Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are very effective in treating hearing loss and are one of the most commonly prescribed solutions. They help people with any level of hearing impairment - from mild to severe - better perceive the sounds and noises around them. Hearing aids are programmed and adjusted to fit the exact hearing needs of their users with the end goal of amplifying and clarifying sound. The range of different devices available on the market today is vast and overwhelmingly filled with options and features, with countless choices in color, size, and shape. Some hearing aids rest behind the ear, while others are placed completely within the ear canal. Perpetual innovation in technology has allowed numerous advanced features to be implemented that significantly increase the ease and convenience with which those affected by hearing loss can live their lives. Hearing aids are vital to sustaining connections and communications with others - especially loved ones - and nothing can be more gratifying than engaging in life with friends and family.

Hearing Aid Styles

Although there is a plethora of hearing aids to choose from, they can all be divided into two major groups. Each group has a number of models that share a basic physical composition with slight overall variations. These two kinds of hearing aids are distinguished and classified based on how they are worn by the individual and are commonly referred to as:
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

BTE hearing aids are the most widely used type of hearing aid around the world and are devised to be positioned either behind or above the ear, as their name suggests. They include flexible narrow tubes that are connected to either a custom-fitted earmold or a dome that leaves the entrance of the ear partially unobstructed. These earpieces emit the sound processed by the hearing aid into the ear canal. BTEs come in various colors that can complement the user's hair or skin color, as well as other more striking patterns and finishes for a unique individualized appearance. The main BTE variant is known as:

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Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)

RIC hearing aids are manufactured by all major hearing aid brands around the world. They are known as open-fit devices that have the speaker built into a detachable dome. This dome unit is placed just inside the opening of the auditory canal, while the processor and microphone reside within the chassis of the main unit resting behind the outer ear, with a thin tube linking the two components. Not only do RICs provide the convenience of rechargeable batteries and wireless technology, but they also utilize cutting-edge features like artificial intelligence. Whenever necessary, these features allow people to modify and adjust their device settings with ease. Also, the ability to replace only the speaker unit is an added benefit of RICs, which makes them more affordable and less complicated to service. With the added ability to house telecoils, these devices provide even greater accessibility for those with hearing loss. Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks to consider when utilizing RICs.

Mini-RICs, which are smaller variants, can be difficult to manage because of their diminutive size, while the earpiece's vulnerability to moisture or earwax damage is characteristic of all BTEs. Furthermore, since they are worn externally, they are easily seen by others.

Hearing Aid Styles

Although there is a plethora of hearing aids to choose from, they can all be divided into two major groups. Each group has a number of models that share a basic physical composition with slight overall variations. These two kinds of hearing aids are distinguished and classified based on how they are worn by the individual and are commonly referred to as:

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

BTE hearing aids are the most widely used type of hearing aid around the world and are devised to be positioned either behind or above the ear, as their name suggests. They include flexible narrow tubes that are connected to either a custom-fitted earmold or a dome that leaves the entrance of the ear partially unobstructed. These earpieces emit the sound processed by the hearing aid into the ear canal. BTEs come in various colors that can complement the user's hair or skin color, as well as other more striking patterns and finishes for a unique individualized appearance. The main BTE variant is known as:

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)

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RIC hearing aids are manufactured by all major hearing aid brands around the world. They are known as open-fit devices that have the speaker built into a detachable dome. This dome unit is placed just inside the opening of the auditory canal, while the processor and microphone reside within the chassis of the main unit resting behind the outer ear, with a thin tube linking the two components. Not only do RICs provide the convenience of rechargeable batteries and wireless technology, but they also utilize cutting-edge features like artificial intelligence. Whenever necessary, these features allow people to modify and adjust their device settings with ease. Also, the ability to replace only the speaker unit is an added benefit of RICs, which makes them more affordable and less complicated to service. With the added ability to house telecoils, these devices provide even greater accessibility for those with hearing loss. Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks to consider when utilizing RICs.

Mini-RICs, which are smaller variants, can be difficult to manage because of their diminutive size, while the earpiece's vulnerability to moisture or earwax damage is characteristic of all BTEs. Furthermore, since they are worn externally, they are easily seen by others.

