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.

Hearing Technology

When you are in the market for a hearing aid, you will undoubtedly become quickly overwhelmed with the large variety of devices that are on the market today.

With only about 20 percent of those in need of hearing help wearing such as device, the availability of discount hearing aids may help those who need a hearing aid obtain one with a cost within their budget. They may prefer completely in the ear hearing aids so other do not know they are wearing one. As well, the intuitive feedback reduction feature greatly reduces feedback and whistle in the device due to a loose hearing aid, and the quiet speech amplifier picks up the quietist whisper without the accompanying extraneous noise. The low numbers may well be associated in part to the high cost of the units, and the Medicare hearing aids information that shows that many seniors on fixed income are unable to afford them. You can go to online auction sites such as eBay and see who is selling their used hearing aids. When you realize you have hearing loss, it can be frightening to use the phone.

Using hearing aids will not bring your hearing back to its original state.
There are charitable organizations that collect, sterilize and distribute used hearing aids for needy recipients. Some hearing aids that fit into the ear tend to muffle sounds, especially voices, making it exceptionally difficult to separate voices from background noise. The new designs of open fit hearing aids make it possible to have one fitted to the individual and programmed for their needs without waiting for it to be made. The new designs of open fit hearing aids make it possible to have one fitted to the individual and programmed for their needs without waiting for it to be made. Check with your health insurance or social security plan.

It can be very frustrating needing a hearing aid, let alone choosing which brand of hearing aid to get.
The open fit hearing aids are generally used for those with high frequency hearing loss, usually associated with some type of injury that can include exposure to loud sounds over a period of time. 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. If you need to get a hearing aid, then you will want to take a bit of time to browse through and understand your different options, so that you will be able to find the most affordable hearing aids that you can. A BTE aid is worn behind the ear with a wire that connects to an earmold worn inside the outer ear. Then the revenue that is gained from this is used to buy newer hearing aids for those people who are not able to afford them.