There are two parts of hearing. There is volume: "I can hear you saying something," and then there is clarity: "I understand what you are saying." The majority of people with hearing loss can hear just fine. It’s the clarity, the comprehension, and understanding in background noise that we really need to work on.
Today’s hearing aids are nothing like they used to be. Hearing aids used to be basic amplifiers which made everything louder – soft sounds, loud sounds, and even background noise. Now, hearing aids are mini computers, sampling the sounds in your environment and automatically changing the sound so it increases the speech of the person you are talking to while decreasing the volume of background noise. Hearing aids are also no longer big and bulky, they are now nearly invisible and contain Bluetooth capabilities. Hearing aids can vary greatly in price depending on the level of technology and what kind of features the hearing aid has.
When choosing a hearing aid there are three factors you must consider:
One or two hearing aids: Based on your hearing test results, Dr. Maresca will sit down with you and discuss the pros and cons of having one hearing aid versus having two.
Style: We understand how the hearing aid will look is important, and there are a variety of hearing aid styles available. Each style has its own strengths and weaknesses. We will take into account your hearing loss, your ear shape, dexterity, and aesthetic preferences.
Technology: There are many different hearing aid technologies available today. The range of hearing aid technology varies from basic to advance. Basic hearing aids are designed to make sound louder and clearer. Mid-level hearing aids help you hear even better as well as understand better in quiet and noisy environments. Technologically advanced hearing aids are designed for optimal clarity, have a better noise management system, and more bands and channels for clearer understanding.
We carry hearing aids from Oticon, Signia, and Starkey. We work with multiple manufacturers because each brand is designed for a specific purpose, and working with multiple brands allows us to better fit patients. Oticon is the best hearing aid manufacturer for patients with tinnitus while Signia has the best CROS systems for single sided hearing.
Along with different levels of technologies, hearing aids also come in a wide range of styles. Depending on your type of hearing loss, listening environments, personal preferences, and if you have tinnitus, Dr. Maresca will help you find the right style of hearing aid that will suit your needs. Hearing aids today are advanced mini computers that can improve your quality of life by providing amplification, clarity, and relief to your hearing loss. When choosing a hearing aid style it is important to consider your type of hearing loss, your budget, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and if you have any other medical conditions.
There are many different styles of hearing aids. We carry the following:
Today’s hearing aids are technologically advanced and do more than just amplify sound. Bluetooth technology makes it possible for hearing aid users to connect their hearing aids directly to their favorite devices for improved sound quality. You can now connect directly to your smartphone, TV, laptop, or other electronic device to stream sound. You can listen to phone calls, music, or your favorite TV shows. This way you don’t have to use any intermediary devices or take your hearing aids out to place ear buds in. This allows for a more seamless listening experience as well as a hands free alternative when speaking with friends and family on the phone. Bluetooth hearing aids may not be meant for everyone. This technology is advanced, meaning these types of hearing aids are more expensive than basic digital hearing aids. If you are not interested in streaming sound directly to your devices, or if you don’t have a smartphone, then Bluetooth hearing aids may not be for you. Dr. Maresca will discuss with you all your hearing aid options and will go over whether Bluetooth connective devices would be a good fit for your unique lifestyle.
Prolonged noise exposure is one of the leading causes of hearing loss in the United States. Loud noise can be damaging to your hearing, especially if you work in a noisy environment or are often in loud atmospheres where your ears are constantly exposed to a high level of noise. Noise-induced hearing loss is often irreversible, but can be treated with hearing aids. It is important to immediately see an audiologist if you suddenly lose your hearing or are experiencing symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss. In order to protect your hearing it is important to wear ear protection, such as earmolds or earplugs, whenever you are going to be exposed to loud noises.
Dr. Maresca can make custom earmolds to protect your hearing in high-level noise environments. Custom earmolds are designed from an impression of your ear so they can be created specifically for your unique ear shape. This provides excellent hearing protection to keep your ears safe.
Custom earplugs are also available but these are only fitted to your ear canal. Earplugs allow you to hear your surroundings while also protecting your hearing. These are most popular for musicians and hunters, who need to hear the sounds around them but do not want to damage their hearing.
Dr. Maresca has custom solutions to fit your individual lifestyle. Your hearing is important, take care to protect it. If you work in a noisy environment, it’s crucial to have regular hearing appointments to check for early signs of hearing loss. Speak to Dr. Maresca today about the right solution for you.
Oticon Intent™
Facing the daily challenge of hearing conversations in noisy environments can be difficult for individuals with hearing loss. Traditional hearing aids understand sound, but not you. Oticon IntentTM is the first hearing aid that understands what you want to listen to.
Using revolutionary BrainHearingTM technology, Oticon IntentTM uses your movements, the environment, and the conversation around you to recognize what you want and need to listen to, adapting seamlessly to deliver truly personalized support. With Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable power, Oticon IntentTM offers life-changing benefits.*
Benefits of Oticon Intent™:
