Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are prescriptive medical devices designed to restore access to everyday sounds and listening situations. At Avalon Hearing, we offer a full range of prescriptive hearing technologies from leading manufacturers, carefully selected to match your specific hearing profile and lifestyle needs. Because we are fully independent, we are not limited to a single brand or style, allowing us to choose the device that truly works best for you—whether that’s a discreet in-ear model, a powerful behind-the-ear option, or the latest advanced hearing-in-noise technology. Every fitting is guided by thorough testing, precise programming, and ongoing verification, so your hearing aids deliver natural, comfortable, and reliable performance for the long term.
Independent, Patient-First Hearing Aid Care
Hearing aids are not interchangeable products — and they should never be chosen based on brand loyalty, sales contracts, or retail limitations. At Avalon Hearing, we are a fully independent hearing care provider, meaning we are not tied to any manufacturer and do not fit “locked” hearing aids commonly used by big-box retailers or national chains.
Because of this independence, we are able to recommend and fit any unlocked hearing aid from any major manufacturer, based solely on what we believe will work best for the patient. No quotas. No preferred brands. No compromises.
Our approach is simple: patient first, always. Every recommendation is guided by hearing test results, lifestyle needs, dexterity, comfort, and long-term success.
Hearing Aid Styles & Types
Modern hearing aids come in several styles, each designed to support different hearing losses, comfort preferences, and daily listening needs. Choosing the right style is about function, fit, and success. We have the ability to fit whatever style is necessary to achieve optimal results.
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids are by far the most commonly fit style today, and for good reason. RICs are extremely flexible, comfortable, and capable of supporting a wide range of hearing losses.
These devices typically offer the most advanced features, the greatest ability to customize sound, and excellent performance in complex listening environments. Because the receiver sits in the ear canal while the body rests discreetly behind the ear, RICs strike an ideal balance between power, comfort, and cosmetic appeal. For many patients, this style offers the best long-term success.
Custom Hearing Aids (ITE, ITC, CIC, IIC)
Custom hearing aids are built specifically for the individual ear and can be an excellent option for the right candidate. These styles range from in-the-ear (ITE) designs to completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC) options.
Custom devices are often a great solution for patients with unique ear canal shapes, those who need devices that stay securely in place, or individuals who prefer hearing aids that are easy to insert and remove. They can also be a strong choice for patients who value simplicity or a fully custom fit.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are typically reserved for severe to profound hearing losses or situations where maximum power and durability are required. While BTEs were once fit much more frequently, advances in RIC technology now allow many patients to achieve similar or better performance using high-power receivers paired with custom earmolds.
Today, BTEs remain an important option for power users, but they are fit less often than in the past due to the expanded capabilities of modern RIC systems.
Why Independence Matters
Because Avalon Hearing is fully independent, we are not limited to a single style, brand, or technology platform. We do not fit locked devices like some retail and big box providers, and we are free to pivot when needed—whether that means refining programming, adjusting receivers or earmolds, or transitioning to a different manufacturer entirely.
Hearing aids are powerful tools, but their success depends entirely on the quality of the evaluation, the precision of the programming, and the consistency of ongoing maintenance and care. Without that foundation, even the most advanced technology can fall short.
Our independence allows us to focus on what actually matters—solving problems, adapting over time, and making thoughtful, evidence-based decisions as your needs evolve. This level of flexibility is critical to achieving not just short-term improvement, but long-term hearing success and satisfaction.
Who We Work With
Hearing Aid Brands
At Avalon Hearing, we partner with all major hearing aid manufacturers to provide access to the newest, most advanced prescriptive devices on the market. Our independence ensures every recommendation is unbiased and based solely on which technology will deliver the best results for each patient. We work with the leading brands, from the latest innovations to the devices you already own, so you can be confident your hearing care is always supported by the very best tools available.
