Finding Your Perfect Match: Hearing Aid Addition

February 8, 2024

Love is in the air, which inspired us to write a blog post about finding your perfect match… your  perfect hearing aid match, that is! There’s so much information out there and so many rumors  about “the best” or “the worst” hearing aids. It can be overwhelming to try to choose! 


At The Tinnitus and Hearing Center of Arizona, we consider ourselves to be expert  matchmakers when it comes to pairing our patients with the perfect hearing aids. We can help  answer questions like: 


• How much should I spend on a hearing aid? 

• How big or small will the device be? 

• Will it help me hear better in my favorite restaurant? 

• How can I guarantee it’s a good fit? 


There’s certainly a lot that goes into picking a hearing device, and our goal with this blog post  is to help you find the perfect match for your hearing needs. If you’ve been unsure which option  is right for you, we hope this post will be both helpful and informative! 


Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids 


Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids are the most popular style of hearing aid currently  available. Sometimes referred to as receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids, they are what you  typically think of when you think of hearing aids. But are they the right choice for you? Let’s go  over some of the pros and cons: 


Receiver-in-the-Canal Pros: 

• Sleek design for discretion and cosmetic appeal. 

• Room for growth with the ability to adjust the device's strength. 

• Bluetooth connectivity for convenient audio streaming. 


Receiver-in-the-Canal Cons: 

• You might not feel if they fall out due to the lightweight design. 

• Insertion and removal challenges for those with dexterity issues. 


Conclusion: 

This style of hearing aid is ideal for those seeking a discreet option with room for future  adjustments. And, because they’re so popular, they often get upgraded with new technology  first (e.g. better speech-in-noise ability, improved battery, etc).

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids 


This custom, made-for-you, hearing aid style is another popular option because they are  tailored to fit the shape of your ear perfectly. There are several sizes available in this style in  addition to the In-the-Ear option like Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) and Invisible-in-the-Canal  (IIC). Let’s go over the pros and cons of the various In-the-Ear hearing aid options: 


In-the-Ear Pros: 

• They are custom-fit based on an impression of your ear anatomy. 

• Easier insertion, especially for individuals with dexterity issues. 


In-the-Ear Cons: 

• Less discrete, potentially visible in the ear bowl. 

• The smaller size may impact features like Bluetooth or battery life. 

• They are more prone to damage due to their fragile housing. 


Conclusion: 

In-the-Ear hearing aids might be a great option for those prioritizing a tailored fit but willing to  compromise on visibility. It may not be a great option if having all of the latest and greatest  features is important to you. 


Behind-the-Ear (BTE) with Earmold 


Many people are also familiar with this type of hearing aid. It’s the “tried and true” hearing aid  style that has been around for years, and it has stood the test of time for a reason! This design  can fit individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss, making it a very flexible option. 


Behind-the-Ear Pros: 

• Fits all degrees of hearing loss, delivering maximum amplification. 

• Multiple battery options, including disposable or rechargeable. 

• Secure fit with earmold for comfort and retention. 


Behind-the-Ear Cons: 

• More visible than other options, as it sits behind the ear and in the ear. • Wind noise may be a concern due to microphone placement. 


Conclusion: 

Behind-the-Ear hearing aids are a versatile choice for individuals with varying hearing loss  levels. The different battery options offer flexibility based on your preferences and lifestyle.


Cochlear Implants (CI) 


Cochlear implants are not typically grouped together with hearing aids, but we wanted to  include them because they are a good option for certain individuals. If you’re not familiar, this is  a small electronic device that helps to provide a sense of sound to those who are profoundly or  severely hard of hearing. The implant consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear  and a second portion that is surgically placed under the skin. 


Cochlear Implant Pros: 

• Life-changing outcomes for profoundly or severely hard-of-hearing individuals. • Improved hearing compared to traditional hearing aids in specific scenarios. 

Cochlear Implant Cons: 

• Time-consuming process with surgery, activation, and programming stages. • Requires commitment and adjustments to maintain a significant change. 


Conclusion: 

Cochlear implants can be a great option for individuals who are no longer benefiting from  traditional hearing aids. They can offer improved hearing in challenging situations, drastically  changing your quality of life for the better. 


Finding the right hearing means weighing numerous factors, from budget concerns to design  preferences to lifestyle needs. If you would like more personalized help, give us a call at 480- 831-6159 and schedule a consultation with the experts at The Tinnitus and Hearing Center of  Arizona. We can help you explore the possibilities and ultimately, enhance your hearing  experience!

