Hearing aids help people with hearing loss perceive sound more clearly. They work by amplifying sounds and making it easier to distinguish them. Hearing aids can improve your quality of life by allowing you to communicate effectively with others, enjoy music, and stay connected to the world.
This article will explore the different types of hearing aids. We will also discuss their advantages and disadvantages to help you decide which one is right for you.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Hearing Aids
When choosing hearing aids, you need to consider several factors. These include:
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Degree of hearing loss
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The size and shape of your ear canal
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Aesthetic preferences
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Lifestyle
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Budget
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Comfort
Types of Hearing Aids
Several types of hearing aids are available today, each with its own set of pros and cons. The most common hearing aids are behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), in-the-ear (ITE), completely-in-the-canal (CIC), and invisible-in-canal (IIC).
1. Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
BTE devices are the most popular hearing aids today. They rest comfortably behind your ear with a tube connecting the device to an ear mold that fits inside your ear canal. These hearing aids are great for first-timers and work for mild to severe hearing loss.
Pros:
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Suitable for all ages and most types of hearing loss
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Long battery life and lifespan
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Easy to adjust and operate
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Include more features such as directional microphones, wireless connectivity, and volume control
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Less prone to moisture damage than other types
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Cons:
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More visible than other hearing aids
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Require good manual dexterity to adjust controls
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Might interfere with wearing glasses or masks
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2. In-the-Ear (ITE)
ITE devices are custom-designed to fit within the outer entrance of the ear canal or deeper inside it. They are less visible than BTE hearing aids and are suitable for people with moderate to severe hearing loss.
Pros:
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Good sound quality
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Less visible than BTE hearing aids
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Larger models are easy to handle, making them suitable for people with limited manual dexterity
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May include additional features such as volume control
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Cons:
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More visible than smaller, in-the-canal models
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Smaller models might have a shorter battery life
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Prone to wax buildup and moisture damage
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3. Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aids are small custom-made devices that fit entirely inside the ear canal. They are barely visible and are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Pros:
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Discreet
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Less likely to pick up wind noise due to deep placement
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Cons:
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Smaller batteries
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Difficult to handle due to small size
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4. Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
RITE models, also known as Receiver-In-Canal (RIC), have the speaker or receiver in the ear canal while the rest of the device sits behind the ear. A gentle tip sits just within the ear canal, leaving it unsealed. This feature often results in a more natural sound for many individuals
Pros:
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Less visible than BTE hearing aids
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Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss
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Good sound quality
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Comfortable to wear
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Have options with rechargeable batteries
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The speaker can be replaced separately
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Most models have advanced features like wireless connectivity
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Cons:
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The speaker is prone to earwax clogging and moisture damage
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Smaller sizes require manual dexterity
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The microphone and sound processor that sit behind the ear are conspicuous.
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5. CROS/BiCROS
Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) aids are for individuals with hearing loss in one ear. BiCROS aids, meanwhile, are for people with no hearing in one ear and some degree of hearing loss in the other. The hearing aid is worn on the ear with better hearing, while an additional microphone is placed on the poorer hearing side.
Pros:
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Suitable for people with single-sided hearing loss or asymmetrical hearing loss
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Can significantly improve the ability to hear in noisy environments and localize sounds
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Cons:
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Does not restore normal directional hearing
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May be more visible depending on the style
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Common Concerns
Some people may be hesitant to use hearing aids due to concerns about discomfort or difficulty adjusting to them. However, modern hearing aids are designed to be comfortable and easy to use. It may take some time to adjust to wearing hearing aids, but with practice and patience, most people can adapt to them.
Selecting the Right Type of Hearing Aid
The proper hearing devices must suit your hearing loss, lifestyle needs, budget, and manual dexterity. Remember to consult an audiologist to determine which types of hearing aids work for you. They will assess the degree and nature of your hearing loss and recommend the best devices. You can enjoy a more fulfilling and connected life with the right hearing aid.
