Different Types of Hearing Aids & Styles
Each patient that is treated at Oliveira Audiology & Hearing Center, PLLC is given unique hearing aid style recommendations based on their audiological and lifestyle needs. One might be a young child born with hearing loss, and another might be an elderly individual just beginning to lose his or her hearing. Some patients might be able to hear quite a bit of different sounds already and others may not be able to make out any sounds on their own. Because each situation is unique, we have personalized solutions tailored for each patient.
Are you looking for a hearing aid? The truth is, there are many brands on the market, and choosing the ideal one can be frustrating. Knowing where to start helps a lot. Here, we’ll look at the hearing aid styles and what to look for when buying one.
Types of Hearing Aids
Mainly, you will find two types of hearing aids on the market:
1. ITE (in-the-ear)
These hearing aids are custom fit and worn inside the ear. You can fit the aids deep in the ear or close to the outer ear. ITEs come in different shapes, designs, and colors -your physician will recommend a suitable one that still blends with your skin tone. These models are easily visible and perfect for senior adults with hearing loss.
2. BTE (behind the ear)
These models fit on top or behind the ear and feature a dome or custom-tubed earmold tubing that transfers sound to the ear canal.
The BTE model has a case that holds the device securely behind the ear. You can get customized BTE hearing aids depending on your preferences.
The latest BTE hearing aids are open fitting and come with a narrow tube that you can insert behind the ear for sound transmission. This model could be perfect for people prone to earwax buildup.
All hearing aids have button batteries lasting three to twenty days, but some hearing aids have rechargeable batteries.
Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids come in different styles because of their varied sizes, features, and specifications. Presently, designers major in smaller and less noticeable hearing aids, although they might not improve your hearing as desired. The common styles are:
1. Completely in the canal (CIC)
The mini CIC fits inside the ear canal and aids in improving mild or moderate hearing loss in adults. CIC devices are smaller and almost hidden, and you might have challenges adjusting or removing them. On the downside, CIC models’ inbuilt batteries have a shorter lifespan.
2. In the canal (ITC)
These models are designed to fit part of the ear canal and are suitable for adults with moderate hearing loss. In-the-canal devices are adjustable and come with two microphones to improve hearing. It may be invisible to some people, and you can put it on daily or for several months.
3. In-the-ear
This device comes with a plastic case to secure it firmly towards the outer ear. In-the-ear hearing aids are suitable for adults with severe hearing loss. Improved models have a telecoil, which transmits sound instead of the traditional microphone. It means that you can easily listen to conversations made on telephones.
4. Receiver in the canal (RIC)
RIC aids have a tiny wire instead of tubing to connect to the speaker or receiver and be inserted into the ear canal. Adults with mild and moderate hearing loss can use the receiver in the canal hearing aid.
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing aids have different functionalities depending on the technologies and electronics used and are either analog or digital.
- Analog hearing aids are adjustable and amplify sound through electric signals. The designer usually programs analog aids depending on the audiologist’s specifications.
- Digital aids amplify sound by transmitting sound waves into numerical sound codes. It regulates the sound’s pitch by programming it from the origin to be audible. An audiologist will listen to digital circuitry and adjust it to the patient’s needs.
How to Choose Hearing Aids
When looking for hearing aids, ask your provider the following questions:
- Does it have the essential features?
- What technologies does it have, and is the cost worth it?
- Are there warranty benefits?
- Can your audiologist adjust or service the hearing aids?
Understand Hearing Aid Styles and Find Solutions in Loredo, TX
At Oliveira Audiology & Hearing Center, we specialize in finding remedies for hearing loss issues. We understand that there are many hearing aid styles in the market but want to help you find the perfect device to improve your hearing. Book a consultation with us today for an assessment by a specialized audiologist.
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