Hearing aids are advanced listening devices that significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss. These innovative tools enhance the ability to communicate, enjoy everyday sounds, and participate more fully in daily activities. At Louisiana ENT Specialists, we understand how better hearing can transform lives, and we are committed to offering customized solutions to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for hearing aids near me or seeking expert advice otc hearing aids, we’re here to help.
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Describe your communication needs
Drag the slider below to match your needs.
Quiet:
The majority of your daily interactions are with a single person, rather than large groups with heavy background noise. You enjoy quiet conversations, infrequent shopping, watching TV, seeing movies, and talking on the phone.
Essential Tiered hearing aids:
- Amplify the sounds of direct conversation, while noisier backgrounds may still be challenging.
- Manual adjustment may be required for different types of environments
- Still requires the use of your listening effort for most listening environments
- Convenient rechargeability for a full day of hearing
Casual:
You are occasionally in environments with heavier background noise such as seeing friends or working in an office. You participate in meetings, small group conversations, intimate restaurant settings, and listen to lectures/sermons from a distance.
Standard Tiered hearing aids:
- Allows you to hear more clearly in varied environments
- Transitions between noise environments with occasional manual adjustment
- Still requires the use of your listening effort for some listening environments
- Convenient rechargeability for a full day of hearing
Social:
You have an active lifestyle that places you in a variety of environments throughout the day. This could include attending large group gatherings regularly, frequently eating out at restaurants, attending meetings and celebrations.
Advanced Tiered hearing aids:
- Help you hear and understand the sounds around you more clearly in most environments
- Automatically adjust to your surroundings as you transition between multiple environments.
- Since the device is processing more of the environmental sounds, less listening effort is required giving YOU back more energy
- Convenient rechargeability for a full day of hearing
Active:
You lead a dynamic lifestyle with frequent trips and travel, a busy social life, and have a work environment that requires many meetings or conferences. You may also frequent sporting events and concerts along with other listening environments with higher levels of background noise.
Premium tiered hearing aids:
- Amplify and deliver sound in a way that mimics the most natural listening process
- Provides optimal customizable settings that are unique to your specific hearing needs
- Automatic environmental detection to ensure effortless hearing in all situations
Hearing Aid Styles
Receiver in Canal (RIC)
RIC (receiver in the canal) styles discreetly sit behind the ear and are considered to be more comfortable than other designs. The open design allows for a more natural sound quality. Fact: 87% of our patients choose this style.
Related conditions:
- Fits a range of hearing losses
- Connects to your smartphone and other devices
- Available with rechargeability and Bluetooth connectivity
Behind the Ear (BTE)
As the name suggests, BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear and are slightly larger in size than a RIC hearing aid. BTE hearing aids are connected to an earmold which delivers the sound to the ear canal. Fact: 11% of our patients choose this style.
Related conditions:
- These durable devices are typically fit to those patients with severe to profound hearing loss
- They are a good option for those people with limited dexterity
- Available with rechargeability and Bluetooth connectivity
In the Ear (ITE) or In the Canal (ITC)
Generally speaking, the ITE varieties are most suitable in cases of mild to moderate hearing loss. The size of the device is dependent upon the patient’s ear canal. The variations in size in these devices are accompanied by variations in features such as a directional microphone, manual controls, etc. Fact: 1% of our patients choose this style.
Related conditions:
- A good choice for those who may have trouble fitting a BTE/RIC style hearing aid
- Patients with near normal low frequency hearing may experience a “plugged up” feeling known as occlusion
- Some models may connect to your smartphone for technology integration
Completely in canal (CIC) / Invisible in the canal (IIC)
These hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal, making them the most well-concealed option. Often flesh-toned, these hearing aids blend well with the ear, making them an option for those looking for the most discreet hearing solution. Fact: 1% of our patients chose this style.
Related conditions:
- Almost invisible to those around you
- Requires batteries that are changed frequently
- This style compromises technology integration because of the small design
First-time user, or ready to explore more options?
No matter where you are in your journey for hearing health or your preference, from good hearing aids to the best hearing aids on the market, we are your hearing health consultants for life.
I am a first-time purchaser of hearing aids
It can be challenging to be a first time purchaser of hearing aids. At Louisiana ENT Specialists, we have solutions, and we will guide you through a range of options. We will work together to ensure you find the right hearing aid to suit your unique needs, helping you hear well and clearly again.
I already have hearing aids, but would like to explore other options
If you already have hearing aids, but you want something better, we have options for you. We will work together with you as your personal hearing specialists, giving you a chance explore your hearing aid options and ensuring you find the perfect fit to improve your quality of hearing.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aids in Baton Rouge
Selecting the right hearing aid involves several considerations:
- Degree of Hearing Loss: The severity of your hearing loss determines which style and technology are most appropriate.
- Lifestyle Needs: Your daily activities, work environment, and hobbies influence the best type of hearing aid for you.
- Appearance and Comfort: Many users prefer discreet, comfortable options that fit seamlessly into their lifestyle.
- Features: Modern hearing aids come with advanced features like rechargeability, directional microphones, and wireless streaming capabilities.
Benefits of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids offer numerous life-changing benefits, including the following:
- Improved Communication: Enjoy clearer conversations and stronger connections with loved ones.
- Increased Confidence: Greater hearing leads to enhanced independence and participation in social activities.
- Better Mental Health: Addressing hearing loss can reduce feelings of isolation and depression, improving overall well-being.
Adjusting to Life with Hearing Aids
Adapting to hearing aids requires patience and persistence. Initially, users may go through an adjustment period as they become familiar with the amplified sounds and the device's functionality. Regular follow-up appointments, personalized support, and expert counseling are essential to help users navigate this phase and ensure their hearing aids provide maximum benefit and comfort.
Caring for Your Hearing Aids
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your hearing aids perform at their best and last as long as possible. Regularly cleaning your devices, replacing or recharging batteries as needed, and protecting them from moisture and extreme temperatures are key steps to keeping your hearing aids in excellent condition. Routine professional check-ups can also help identify and resolve any issues early, ensuring optimal performance.
FAQ's About Hearing Aids
If I have hearing loss in both ears, do I need one or two hearing aids?
When you have hearing loss in both ears, using a hearing aid in each ear typically offers the best experience. It enhances your ability to pinpoint the direction of sounds and significantly improves speech clarity, especially in noisy places like restaurants or social gatherings.
Why can I hear people talking, but I can’t understand what they are saying?
If you can hear voices but struggle to comprehend what's being said, you may be experiencing hearing loss, particularly in higher frequencies. This is because consonants, which are crucial for understanding speech, are higher-pitched, while vowels, which are lower-pitched, may still be easy to hear. This type of loss makes speech sound unclear, especially in loud settings.
Do hearing aids help on the telephone?
Yes, hearing aids can improve your ability to hear during phone conversations. Many modern hearing aids feature Bluetooth compatibility for seamless use with smartphones. Additionally, some are equipped with a telecoil that amplifies only the phone's audio, minimizing background noise for clearer communication.
Will hearing aids help me hear the TV better?
Yes, hearing aids can enhance your television listening experience. With properly adjusted hearing aids, you can often enjoy the TV at a volume that’s comfortable for others while still hearing everything clearly yourself.
What’s the life of a hearing aid? How long will they last?
With regular care and proper maintenance, most hearing aids last between 3 to 5 years. Annual hearing assessments are recommended to ensure your devices continue to meet your hearing needs, and lifestyle changes may also indicate the need for updated hearing aids over time.
