South County Hearing Services in Narragansett, RI provides a wide variety of hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and hearing protection solutions. We work with you to determine the best solution for your hearing health.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can help improve hearing by amplifying and processing sounds so that they are easier to hear. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.
The best type of hearing aid may vary for each individual as it will depend on the type and degree of hearing loss, as well as budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
More advanced hearing aids come with additional features such as automatic noise reduction, directional microphones, direct streaming, and Bluetooth connectivity.
When in the process of choosing a hearing aid, it is important to seek a professional evaluation and guidance from a strong hearing care team. The team at South County Hearing Services includes an audiologist with over 25 years experience, a hearing instrument specialist with 30 years experience and a patient care coordinator with 6 years experience. We can accurately assess hearing, provide recommendations on the most appropriate type of hearing aid, and help with the fitting and adjustment process.
If you’re in Narragansett, RI, the team at South County Hearing Services are happy to assist you with any of your hearing aid needs and queries.
Types Of Hearing Aids
Knowing about the different types of hearing aids will help you better understand and appreciate how hearing aids work.
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)/Behind The Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids sit behind the ear and are connected to a small speaker positioned in the ear canal.
RIC hearing aids are designed to provide a clear and natural sound by directing the amplified sound directly into the ear canal. They are designed to be lighter and less noticeable and are available in a wide selection of sizes and colors to easily blend in with various hair colors or skin tones.
One of the perks of RIC hearing aids is that they can be easier to handle and maintain than other hearing aid styles. The receiver is detachable, making it easier to clean and change batteries.
Hearing aids sit behind the ear and connect to a small dome or earmold that fits inside the ear canal. These are one of the most versatile styles of hearing aids, suitable for kids and adults with mild to severe-profound hearing losses.
This hearing aid style is known for its durability. RIC hearing aids can accommodate a wide range of features and technologies, such as wireless connectivity, directional microphones, noise reduction, etc.
RIC hearing aids are a good choice if you need a versatile and durable hearing solution. You can also enjoy the option of adding advanced features to meet your unique hearing needs.
In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
In-the-ear hearing aids are custom-fit and are worn within the ear’s outer bowl. They are recommended for individuals with mild to moderate hearing losses.
ITE hearing aids are known for their snug and comfortable fit, as they are custom-fitted to the wearer’s ear. There are various styles and sizes of ITE hearing aids. As they are smaller than RIC hearing aids so that they will fit in the ear they typically have less features than RIC hearing aids.
Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids
Invisible-in-canal hearing aids are designed to sit deep within the ear canal and are practically invisible when worn. They can help address mild to moderate hearing losses.
IIC hearing aids are custom-fit and are known to be one of the smallest styles of hearing aids available. If you are looking for a discreet and comfortable hearing solution, IIC hearing aids may be a good option. As they fit deeply in the ear canal they are not available with direct streaming or bluetooth connectivity.
Hearing Aids Available At South County Hearing Services
Phonak is a leading global brand in the hearing aid industry, with a history dating back over 70 years. The company is known for its commitment to innovation and technology, and offers a wide range of hearing aids to meet the needs of individuals with different levels of hearing loss.
Phonak is a well-established and respected brand in the hearing aid industry, offering innovative and high-quality hearing aids engineered to help individuals live a better quality of life.
Resound is a leading hearing aid manufacturer with a history dating back to 1943. The brand is known for its ReSound Smart 3D™ app, which allows users to control and customize hearing aids from their smartphone, providing a convenient and personalized listening experience.
Widex is a trusted hearing aid brand that has been in the industry for over 60 years. This brand has a reputation of high quality sound for listening to music.
Widex is also known for its SoundSense Learn™ technology, which intelligently adjusts the hearing aids to the wearer’s preferences. The hearing aids are designed to make hearing easier, even in the most challenging listening environments.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
ALDs are devices designed to help individuals hear better in specific listening situations. These devices can range from simple listening systems to more complex systems that can transmit sound wirelessly.
ALDs can be used in conjunction with hearing aids or on their own.
Your hearing care professional can help determine which ALDs would be best for an individual’s needs, based on their type and degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and specific listening challenges.
There are several types of ALDs available, including:
- Personal FM systems
- TV streamers
- Phone amplifiers
- Amplified telephones
- Loop systems
Custom Ear Molds For Hearing Protection
Custom ear protection refers to hearing protection devices that are specifically designed and made to fit an individual’s unique ear anatomy. Hearing protection is important because exposure to loud noise for extended periods of time can cause permanent damage to your hearing. This can lead to hearing problems such as tinnitus and hearing loss.
Custom ear protection is typically patterned from impressions of an individual’s ear canals and outer ear, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
Custom Hearing Protection Materials
Custom earmolds and hearing protection come in various materials, some are hard while others are soft.
- Acrylic: A hard, clear plastic material, acrylic is known for its resiliency and durability. It is often used for custom hearing aids and offers excellent sound quality and provides decent protection against dangerous decibels.
- Vinyl: A soft and flexible material. Vinyl is used for patients with significant hearing loss who need extra security against feedback. Vinyl may wear out or shrink and need to be replaced more often than other materials.
- Silicone: A popular material for custom ear protection due to its soft and comfortable texture. It is made to be very durable and can also be produced in a variety of colors.
Custom Ear Molds For Musicians
Custom musician earplugs are designed specifically for musicians, performers, and individuals who often need protection against high decibel levels during performances or rehearsals. These earplugs have filters that allow sound to reach the ear while reducing the volume to a safe listening level.
