The Types Of Hearing Aids To Buy

Loss of auditory cells makes it harder for people to hear and distinguish sounds. Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by viruses or bacteria, noise, trauma, infection, aging, certain medications, birth defects, cancer, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, and stroke. Hearing aids can aid improve hearing and speech, especially in people with sensorineural hearing loss (hearing loss in the inner ear due to damaged hair cells or damaged auditory nerve).

A hearing aid that matches the size and shape of a person's ear canal is commonly used for mild to moderate hearing loss. They differ depending on which part of the hearing aid is inside the ear or ear canal and how far outside it is. Most hearing aids have several similar electronic components, including a microphone that picks up sound; an amplifier circuit that makes the sound louder; a miniature speaker (receiver) that transmits amplified sound to the ear canal; and batteries that power electronic parts.

People with two hearing aids can be programmed to work together so that adjustments (volume control or program changes) made in one hearing aid in one ear can also be made in the other hearing aid for more control. Hearing aids also have various types of circuits or electronic devices that process ear sounds. Hearing devices are "digital." Audiologists can use a computer to tell the digital chip in the hearing aid how much volume to increase at different frequencies or tones based on the child's hearing loss. Digital hearing aids allow for more complex sound processing during amplification, which can improve sound performance in some situations (for example, background noise and reduced dental sound).

A RIC hearing aid is a device in which a receiver or speaker is located in the ear canal and then connected to the main device by a thin wire. Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) styles are similar to BTE hearing aids with a speaker or receiver in the ear canal.

 ITE hearing aids are Usually used for mild to severe hearing loss, ITE hearing aids can be paired with other technical hearing devices such as an induction coil, a mechanism used to improve sound during telephone conversations.Those aids are larger than canal aids and are completely in the canal and may be easier to handle for some people than smaller aids. In-ear (ITC) and fully in-ear (CIC) devices. These hearing aids are housed in tiny cases that fit part or all of the ear canal.

The Mini Behind The Ear (Mini BTE) hearing aids are stylish options for those who need more amplification or don't like the style feel in the canal. They are similar to the RIC or BTE models but have a more sophisticated appearance while still delivering powerful sound. BTE hearing aids are used by people of all ages with mild to profound hearing loss.

Remember, it is best to speak with a hearing care professional to understand your hearing aid and choose the right hearing aid.