Hearing Aids

When you have hearing loss, sound still enters the ear but the signals are weak by the time they reach the brain. Hearing aids can help by making most sounds clearer for the brain and can help filter background noise. The Physician Hearing Care team will help determine the source of your hearing loss with a complete hearing test. If hearing aids can help, our specialized staff will help you determine the best hearing aid for you. We also answer a number of questions about hearing aids on our FAQ page.

Expectations for Hearing Aids

A hearing aid should provide useful hearing in both a quiet and noisy environment
Soft speech should be audible, normal sounds should be comfortable and loud sounds should not be uncomfortable
Hearing aids should never hurt, although slight discomfort may be normal in the first week of use
Hearing aids should not whistle or squeal, this is usually a sign of a poor fitting or wax in the ear canal
Auditory rehabilitation may take 2-16 weeks depending on hearing loss
Hearing aids do not eliminate background noise, rather they discriminate speech in the presence of noise
Hearing aids do not restore hearing to a perfect level; rather they should bring hearing back to a useful, satisfactory range

Hearing Aids Offered at Physician Hearing Care

In the ear styles

Invisible in the canal (IIC)

The smallest custom style at fit in the ear canal, IIC aids take advantage of the ear’s natural shape to provide improved sound and require less amplification. Specifically designed for mild to moderate hearing loss, IIC instruments sit invisibly in or past the second bend of the ear canal.

In-the-canal (ITC)

ITC aids sits comfortably in the lower portion of the ear canal. Slightly larger but barely noticeable, these aids are more powerful than CIC models, have a longer battery life, and can host additional features such as directional microphones and volume controls. They fit mild and moderate hearing losses.

Completely in the canal (CIC)

Nearly invisible, these aids fit inside the ear canal and include a tiny cord for easy removal. The smallest custom style, CIC aids are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Half Shell (HS)

HS models fill half the bowl of the outer ear. Their slightly larger size enables directional microphones, volume controls and button settings. Easier to handle than smaller models and still often disguised by hairstyles or sideburns.

In-the-Ear (ITE) or Full Shell

Widely recommended for mild to severe hearing loss, ITE aids are larger and easier to handle. They are placed in the ear canal to sit flush within the outer ear bowl, faceplate extending into the concha of the ear. Controls are easily accessible and the size allows the maximum number of additional controls and features and a larger battery size than the smaller styles.

Behind the ear styles

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

BTEs with ear molds are recommended for all types of hearing loss in children and adults. These aids are worn behind the ear connected to an ear mold in the ear canal with a thin tube. BTE aids feature longer battery life, better amplification and controls that are conveniently located within reach. Their longer shape, follows the contour behind the outer ear. The earmold color and style, as well as the wearer’s hairstyle, determine exactly how they will look on each person.

Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) or Mini BTE

Designed to hide behind the outer ear, these aids are recommended for mild to moderate high frequency losses. Mini BTEs have ultra-thin tubing connected to a soft tip receiver that sits in the ear canal to discreetly route sound into the ear.

Hearing Aid Prices

While the final costs of a hearing aid is dependent upon the model selected, there are two main factors when determining price.

The smaller the hearing aid, the more expensive it is.
The more sophisticated the digital chip, the higher the price.

Both these factors will be discussed in-depth with the Physician Hearing Care team of experts. The final model selection will be based on the degree of the patient’s hearing loss and their hearing and cosmetic goals. Our primary goal is to improve each patient’s hearing while we listen with compassion. We guarantee that there will be no high-pressure sales pitch.

Lifetime Hearing Healthcare Program

Free office visits for cleanings, adjustments, and annual hearing evaluations
Repairs of all makes/model of hearing aids, some while you wait
30 day trial and return privilege
Two year loss and damage replacement
Two year warranty plans

Make the call for better hearing today.
(256) 355-2096

1218 13th Avenue SE
Decatur, AL 35601
Phone: (256) 355-6200
Fax: (256) 355-6241

1218 13th Avenue SE
Decatur, AL 35601
Phone: (256) 355-2096
Fax: (256) 355-6241

1218 13th Avenue SE
Decatur, AL 35601
Phone: (256) 351-5015
Fax: (256) 351-5016