American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Certified Member

   
Audiology Hearing Aids Speech Pathology

Hearing Aid Technology | Repair & Service | Realistic Expectations | Success Strategies


Completely in the Canal (CIC) hearing
aid, virtually invisible from the outside.

 In my Audiology practice, I specialize in providing the best, most technically advanced hearing instruments on the market. 

Below is a chart which summarizes the hearing aid technologies available today.

Programmable Hearing Aids

Programmable hearing aids are custom programmed using a computer with special software. The information in an audiogram is entered into the computer, and the hearing aids are then adjusted by computer to give the best possible hearing improvement. They can be reprogrammed or fine-tuned at any time.

Hearing Aid Technology Overview


Three different styles of hearing aids: behind-the-ear (left),
in-the-ear (top), completely-in-the-canal (right). 

Programmable Digital Technology
  • The most advanced level of technology available
  • Superior sound quality
  • Completely automatic
  • Fully digital sound processing between microphone and receiver
  • Fully digital amplification
  • Minimizes hearing aid whistling
  • Minimizes cellular telephone interface
  • Superior listening comfort in many environments
  • Processes speech and noise differently
  • Advanced fitting flexibility


Digital hearing aid microchip.

Digitally Programmable Analog Technology

  • Currently a moderate level of hearing aid technology
  • Good sound quality
  • Fully analog signal processing
  • Fully analog amplification
  • Digitally programmed only
  • Good listening comfort in many environments
  • Advanced fitting flexibility
Conventional analog technology
  • Currently the most basic level of hearing aid technology
  • Fully analog signal processing
  • Fully analog amplification
  • Good listening comfort in many environments
  • Limited fitting flexibility

Hearing aids available:

Michele Wilson, Ph.D., dispenses and services hearing aids from the manufacturers of leading hearing aid technology. All hearing aid models from the companies below are available through her office:

Realistic Hearing Aid Expectations

Setting realistic expectations is important in achieving success with any hearing instrument, but especially with programmable instruments where you expect high performance. 

It is critical that you understand what hearing aids can accomplish and have realistic objectives. 
Your hearing aid should:

  • Allow you to hear many sounds that you may not be able to hear, or may not hear clearly, without amplification, such as children's voices, soft voices or quiet outdoor sounds.
       

  • Allow you to understand speech more clearly, and with less effort, in a variety of listening situations.
       

  • Prevent normally loud sounds from becoming uncomfortable. Loud sounds that are uncomfortable for normal hearing individuals may similarly be uncomfortable when using hearing instruments.
       

  • Allow you to hear more clearly in some noisy situations.

You should understand that your hearing aid will:

  • Require up to 90 days for adjustment and to reach your maximum performance potential.
       

  • Not restore your hearing capabilities to "normal."
       

  • Not completely filter out background noise - despite advertising claims. However, advanced technology hearing aids can reduce background noise interference. These devices, which are well worth the additional cost, can produce a more successful listening experience.

Hearing Aid Service & Repair

Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices, which can break down with use, especially in contact with body oils and ear wax. Michele Wilson offers repair and reprogramming services for all makes and models of hearing aids, regardless of where these have been purchased.

For further information on hearing aid technology,
contact Michele Wilson, Ph.D.

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Audiology Hearing Aids Speech Pathology
Certified Member of American-Speech-Hearing Association
Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology

4010 Barranca, Suite 220 (at Culver), Irvine, California 92604
Phone: (949) 857-6051 Fax: (949) 857-0941
E-mail: wilson@hear-more.com