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What is the Difference Between Hearing Aid Technology Levels and Which One Works Best For Me?

This is a very common question to have when you are new in the hearing aid world. While on the outside most hearing aids tend to look the same, but what changes is the chip and the components inside. Think of it like a camera. They all take pictures, but the more megapixels the better quality photographs it will take. 

In terms of hearing aids, the various technology levels offer different features that will improve sound quality for the patient. In simpler words, you have a smarter chip that will process sound better depending on the situation. Higher level technology has the capability to adjust and suppress background noise or echo better than a basic level technology. While Basic level technology will still adapt its microphones to suppress background noise, not all noise is equal in terms of frequency and volume. This is where a smarter chip kicks in. The chip will know the difference between road/car noise, background restaurant noise and echo in church. 

To grasp a nice idea of what it’s about, let us break down the different technology levels:

Basic: For those who like a quiet environment and prefer to avoid crowds. Works perfect for one on one conversations in quieter places

Standard: Good features to manage hearing comfortably in small groups environments or small group conversations.

Advanced: In this level you can start noticing a bigger range of features for a wider range of scenarios like, car, restaurants, church, etc. Good at managing wind noise for those beach goers or golfers and good for concerts and theaters.

Premium: This level will always offer the best and most advanced features with a smarter chip that performs independently anywhere you go. Perfect for restaurants, meeting rooms, active indoor and outdoor lifestyles and best feedback and noise protection.

So how do I determine which one is best for me? That depends on your lifestyle and daily life routines. Let’s begin by asking yourself these questions:

  • What scenarios or situations are causing me the most problems with hearing?
  • What areas of my lifestyle are the most important for me?

The more challenging it becomes for you in noisy settings, the higher the technology level you may need. Whether you are an active athlete, a restaurant lover or a Netflix expert (like me), don’t let hearing loss ruin your experiences. It is best to discuss these answers with your audiologist so you can both determine the technology level that best suits your needs.

Authored by Jorge Irizarry, Au.D.

Dr. Jorge Irizarry

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Bob Procter
Bob Procter
September 27, 2023.
Not my first hearing aids - the first ones purchased several years ago failed to assist in hearing, wouldn't stay in the ear; and were just a PAIN!! So they sat in a box in the bathroom..guess that showed them! So after a recommendation from a trusted friend I went to Hear Care, and I''m glad I did. From the moment I entered I felt this was the place to get some answers. I met Megan and was introduced to Danielle who took the time to listen to my story. She took notes on my issues, problems and desires. Only then did we begin the testing. Here we are a couple of weeks into the use of the hearing aids and the follow up has been very successful. I feel comfortable that I can continue to get any assistance I need from Hear Care.
Lon Martin
Lon Martin
August 24, 2023.
Very kind and efficient staff
Bill Plifka
Bill Plifka
August 17, 2023.
I have a 2.5 year old boy that seems to be a little bit behind in his speech. I just met with Dr. Jeff Olson today to see if his hearing could be a factor in this situation. I am 46 years old and I have seen a ton of doctors over the years but I have never had an experience where the Dr. completely put my son at ease, was able to communicate with him even though his speech is extremely limited and was able to get the necessary testing done without my son throwing a fit. After the tests were complete it showed that there was some blockage in his middle ear and he was not getting the sound needed to hear 100% clearly. I would HIGHLY recommend anyone who has a child to go to Dr. Olson to have their hearing checked to make sure there isn’t any issues. Between the candies, his staff, and his professionalism, my son thought he was at an amusement park and didn’t want to leave. I would give him 10 stars if it were possible.
Lawrence SANK
Lawrence SANK
August 14, 2023.
Heidi is wonderful! She is careful and compassionate. She seems determined that every visit is one where I learn something more about how to make these devices more useful.
Naomi Treece
Naomi Treece
August 10, 2023.
Hear Care Audiology Center is a wonderful place staffed by compassionate and knowledgeable people. They make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in the door. I received my new hearing aids and had all my questions answered. I will follow-up there and go there for any future hearing aid needs!
Marie Leach
Marie Leach
April 21, 2023.
Today for the second time I had a critical issue with my aids. Unable to reach my audiologist HearCare was there for me. Staff at HearCare are all wonderful, helpful and sympathetic to hearing loss. They had to send one of my aids back to Mfg. but loaned me a pair while waiting. Highly recommend Dr Pulido!
Becky Liskey
Becky Liskey
April 6, 2023.
Best adjustment for hyperacusis. Dr. Thornton is is so delightful and caring and understanding for my problem.
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