Resound
ReSound hearing aids are often considered a “jack-of-all-trades” solution. Patients frequently appreciate the clarity of sound and the ability to hear all types of speakers easily. ReSound offers the smallest RIC design available and integrates exceptionally well with smartphones and modern connectivity technologies, including Auracast and other wireless accessories.
Phonak
Phonak is one of the most research-driven hearing aid manufacturers in the world. Their devices are highly customizable and known for being technically advanced, particularly in challenging listening environments. Phonak hearing aids often excel in high-noise situations and offer extensive fine-tuning capabilities, making them a strong choice for patients with challenging hearing losses who need maximum flexibility and performance.
Starkey
Starkey is the only U.S.-based hearing aid manufacturer and is known for producing durable, reliable products designed with real-world use in mind. Their hearing aids are waterproof, drop-resistant, offer long battery life, and feature easy-to-use charging systems. Starkey also leads the industry in custom hearing aid manufacturing and excels in custom-fit solutions.
Oticon
Oticon is another technology-forward manufacturer and we consider them the “Apple” of the hearing aid world. Patients appreciate the clean, modern design of Oticon devices and the more natural sound quality they deliver. Oticon’s technology is designed to support how the brain processes sound, which can be especially beneficial for clarity and listening comfort.
Signia
Often referred to in marketing as the “German hearing aid,” Signia is known for engineering-driven design and consistent performance. Their devices offer a strong balance of features, sound quality, and reliability, making them a solid option across a wide range of hearing needs.
Widex
Widex hearing aids are well-regarded for sound quality and low distortion. They are often favored by musicians and individuals who are particularly sensitive to sound quality and tonal balance.
Unitron
Unitron focuses on flexibility and long-term adaptability. Their technology allows hearing aids to evolve as listening needs change, which can be beneficial for patients who value future adjustability and thoughtful progression of care.
Our Approach to Hearing Aid Technology
While technology matters, the most important factor in hearing aid success is not the device itself. Even the newest hearing aids can underperform if they are not programmed correctly. Conversely, older hearing aids that are properly programmed to current hearing test results and verified with real-ear measurements often outperform newer devices that are not fit according to best practices.
At Avalon Hearing, we can fit any hearing aid a patient may need, but we also follow a clear philosophy on what we fit, when we fit it, and why. Every recommendation is guided by clinical evidence, experience, and long-term outcomes — not trends or marketing claims.
Schedule a Hearing Evaluation or Fitting
If you’re exploring hearing aids, already own devices that aren’t working as expected, or want an independent second opinion, Avalon Hearing is here to help.
Trusted by Patients, Families, and Facilities Throughout Northwest Arkansas
Patients and families consistently share how different Avalon Hearing feels — unhurried, personal, and focused on long-term results. Our approach is built around trust, education, and doing what’s truly best for each individual.
“Sam is great! He helped me out in a pinch when my hearing aid fell apart before a long vacation trip. He sent it off to the manufacturer for repair and set me up with a demo pair, so I didn't have to be without. He went above and beyond for me as I'm new to the area and just met him at a Senior Expo a few months ago. I very much appreciate his kindness and professionalism! He is highly recommended by me!”
— BRENDA K.“So convenient and personal! Very meaningful to have someone coach me through my hearing loss process. I now know that hearing loss is directly connected to decreased brain health and function, and that getting hearing aids will help my brain to create new neural pathways and grow! Thank you so much for your help!”
— DON W.“Sam is an exceptional professional in every way. He explains everything in detail and is extremely warm and personable. Additionally, he is excellent and extremely patient in handling seniors. My mother is two weeks from 97, and she felt right at home, heard, and expressed how much she enjoyed working with Sam. If you have a loved one who needs this service, look no further!”
— GEORGE G.Send Us A Message
Bringing Hearing Care to You - Northwest Arkansas
Avalon Hearing proudly serves communities along the I-49 corridor, including Bella Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Springdale, Centerton, Cave Springs, Gravette, Pea Ridge, Farmington, Little Flock, Lowell, Johnson, Elm Springs, Tontitown, and Highfill