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Hearing Aids

We believe it is important to provide effective, affordable, and comprehensive hearing aid services to people in Charlotte, NC. We have custom hearing solutions from the top manufacturers to fit your unique lifestyle, whatever that may be.

If you have questions or concerns about your hearing, visit Hearing & Balance Solutions to schedule a hearing appointment and let us improve how you hear.

Call us at (704) 912-4422 to schedule your appointment or click the button below to schedule online.

Hearing Aids

What are hearing aids?

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that are worn in or behind an individual’s ear to help him or hear. To put it simply, all hearing aids consist of a microphone, amplifier, and speaker to pick up audio signals, amplify them, and broadcast them into the listener’s ears.

At Hearing & Balance Solutions all of our hearing aids are 100% digital and programmable, and are programed to the specific patient’s hearing needs by Dr. Gosu. Below, we’ve put together a short guide to the different types and styles of hearing aids available today.

Hearing aids consist of four essential components: a microphone, an amplifier, a speaker, and a power supply. These four components are found in all hearing aids, regardless of style or size.

The following is a basic explanation of how a hearing aid works:

  1. Sound is collected and converted into an electrical signal by the microphone.
  2. The sound signal is made louder by the amplifier.
  3. The amplified sound is then sent to your ears by the speaker.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

The majority of the components of a BTE hearing aid are housed in a small plastic case that sits behind the ear, with a clear tube connecting the case to the earmold or earpiece. BTE hearing aids are popular among those who require higher-power hearing aids since they are easy to clean and manage, making them a good choice for those who have issues handling small devices.

In-the-Canal (ITC) or Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

These hearing aids are among the smallest on the market. All of the operating components fit into the ear canal wholly or partially. This makes them one of the most discreet types, ideal for those who don't want to call attention to their hearing loss. They also give a more organic listening experience because their microphones are placed in the ear canal.

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)

These hearing aids are similar to behind-the-ear hearing aids, but instead of a tube, they contain a short wire that connects the case and the receiver. They offer a similar amplification and battery life level as a BTE hearing aid, but they are considerably more discreet.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

There are two forms of ITE hearing aid: One is made to cover the entire bottom half of the ear, while the other only partly covers the bottom half of the ear. Because this is a full-size hearing aid compared to in-the-canal options, you'll notice extra features like volume control and greater amplification for individuals with more severe hearing loss.

Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)

Invisible-in-canal hearing aids are great for people who prefer a very discreet hearing aid. When inserted, this wearing style is not visible and includes no wires or tubes on the external part of the ear. They are lightweight and comfortable, and provide a more natural listening experience due to the proximity to the ear drum. This style is not appropriate for all types of hearing loss, and may be challenging to insert/change batteries for people with dexterity issues.

Types of Hearing Aids

What Are The Different Types of Hearing Aids?

There are many different types of hearing aids, and that can be bewildering at times. Some of the most common types and the benefits they bring are listed below to help you decide which type is suitable for you.

Hearing Aid Brands

What are the best hearing aids?

Widex Allure

Widex Allure hearing aids deliver crystal clear speech and natural sound with AI-powered technology, advanced noise reduction, and intuitive controls.

ReSound Vivia

ReSound Vivia hearing aids combine AI-powered sound processing with the smallest microRIE design, offering natural hearing and advanced connectivity features.

Starkey Edge AI

Starkey Edge AI hearing aids use advanced artificial intelligence and sound processing to deliver clear, natural hearing in all environments.

Phonak Infinio

Phonak Infinio delivers advanced hearing technology with enhanced speech clarity and connectivity for superior listening experiences.

Oticon Intent

Experience personalized clarity with pioneering user-intent sensors and advanced sound technology of Oticon Intent.

Jabra Enhance Plus

Jabra EnhanceTM Plus miniaturized 3-in-1 earbuds for hearing enhancement, music and calls offer a hearing solution that combines the convenience and design of true wireless earbuds with advanced medical-grade hearing enhancing technology.

Batteries

Types of Batteries

Rechargeable batteries

Available in several higher-end hearing aid models. These hearing aids are charged at night using a charging stand. Lithium-ion is the most recent rechargeable technology, allowing consumers to get a whole day's worth of power from just one overnight charge.

Non-rechargeable

Non-rechargable hearing aids are the most common. Depending on the hearing aid and use scenario, non-rechargeable hearing aid batteries can last 3 to 7 days, and smaller batteries have a shorter battery life than larger batteries.