Hearing Aid Selection

Key Hearing Audiology Clinic has a very wide selection of hearing aids to choose from, for both children and adults. We offer a full range of hearing aid products with the latest digital technology, including rechargeable and Bluetooth-streaming models, in a complete line of styles, from the smallest completely In The Canal hearing aids to the more durable or higher power Behind The Ear hearing aids.

Features such as telephone switches, remote controls, and directional microphones are available on many products.

Hearing Aid Manufacturers

Unlike many corporate-owned clinics, Key Hearing does not have a conflict of interests when it comes to hearing aid selection. We are dedicated to fitting the right hearing aids to our patient's individual needs, and this can only be done by being up-to-date on the latest and greatest solutions offered by a wide array of manufacturers.

Key Hearing Audiology Clinic offers hearing aid products from all the top international manufacturers, some of whom you can visit online: Starkey, GN ReSound, Unitron, Oticon, Phonak, Signia, Widex, Rexton, and many more.

Hearing Aid Styles

Realize that any circuitry can be put into any style/size of hearing aid. Each size has its benefits and detriments. Larger style aids provide better access to manual "options" that can be available with the different types of circuitry, but there are trade offs for this access. By the same token, smaller style aids may not have the same access to options, but can be more versatile for the active individual. The appropriate style can be determined in close consultation with your audiologist and by examining your hearing loss, lifestyle and individual hearing needs and circumstances.

Behind the Ear (BTE) Appropriate for all degrees of losses. Best for severe to profound hearing losses.
	Pros: Durable Least Expensive Room for manual controls Longer battery life and larger batteries	Cons: Telephone switch needed for use with phone Higher exposure to wind noise Reduced directionality Need to replace tubing every 3-6 months
In the Ear (ITE) Appropriate for all degrees of hearing loss. Works well for those with severe hearing losses who desire an “in the ear” instrument.
	Pros: Durable Least expensive (cost comparable to BTE) Room for manual controls and options Longer battery life with larger batteries	Cons: Telephone switch needed for use with phone Higher exposure to wind noise Reduced directionality Aid fills entire ear
In The Canal (ITC) Appropriate for mild to moderately-severe hearing impairments. Not appropriate for profound losses.
	Pros: Custom aid sits in “bowl” of ear Telephone switch option but not necessary Reduced chance of wind noise Less visibility	Cons: Shorter battery life compared to larger aid Reduced space for manual options/controls Potential dexterity problems
Completely In Canal (CIC) Best suited for mild to moderately-severe hearing impairments.
	Pros: Custom aid sits deeply in canal – least visible Low chance of problem due to wind noise Phone switch not necessary	Cons: Shorter battery life Potential for repairs due to neglect No manual control options

Hearing Aid Options

Hearing aids are exactly what the name states, an aid to assist you in hearing. It is meant to improve your hearing, not correct it. In its simplest form, the hearing aid is simply a microphone, amplifier, and loudspeaker system, fit into the size of a nutshell. You may ask: “Why does it cost so much if that's all it is?” Imagine your whole high-end 7.4.2 Atmos home entertainment surround sound system (minus the nest of cables) fitting in your ear… Suddenly a hearing aid becomes far more impressive. Obviously something is lost in size reduction, but even the simplest hearing aids have amazing cutting-edge technology that warrants appreciation. In a hearing aid, the technology is independent of the size of the aid.

Today's hearing aid technology

All modern hearing aids are digital. The differences between technology levels are in how well they handle background noise, how automatically they adjust between quiet and busy places, and which connectivity features they include. Most models now offer rechargeable batteries, direct streaming from phones and TVs, and remote adjustment through a smartphone app. We fit every device using real-ear measurement, which verifies that the hearing aid delivers the sound your hearing test calls for.

Assistive Listening Devices

We also feature selection of assistive listening and alerting devices to improve communication and listening skills for specific situations. These include FM Systems, TV Infrared Listening System, Clarity telephone, Pocket Talker personal amplification system, Shake Awake alarm clock, and Alertmaster Systems (for alerting to doorbells, crying babies, etc).

Other products include batteries, accessories, ear protection, swim plugs, musicians' ear plugs, shooters plugs, pilot partners.

Over-the-counter or professionally fitted?

Over-the-counter hearing aids can help some adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. A professionally fitted hearing aid starts with a diagnostic hearing test, is programmed and verified to your hearing loss, and comes with follow-up care and adjustments. If you are unsure which is right for you, a hearing test is the place to start.