Hearing-Guide.com
Online consumer information on hearing aids, hearing loss and deafness
Types of Hearing Aids
In-the-canal Hearing Aids In-the-canal
(ITC) hearing aids are custom designed and fit more deeply
in the ear canal and are smaller than ITE aids. |
Completely-in-the-canal Hearing Aids
Completely-in-the-canal
(CIC) hearing aids (or peritympanic aids) are
custom designed and fit
completely in the ear canal. These are the
smallest and least visible hearing aids available. They are especially
attractive for active individuals, and can be
fitted to moderate losses
reasonably well.
|
In-the-ear Hearing Aids
In-the-ear
(ITE) hearing aids are custom designed and fit directly in
your ear. Fairly inconspicuous and securely inside the ear
and most
closely imitate the natural hearing process. They are self-contained,
with all components within a single plastic shell. They have no
external wires or tubes, and are very light in weight. A variety of styles are available to fit a wide range of hearing losses. They are not generally recommended for individuals whose hearing losses are severe to profound, for those who might have difficulty manipulating controls, or for those losses requiring special features not available on in-the-ear hearing aids.
Behind-the-ear Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear
(BTE) hearing aids are housed in curved cases which fit
neatly behind or over the ear. A custom ear mold made to
the exact shape
of your ear is used with these aids to provide support and also to
direct the amplified sound into the ear canal.Many BTE hearing aids can be connected to external sound sources such as televisions or other assistive listening devices. this style offers the greatest possibilities for hearing aid dispenser adjustment from among all styles of hearing aids. these aids can be fitted from mild through profound hearing loss.
Implantable Hearing Aids
For a selected, small number of adults who are now profoundly deaf in both ears, who were once able to hear and had acquired oral language skills, and have no other serious medical problems, a cochlear implant may be beneficial.This mechanism converts sound to electrical impulses that are transmitted directly through wires placed inside the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve. Placing a cochlear implant and programming it for personal use requires a highly skilled team.
Although sounds may not be clearly discriminated, the implant enhances awareness of environmental sound (which is important for safety), and improve comprehension of speech by providing some auditory information. Those with less severe impairment will benefit more from traditional hearing aids.
Back to Hearing-Guide.com
Top
| Hearing Guide News |
Online consumer information on hearing aids, hearing loss and deafness
