Hearing Aids
Hearing loss can be due to the aging process, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, infections, head or ear trauma, congenital or genetic factors, diseases, as well as a number of other causes. With approximately 34 million Americans suffering with some degree of hearing loss, let the hearing specialists at Saint Francis guide you through hearing tests and options for hearing aids.
Types of Hearing Tests
Audiometric Evaluation: This first step evaluates a person's speech understanding at different loudness levels and in different environments.
Middle Ear Function Testing: This testing is used to further evaluate ones hearing. Results of the hearing evaluation are plotted on a graph called an audiogram. The audiogram provides a visual view of the hearing test results across various pitches.
Types of Hearing Aids
There are essentially three levels of hearing aid technology:
- analog;
- programmable; and
- digital.
Styles of Hearing Aids
Open Fit hearing aids are similar in style to behind-the-ear (BTE) aids in that a shell sits above your ear and a wire travels down from there into your ear canal, but that's where the similarities end. Open fit BTEs are a newer technology and the shell above the ear is much smaller. The hearing aid as a whole is also lighter. The earpiece of an open fit hearing aid is a small, soft rubber cap, which is much more comfortable than the tightly fitting earpieces of BTEs, completely-in-the-canal (CICs) aids, etc.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom designed and fit directly into your ear, filling most of the visible portion of your ear. All of the components are housed within a single plastic shell. They have no external wires or tubes and are very lightweight.
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are custom designed, smaller in size and fit more deeply into the ear canal than ITE aids. Because they are smaller in size, however, they can only be used by people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are also custom designed. They fit the deepest into the ear canal, so they are the least visible and most cosmetically appealing. The battery life for this style is rather short because the battery is so small. The aid's size can also make it difficult to manipulate, particularly for people who have trouble with finger and hand dexterity (such as from arthritis).
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are housed in a curved case that fits neatly and comfortably behind or over your ear. A custom ear mold is made to the exact shape of your ear. The custom ear mold is used to direct the sound from the hearing aid into your ear and to secure the hearing aid in place.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid for You
The degree of the hearing loss, power and options required in a hearing aid, manual dexterity ability, cost and cosmetic concerns all factor in to the style of hearing aid that's right for a particular patient. Your audiologist can help walk you through the best options for you or your loved one's situation.
Make an Appointment with our ENT and Audiology Experts
Tulsa Area ENT and Audiology Office
6475 South Yale Avenue [Map]
Natalie Medical Building, Suite 401
Tulsa, OK 74136
918-502-9555
View Campus Map
McAlester Area ENT and Audiology Office
1401 East Van Buren Avenue [Map]
McAlester, OK 74501
918-421-8460
Muskogee Area ENT and Audiology Office
101 Rockefeller Drive, Suite 201 [Map]
Muskogee, OK 74401
918-682-4580
Learn More About Healthcare Services Provided Through Saint Francis
The physicians, staff and volunteers of Saint Francis Health System are dedicated to the healthcare of our communities in eastern Oklahoma. To learn more about services provided through Saint Francis, click on the links below or call the Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.
Adult Healthcare Services
Childbirth and Newborn Services
Pediatric Healthcare Services
Emergency/After-hours Care