Differences in Hearing Aids

Hearing in noise:
The only feature that significantly improves an individual's ability to hear in the presence of background noise is multi-microphones.  If a hearing aid has one microphone, every sound in the environment is made louder, including background noise.  If there are two microphones, one can amplify speech and the other can help to reduce background noise, especially in a noisy restaurant.  Most people require multi-microphones who purchase hearing aids.  This is a no-charge option for all of the hearing aids provided at Appalachian Audiology.

Volume Control:
Some hearing aids do not have a volume control, because the wearer prefers to have an automatic hearing aid.  This is a no-charge option for all of the hearing aids provided at Appalachian Audiology.

Telephone Amplifier:
Some hearing aids have a telephone switch, some have an automatic switch.  This is a no-charge option at Appalachian Audiology.

Whistle:
All of the hearing aids have no-whistle technology.  Depending on the hearing loss and style of hearing aid, the feedback or whistle can usually be totally eliminated.

Batteries:
Most hearing aids use batteries, some are re-chargeable.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

FM compatibility:
An FM system improves speech understanding in noisy environments.  Most hearing aids, but not all, are compatible with FM systems.  Be sure to inquire about this.