Digitally Programmable Hearing Aids

There are 2 things to consider when buying hearing aids; the style (how the hearing aids look on the outside), and the type (how the hearing aids work on the inside).

Hearing Aid Style
This refers to the way the aids look. Some styles are better suited than others depending on the aamount of hearing loss, the kind of hearing loss, dexterity and life style. There are roughly 7 styles of hearing aids:

BTE or behind-the-ear
ITE or in-the-ear
ITC or in-the-canal
CIC or completely-in-the-canal
OTE or over-the-ear (open fit)
RIC or receiver-in-the-canal (similar to the OTE but the speaker is in the canal)
IIC invisible in the canal

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All things being equal, the smaller the hearing aid the higher the price. Each style of aid has its advantages and disadvantages, your audiologist will discuss these with you.

Consider This Before Chosing Hearing Devices

Your lifestyle
Your personality
Expectations
Listening environment

Family support
Budget
Kind of hearing loss
Number of years with hearing loss

Hearing Aid Type
This refers to how the hearing aids work. The level of technology determines how well the hearing aids can handle different listening environments and personal challenges the user might have. Some people might do just fine with less sophisticated instruments, but others might need instruments that can handle more challenging hearing losses and/or environments. Most hearing aids sold today are digital and very sophisticated. Sound quality and versatility are greatly improved. Digital hearing aids have been around for about 14 years. Their life expectancy is variable, depending on the circuit. Many digital hearing aids have an "open platform"; this means that changes and upgrades may be done via software. Hearing aids with true digital processing offer the most versatility and quality. There are different levels of digital performance; from economy to premium.

Economy level hearing aids or enhancers are the least expensive, ranging in price from about $800.00 to $900.00. They usually have two to four channels with digital processing and some sort of on/off noise reduction..
Mid-level hearing aids offer more channels, better sound processing and more sophisticated noise and feedback reduction These aids range in price from $1000.00 to $1300.00.
High-performance hearing aids have more sophisticated features such as dynamic noise suppression, speech enhancement, feedback management, more powerful circuits, dynamic, directional microphones and more. They range in price from $1400.00 to $2200.00
Elite level hearing aids offer from 9 to 56 channels, multi-level, dynamic, fully automatic noise reduction, speech enhancement, digital feedback suppression, dynamic, directional microphones and more. These aids range in price from $2300.00 to $3500.00.

Discuss all the possible styles and types of hearing enhancers available to you with your hearing care professional.