April 17, 2025
It's important for everyone to be able to hear the world around them. However, the reality is that around 15% of American adults over the age of 18 have trouble hearing. This can be extremely frustrating, and cause a person to miss out on important things every day. Hearing aids are a fantastic solution to this common challenge, and Oticon stands out as a leader in innovative hearing technology. Let's explore the world of Oticon Hearing Aids, uncovering their remarkable benefits and how they work to not just improve hearing and ease tinnitus, but to truly elevate your quality of life. The Importance of Hearing Aids in Modern Life Hearing aids are essential for those with hearing loss. In addition to helping communication and social engagement, they also offer enhanced safety, reduced cognitive strain, and provide a greater sense of connection with the world. Many people don't realize the potential dangers of even slight hearing loss. It can be difficult to hear things such as fire alarms, traffic noise, or sirens. Those who use hearing aids experience clearer communication in both quiet and noisy settings, and they help individuals stay engaged with others while reducing the social isolation that often comes along with hearing loss. Overall, hearing aids allow people to more fully participate in daily life. Overview of Oticon Hearing Aids Oticon Hearing Aids digitally process sounds to make it easier for the wearer to hear. By supporting the brain's natural sound processing, the hearing aids offer solutions for a variety of hearing loss levels from mild to profound as well as single-sided deafness. BrainHearing Technology is based on the brain's hearing process. It is important to understand that with normal hearing, sound waves enter the ear, where they are translated into neural signals that are sent to the brain and processed as sound. With hearing loss, however, the sounds are jumbled from the start, and it is difficult for the brain to make sense of them. Oticon Hearing Aids go a long way in helping by assisting wearers in focusing and zooming in on sounds they are trying to hear. Key Features of Oticon Hearing MoreSound Intelligence (MSI) 3.0 is a groundbreaking technology that makes it easier for users to enjoy, follow and engage in conversations. It comprehensively scans and precisely analyzes the sound scene. Then it organizes the sounds around the user and utilizes the brand new on-board Deep Neural Network 2.0 to process and create contrast among the identified sounds. New MSI 3.0 brings users the full sound scene in much higher clarity and balance in any situation than ever before. And what’s more, thanks to the 4D sensors, it seamlessly adapts to the user’s specific listening needs delivering personalized support based on the situation and the user’s intention, for significantly improved speech comprehension. What truly sets these hearing aids apart is their sophisticated sensor technology. Imagine being in a crowded restaurant – these devices can intelligently analyze the environment, identify speech, and reduce distracting background noise in real-time. This means you can actively participate in conversations, even in challenging acoustic situations, without the strain and frustration you might have experienced before. This ability to adapt to your surroundings and prioritize clarity is a game-changer, making social gatherings and everyday interactions enjoyable again. Models and Their Unique Benefits The Newer Oticon Intent Experience sound the way it was meant to be heard with the Oticon Intent. Designed with cutting-edge technology, the Intent focuses on providing a rich and natural sound experience, allowing you to effortlessly engage in conversations and connect with your surroundings. Oticon Custom Own & Custom Own SI’s For a discreet and personalized hearing solution, the Oticon Custom Own and Custom Own SI's are tailored to fit the unique contours of your ear. These in-the-ear hearing aids offer exceptional comfort and a natural listening experience without compromising on Oticon's advanced sound processing. Tinnitus Relief Through Oticon Hearing Aids Through Tinnitus SoundSupport, a sound generator integrated into Oticon Hearing Aids, wearers experience tinnitus relief through the integration of various sounds into the hearing aids that help distract or mask the tinnitus. There are options for natural sounds, broadband noise, and customizable settings. Various sounds are available, including natural sounds like ocean waves, steady white noise, and broadband noise. Contact Tinnitus & Hearing Center of Arizona Don't let hearing loss hold you back from anything that life has to offer. At Tinnitus & Hearing Center of Arizona, we have decades of experience providing the best treatment available with advanced technology that focuses on your hearing loss and brain function. Hearing better means living better! Discover how Oticon and the Tinnitus & Hearing Center of Arizona are transforming lives by improving hearing, providing tinnitus relief, and enhancing quality of life. It's time to hear the world clearly again! Contact us today to get started on the path to better hearing. Image Source: Noelle12 /Shutterstock
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