Consumer's Guide to Hearing Aids > Conventional Hearing Aids

Conventional hearing aids are the oldest hearing aid technology available. These hearing aids utilize what is known as Class A amplifiers. A Class A amplifier provides the same level of amplification to all incoming sounds regardless of the volume, resulting in what is known as linear amplification. This means that low frequency bass sounds will amplify with the same intensity as high frequency treble sounds and soft sounds are amplified the same as loud sounds. This is the reason some patients who have used conventional hearing aids feel they provide too much sound at times and too little sound at other times. Conventional hearing aids are at the base of our technology ladder; therefore, they are in fact the least expensive. They are a choice when finances are a concern because they can be used for a wide range of hearing losses at a relatively inexpensive price. This type hearing aid is generally reserved for cases when higher technology is not an option.

OPTIONAL FEATURES

• Low-frequency tone control
  
• Preset volume control
  
• Anti-feedback control
  
• Power control
  
• Telephone switch
  
• High-frequency tone control

USER GROUP

• All ranges of hearing loss
• Patients in need of amplification, but are price sensitive as well

USER BENEFITS

• Lowest Cost
• Often consumers order as a back-up set of hearing aids
  
• Available in all sizes