Understanding The Different Types Of Hearing Aids
Your doctor has decided that its time to consider a hearing aid. But how do you know how to choose between the different types of hearing aids? Your doctor should tell you which type of aid will work best for you; but ultimately, only you can decide which of the types of hearing aids is going to be the most comfortable for you.
The Three Different Types Of Hearing Aids
Although there are many different manufacturers of hearings aids, there are really only three different types of hearing aids: behind the ear hearing aids, or BTE aids; in the ear hearing aids, or ITE aids; and in the canal hearing aids, or ITC aids. Each of the different types of hearing aids are different sizes, and amplify sounds differently as well.
The first of the different types of hearing aids we will look at are BTE aids. A BTE aid is worn behind the ear with a wire that connects to an earmold worn inside the outer ear. The hard plastic case contains the electronics, and sound is transmitted through the wire into the earmold. BTEs have been recommended for hearing impaired people of all ages, and can be used at all levels of hearing loss; from only a minor impairment, to more severe hearing loss.
A second type of BTE has become available in recent years, called the open fit hearing aid.. The plastic case still rests behind the ear; but instead of an earmold, a small tube is inserted inside the ear canal. Many users of BTE aids seem to prefer the open fit aids due to increased sound quality.
The second of the types of hearing aids is the ITE aid. ITE aids fit into the outer ear, and are generally not recommended for children because they must be replaced often as the child grows. The electronic components of ITE aids are completely encased in a hard plastic shell that it placed into the outer ear. ITE aids also typically come equipped with a device called a telecoil, which enables easier telephone use.
The last of the three type of hearing aids are the ITC aids. ITCs are custom made to fit the exact size of the wearers ear canal. Another type of ITC is a CIC, or completely in canal aid. These aids are virtually hidden inside the ear canal. These types of hearing aids are not generally recommended for severe hearing loss because their small size limits their amplification power. ITCs are also not recommended for children.
Whether your hearing loss is severe or mild, there are many types of hearing aids for you to choose from that will help you to hear the sounds you miss much better.
How Do Hearing Aids Work
Disposable hearing aids are built like other hearing aid devices, with a small, mushroom-like cap that fits inside of the ear canal.
Even an electric version that came out in the 1920s did little to improve things. The wires to the speaker are extremely thin and barely visible. It is no wonder either, as they offer everything that you should be looking for in a company of their type: high quality products, affordable prices and superior customer service. The best option is to compare hearing aids to find one that suits their individual needs, and not just financially, as many of the better quality units may be acceptable for insurance payments. No one will catch every word, even those with normal hearing.
If you dont and buy a hearing aid anyway, it could be like taking medicine for malaria when really all you have is the flu.
Hearing aid batteries are typically what are called zinc-air batteries. This information is essential to the accurate selection of hearing aids, but another costly step in the process as well. Hearing aids are electronic devices that work by picking up and amplifying sound, and by amplifying sound, the sounds that the wearer normally would not hear are increased and therefore better communicated to them. When you realize you have hearing loss, it can be frightening to use the phone.
Cheap hearing aids tend to have a lot of static and so sometimes they make your hearing problem even worse than it was to begin with, which obviously makes them pointless to wear.
Why Do They Cost So Much? What? The batteries usually lasted only about twelve hours. |