the size of the ITE device diminishes.
ITC instruments sit inside the lower portion of the outer ear bowl, offering greater comfort and security. Slightly larger than Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) models, they have a longer battery life and can include additional features like directional microphones for improved speech clarity in noisy environments and manual controls.
CIC devices are smaller custom ITE devices that fit deeply and entirely within the ear canal, making them almost invisible. While they offer discrete and secure wearing, they lack some features of larger devices. Insertion, extraction, and handling can be challenging for those with manual dexterity or visual challenges.
Currently Accepting New Clients
With appointments available, you’re invited to schedule and start your hearing journey.
Schedule Your Hearing Aid Consultation
At The Ear Depot, we partner with major manufacturers, to make sure you have access to the latest available technology. But the purchasing of hearing aids is not where it should stop for you or your loved ones.
We know that you are unique, and your hearing aids will also be very personal to you. That’s why you will recieve the very best personalized care, tailored to your specific needs, from your first appointment with us.
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Meet Your Team
Hearing Health Journeys
“Friendly, professional and caring”
At her first appointment, Sue says she thought the team was “friendly, professional and caring.” Additionally, she says she liked how they were “not pushy” and “cheerful.”
“Very welcoming and friendly”
Elaine says her experience with The Ear Depot has been “wonderful from the moment I walked in the door.” She notes that the team is “very welcoming and friendly and put me at ease.” Elaine also says she especially likes “the ease of calling and getting an appointment and sometimes on quick notice” as well as “the friendliness of staff from Danielle, Taylor and Matt.”
“I can definitely hear more”
These days, George depends on The Ear Depot for his hearing care. He describes the team as “professional and thorough.” “When there were challenges, they responded in a timely fashion and rectified the issues.”
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