In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

ITE hearing aids are worn inside the ear canal, and all require impressions or molds of the ear to be taken during fitting sessions with an audiologist. This is because they are designed to conform to the exact dimensions of a person's ear canal to deliver optimal sound quality and comfort.

ITEs are available in a range of different skin tones to help them remain hidden from view and occupy different areas of the ear canal, depending on their variant type. These three main types of ITEs include:

Invisible-in-canal (IIC)/Completely-in-canal (CIC)

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The IIC and CIC styles of hearing aids are the most discreet models available. When properly worn by the user, they are designed to be completely imperceptible. IICs are inserted deep into the ear canal and can only be taken out by tugging on a special string. Similarly, CICs rest entirely within the ear canal - just not as far in as IICs. Both types are best suited for treating those with mild to moderate hearing impairment. In addition to invisibility, a major benefit of IICs and CICs is their superior sound quality, resulting from custom-molded construction. However, there are also drawbacks to this design. They are more vulnerable to ear wax and moisture due to their internal placement. Also, their small size can make them difficult for people with limited dexterity to use, while their even smaller batteries will need to be replaced more often than their larger counterparts. Ultimately, the size of IICs and CICs restricts their ability to connect to other wireless devices and prevents the addition of onboard manual controls.

In-The-Canal (ITC)

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ITC hearing aids are made to be inserted into the bowl-like recess of the outer ear, just outside of the ear canal's opening. This makes them both comfortable and user-friendly. ITCs are generally larger compared to IIC and CIC models and require larger batteries with longer lifespans. Their size allows them to accommodate a wider range of hearing disabilities while making it possible to implement additional features, such as directional microphones and manual controls. However, as with any device, ITCs have their disadvantages too. Like all ITEs, they are more vulnerable to damage from moisture or ear wax, and their larger size creates more occlusion, which leaves the user feeling plugged up. Despite being relatively bigger than IICs and CICs, ITCs also have problems with wireless connectivity.

Lyric by Phonak

Phonak's Lyric Hearing Aid is a revolutionary device that helps people with hearing loss to stay connected and enjoy life. It is the world's first and only 24/7 rechargeable, invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid. With its cutting-edge technology, the Lyric Hearing Aid provides users with a better listening experience in any environment. It also offers superior sound quality while helping to reduce background noise and allowing users to hear conversations more clearly.

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It is made from a soft foam material that is designed to fit comfortably in the contours of the ear canal. The device collects sound deep within the ear canal, providing a clear and natural sound. The Lyric hearing aid is designed to protect the delicate skin in the medial portion of the ear canal. While there are other hearing aids on the market, the Lyric is unique in its placement and invisibility, making it a popular choice for those who want a discreet hearing aid. With its advanced features, the Lyric Hearing Aid makes it easier for those with hearing loss to stay connected and enjoy life.

Hearing Aid Features

Those with hearing impairments generally have a harder time doing things that people with normal hearing take for granted. With the constant progression of technology, hearing aids now come with many features that add a great deal of ease and convenience to the lives of the impaired, giving them the opportunity to enjoy life as much as anyone else. Some features improve device functionality, while others improve quality of life overall. Several of the most popular and desired features include:

Our Hearing Aid Brands

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Why Choose Us?

Sound Advice is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing top-quality hearing care in Fresno, California, since 2010. We take pride in our individualized approach and our unyielding commitment to customer satisfaction. Our goal is to deliver the most effective and enduring hearing solutions to our clients, taking into account every aspect of their immediate personal requirements and their future aspirations. Furthermore, we are exclusive providers of the Lyric hearing aid, the only extended-wear hearing device available on the market today. We at Sound Advice are proud to say that we have fitted Lyric hearing aids for over ten years and are grateful to have changed the lives of each satisfied customer.

Better hearing shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg.

With Sound Advice, the perfect hearing aids for your hearing needs are within reach!

Come see us today and let our Hearing Instrument Specialists show you how life-changing a flawlessly fitted and reasonably priced hearing device can be - now that is some real "sound advice!"

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