header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
September 19
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house


NolaAronsonAsk five different people what comes to mind when you mention hearing aids, and you’ll probably get responses including several different stigmas and stereotypes.

“Hearing aids are clunky and obtrusive.”

“Hearing aids just make everything louder and don’t help that much.”

“Hearing aids are just for the elderly.”

The list could go on and on. The truth is, today’s hearing aids are much different than what some people think they may be. They’re helpful for those of all ages suffering hearing problems, and they are on the cutting edge of technology that continues to advance and improve.

If you are dealing with hearing loss, the first step in determining what type of hearing may be best for you is to have a hearing screening performed by a qualified audiologist.

There are a few other things you may not realize about modern hearing aid technology:

* Many of the leading hearing aids are programmable digital devices, typically self-adjusting, that analyze sound signals to determine whether incoming sound is noise or speech, and makes modifications to provide a clear signal.

* They’re practically invisible: Invisible-in-canal (or IIC) hearing aids sit discreetly within the ear canal, out of sight to those around you.

* They automatically adjust: There’s no need to fumble with controls. The latest hearing aids automatically adjust to changes in volume and loudness in a variety of environments.

* They are durable: Wearing a hearing aid doesn’t mean living a dull life. With waterproof and weather-sealed models available, you can remain as active as you decide.

* They work with other technology: Wireless digital hearing aids are the norm, and feature connectivity with everything from smartphones to MP3 players. Some even have built-in tinnitus relief, or work in conjunction with tinnitus smartphone apps that stream therapeutic sounds directly into a user’s ears.

* They’re always ready: Long-lasting rechargeable batteries allow you to charge overnight, and wake up in the morning with hearing aids that are ready for a new day.

There are several different styles of hearing aids, with “in-canal” units among some of the most popular:

* Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC): These are the smallest, custom hearing aids, sitting in or past the second bend of the ear canal, rendering them undetectable to bystanders. They are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss.

* Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC): Also for mild to moderate hearing loss, this style fits deeply in the canal.

* In-the-Canal (ITC): For mild and moderate hearing loss, sitting in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl and having longer battery life than IIC and CIC models.

* In-the-Ear (ITE): Flexible for mild to severe hearing loss, sitting flush with the outer ear bowl.

There are also Behind-the-Ear (or BTE) styles that sit behind or atop the outer ear, with tubing that directs sound into the ear canal. Different sizes of BTE hearing aids include different features, battery types, and more power than smaller units.

Despite all the differences in available hearing aids, one thing remains the same: The technology continues to improve. Modern hearing aids truly do improve quality of life. Don’t let hearing loss put a damper on your life. Today’s hearing aids are advanced and discreet, and allow you to live your life to the fullest.

 

Nola Aronson, M.A., CCC-A, is owner and founder of Advanced Audiology and has been fitting hearing aids for more than 30 years. In 2014, she received the Community Champion at the SCV Leadership Awards.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

2 Comments

  1. Debbie says:

    My dad’s newest, most up to date hearing aids are his worst ever. They don’t work at all if your behind him. A simple conversation in a car isn’t even possible if he’s driving and your in the back seat. The left front passenger spends all their time translating word for word what he says with backseat passengers. So much for newer technology and thousands of dollars. Because the worst part of it is that most health insurance doesn’t cover hearing aids. Since my dad was 50 and got his first hearing aid my mom would start saving for the next ones. Buyer beware of promises made by hearing aid salespeople, and try Costco for hearing tests (after your initial evaluation with an audiologist), and to save significantly over individual office purchases. Savings can be as much as half the price. Oh, and I do not work for, nor do I know anyone who works for Costco.

  2. Rod Ferris says:

    My new devices are so light behind the ear type. I find I almost forget they are in. They adjust to their surroundings and are clear and usages dive in sound and so light they don’t cause any discomfort.

