When a person goes through hearing loss problems, one of the first solutions that might come to their mind is the use of innovative hearing aids. Even though there are hearing loss problems of various degrees, hearing aids are said to help with most of them.
How Hearing Aids Work
All types of hearing aids have the same basic function, the same parts are usually used to carry sounds from the environment and into the ears. The purpose of hearing aids is to amplify sound.
There are small microphones in hearing aids that collect sounds from the environment. Then a computer chip with an amplifier works to convert the incoming sound into digital codes. The aid adjusts and analyzes the sound based on the level of hearing loss, the level of the sounds, and listening needs.
The signals are then converted back into sound waves and delivered to the ears through receivers. Digital hearing aids are powered with batteries, mostly traditional hearing aid batteries, and they are often rechargeable.
Different Types of Hearing Aids
There are now various types of hearing aids, each becoming more innovative as time passes by. The vary in size, price, and other special features.
One of the most important factors that determine the type of suitable hearing aids is the way they are placed in the ear.
Many different small-sized hearing aids are being manufactured to cater to the demands of many users for unnoticeable hearing aids. But at the same time, the smaller one might not provide as much listening ability and quality as the larger ones.
Let’s take a look into the mainstream types of hearing aids:
In The Ear
An ITE or In The Ear hearing aid is usually custom made in two styles — one style that fills only the lower part of the ear and one style that fills most of the bowl-shaped area of the outer ear.
Both styles of the ‘In The Ear’ type of hearing aids are helpful for people with mild to severe hearing loss, and they are available with directional microphones.
In fact, they have two microphones for better hearing in noisy environments. Some attributes of In The Ear hearing aids are-
● Includes features such as a volume control that don’t fit on smaller style hearing aids
● Easier to handle
● A larger battery is used for longer battery life, with several options for rechargeable batteries
● The speaker’s not much earwax resistant, so it might get clogged
● Picks up more wind noise than smaller devices
● More visible in the ear than smaller devices
Behind The Ear
A BTE or Behind The Ear hearing aid hooks over the top of the ear and rests behind it. An earmold that fits in the ear canal is connected to the hearing aid with a tube.
This hearing aid type is compatible with almost any type of hearing loss and melds well with people of all ages. Some of the BTE hearing aid’s attributes are-
● Traditionally the largest type of hearing aid, though some of its newer mini designs are smaller, streamlined, and barely visible
● Has directional microphones
● Provides more amplification than are other styles
● Picks up more wind noise than other styles
● Available with a rechargeable battery
Receiver In Canal
The RIC or the ‘Receiver In Canal’ hearing aids are similar to RITE or Receiver In The Ear. Like Behind The Ear hearing aids, these RIC hearing aids have receivers that sit in the ear canal. A tiny wire connects the piece behind the ear to the receiver. Some of the features of RICs are-
● Usually has a less visible behind-the-ear portion
● Directional microphones
● Manual control options
● Available with a rechargeable battery
● Earwax might clog the speaker
In The Canal
An ITC or In The Canal hearing aid is custom molded and fits partly in the ear canal. This style is said to improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.
An In The Ear hearing aid has:
● Is less visible in the ear than the larger styles
● Includes features that won’t fit on completely In The Ear aids, but may be difficult to adjust due to its small size
● Earwax might clog the receiver
Completely In The Canal
A completely In The Canal hearing aid is molded to fit inside the ear canal. It is said to improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.
A completely In The Ear hearing aid has-
● The smallest and the least visible type
● Less likely to pick up wind noise
● Uses very small batteries that have a shorter life and can be difficult to handle
● Doesn’t often include extra features, such as volume control or a directional microphone
● Earwax might clog the receiver
Final Words
With innovative medical technology increasing throughout modern times, it is always important to speak with a medical professional when considering remedies for hearing loss.
