A wide variety of advanced hearing aids are available to improve your hearing, sometimes dramatically. After you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss, an audiologist will help you choose and fit a hearing aid.

When properly selected, fitted and adjusted, hearing aids can significantly enhance the quality of life for most people with hearing loss. Hearing aids are designed to make sounds louder, and therefore easier to hear. Most hearing aids also include circuitry to keep sound from becoming too loud and to help reduce the effects of background noise.

Although they can't replicate normal hearing, hearing aids can dramatically improve your awareness of surrounding sounds and voices. Those who opt for hearing aids often say they have better relationships with family and friends, higher self-esteem, improved mental health and greater independence and security.

Selecting a Hearing Aid

Hearing aids vary widely in their styles, sizes and types of circuit technology. Hearing specialists in the Sutter Health network work with you to determine the best device to meet your individual needs and preferences.

All new hearing aids are completely digital. That means they have a computer in the hearing aid which can be customized to your hearing loss and communication needs. Digital instruments are available with many different features depending on your hearing needs.

There are many hearing aid manufacturers and models and no one instrument that is right for everyone.

Hearing Aid Styles

After considering the type of circuitry that’s best for your specific hearing loss characteristics, the next step is to choose the style, size and function you want.

• Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) — This is the smallest type of device and is almost invisible when placed in the ear. It’s suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss. It is also the most difficult to place and adjust.

• In-the-Canal (ITC) — This is larger than a CIC device but still unobtrusive. It fits down in the ear canal and is relatively unnoticeable. ITC is suited to mild to moderate hearing impairment and is easier to use than CIC.

• In-the-Ear (ITE) — This larger device fills the “bowl” of the ear and offers many features with larger sound amplifiers. It’s easier to use than CIC or ITC and meets a wide variety of hearing impairments.

• Behind-the-Ear (BTE) — This device fits the circuity and microphone behind the ear. It meets a wide range of hearing needs, including severe hearing impairments and dexterity problems. BTE is the largest of the standard hearing-device models. It is durable and allows maximum power and fitting flexibility. BTE is a good option for children.

Adjusting to Your Hearing Aid

Most people newly fitted with hearing aids go through an adjustment period while they adapt to a new way of hearing. It takes time to get used to the feel of the devices in your ears, the sound of your own voice and the return of background noises you haven't heard in a while.

Follow-up and Maintenance

Your audiologist will schedule follow-up visits to make sure your hearing aids fit and function properly. Be sure to bring up any concerns you have at these visits. You should be comfortable and confident when using your hearing aids; that’s key to their success.

Your audiologist will monitor your progress and perform maintenance, repair and adjustment services as needed.