For most people with hearing loss, hearing aids may help to improve their hearing and quality of life. Today's hearing aids do more than just make sounds louder. Digital technology treats loud and soft sounds differently, manages background noise, and reduces feedback. Digital hearing aids offer precise personal amplification and allow for adjustment flexibility to accommodate changes in hearing. While digital sound processing is the latest technology, other types of hearing aids such as conventional analog and analog programmable can also help people with hearing loss.
STYLE, SIZE AND FEATURES
- Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) -- These are the smallest hearing aids available and are almost invisible in the ear. CICs are best for mild to moderate hearing loss, but their small size requires excellent manual dexterity to change batteries and for insertion/removal from the ear.
- In-the-Canal (ITC) -- Slightly bigger than a CIC, this model is easier to use and handle. ITCs are best for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- In-the-Ear (ITE) -- Slightly larger than an ITC, ITEs can handle any level of hearing loss from mild to severe. ITE aids are popular because their size allows for extra features like directional microphones and telecoils that are compatible with amplified telephones and assistive listening devices.
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE) -- BTE aids move all the electronic parts of the hearing aid to a small case behind the ear. A custom earmold is required to connect to the hearing aid. BTE aids can handle the greatest range of hearing loss, from mild to profound. In recent years, BTE aids have become smaller and smaller, and are now available in a variety of skin tones and hair colors, and in bright, fun colors too!
- Body--The electronics for this type of hearing aid are housed in a special case that can be carried in a pocket. This model also requires a custom earmold. These hearing aids provide the greatest amount of power and are typically used only for the most severe cases of hearing loss.
