State-of-the-Art Hearing Aid Technology at Our Practice
In most cases, patients with hearing loss can restore their hearing to functional levels with a hearing aid. Using a variety of techniques, hearing aids amplify sounds directed at the listener and are a simple and effective solution to most hearing impairment issues. At Hearing Services of Antioch, we offer a wide selection of hearing aids, as well as assistive listening devices and other hearing instruments for patients of all ages. Our audiologists can help you determine which hearing instrument is right for you.
- Technology That Can Help You with Your Hearing Loss
- What's New in Hearing Aid Technology?
- Popular Brands We Carry
Technology That Can Help You with Your Hearing Loss
There are two main things to consider when purchasing amplification devices: the style or appearance of the hearing aids and, more importantly, the sound processing used to improve your hearing. We offer products from a variety of hearing aid manufacturers, including Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) and "Open Fit" over-the-ear devices that are barely visible. Prices can vary greatly depending on the level of technology needed by each individual, which can range from conventional (analog) circuits to simple digital processing to state-of-the art digital sound processing. View our list of frequently asked questions for more information on hearing aid technology.
BTE (Behind-the-Ear)
Behind-the-Ear hearing aids are great instruments for individuals who are suffering from mild to intense hearing loss. This type of hearing aid is especially good for children and patients who experience excessive moisture and wax in their ears. BTE instruments require ear molds and can include features such as directional microphones, telecoils, and multiple listening programs. New, smaller styles are now available to individuals with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss for a less visible, "open fit."
ITE (In-the-Ear)
In-the-Ear hearing devices work well for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss. This type of hearing aid fills the outer portion of the ear and is custom made for the best fit. ITE hearing aids have larger amplifiers due to their size. These hearing aids can include features such as multiple listening programs, telecoils, and directional microphones. Contact Hearing Services of Antioch today to learn more about ITE hearing aids.
ITC (In-the-Canal)
Smaller than ITE hearing aids, In-the-Canal hearing aids are designed for patients with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Because they are small, ITC hearing aids are unobtrusive and aesthetically appealing. However, because of their size, optional features that are available for other hearing aid models are limited.
CIC (Completely-in-Canal)
Completely-in-Canal hearing aids are the smallest hearing instruments available. They are designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and who have an ear canal big enough to accommodate them. CIC hearing instruments fit deep inside the ear, allowing for the most natural sound reception. These custom-designed hearing aids are cosmetically appealing because they are virtually undetectable.
RITE (Receiver-in-the-Ear)
Advanced hearing aid technology has resulted in a new category of hearing aids called Receiver-in-the-Ear. RITE hearing aids are extremely lightweight and as discreet as CIC devices, but deliver superior speech understanding. They are designed for patients with high-frequency hearing loss as well as severe hearing loss. RITE hearing aids feature advanced functionality options such as directional microphones. The Oticon® Delta™ hearing aid offered at Hearing Services of Antioch is the first of these devices to be made available. To learn more about RITE hearing aids, please contact our East County practice today.
EXTENDED WEAR
This category of hearing devices is new with the development of the LYRIC. Similar to extended contacts the Lyric is worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for several months. The placement of the device in your ear canal makes it completely invisible. There are no batteries to change, no daily maintenance, and no repairs. These are sold on a subscription basis as when the completely contained battery fails in the Lyric the device is removed and replaced with a new device. Up to 8 devices per ear are included with the annual subscription.
What's New in Hearing Aid Technology?
We are proud to feature the latest in hearing aid technology at our practice, including the Oticon® Agil Pro™, the Phonak Ambra, and the Widex Zen.
OTICON AGIL PRO
The Oticon Agil Pro has a revolutionary sound processing chip that incorporates super fast speed with three unique features that allow the user to experience effortless hearing; Spatial Sound 2, Speech Guard, and BlueTooth connectivity with Connect Plus). This means more power to differentiate sounds and more mental energy to understand, remember and participate. The technology is available in all styles from Completely-in-the-Canal to mini Receiver-in-the-Ear to smaller power Behind-the-Ear devices, all designed to meet your expectations of style and comfort.
PHONAK AMBRA
The Phonak Ambra is an industry leader in miniaturization and performance and is available in 14 styles for complete personalization. Each Ambra is moisture and dirt-protected to ensure long hours of trouble-free hearing. Unique features include Sound Recover which increases the user's spectrum of of audible sounds, DuoPhone which allows the listener to hear the phone in both ears, and many Zoom options to focus on speech in front, at the side or even in back. Wireless BlueTooth connectivity and remote control are some of the available accessories.
WIDEX MIND SERIES WITH ZEN
The Widex Mind 440 is a unique development in the hearing industry. With exceptional sound and background noise control providing exceptional hearing the Mind series also incorporates SmartSpeak, a verbal messaging system that lets you know when your batteries are getting low and which program your are in. The most innovative new feature is a revolutionary harmonic sound program called Zen. Research has shown that this tonal program can provide relaxation and in many cases relief from annoying tinnitus over time as part of a tinnitus treatment therapy. The 5 different choices of Zen music can be tailored to suit your individual needs.
Popular Brands We Carry
Hearing Services of Antioch carries a wide variety of hearing aid brands for people of all ages, including:
- General Hearing Instruments
- Lyric
- Oticon®
- Phonak™
- SeboTek®
- Siemens™
- Sonic Innovations™
- Sonovations
- Starkey®
- Unitron®
- Widex®
Contact our practice today to learn more about any of the hearing aid brands
we carry.
Contact Hearing Services of Antioch
To schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Mary Jane Garnett, Au.D., at Hearing Services of Antioch. Our mission is to help you improve your hearing and enjoy the life you deserve.
Hearing Services of Antioch
4045 Lone Tree Way, Ste. D.
Antioch, CA 94531
Phone: (925) 778-3298
Fax: (925) 778-0937