All About Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids assume a variety of shapes and forms

, but all share a few basic features to assist those suffering from hearing loss. Each device has a microphone, which receives sound from outside your ear, an amplifier, to amplify the sound received and a miniature loudspeaker that delivers the sound into your ear canal. Beyond these three functioning technical features, the size, position and features between different hearing devices differs significantly.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

BTE aids hook behind the ear and connect to a smaller delivery device that sits just outside the ear canal. The two parts of the BTE connect through a small clear tube that runs behind the ear and into the delivery device. These devices are easy to adjust for volume and fit, and dont require custom molding. While BTEs are the most visible of all hearing aid styles, theyre also the most durable and easiest to clean. Their low-maintenance requirements and durability make them a common choice for young children with hearing loss.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

ITE devices are custom made and sit just outside the area just before your ear canal, in the outer ear. The device is much smaller than behind the ear devices, but is still visible from the side view of your head. Because ITE devices sit outside the ear canal theyre sensitive to wind and other continuous soft sounds, which can muddle the quality of your hearing. These devices are relatively easy to clean and insert, and unlike some of the smaller options, ITE hearing devices use larger batteries, which allows them to last longer.

In-the-Canal (ITC)

An ITC device is custom made, and fits partially, but not entirely inside your ear canal. The small size of ITC units makes them an effective, inconspicuous choice for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Because the entire case is partially inside your ear canal, ITC devices adapt easily to cell phone, and landline phone use. Finally, its external accessibility allows you to adjust an ITC hearing aid for volume and microphone direction.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

CIC devices are the least visible and most internal of the hearing instrument options. Because the device sits completely inside your ear canal, outside noises, like wind, wont cloud the quality of the microphone. Unfortunately, the smaller size requires smaller batteries, which generally have a shorter lifespan. The internal nature of a CIC also prohibits adjustments, such as volume control. Finally, because a CIC aid sits completely inside your ear canal, diligent cleaning is required daily to remove any earwax or body oils that could damage the electronic devices inside the case.

Almost all hearing aids today are digital, which produces a clearer sound with less manual adjusting. Although analog hearing aids do still exist, according to Mayo Clinic, they are increasingly less common and will be phased out shortly by digital technology. Choosing the right aid depends on your lifestyle and hearing needs. Its also an important decision that should include your audiologist.

by: Lori Klein Gardner, Au.D.

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