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.

Phone Hearing Aid

The company operates as a subsidiary of Siemens Medical Solutions, a division of Siemens AG, Munich, Germany, a leader in the fields of communications, automation and transportation, electronic components, energy power, lighting, as well as medical electronics.

A hearing specialist can determine your level of hearing loss, and can give you advice on which hearing aid will benefit you the most. Not all discount hearing aids have been approved, although the company may have one or more models that have been approved. Some companies will give you a month or less trial period youre your mail order hearing aids.

You can also call the manufacturer of your hearing aid, as they are really the experts when it comes to issues such as which battery types work best in their products.
This problem can be eliminated with behind the ear hearing aids. Are mail order hearing aids allowed to be sold in your state? Finally the canal aids are those which fit into the ear and which are made to fit the specific size and shape of a persons ear canal, making them practically invisible. With behind the ear hearing aids, especially the programmable types, can be set to allow the frequency of normal conversation to come through while blocking out extraneous sounds.

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If you have decided to go with a digital model, you may already be ahead of the game since digital hearing aids ratings are generally some of the highest. It happens to many people, particularly in the later years of life. This is especially key in the first few days or weeks after getting your devices, when you need an adjustment period to become accustomed to them. If you have a child that has mild to severe hearing loss, you know how this condition can affect many aspects of his development and learning.