Hearing Device Center

Listener, coach, problem-solver, teacher and also audiologist. All are titles we answer to here in the Hearing Device Center at California Ear Institute. Although hearing loss may seem like a small problem and you are only occasionally saying "What did you say?" we know that gradually increasing hearing loss leads to increased anger, frustration, insecurity, nervousness, irritability and depression. The Hearing Device Center audiologists and staff are available to help you with all your needs regarding hearing devices, assistive listening technology for special situations, hearing aids that you have purchased elsewhere, repairs and, of course, the newest technology designed to help people function in noisy situations. If you haven't been in for awhile or purchased your aids elsewhere, please call us to arrange for an in-office cleaning and a demonstration of the newest innovative technology. We will clean your hearing aids, answer your questions and help you toward your goal of better understanding the world around you! Click here to make an appointment with the CEI Hearing Device Center closest to you.

Hearing Device Center Resources How We Hear Do I really need a hearing device How do I get a hearing device Assistive listening devices Tinnitus Cochlear Implant Acoustics Analog or Digital Difference Assistive Listening Devices for the Classroom ADD Disorder & Hearing Impairment Central Auditory Processing Disorder Common Causes of Hearing Impairment in Children Common Causes of Hearing Impairment in Seniors Hearing Aid Trial Period Phone Devices for the Hearing Impaired Service Animals - Just not for the blind

Types of Hearing Devices

CIC- Fitting completely in the canal, it is the least visible hearing aid available. This style requires that the patient have good dexterity in order to manipulate the small device and battery. The CIC is best suited for hearing losses in the mlid to moderate range.

ITC- Still having a cosmetically appealing look, this device fills the outer portion of the ear canal. The in the canal aid has a larger battery, which allows for more power and longer battery life. The ITC fits mild to moderate hearing losses.

ITE- Filling the entire bowl of the outer ear, this style of hearing aid uses a larger battery generating even more power and battery life. The ITE is best suited for mild to severe hearing impairments.

BTE- The behind the ear device is connected to a custom made earmold that fits in the canal through a clear tube. This style of hearing device can be used for mild to profound hearing losses and can allow for the most amplification and longest battery life possible.

Cochlear Implant Cochlear Implantation - The implant is placed behind and above the ear and secured. A mastoidectomy is needed for access to the inner ear. An opening in the cochlea (called a cochleostomy) is created and the electrode is inserted into the cochlea. View the animation to the right to learn more about how we hear and the implant surgery.
Cochlear Implant Surgery

Assistive Listening Devices

Work with your primary hearing device to help you better understand speech in tricky environments such as group settings, while using the telephone, or watching television without closed captioning. Read more.

Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural - This term describes hearing loss caused by a problem in the inner ear or the nerve that sends signals to the brain.

Conductive - This term describes hearing loss due to a problem with the portion of the middle ear that conducts sound from the outer ear canal to the inner ear. In these cases, the inner ear is not affected.

Mixed - This term describes hearing loss with a sensorineural and conductive component. Mixed hearing loss is caused by a problem with the conduction of sound through the middle ear and an inner ear or nerve loss.

We have offices in Palo Alto, San Ramon and Santa Rosa to serve you.