Conventional Hearing Aids

• Conventional hearing aids are intended for any age including children and adults for people with any degree or type of hearing loss, up to severe hearing loss
  
• Speech audiometry during the hearing test, specifically Word Recognition Score (WRS), assists in helping hearing providers understand how much one would benefit from hearing loss.
  • WRS 90-100%: Excellent benefit from hearing aids
  • WRS 80-90%: Good benefit from hearing aids
  • WRS 65-80%: Fair to moderate benefit from hearing aids
  • WRS 50-65%: Poor benefit from hearing aids
  • <50%: Very poor benefit from hearing aids
    
• If your WRS is lower than 60% and hearing level thresholds in decibel are generally greater than 60 dB, you may be a candidate for cochlear implant. More detailed cochlear candidacy evaluation is necessary to determine eligibility. 

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

• OTC hearing aids are intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss
• U.S. FDA lowered the maximum sound output for OTC hearing aids to 111 decibels of sound pressure level (dB SPL) for most devices, and 117 dB SPL for devices with input-controlled compression activated. The FDA lowered the output limit to reduce the risk of hearing damage from over-amplification.

Deep Canal Hearing Aids

• Lyric by Phonak: Lyric is a deep ear hearing aid technology that offers complete invisibility. Lyric works optimally for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. It is not suitable for severe to profound hearing loss. Lyric needs to be replaced every 1-2 months when the long lasting battery goes dead. 

PSAP

• Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs) are intended for people of any age with normal hearing to amplify sounds in certain environments
  
• While hearing aids and PSAPs both amplify sound for the user, the products have different intended uses. Hearing aids are intended to make up for impaired hearing. PSAPs, in contrast, are intended for people with normal hearing to amplify sounds in certain situations, such as recreational activities like birdwatching or hunting.
  
• Because such PSAPs are regulated as consumer electronics and not medical devices, they may be more variable in terms of product quality compared to hearing aids. 

CROS Hearing Aids for One-Sided Hearing Loss

• CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) hearing aids are specifically designed for individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD) or significant hearing loss in one ear while having normal or near-normal hearing in the other ear.
  
• BiCROS (Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signal) hearing aids are designed for individuals with hearing loss in both ears, where one ear has severe to profound hearing loss (or is non-functional) and the other ear has mild to moderate hearing loss.

Bone Conduction Hearing Aids

• Bone conduction hearing aids are intended for people who have:
  • Conductive or mixed hearing loss
  • Single-sided deafness
  • Chronic ear drainage
  • Congenital absence of the ear canal (ear canal atresia).
    
• Most hearing aids conduct sound through air in the ear canal. In contrast, bone conduction hearing aids bypass the outer and middle ear, transmitting sound through bone vibrations, making them an effective solution for individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss.
  
• Bone conduction hearing aids are available as surgically implanted bone-anchored hearing aids (Cochlear OSIA, Cochlear Connect, Cochlear Attract, Oticon Ponto, MED-EL Bone-Bridge) or as non-surgical/wearable devices (Cochlear Sound Arc, softbands, MED-EL ADHEAR), depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. 

Cochlear Implants

• Cochlear implants are intended for individuals with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids
• If hearing aids are not effective in improving hearing, a cochlear implant may be a suitable alternative to help restore hearing by directly stimulating the auditory nerve.
• In order to determine eligibility, individuals need a diagnostic hearing test followed by a thorough cochlear implant candidacy evaluation with an audiologist. This evaluation ensures that the candidate meets the clinical criteria and is likely to benefit from the implant.

Hybrid Implant Candidacy Criteria

The Nucleus Hybrid System is indicated for unilateral use in patients aged 18 years and older who have residual low frequency hearing sensitivity and severe to profound high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, and who obtain limited benefit from appropriately fitted bilateral hearing aids.

Hearing Device Accessories

• Hearing aid jewelry is available for anyone who wants to wear their hearing devices in style. Express yourself by decorating your hearing devices. There’s no need to blend in when you can stand out.
  
• Whether you prefer something subtle or bold, these accessories give you the freedom to transform your hearing device into a reflection of your personal style. Your devices can be as unique and expressive as you are. Hearing aid jewelry is the perfect way to personalize your devices and make them a part of your unique style.

Hearing Protection Earplugs

• High-fidelity noise protection earplugs are ideal for anyone exposed to loud environments who still needs to hear clearly.
  
• They are perfect for musicians, concertgoers, and workers in noisy settings like construction sites or factories. These earplugs are also beneficial for motorcyclists, travelers, and individuals with noise sensitivity, providing protection while maintaining sound quality for effective communication and awareness.
  
• High-fidelity noise protection earplugs are an essential tool for anyone who needs to protect their hearing in loud environments while maintaining the ability to hear clearly and communicate effectively. They are versatile, comfortable, and designed for repeated use in various settings.