Tips

Hearing Aid Brands

There are over 50 different makers of hearing instruments. We are asked on a daily basis, "Which one is the best?" Our answer must consider your individual needs. The best hearing instrument is the one that helps you hear to your maximum potential, that you are comfortable wearing, that you can operate effectively and that fits your personal budget.

Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing aids come in different styles, frames and colors. Think of the style or look of the hearing aid as you would the frames for your glasses. We suggest to you the styles that will fit your hearing loss. Sometimes it is the smallest hearing aid available, sometimes it may be larger and many times several choices are available. We let you make the decision on the style, but we take seriously our responsibility to provide you the information you need to make a fully informed choice.

Technologies

Even though two hearing aids may look exactly the same on the outside, there are major differences in the electronics going on inside different hearing aids. They are no longer just simple amplifiers of sound.

Conventional analog (linear) amplifiers are still available but are not generally recommended except in some cases of hearing loss due to conduction disorders and when a limited budget is available. These aids are basically set one way and the user can only make adjustments up or down for loudness

Computer Programmable hearing aids allow the audiologist to adjust the hearing aid in more ways to better match the sound needs of the patient.

Adjustments for loud and soft sound amplification as well as tone adjustments, which break the sound into a channel for vowels and one for consonants, are common. Because these aids are programmable they can be readjusted if your hearing changes. Many of these aids have automatic volume adjustments. Because some sounds can be bothersome (i.e., dishes clattering, silverware clinking, paper), these hearing aids can adjust and bring these sounds to a comfortable level without turning down the other sounds of speech you need to hear and understand.

Fully Digital Hearing Aids

Just as a compact disc has replaced the LP and cassette tapes as the medium of choice for sound recordings, digital hearing aids are the latest technology available for hearing aids. These aids allow the audiologist to separate the sound in at least 15 different channels allowing more specific hearing patterns to meet more hearing losses in a more exact way. Digital sound processing also can alter and change sounds before they enter the hearing aid. Because of this, speech patterns can be amplified differently than noise patterns This allows for more comfortable listening even in the more difficult listening environments. The flexibility offered by digital signal processing offers the best potential for success in using hearing aids.

No hearing aid can restore your hearing. It can help compensate for your hearing loss. Successful hearing aid use depends on you learning to use it effectively and relearning techniques of listening. You, the support of your family, and the hearing aid itself are equally important factors in reaching a higher quality of hearing and communication.
45-day trial on hearing aids.

Helpful Steps to Learning to Use a Hearing Aid:

Use the aid at first in your own home environment.
Wear the aid only as long as you are comfortable with it.
Accustom yourself to the use of the aid by listening to just one other person – husband or wife, neighbor or friend.
Do not strain to catch every word.
Do not be discouraged by the interference of background noises.
Practice locating the source of the sound by listening only.
Increase your tolerance for loud sounds.
Practice learning to discriminate different speech sounds.
Listen to something read aloud.
Gradually extend the number of persons with whom you talk, still within your own home environment.
Gradually increase the number of situations in which you use your hearing aid.
Take part in an organized course of aural rehabilitation, see Dr. Martine to learn about these courses.

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TESTIMONIALS

See what others are saying...

"I have been a patient of Cathy Martine's since 1990. She has always looked out for my best interest. She has helped to save me money on the purchase of hearing aids. When digital was first starting, she encouraged me to stick with my analog aids due to price concerns. I now have two behind the ear digital aids that are wonderful. Whenever I have any problems with the aids, she and her staff are very helpful in making sure that if repairs need to be made (out of office) that I get a loaner aid so that I can continue my life.
I could not ask for a better doctor/patient relationship. Thanks for everything."

- Steven R. Sharp

"I want to thank everyone at Carolina Hearing Services, Inc. The entire staff was very friendly and most helpful in every possible way. The difference my hearing aids have made in my life is unbelievable. I can hear things I have not been able to hear in a long time, and the hearing aids are easy to wear and are very comfortable.
I recommend Carolina Hearing Services, Inc., for anyone with a hearing loss."

- Barbara McConaughy

"I have been suffering from hearing loss for fifty years---since serving in the Army before the days of ear protection through years of business meetings and public life where speaking and hearing are clearly crucial. Thanks to Catherine's skill and her expert staff, I have a new and fine-tuned set of hearing aids and am acquiring the discipline to recover the joy of hearing. It is actually fun to visit Carolina Hearing for adjustments or batteries and fun conversation as well. Even her three dachshunds are pleasant. I now have fewer misunderstandings with family and friends; greater enjoyment of concerts, movies, and, yes, even TV; and I don't have to repeatedly say, "Excuse me."
If you have hearing issues, talk to Carolina Hearing about them."

- Alex McMillan