At Hearing Aids by Tricia Leagjeld, we’ve guided thousands of Central Oregon residents through this transformative journey. Our approach combines cutting-edge technology with the personalized care that only comes from decades of local expertise.
More importantly, we treat each person who walks through our doors like family, taking the time to truly understand your concerns and goals before recommending any solution.
The technology inside a hearing aid plays an important role in how well it can be adjusted to someone’s specific hearing loss and lifestyle. The right device, paired with features that match a person’s needs, often determines whether someone uses their hearing aids regularly or sets them aside.
Our hearing professionals work to match people with technology that fits their daily routines and listening challenges, recognizing that no two individuals hear or live in exactly the same way. A clear understanding of each device’s capabilities helps us find the right technology for your needs.
Battery Types and Performance
Hearing aid batteries come in four standard sizes, each identified by a color-coded system that makes selection straightforward. Size 10 (yellow) powers the smallest hearing aids, Size 13 (orange) works in larger behind-the-ear devices, Size 312 (brown) fits many in-canal and behind-the-ear models, and Size 675 (blue) serves power hearing aids requiring maximum energy. Understanding which battery your device requires prevents purchasing mistakes and ensures consistent performance.
Central Oregon’s unique climate presents specific challenges for battery performance. Our dry air and temperature fluctuations can impact battery life differently than other regions. We recommend storing batteries at room temperature and avoiding extreme heat or cold exposure. Opening battery doors when devices aren’t in use prevents unnecessary drain, and letting batteries “breathe” for 60 seconds after removing the colored tab improves initial power output.
Hearing Aids by Tricia Leagjeld evaluates each client’s daily routines, dexterity levels, and technology comfort to recommend the most suitable power solution, whether traditional zinc-air batteries or modern rechargeable options that eliminate the need to carry spares.
Advanced Technology Meets Personal Care
Today’s hearing aids represent a quantum leap from devices of even five years ago. These sophisticated instruments use artificial intelligence to distinguish between speech and background noise, automatically adjusting whether you’re enjoying quiet morning coffee or navigating a bustling farmers market. The latest models connect seamlessly to smartphones, streaming phone calls and music directly while monitoring your hearing health through dedicated apps.
While over-the-counter options have emerged, hearing loss complexity demands professional expertise. Each person’s hearing profile is unique, with specific frequencies affected differently. During our evaluation in our sound booth, we map your exact hearing landscape using advanced audiometric testing, allowing us to program devices for your specific loss pattern rather than just making everything louder.
We offer various hearing aid styles to fit your lifestyle: In-the-canal (ITC) for mild to moderate loss, Invisible-in-canal (IIC) for discretion, In-the-Ear (ITE) for severe loss, Behind-the-ear (BTE) for maximum power, Receiver-in-canal (RIC) for minimal distortion, and Extended-wear for continuous use. We also provide Bluetooth-enabled devices and middle-ear implants as alternatives when appropriate.
What to Consider When Choosing a Hearing Aid?
When you are choosing a hearing aid, it is important to think about what you need from the device and how it will fit into your daily life. We look at the type of hearing loss you have, the environments you spend time in and what features matter most to you. Some people need more support in busy settings, while others want something for quieter routines.
Comfort, appearance and budget also play a role, since these factors determine how consistently you will wear your hearing aids. Finding the right match is to start with a hearing evaluation so we can understand your hearing challenges and guide you toward technology that fits your needs.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Rechargeable hearing aids offer a practical option for people who want simple, dependable power without handling small disposable batteries.
Most models can be charged overnight and are ready for a full day of use, which removes the stress of unexpected battery changes. This design also supports a cleaner and more convenient routine, since you only need a charging station instead of keeping extra batteries on hand.
Bluetooth and Wireless Connectivity
Hearing aids with Bluetooth and wireless features let you link your devices directly, so audio from your phone, TV or computer goes straight to your ears.
This connection makes calls, music and other sounds clearer and easier to follow without needing extra equipment. Wireless technology also allows you to adjust settings through an app, giving you more control over your hearing in different situations.
Cellphone Compatibility and Accessories
Modern hearing aids often work seamlessly with smartphones, allowing you to stream calls, music and other audio directly to your devices. This compatibility can make everyday communication easier and more convenient, especially in busy or noisy environments.
Accessories like remote controls, charging docks and wireless microphones enhance this connection, giving you more control and flexibility over how you use your hearing aids throughout the day.
Smartphone Apps
Many hearing aid manufacturers offer smartphone apps that sync with your hearing devices.
If you’re constantly moving from one environment to the next, apps make adjusting your settings simple. Typically, they allow you to adjust volume, save sound settings for specific situations and some even offer sound therapy for tinnitus management.
Water-Resistant Hearing Aids
Water-resistant hearing aids are designed to handle everyday moisture, from sweat during exercise to light rain or accidental splashes.
This added protection helps reduce the risk of damage and keeps your devices working reliably in a variety of daily situations. With water-resistant models, you can feel more confident wearing your hearing aids during activities where exposure to moisture is likely.
Tinnitus Masking Features
If you struggle with tinnitus symptoms, several hearing aids offer features that can help mask ringing, buzzing and clicking sounds in the ears. These masking features, known as tinnitus sound generators (TSG), work by emitting soft white noise that can partially or completely mask tinnitus symptoms.
Find the Right Technology for You
Hearing aid technology today provides a wide range of options to suit different needs. Whether you’re looking for simple amplification or advanced features with full wireless connectivity, our hearing professional are here to guide you through your choices.