Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids
From selection and fitting to programming, cleaning and repairs, our audiologists help you get the most from today's hearing aid technology.
What Is a Hearing Aid?
The basics
A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn in or behind your ear that makes some sounds louder, making it easier for the user to communicate and participate in daily activities. All hearing aids have three basic parts: a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. The microphone receives sounds, which are converted to electrical signals and sent to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the signal power, which is finally sent to the ear through a speaker.
Although all hearing aids have the same basic components, the way the components are assembled varies significantly. Some hearing aid styles fit completely in the wearer's ear, while others are worn over or behind the ear. The style of hearing aid selected is based on a review of the patient's hearing evaluation, lifestyle, activity level, dexterity, and personal preference.
Real Ear Measurement
Verified fittings, measured in your own ear
Every ear canal is a different shape and size, so the sound a hearing aid actually delivers to your eardrum is never quite what the manufacturer's software predicts. Real ear measurement removes the guesswork. A soft, thin probe microphone is placed in your ear alongside the hearing aid, and we measure the sound reaching your eardrum while speech is played. Your audiologist then adjusts the device until it matches a prescriptive target based on your own hearing test.
Carolina Ear & Hearing Clinic performs real ear measurement as part of our hearing aid fittings. It is considered the best-practice standard of care, yet many offices still skip it.
Better speech clarity
Matching a verified prescriptive target improves how much speech you understand, especially soft voices and conversation in background noise.
A fit tailored to your ear
Canal size, shape and earwax all change how sound behaves. Measuring inside your ear accounts for those differences instead of assuming an average.
Fewer return visits
Starting from verified settings means less trial-and-error adjusting, so you settle into your hearing aids faster.
Comfortable, accurate loudness
We confirm that loud sounds stay comfortable and quiet sounds are still audible, which reduces the sharp or tinny feeling many new wearers report.
Objective proof your aids are working
You see the measured results on screen, so the fitting is based on data rather than impressions alone.
Brands We Offer
Leading Hearing Aid Manufacturers
We fit and service devices from the industry's most trusted manufacturers, so your audiologist can match the technology to your hearing, lifestyle and budget.
FAQ
Common hearing aid questions
Ready to Schedule?
Contact us today to schedule your appointment or learn more about how we can help with your ear and hearing needs.