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are the three main types of hearing aids that are currently available:
Classic
This type of hearing aid is the mainstay of amplification systems.
This arrangement consist of a basic amplification circuit that will
react to sounds in a similar way at all input levels. This type
of circuit requires the use of a volume control that the patient
uses to adjust overall loudness. In this Classic circuit, the Audiologist
has limited tone control for fine tuning and adjustment. These instruments
comprise our Economy Class.
Programmable
This class of hearing aid represents a higher technology approach
than the Classic type described above. In this instrument, the Audiologist
connects the hearing aid to a host computer that allows for more
precise and comprehensive control of the circuit. In this class
of instrument, various features such as directional microphones
and different output processing strategies may be employed. These
instruments may offer "Automatic" volume control vs. "Manual"
volume control. This will be determined by your hearing loss and
individual hearing requirements. This category of devices is considered
our "Business Class".
Digital
This category of instrument offers the ultimate in adjustability,
sound quality and control. In this class, the hearing devices will
be connected to a host computer for programming as the Programmable
class. The primary difference in the Digital systems is in the fact
that the Hearing Device is a computer. This ear worn computer breaks
down the component parts of sound and can "rearrange"
these parts so that certain types of inferring noises may be reduced.
This is the "First Class" option.
All of the above described hearing aids are available in sizes
from the Behind the Ear style through Custom in the Ear, Canal and
Completely in the Canal models.
We carry devices from a variety of major manufacturer such as PHONAK,
OTICON, WIDEX, and SIEMENS.
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