Four styles of hearing aids are currently available. Three types are worn in the ear: Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC), In-the-Canal (ITC), In-the-Ear (ITE), and Behind-the-Ear (BTE).

In CIC, ITC and ITE hearing aids, the receiver, microphone and amplifier are contained in a shell which is worn in the ear. Completely-in-the Canal aids are the newest and smallest model available. They fit deep inside your ear canal so that they're practically invisible. In-the-Canal aids are small enough to fit almost entirely in your ear canal, making them hardly noticeable. In-the-Ear aids fit within your outer ear and are the most widely recommended hearing aid style.

We offer a wide selection of these custom-made hearing aids, including a variety of sizes and circuit options.

Advantages of CIC, ITC and ITE aids:

• Inconspicuous and comfortable:
  invisible to hardly visible when worn, ideal for use during sports activities, exercise and at work.
• Good directional hearing

In BTE hearing aids, the receiver, microphone and amplifier are contained in a unit which is worn behind the ear. The sound is carried from the receiver (loudspeaker) via the ear hook and a flexible plastic tube, to the earmold that is worn in the ear canal.

We offer a comprehensive range of BTE hearing aids in a variety of circuit options. Our wide selection of amplifier types and parameters allows us to optimally meet your amplification needs.

Advantages of a BTE aid:

• Versatile:
  a wide range of applications ranging from mild to severe hearing loss
• Easy to handle:
  easy battery replacement, easy to use
• Very comfortable to wear
  
• Fits securely behind the ear
• Good directional hearing

Features of Hearing Aids

In an analog hearing aid, a microphone picks up the sound waves and converts them to an electrical signal. This signal is amplified and filtered in analog form. The receiver, or loudspeaker, converts the amplified electric signals into sound waves by means of a vibrating membrane and transmits the sound to the ear.

Digitally programmable hearing aids

These instruments are programmed using an external computer, or programming device, and special software. The signal is processed in the analog mode. Modifications to the signal processing are made using a digital programming interface.

Fully digital hearing aids

In a digital hearing aid, the analog signal is converted to a digital signal. The conversion to digital format allows the signal processor to modify the signal in very sophisticated ways. Once the digital signal has been modified by the digital signal processor it is converted back to an analog format and transmitted to the ear as sound.

The digitization process makes it possible to analyze and filter the signal to improve speech perception in noisy environments. The incoming signal is measured, or "sampled," at certain intervals. The more frequently the signal is sampled, the better the reproduction of the input signal.

Increasingly complex sound processing, such as speech recognition technology, requires digital signal processing. This technology actually recognizes the unique patterns of speech and reduces the volume of frequencies where no speech is detected. When the competing signal is continuous noise, such as fans or car noise, the noise reduction algorithms become an important part of the signal processing that improves understanding.

Assistive Listening Devices

Signaling systems

• Alarm clocks and alarm clock systems:
  Wake up at the right time, when traveling or at home.
• Light and vibration alert units:
  Converts acoustic signals from various output devices (telephone, doorbell etc.) into visible or tactile signals (flashing lights or a vibrating unit).
• Radio receivers:
  For people on the move - so that you know what's happening at home, no matter where you are.

Amplifier units

• Cordless sound transmission system:
  Can be used with or without a hearing aid.
• Universal amplifier:
  This versatile accessory can be used to increase the volume of alarm clock signals or consumer electronics products.
• Ring loop system:
  Gives you wide-range sound amplification for TV, radio or headphones.
• Communication amplifier:
  Amplification for those who have a hearing impairment and don't use a hearing aid.

Telephone equipment

• Telephone amplifier:
  Makes speaking and listening on the telephone easy, wherever you are.
• Telephones with hearing aid amplifier:
  Specially designed for people who wear a hearing aid. Includes optional emergency call facility and visual signals.
• Text telephones:
  Compact and easy to operate, for mobile or stationary use.

Video equipment

• Subtitle decoder for those who are completely deaf or whose hearing is severely impaired.

Hearing aid batteries
Today's modern batteries are efficient and environmentally friendly. Suitable for all types of hearing aids.

Hearing protection
One of the leading causes of hearing impairment is exposure to loud levels of noise in the workplace. Take preventive measures: give your hearing optimum protection with a standard or custom-made hearing protection device.

Tinnitus

Noises in the Ear Without Any External Sources

The name given to the perception of noises in the ear when no external signal is present is "tinnitus." Nearly everyone has experienced noises appearing from seemingly nowhere, which just as suddenly stop. However, if tinnitus doesn't go away, it can be a significant problem for those affected that can adversely affect their quality of life.

Unfortunately there is no "cure" for chronic tinnitus that addresses the cause. There is no medication for the treatment of tinnitus and no other easy method of solving the tinnitus problem. Any commercial promises of this nature should be disregarded.

Tinnitus therapy using instruments

The method preferred by medical practitioners is "tinnitus retraining therapy", or TRT for short. The aim of TRT is to distract patients from it in their daily activities, so that instead of seeming to be a loud noise, it becomes an insignificant sound among a host of others. TRT involves a team of experts from various different fields. In addition to doctors and psychologists, the audiologist has an important part to play in TRT. "Tinnitus control instruments" (TCI) is the name given to the small instruments which are similar to hearing aids and are worn inconspicuously behind the ear or in the ear. They generate a quiet, therapeutic sound which the patients find pleasing. It helps them avoid periods of silence and direct their attention towards external sounds again.

Combined instruments

Approximately 50 percent of all those affected by tinnitus also suffer from hearing loss and/or hyperacusis (oversensitivity to noise). While these are not the cause of tinnitus, tinnitus often improves when the hearing impairment is treated. These excellent instruments combine the functions of a TCI and a modern, digital hearing aid. In the case of hyperacusis it is important to provide an effective means of limiting the volume.