Different Styles of Hearing Aids
There are many different styles of hearing aids available these days and trying to decide on the right style for you can be hard to do. That is why you need to know the advantages and disadvantages in different styles of hearing aids. This can help you make a smarter decision for you much easier.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages in different styles:
ITE or In-the-Ear hearing aids, or full-shell hearing aid: Advantages:
1. There may be twin microphones that allow for much better hearing when you are in an environment that is noisy.
2. People who have severe hearing loss may benefit greatly from this type of hearing aid due to the larger amplifier that may be built into it.
Disadvantages:
1. With these hearing aids being worn in your ear, they are more apt to have problems with moisture and ear wax. Cleaning them on a daily basis is necessary to prevent problems.
2. There could be feedback problems with this style because the receiver and microphone are closer together than in other styles of hearing devices.
ITC or In-the-Canal hearing aids:
Advantages:
1. This style of hearing device is more discrete than the ITE ones are. This is a good style for anyone that is self conscious about wearing a hearing aid.
2. Again, this one is also good for environments that are noisy to produce good sound for the individual using the hearing aid, if the person’s ear size allows enough room for dual microphones.
Disadvantages:
1. Since this hearing aid is worn directly in your ear canal, you can have feedback problems because of the close distance between the receiver and the microphone.
2. The hearing device is more susceptible to ear wax and moisture damage since it is worn in your ear canal.
CIC or Completely-in-Canal hearing aid:
Advantages:
1. Small and very discreet; which makes them perfect for anyone that doesn’t want others to know you are using a hearing device.
2. The sound quality for high-frequency hearing-loss people may be good because of its position in their ears..
Disadvantages:
1. This style of hearing aid is one of the more expensive ones on the market these days.
2. The size of this hearing device makes it hard for some people to handle and use easily, especially people that have arthritis.
3. Because of its placement, it may be one of the most prone to needing repair.
4. “Occlusion”, or a “stopped-up sound” to your own voice, may be a significant problem with this type of hearing aid fit.
BTE or Behind-the-Ear hearing aids:
Advantages:
1. This type of hearing aid is ideal for anyone, no matter what your degree of hearing loss is.
2. There are less feedback problems with this style because there more separation between the microphones and receivers.
Disadvantages:
1. This style is may be larger than others; some micro BTEs, however, are very hard for others to see, especially if they are able to be covered with the wearer’s hair.
2. They may have either ear buds or ear molds. Ear molds will more than likely need to be remade at times to help preserve the acoustic seal, as well as re-tubed periodically.
These are just a few of the advantages and disadvantages in different styles of hearing aids that you need to be aware of. It is a good idea to take time to do your own homework on hearing aid styles and talk to a hearing aid specialist to help you make the smart style choice for your particular hearing loss.
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