Hear More Clearly with a Hearing Aid in Williamsport, PA
A hearing aid is an electronic or battery-operated device that amplifies and changes sound. A tiny microphone receives sound and converts it into sound waves, which are then converted into electrical signals.
Hearing aids can correct the following conditions:
At UPMC Susquehanna, we offer hearing aids to treat hearing loss from aging, diseases, trauma and more. If you would like to learn more about our selection of hearing aids in Williamsport, PA, or to schedule an appointment with a trained audiologist, Find a Provider at UPMC Susquehanna.
Types of Hearing Aids
At UPMC Susquehanna, our audiologists can help you choose a hearing aid based on your home and work activities, physical limitations, medical condition and personal preferences.
There are four basic types of hearing aids:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. A BTE hearing aid is worn behind the ear and is generally used for mild-to-severe hearing loss.
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. An ITE hearing aid is worn in the outer ear. Typically recommended for mild-to-severe hearing loss, it can accommodate other technical hearing devices, like the telecoil, a mechanism that helps improve sound during phone calls.
- Canal aids. A canal hearing aid is worn directly in the ear canal and is used for mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Canal aids can be customized to fit the shape and size of the ear canal.
- Body aids. A body aid can be worn on a belt or carried in a pocket. It is connected to the ear with a wire and is generally used for very profound hearing loss.
Who is a Candidate for a Hearing Aid?
You may be a good candidate for a hearing aid if you have experienced hearing loss from an ear infection or meningitis, long-term exposure to loud noise, through heredity or damage to your ear from some kind of trauma.
Your audiologist will recommend a hearing aid based on the following factors:
- The depth of the depression near your ear canal (if your ear is too shallow, in-the-ear hearing aid may not fit well.)
- Ear drainage (ears that require drainage may not be able to use certain hearing aid models.)
- The amount of wax buildup in your ear (excessive amounts of wax or moisture may prevent use of in-the-ear hearing aids.)
- Your manual dexterity (ability to remove and insert hearing aids. )
- The shape of your outer ear (a deformity may not accommodate behind-the-ear hearing aids.)
- The type and severity of hearing loss
Purchasing a Hearing Aid
If your doctor has recommended a hearing aid to help improve your hearing function, you’ll have an assessment prior to your purchase. Once your audiologist has reviewed your condition and prescribed a hearing aid, you can have a hearing aid evaluation, or HAE, to review the different styles of hearing aids, and choose one that works best for you. You can try your hearing aid for a 30-day trial period. Our hearing evaluation offices also offer free adjustments while your hearing aid system is in warranty.
Audiologists at UPMC Susquehanna provide evaluations and recommendations for hearing aids in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas.