There are several types of hearing aids based on technology, size and location of the aid. Lions AHAP is offering digital hearing aids worn behind-the-ear. To better understand the type of aid, please read the following.

Technology:
Analog hearing aids have a microphone that picks up sound and converts the sound into small electrical signals. A drawback of analog aids is that users often find it difficult to follow conversations in noisy situations.

• Analog hearing aids are fitted to the individual’s hearing loss. Programming gives the aid flexibility and fine-tuning capability. The aid can also reduce the level of incoming sound volume. The aid gives a more natural loudness. The aid can also be adjusted as a user’s hearing loss changes.
• Digital hearing aids convert the sound waves going into the microphone into “bits” of data. The data (numbers) is manipulated by a tiny computer in the aid.  Using sophisticated software on a desktop computer, the hearing care professional adjusts the tiny computer based on the individual’s hearing loss. The hearing care professional can detect feedback and virtually eliminate it, reduce the harsh effects of loud sounds, reduce almost all background noise hindering speech perception and enhance the fine nuances of music. Many hearing aids adjust automatically to different environments.

In addition to choosing between analog and digital, users also have a choice of size and location of the hearing aid.

• A Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid can be fitted on both adults and children with many types of hearing impairment. These aids are easier to use for the user who has dexterity and/or  mobility problems.  A user can opt for a more powerful BTE, which provides more sound. This aid is offered by Lions AHAP.
• An In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aid is custom made to fit the ear canal. The aid fits the entire outer bowl of the ear with the aid in the case. Some ITE models have dual microphones for better sound. ITE’s are suitable for mild and moderate hearing loss. They are not suitable for children because regular replacements are required as the child grows.
• An In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aid fills about half of the outer bowl of the ear and fits deeper into the ear canal. Due to feedback noise, users sometimes have difficulty using the telephone and also may hear wind noise.
• A Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) hearing aid is suitable for mild and moderate losses. It fits inside the ear canal, where it is not visible. The aid is pulled out of the canal by a  stiff acrylic removal string attached to the concha of the aid. There is usually no manual volume control and the small batteries have a short life span.

Rexton, Inc. of Plymouth, Minnesota, is providing two types of aids to Lions AHAP:

• Targa 3 P Digital BTE (Behind-the-Ear) Hearing Aid-The Targa 3 P BTE is an excellent solution for mild to severe hearing loss. It is a high power, mid-level 100% digital signal processing instrument containing two channels with up to three independently programmable memories. Advanced features include noise suppression and an adaptive anti-feedback notch filter. Programming features include adjustments for own voice, speech, soft sounds and loud sounds. The Targa 3 P BTE has an automatic audio input program (telecoil) compatible with FM and MLX systems. Other features are programmable volume control, microphone noise reduction, battery door on/off switch, push button on/off switch, and low battery alert tone. The shell is available in beige, grey or tobacco. The battery is a size 13 zinc air.
• Targa 3 HP (High Power) Digital BTE Hearing Aid-Targa 3 HP BTE is used by people with severe to profound hearing loss. It is one of the most advanced mid-level, high power BTE digital hearing instruments. The aid is a two channel, three memory instrument featuring adaptive noise reduction and adaptive feedback management to help maximize listening comfort. Other standard features are power on delay, microphone noise reduction, and power boost. The automatic audio input program is used for FM, MLX and other wireless technology. The shell is available in beige or grey. The Targa 3 HP uses a 675 battery.

Each affordable hearing aid comes with a case and instruction book in either English or Spanish. There is a 12-month warranty for repairs that includes loss and damages (if a hearing aid is lost or damaged beyond repair, there is a $75 replacement fee). After the warranty expires, repair costs are the responsibility of the recipient or Lions club, and payment must accompany the aid. The charge for a six-month warranty after an aid is repaired is $100. A 12-month warranty after a repair is $120. The aids are fully insured for liability.

In order to program the affordable hearing aids, the hearing care professionals will need the following items:

• A computer with minimum capabilities of P2 (400mHz, 200MB Hard Disk Space, 256 Ram, Display 800 x 600, Windows 2000 (Windows XP Pro recommend) 
• Free Rexfit software, the 5.4 version (request on the order form) 
• NOAH or stand alone compatibility 
• Program cables: Rexton provides the cables free. Siemens cables are compatible.

Additional information:
Lions AHAP Program
How to Get Involved
Resource Materials