All hearing aids available on the market function in a similar way: they amplify sound to compensate for hearing loss due to age, disease or injury. When choosing a hearing aid, consider your needs, lifestyle, degree of your condition, and which features will benefit you the most.
Different Types of Hearing Aids
Style and size are ways of differentiating hearing aids. Hearing devices can range from large units that are fitted behind your ear to smaller ones that are nearly invisible. You will be able to tell a hearing aid's style through the three initials that indicate how it is worn.
BTE or "behind the ear" hearing aids hook behind your ear and are connected to a molded unit that rests inside your ear canal. This is the best type of hearing aid for those with severe hearing loss. The BTE is the largest type of hearing aid. It requires large batteries that are less expensive and easier to change than the batteries that power smaller devices.
The OTE or "on the ear" hearing aid is a newer version of the BTE. Extremely small in size, it is positioned on top of the outer ear. The unit is hooked just behind the ear in a small plastic encasement and a clear tube then extends over the top of the ear to rest in the ear canal.
ITE or "in the ear" hearing aids are custom-fitted to the contours of your ear, which means they sit right inside the outer part of the ear. In other words, they are not inserted into your ear canal, but remain in the inside part of the ear that you can see. An ITE is smaller than a BTE hearing aid, since it needs to fit within your ear. The smaller size means that the receiver and microphone in an ITE are located close together, which may lend itself to feedback. While ITEs are smaller than BTEs, a major benefit, the fact that they rest inside the ear may cause fitting difficulties. Furthermore, since they are inside your ear, ear wax buildup and moisture can be a problem. You must make sure to clean an ITE regularly.
The ITC or "in the canal" is a very small type of hearing aid. It is made to fit inside your ear canal so that it is almost invisible. HearingLoss.org recommends ITCs for adults suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss, since they are the smallest unit and offer less amplification as a result. The fact that they cannot be seen is considered a benefit by many.
CIC or "completely in the canal" devices are the smallest type of ITEs. These custom units are fitted to your ear canal so that they are almost hidden inside your ear. A CIC allows you to use headsets and headphones comfortably.
Features and Sound Processing
The analog hearing aids that were common until the mid-1990s were relatively simple, consisting of an amplifier, a microphone, a speaker and a volume control mechanism. They tended to boost all sounds by equal amounts, making it difficult to control volume and to hear clearly in noisy places.
As of 2009, digital hearing aids are more common than analog hearing aids. These devices contain computer chips that digitize and analyze sounds. When the hearing aid detects speech, for example, consonants and vowels are boosted in the right proportions, making conversations clear and comfortable.
Choose the Right Hearing Aid
The Mayo Clinic reports that the cost for a hearing aid can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars You and your doctor should decide together which hearing aid is best for your situation and determine whether you need a more expensive model or if you will do well with a more cost-effective option. Before you purchase a hearing aid you must first have your hearing tested. Talk to your doctor about your options and your hearing needs.
Tags: inside your, your canal, hearing aids, hearing loss, that they, type hearing