Hearing aids come in varied styles Behind the Ear (BTE), In the Canal, Completely in the Canal (CIC), Receiver in the Canal, Full Shell, Half Shell, Open Ear (no earmold, only a thin tube and dome), and colors. Most hearing aid companies make digital hearing aids that convert sound into computer data. A few still make analog aids that only make sounds louder. Others make hearing aids that resist water and sweat. About.com has a
Hearing Aid Gallery. Hearing aid technology advances so quickly that "advanced" features today will be "standard" features tomorrow.
Sonic Innovations has an all-digital line of hearing aids, from entry-level to open ear. At the entry level, a feature like directional microphones is available. Hearing aids at the middle level have features like the ability to focus on sounds in the front and minimize other sounds. The more advanced models have automatic telephone switching, environmental adaptation, voice alerts, feedback cancellation, and background noise reduction. An open ear model (by leaving the ear canal open, it allows both amplified sound and natural sound) has multiple listening programs, moisture resistance, and comes in multiple colors.
Sonnovation's line of digital hearing aids includes technology such as the ability to "move" high frequency sounds to low frequency regions (because most people hear better in the low frequencies), and technology to optimize FM wireless reception. Features include the ability to reduce noise by as much as 20 db, dual directional microphones, and multiple channels for understanding speech. One model, a combination BTE/FM aimed at young children and people with disabilities can automatically switch from a FM program to a microphone program based on which is detected, and the ability to digitally mix audio signals from a FM and the hearing aid's microphone.
Starkey, a longtime hearing aid manufacturer, makes the entire range of hearing aid styles, and offers a wide choice of colors. The hearing aids have features such as programmable reminders, even a reminder to return to the hearing aid professional for service. There is a self-check feature enabling users to check that their hearing aids are functioning, automatic telephone detector, directional speech detection, automatic environmental adaptation, and feedback cancellation. Starkey also has the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which helps provide hearing aids to those who can not afford them.
Unitron's digital hearing aids have features such as antiShock that protects against sudden loud sounds, feedback cancellation, suppression of background noise and wind noise, and automatic telephone detection. Some models can make speech stand out against background noise, and automatically adjust to environments. Open fitting versions of models are available, and there is a model with a receiver in the canal. Advanced digital models have features such as multiple channels for speech enhancement. Users can also choose between automatic performance or manual listening programs. Unitron is also one of the few companies still making analog hearing aids.
Widex's digital hearing aids have features such as the ability to customize the hearing aid based on your sound preferences. Other features include the ability to bring voices directly to you regardless of location, and noise filtering to enhance speech. Another technology offered is Integrated Signal Processing, which adjusts the hearing aid according to the environment. There is also an optional remote control for capturing specific listening situations so that a hearing professional can make needed adjustments.
