There are the four main styles of hearing aids available with today's technology. Your final decision depends on your degree of your hearing loss, your listening needs, and your personal preference.
Appointments
Our audiology department has access to all styles and technologies of hearing aids. We have state-of-the-art hearing instruments available from all major manufacturers. We will evaluate your individual needs and help you select the style, technology, and brand that will be best for you. Please call our Edina office at (952) 896-3166 for a consultation.
Hearing Statistics
Facts about hearing loss from the EAR Foundation
- 28 Million Americans suffer from hearing impairments
- Hearing loss is one of America's leading disabilities!
- 10 million Americans have hearing loss caused by noise
- Noise induced hearing loss can occur over your lifetime
- A stereo headset set at full blast, about 110 decibels, could damage ears in only a half hour!
- Sounds that are 85 decibels or louder such as heavy traffic, a noisy restaurant, a screaming child, or a lawn mower can cause hearing damage
- Once you have lost your hearing it's gone!
- 7 Million children ages 6 to 19 have some hearing loss
- 6 out of every 10 college freshman are affected by Noise-induced Hearing Loss
- Spectators and operators of auto racing, speed boating and snowmobiling are at risk for Noise-induced Hearing Loss
- Foam earplugs provide 15 - 30 decibels of noise protection
- Cotton and tissue paper stuffed into the ear DO NOT provide noise protection
- Consult a hearing specialist if your infant doesn't startle at sudden noise
- Have ears checked regularly by a hearing specialist
- 50 million Americans who own firearms for competitive and recreational use are at risk for Noise-induced Hearing Loss
Hearing Aids
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is an often invisible disorder that can vary in intensity from mild to severe. The loss may be present at birth or develop later in life. Causes include hereditary factors, excessive noise exposure, medications, injury or infection. Different types of hearing loss are treated differently and all options for your unique situation will be discussed with you. The most common type of hearing loss is a sensorineural (nerve) hearing loss which can often be successfully rehabilitated though the use of hearing aids.
Although hearing aids benefit many people, it is important to keep in mind that no hearing aid can restore normal hearing. The benefits depend on many individual factors. 
There are several decisions to be made when selecting hearing aids, and this should be a team effort involving you, your audiologist, and your ENT physician. Southdale Otolaryngology provides a comprehensive approach to help you make a decision that is best for you.
Hearing Evaluation
A hearing evaluation will be completed by one of our licensed audiologists. You will be evaluated in a sound-proof booth utilizing the latest equipment to determine the type and degree of hearing loss.
Hearing Aids
Once the audiological and, if necessary, medical evaluations have been completed and your needs determined, we will help you ascertain whether hearing aids would be beneficial. In our consultation, some of the following items will be discussed:
- Hearing test results: Describing the type and degree of hearing loss.
- Is a hearing aid right for you: It may be that your hearing isn't bad enough to warrant a hearing aid. Not everyone with a hearing loss is a hearing aid candidate.
- One versus two hearing aids: If an aid will benefit you, our audiologists will discuss with you the advantages of using one or two hearing aids.
- Types of technology: Digital, programmable, or conventional.
- Style of hearing aids: In-the-Ear, Behind-the-Ear, In-the-Canal, and Completely In-the-Canal aids.
- Communication demands: Lifestyle, job, telephone use, etc.
Follow Up Appointments
When purchasing new hearing aids, a 45-day trial period is given (as required by law). During this time, your hearing aids should be worn on a daily basis. We advise you to return to the audiologist in approximately two weeks following your fitting for adjustments. During this trial period, the hearing aids may be adjusted several times to find the best parameters for your specific hearing loss.
At the end of the trial period, you may decide that you don't want the aids. We will be happy to refund your purchase price, minus a small dispensing fee. You also have the opportunity to try a different type of hearing aid if desired.
Styles of Hearing Aids Completely In-the-Canal
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Styles of Hearing Aids In-the-Canal
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Completely In-the-Canal (CIC): The smallest hearing aid on the market. It is available in digital, programmable, and conventional technology. It will accommodate mild to moderate hearing loss. 
In-the-Canal (ITC): This is slightly bigger than the CIC. It is available in digital, programmable, and conventional technology. It will accommodate mild to moderate hearing loss.
In-the-Ear
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Behind-the-Ear
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In-the-Ear (ITE): One of the more common styles of hearing aids. It is available in digital, programmable, and conventional technology. It will accommodate mild to moderately severe hearing loss. 
Behind-the-Ear (BTE): One of the more flexible hearing aids to fit. It can accommodate hearing loss from mild to profound. It is available in digital, programmable, and conventional technology.