STYLES OF HEARING AIDS
Call or Text
In-the-Ear (ITE)
In-the-Canal (ITC)
Extended-Wear Hearing AIds
How do hearing aids work?
Hearing aids have 3 basic parts: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. Analog hearing aids pick up environmental sounds through a microphone, converting the sound waves to electrical signals. The electrical signals are sent through an amplifier to increase the power of the signal. The signal is then sent through a speaker and converted back into sound waves, delivering the louder sound to the ear.
Most hearing aids today are digital. Digital hearing aids still use a microphone to gather the sound in the environment and a speaker to deliver amplified sound to your ear, but the sound isn't just amplified, it is processed or digitized by a computer chip. Digital hearing aids can perform more complex functions than analog hearing aids, analyzing and adjusting the sound based on your hearing loss, programmed settings, and the levels and types of sounds around you. Digital hearing aids allow for a wide range of technologies and a number of different feature options to choose from.
- Schedule by appointment only
- Evening and Saturday appointments are available
- Closed Fridays and Sundays
Will Hearing Aids Fix My Hearing?
Hearing aids won't return your hearing to normal. However, if your assessment determined you are a candidate for amplification, you can expect hearing aids to improve your hearing. You will need to approach hearing aid use with a positive attitude and be aware that this is a journey, not a one and done event. If you are new to hearing aids, you should expect an adjustment period as your brain gets used to hearing again, relearning to process the sounds you've been missing in this new way through hearing aids. It will be important to follow the recommendations, strategies, and activities that your audiologist recommends that are designed to help you be more successful in adapting to and benefiting from your hearing aids.
IICs are the smallest custom hearing aids. IICs sit deeply in the ear canal and are nearly invisible. Because of there small size, IICs do not allow for as many features or as much power as other styles of hearing aids.
Contact
Hearing Aids
Schedule an appointment for a comprehensive hearing aid evaluation or any of our specialized hearing aid services.
How much do hearing aids cost?
Hearing aids are an investment, but at Sound Access we want it to be a worthwhile and beneficial investment. When you commit to investing in your hearing health, we invest back in you the time and resources to help you be successful.
The cost of digital hearing aids is dependent on the level of technology in the hearing aids and the availability of advanced features. The hearing aid assessment and consultation will help determine which level is right for you, factoring in your listening needs and budget.
Traditionally, hearing aid prices have been bundled, meaning the price of the hearing aid includes future appointments, services, etc. At Sound Access we offer unbundled or itemized pricing. This means that the initial cost of your hearing aids may be lower and you pay for appointments and services separately based on you individual needs.
HEARING AIDS and hearing enhancement
BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear. BTEs use tubing that delivers sound from the hearing aid down through a custom ear mold into the ear canal. BTEs can allow for a larger design which enables the availability of more features and more power.
What to expect:
1. We start with a comprehensive evaluation of your hearing and go over your results with you. We also discuss your expectations and learn about your needs and daily sound environments.
2. If it is determined that hearing aids would benefit you, we review the hearing aid basics and your options.
3. You will be given the opportunity to demo different types of technology and brands because we believe that sound quality can be subjective. Being able to listen to your options is often the best way to know what will benefit you the most.
4. When the hearing aids you choose are ready, we schedule a fitting that includes hearing aid programming, real ear measurements, and hearing aid orientation.
5. Follow-up is a key component to success. We schedule follow-up appointments to address questions, make adjustments as needed, and to continue to monitor and optimize your progress.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
314-313-2289
the custom difference at sound access
The style of hearing aid that is best for you will depend on the degree and configuration of your hearing loss, the features that are important to you, your aesthetic preferences, and the ease of use for you.
CICs fit in the ear canal, but not as deeply as IICs. CICs are slightly larger than IICs, but are still quite discreet. The small size limits the available features and power.
ITEs, also called full shell hearing aids, fill the entire bowl of the outer ear. The larger size allows for more features and power than ITC style hearing aids, but can be easier for some individuals to manipulate and wear than BTE and RIC styles.
10097 Manchester Road
Suite 105
St. Louis, MO 63122
Our audiologist has years of experience fitting individuals with custom-fit products for their ears. From custom-fit earpiece adapters that elevate your everyday listening devices like AirPods, earbuds, and earphones to upgrading musicians' universal-fit in-ear monitors with custom-fit ear tips and sleeves to our vast experience fitting custom-fit hearing protection and custom-fit in-ear monitors, our audiologist has seen time and time again the benefits of custom. Raise your hand if you have issues with universal-fit products. Maybe they fall out and just won't stay in your ears, you can't get a good seal in your ear, or they are itchy or uncomfortable, maybe even down right painful, or they just sound muffled. Custom-fit products can eliminate these issues and ensure you get the most function out of your devices. That is why Sound Access takes a custom-fit approach to hearing aids as well.
We recommend that your hearing aids be custom-made for your ears. This includes the popular Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) style. RICs come standard with universal-fit domes that are quick and easy to fit, but we have found that universal-fit is rarely universal. We believe there is an even better option and that is to add custom-fit earpieces. This ensures the hearing aids are working optimally by directing the sound right where it is supposed to be, you can rest assured the hearing aids will stay in your ears, and you can feel more confident that you are wearing your hearing aids correctly every time you put them. Get ready to go about your day forgetting you are wearing hearing aids because of the long-wear comfort a custom-fit provides.
how much do hearing aids cost?
314-313-2289
Conveniently Located
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) with Earmold
Our audiologist uses an individualized approach to hearing aid selection that takes into account factors specific to your hearing loss, your lifestyle, your listening needs, your aesthetic, your technology requirements, and your budget. You are provided with information and options, as well as time to ask questions and try devices, so you are empowered to select the best hearing aids for you.
hearing aid basics
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
Extended-wear hearing aids are inserted deeply in the ear canal and can be worn for weeks or months at a time without being removed.
ITCs, sometimes called half shell hearing aids, sit in the lower portion of the bowl of the outer ear. ITCs can house more features than CIC or IIC hearing aids, but are slightly more discrete than ITEs.
What are the Features of Hearing Aids?
Hearing aid features vary by manufacturer, technology level, and even the style you choose. Some popular features:
- Many hearing aids now have rechargeable batteries.
- There are many water resistant hearing aids, and now, even water proof hearing aids available.
- Most hearing aids today offer Bluetooth connectivity and are compatible with iPhones and androids. Many manufacturers have apps that can give you more control over your hearing aids.
- Many manufacturers offer accessories that pair with your hearing aids to increase the function of your hearing aids.
- Some hearing aids have tinnitus managment features.
Today's hearing aids have many programming and software technology features and manufacturers are continuously innovating to improve upon the function and benefit of hearing aids.
Call or Text
314-313-2289
RIC hearing aids sit behind the ear. RICs sends the sound down a discrete receiver wire to a speaker that sits in the ear canal, delivering sound to the ear.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)