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Hearing Aids
What are Hearing Aids?
Our clinic provides a variety of hearing healthcare services to our community including hearing assessments and rehabilitation, education, and counseling. The audiologists at Missouri Ear, Nose, and Throat Center also fit and dispense sophisticated hearing aids and related devices to suit all types of hearing loss and life styles. In addition, we are able to provide rehabilitation with bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) and we are Central Missouri’s ONLY cochlear implant program.

Assessments regarding the level of amplification for our patients are generally completed following a comprehensive hearing evaluation by one of our master’s level audiologists. We also actively participate in the prevention of hearing loss through the provision and fitting of hearing protective devices, consultation on the effects of noise on hearing, and consumer education.

One hearing aid will not fit all types of hearing loss. Choice of hearing aid should be tailored to the need of the patient.  There are many different hearing aids available.

Digital Hearing Aids
Digital hearing aids utilize advanced digital signal processing to allow for sophisticated sound control providing the clearest reception, especially in noisy environments. Digital hearing aids adjust automatically and can include other features such as automatic feedback control, directional microphones, special noise reduction circuitry and several customized programs.
  • Premium Digital -- Premium Digital hearing aids are more aggressive in the control of noise in the surrounding environment and are have a number of added features.

  • Mid Level Digital-- These hearing aids are moderately aggressive in the control of noisy environments and can be more appropriate for the cost conscious patient.

  • Basic Digital --For the person who wants digital technology in the most affordable range. Features of a digital aid are for a more simple environment without a lot of ambient noise.
Conventional:
Conventional hearing aids are analog devices that simply amplify speech and have noise control. These hearing aids have a volume control that can adjust the sound, but they still make loud sounds and background noise louder. This type of aid is the least expensive, but it cannot be programmed if your hearing changes over time.

Device Styles:
  • Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
    Custom-made to fit deeply inside your ear canal so that they are practically invisible.

  • In-the-Canal (ITC)
    These are also custom-made and small enough to fit almost entirely in your ear canal.

  • In-the-Ear (ITE)
    These are custom-made hearing aids made to fit within the external ear. These are fully featured including power versions.

  • Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
    These fit snugly behind the ear and are attached to a custom earpiece molded to the shape of your external ear.

  • Open-Ear-Mini (BTE)
    The newest, updated behind the ear hearing aid doesn't require a custom ear mold for many people. For maximum comfort and clarity a thin tube or wire is used to direct the sound into the ear canal.
Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)
BAHA hearing devices are not traditional hearing aids but utilize vibration technology to drive sound into the inner ear.  BAHA devices are utilized for patients with single sided deafness or for those with history of chronic ear infections that have undergone extensive surgery.  Our physicians will be able to help you understand if you are a candidate and can provide additional information. Make an appointment today.