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Hearing Aids

Which Hearing Aid Style is Right For You?

When you are getting hearing aids for the first time, you may be surprised to learn that there are several styles available to choose from. Each style has its own pros and cons, and the best option for you will depend on your hearing needs, lifestyle, and more. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, our audiologists can help you choose your best hearing aid option.

Understanding Types of Hearing Aids

There are several different types of hearing aids, which all contain a small computer chip with an amplifier which converts sounds to code, analyzes and adjusts the sounds according to settings based on your hearing needs, and delivers the converted sound to your ear through a receiver (speaker). Hearing aid styles configure these components in different ways and can range in size, shape, and visibility when worn.

Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) hearing aids are the smallest and most inconspicuous option. These hearing aids fit securely within the ear canal.

Completely-In-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are another small option which fit within the ear canal while still offering control through an external switch.

In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids have custom-molded components that rest in the ear canal. They are a good option if you are concerned with hearing aids interfering with your eyewear.

In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids have full-shell pieces which sit just outside the ear canal. They are easily adjustable and offer excellent battery life.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids are small, lightweight, and comfortable. This style allows for more advanced technology like the ability to pair to Bluetooth devices.  Another feature is that they come with a rechargeable battery for ease of use.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids house most of the technology in a piece behind the ear. This style, because of it’s size, offers more power and is a great option if you have a severe hearing loss.

How Do I Choose the Right Hearing Aid Style?

Choosing the right hearing aid style is dependent on your unique hearing needs, your lifestyle, and the style that best fits you. Each style has its own pluses and minuses. For example, if you wear glasses, you may be better suited to IIC, CIC, ITE, or ITC hearing aids, which do not fit along the back of your ear and will not compete with your glasses. Similarly, if you are very active or frequently spend time outdoors may be better suited to lower profile hearing aids. If you have a more severe hearing loss, you may require a larger style of hearing aid, such as a BTE device that provides more power. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, our Doctors of Audiology will evaluate your hearing and recommend the styles that will best meet your needs.

The H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program

Our doctors of audiology use our proprietary H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program to thoroughly assess your hearing health. This is the first step in fitting you with the best hearing aid option. The H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program:

  1. Creates a treatment plan based on your shared hearing goals
  2. Engages with you and your family to collect better insights into your hearing needs
  3. Analyzes your hearing issues and understand measurable results
  4. Generates real, measurable results tailored to your needs

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about your hearing aid options, schedule an appointment at Hearing Doctors of New Jersey by calling (973) 577-4100 or contacting us online.

To learn more about hearing loss and hearing aids, download our FREE Insider’s Guide on how to finally hear better.

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Local Services

Hearing Services in West Caldwell, NJ

Hearing Doctors of New Jersey provides comprehensive ear health and hearing treatments in West Caldwell and surrounding areas of New Jersey. Our Doctors of Audiology have extensive training and skills that are relied upon for some of the best hearing services in West Caldwell. We are dedicated to our patients and invite you to learn more about our hearing services.

Adult Hearing Tests in West Caldwell

An adult hearing assessment can be performed to check for hearing loss and the degree of hearing impairment. There are many different types and causes of hearing loss, so it is important to have an expert Doctor of Audiology perform these tests. Our Doctors of Audiology use the H.E.A.R. Method for comprehensive care, taking all factors into consideration to determine what may be causing hearing loss and how it can be treated in your individual treatment plan. Hearing assessments measure the ability to hear and how the ear reacts to different pressures, but we will also look for obstructions or damage to the ear.

Hearing Aids in West Caldwell

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sound to restore hearing in people with hearing loss. By restoring a better ability to hear, people also improve their overall quality of life because they have a better ability to engage in conversation and communicate with others. We offer a variety of technologically advanced hearing aids in a variety of styles and functions. At your hearing assessment, we can discuss all your options in greater detail to determine the best one for your lifestyle and comfort level.

We offer products from the following manufacturers:

  • Oticon
  • Starkey
  • Widex
  • Phonak
  • ReSound

Hearing Aid Repairs in West Caldwell

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles: behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear, and more! A hearing aid fitting in West Caldwell, NJ, will ensure that your hearing aids fit comfortably to function most effectively. Along with these varying styles, hearing aids also come with advanced technology like Bluetooth connectivity, noise-canceling technology, automatic adjustment, artificial intelligence, and rechargeable batteries. Like an electronic device, hearing aids can be damaged. We also offer quick hearing aid repairs at our office.

Central Auditory Processing Evaluation in West Caldwell

A central auditory processing evaluation can help adults or children with hearing loss. Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) causes distorted hearing that may be interpreted as your child not paying attention or having a learning disorder. This is because symptoms of CAPD include difficulty following multi-task directions, difficulty understanding abstract information, and having a poor memory. We offer hearing evaluations and a variety of treatment options for children with CAPD.

H.E.A.R. Method Treatment Program

The H.E.A.R. Method is our comprehensive approach to hearing healthcare in West Caldwell, NJ. Our Doctors of Audiology recognize hearing loss as a progressive disorder that will continue to worsen without effective treatment. These worsening symptoms have an impact on physical, social, mental, and cognitive health. The H.E.A.R. Method focuses on four factors: hearing goals, engagement with patients, analytics for measurable results, and real results. Your ear health and overall well-being are important to our team.

Schedule a Hearing Test

Start hearing better by scheduling a hearing test for children or yourself in West Caldwell. We will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have and can help you develop an individualized, comprehensive treatment plan.

About West Caldwell, NJ

West Caldwell is located about 16 miles west of Manhattan, NY, and 6 miles northwest of Newark, NJ, in the West Essex area. West Caldwell was originally incorporated as a borough in 1904 before becoming a township in 1981. The town is named after Presbyterian minister James Caldwell. Along the borders of West Caldwell are large swamplands known as the Hatfield Swamp and many smaller parks and nature reserves.