Why should I go to American Hearing Laboratories? What's the difference between you and other "hearing aid stores"?
We are a professional audiology clinic specializing in hearing evaluations and hearing instrument fittings. We are not a store that just sells hearing aids. What differentiates us from other dispensers or audiologists is that half of our staff wears hearing aids. We know what it is like to wear hearing aids. Hearing instruments provided by us will be custom-fit to your ears and programmed specifically for your hearing loss.

When choosing a provider, be sure to seek the services of a qualified and licensed Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist. Audiologists are hearing healthcare professionals who hold a degree in Audiology (the science of hearing), and specialize in hearing evaluations, hearing loss, and the fitting of hearing instruments. Audiologists have undergone extensive training in the anatomy and physiology of the ear and its mechanisms, and have a solid background from which to evaluate your hearing and make an appropriate recommendation. Hearing Instrument Specialists are professionals trained in knowledge and applications of hearing instruments and are licensed to fit and dispense hearing aids.

We are a family-owned business -- we are not employees working for somebody else, nor are we a chain or franchise of hearing aid stores -- and have a vested interest in providing you with the best possible value in hearing instruments, along with exceptional service and patient care. Your experience at American Hearing Laboratories will be interesting, rewarding and unique.

What is the difference between analog and digital hearing instruments?
The very first hearing aids were introduced with analog technology, which simply amplified all incoming sounds. Tone controls and other adjustments were available, which the audiologist/hearing instrument specialist could adjust by turning small controls on the hearing aid faceplate with a miniature screwdriver.

Digital technology was first seen in hearing instruments in the early 90s, with the first mainstream digital instruments released in 1998. Incoming sounds are converted to digital "bits", which the computer circuit processes or manipulates electronically. This allows the instrument to detect the difference between speech and noise, amplifying the speech sounds while suppressing background noise. In addition, the instrument is capable of suppressing feedback or whistling under a variety of changing conditions, and may employ directionality that switches itself on and off automatically, depending on the environment.

Digital hearing instruments are programmed on a computer by a dispenser. Your hearing loss is first entered into the computer, which then connects to and programs the instrument. The result is a totally customized response based on your hearing loss, with just the right amount of amplification where you need it the most. In addition, special programs may be created for specific listening situations such as, "church", "telephone", "music", etc. Based on your hearing loss and your lifestyle, we may also program specific settings to provide different amounts of amplification based on the level or volume of incoming sounds.

Have there been any changes in digital hearing instruments recently?
There have been many exciting changes in the past few years, with some significant breakthroughs released recently. Click here to learn more about the NEW Invisible Hearing Insert! Sounds are still digitally processed, but new algorithms (formulas that apply changes to the sounds) have been developed to allow the instruments to adapt more naturally. For example, if you move from a quiet environment to a noisy one, the instrument can automatically change its response, suppressing background noise while amplifying speech. It may also switch from non-directional to directional mode, focusing on sounds in front of you while pushing down distracting noise from behind.

In addition, the latest digital hearing instruments use dynamic feedback or whistle suppression, allowing feedback cancellation under many different and difficult situations (using the telephone, wearing a hat, etc.). Unlike previous feedback technologies, it accomplishes this by using phase cancellation, rather than gain reduction, which reduces the amount of amplification (and benefit) in an attempt to eliminate feedback.

The result is a more natural listening experience!

Are all digital hearing instruments the same?
No, there are many differences between manufacturers and each model. Our dispensers are uniquely qualified to understand the differences, strengths and weaknesses of all of the major brands and products. We stay current with technology and its ongoing changes, adjusting our products and services accordingly. Because of this, you will receive the best possible recommendation for your hearing loss, lifestyle, cosmetic preference and budget.

Why do some hearing instruments have volume controls, and others do not?
While volume controls on hearing instruments are still available, digital instruments do not really need them. Your instruments are programmed to apply different amounts of amplification to different levels and frequencies of incoming sounds. Soft sounds will receive more amplification than will loud sounds. Volume controls were most often used on analog hearing aids to turn down the volume to reduce whistling or feedback. Our own ears do not have volume controls, and for most people wearing properly programmed digital hearing instruments, this is no longer necessary. But for previous hearing aid wearers who are used to volume controls, they are still available on new models.

Is there any way to know what my hearing instruments will sound like before I buy them?
Yes! Our surround-sound simulator can generate hundreds of everyday sound situations where you may experience difficulty hearing. This ranges from social settings like a restaurant or party, to outdoor settings like rain, driving or the sound of birds singing. We use this sound simulator in our office to demonstrate the effectiveness of your new hearing instruments. By doing a comparison with and without amplification, the differences are easy to hear. We also recommend you bring a spouse, family member or friend with you so you can listen to a familiar voice during this process. For many people with a hearing loss who have never had amplification, this is a remarkable way to experience the difference digital hearing instruments can make. And for those who are wearing older technology hearing instruments, you can easily experience the enhancements, changes and sound improvements this exciting new technology has to offer.

If I have a hearing loss, do I automatically need hearing aids?
There are situations where individuals with a diagnosed hearing loss should first be referred to an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) doctor. This includes ears with indications of disease, trauma or injury, or an asymmetrical hearing loss. American Hearing Laboratories can determine if hearing instruments are appropriate for you by initial visual observation of the inside of your ears or an evaluation.

What can I expect with new hearing instruments?
If you have worn or are currently wearing hearing instruments, you may be pleasantly surprised with the new digital technology. Feedback or whistle suppression has made huge advancements over the past few years. Adaptive directionality can turn itself on and off, automatically reducing background noise from behind you in noisy situations, thereby improving speech intelligibility. All of these changes result in a more natural listening experience.

If you are a new hearing instrument wearer, there will be a period of adaptation. If your hearing loss has occurred gradually over time, it will take time to become used to hearing sounds you have not heard for so long. Because of this, we may recommend a "ramping-up" period, where amplification is increased gradually while keeping you in a comfort zone. This period may range from a few days to a few weeks. We are available for you at any time to make changes or adjustments to the sound of your new hearing instruments.

Simply put, a more natural listening experience means the ability to move from one location or setting to another -- from a windy golf course to a quiet room, from a crowded restaurant to inside your car -- without having to fiddle with controls or change a thing.

When I purchase my hearing instruments, how long will it take to receive them?
Depending on the type of hearing instrument, many can be fit in our office at the time of your appointment. For other types, a custom earmold may be required to properly fit your hearing loss. In this case, it generally takes 8 - 10 business days.

Call us at 1-800-880-4327 or click here to get in touch with us.