Types of Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids in Salinas & Monterey

There are a variety of hearing aid models and styles available-and not all of them will work with your ear structure or hearing issue. At Central Coast Audiology, Inc., our knowledgeable Salinas audiologist can recommend the best model to suit your needs and help you with the fitting. We also perform follow up tests to ensure the device is working properly. Picking a suitable hearing aid is vital to its effectiveness, and choosing a model not fit for your ear could end up making your hearing problems worse.

Call (831) 216-1281 to schedule your appointment for a hearing aid fitting in Salinas or Monterey.

Hearing Aid Models

Lyric

Lyric is the first and only 100% invisible extended wear hearing solution. Once placed, it can be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for months at a time.* It is even designed to be worn during daily activities like showering and sleeping**. Unlike many other hearing aids, Lyric is positioned completely inside the ear canal so that it provides natural sound quality while staying out of sight. The product cost is based on a subscription agreement for one year.

Mini BTE- Mini Behind the Ear

• For mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
• All components contained in a case that is worn behind the ear
• A hard-molded plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a clear, thin tube extends into the ear canal
• Barely or not at all visible

BTE - Behind the Ear

• For mild to profound hearing loss
• Larger two - piece hearing aid
• All components contained in a case that is worn behind the ear
• A hard - molded plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a custom - fit earmold extends into the ear
• May be barely visible depending on case color and earmold color

CIC- Completely In the Ear

• For mild to moderately - severe hearing loss
• Very small one - piece hearing aid
• All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell
• Fits inside the ear canal
• Barely visible or not visible at all in the ear canal

HS - Half Shell

• For mild to severe hearing loss
• Larger one - piece hearing aid
• All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell
• Fills a portion of the bowl of the ear
• Visible in the ear

ITC- In The Canal

• For mild to moderately - severe hearing loss
• Small one - piece hearing aid
• All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell
• Fits outside the ear canal
• Slightly visible in the ear

ITE- In The Ear

• For mild to severe hearing loss
• Larger one - piece hearing aid
• All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell
• Fills the entire bowl of the ear
• Visible in the ear

MC - Mini Canal

• For mild to moderately - severe hearing loss
• Small one - piece hearing aid
• All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell
• Fits mostly in the ear canal and extends slightly outside of the ear canal
• Barely visible in the ear

MCIC - Mini Completely In the Ear

• For mild to moderately - severe hearing loss
• Small one - piece hearing aid
• All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell
• Fits mostly in the ear canal and extends slightly outside of the ear canal
• Barely visible in the ear

The Earlens® Contact Hearing Solution

• Most complete sound
• Premium Care
• Advanced, custom technology

Optional Features

• Telecoil: A telecoil is designed for telephone use. It prevents feedback (whistling sound) that typically occurs when the hearing aid microphone is covered (e.g. when the telephone headset is placed over the hearing aid).
• Directional Microphone: A directional microphone is built into the hearing aid and helps emphasize sounds coming from in front of the hearing aid and de - emphasize sounds coming from behind the hearing aid. Since most conversations occurs with the listener facing the speaker, the assumption is that the speech will be coming from in front of the hearing aid and noise will be coming from behind the hearing aid.
• Memory Button: The memory button allows the user to change between the listening programs that the hearing care professional has programmed into the hearing aid.
• On/Off Switch: The on/off switch allows the user to turn the hearing aid on or off without having to close or open the battery door on the hearing aid.
• Volume Control: The Volume control (available on select models) allows the user to adjust the volume of the aid manually to fit the listening environment.

Call (831) 216-1281 to learn more about the different types of hearing aids and to schedule your fitting in Salinas or Monterey.