Leave a Comment


Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house
The Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino today announced the opening of multiple joint Local Assistance Centers to assist residents impacted by the Bridge and Line Fires.
L.A., San Bernardino Counties to Open Joint Local Assistance Centers for Residents Impacted by Bridge and Line Fires
Valencia Gynecology Associates, owned by longtime Santa Clarita Valley OB-GYN physician Don Nishiguchi, MD, has joined the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital network. 
Valencia Gynecology Assoc. Joins Henry Mayo Network
JCI Santa Clarita is proud to announce the upcoming Veteran’s Resource Fair, scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 at William S. Hart Park. 
Sept. 21: JCI Invites All Veterans to Upcoming Resource Fair
A "friendies" field tournament  is being  hosted by the Saugus Instrumental Music program, with support from Valencia High, later this month. 
Sept. 21: All Valley Showcase Comes to Valencia High
Public, member-supported 88.5 FM The SoCal Sound, Southern California’s leading Triple-A (adult album alternative) format radio station has announced the lineup for its inaugural “Year-End Bash” taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Dec. 7: CSUN Owned 88.5-FM The SoCal Sound Announces “Year End Bash” Lineup featuring Ben Gibbard
The Master's University cross-country teams continued their successful 2024 campaigns with strong finishes at the BIOLA Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, Calif.
TMU Women Win, Men Place Second at XC Invitational
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
The biology department at California State University, Northridge has stayed committed to promoting STEM research carried out by K-12 students and teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
CSUN Student Research Journal Celebrates 28 Years of Inspiring Scientific Imagination
Did you know the SCVEDC has an interactive, online tool that provides themed virtual tours of the amazing features the community has to offer? 
Take a Virtual Tour of the Santa Clarita Valley
California Institute of the Arts alum and visionary filmmaker Tim Burton (Film/Video 1979) was honored with the 2,788th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
CalArts Alum Tim Burton Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
1962 - Articles of incorporation filed for Golden State Memorial Hospital on Lyons Avenue [story]
Golden State Hospital
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center welcomes back Jim Curry for an evening concert celebrating the music of John Denver on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Bella Vida.
Oct. 5: SCV Senior Center Welcomes Jim Curry ‘Take Me Home’
As part of the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency's ongoing commitment to ensuring local groundwater quality and reliability, the SCV Water recently began construction on a new treatment facility to remove perchlorate and volatile organic compounds at Well 205 in Valencia.
SCV Water Begins New Water Treatment Project in Valencia
Get ready to set sail at the Pirates SENSES Block Party, presented by the city of Santa Clarita, Thursday, Sept 19 from 7-10 p.m. on main street in Old Town Newhall.
Sept. 19: SENSES Pirate Block Party
No. 21 College of the Canyons football team knocked off No. 5 Fullerton College 29-13 on Saturday night behind a stifling defensive effort and five field goals from Luis Rodriguez.
No. 21 Canyons Knocks Off No. 5 Fullerton 29-13
Six of the seven Foothill League Varsity football teams begin league play Friday night, Sept. 20.
Foothill League Football Begins for SCV Teams
The California Institute of the Arts will present the "NAACP Santa Clarita Masquerade Ball", Friday, Oct. 4, 7-11 p.m. at 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355.
Oct. 4: NAACP Santa Clarita Masquerade Ball at Cal Arts
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating two human cases of a rare parasitic infection, Baylisascaris procyonis, also known as raccoon roundworm.
Public Health Investigating Disease Spread from Animals to Humans
1879 - First official Newhall School building erected near Walnut & Ninth streets [story]
First Newhall School
The city of Santa Clarita is hosting Make A Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 26 and is looking for enthusiastic residents to volunteer for various projects that benefit local nonprofits, as well as the city.
Oct. 26: Volunteers Needed for Make a Difference Day
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and PathPoint announced the graduation of Aiden Land and Andrew Mendence from the Project SEARCH internship program.
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, PathPoint Celebrate Grad Interns
The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced upcoming community information meetings about Learning Post Academy Independent Study School, Thursday, Sept. 18 and Friday, Sept. 19.
Sept. 18-19: Learning Post Academy Online Information Meetings
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Wednesday, Sept. 18, 5 p.m. in open session to interview and appoint a new trustee for Area 5.
Sept. 18: COC Board to Interview, Appoint Area 5 Trustee
SCVNews.com