Hearing aids are a common non-invasive treatment option for hearing loss. A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to amplify sounds. Hearing aids today create a clearer, sharper, more natural sound for the person wearing the device. Recent technological advancements even allow for smart phones to seamlessly connect to smartphones devices, allowing the user to have a direct control of volume, environments, and bluetooth accessibility. Although, hearing aids do not restore hearing to normal, they can improve your ability to hear, so that you don’t have to work so hard at “filling in the blanks.”
A hearing aid is composed of three components: a microphone, an amplifier and a speaker. Sounds are received through the microphone, intensified by the amplifier, and transmitted to the ear through the speaker. The microphone, which picks up sounds from the air, converts them into electrical signals. Once these sounds have been made more powerful by the amplifier, they are changed back into acoustic signals to be heard by the person wearing the hearing aid. In addition to these three components of hearing aids, digital hearing aids also make use of a small computer.
HEARING AID STYLES
There are five basic styles of hearing aids that vary in size, placement and degree of amplification. Determining which style is best for the individual depends on the severity of the hearing loss.
- Behind the Ear (BTE): Available in Standard, Mini, & Power. This is the most common hearing aid style. – These hearing aids are worn behind the ear and connected to a custom mold that is placed inside the ear canal. These hearing aids are available in a variety of color, easy to use buttons and discreet designs. This hearing solution is available for individuals with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe.
- Receiver-In-Canal (RIC): The most popular and cosmetic hearing solution available. – These small and discreet hearing aids are also worn behind the ear coupled to a thin receiver wire and small dome. This style also comes in a variety of colors and sizes, including standard, mini and power. These versatile hearing aids may also be Bluetooth compatible for our active clients.
- In the Canal (ITC): Small custom hearing aids that fit in the ear canal. Perfect for a mild to moderate hearing loss. Not typically used for children since they will be quickly outgrown.
- Completely in the Canal (CIC) & Invisible in the Canal: (IIC) The small and SMALLEST hearing aids. Extremely cosmetically appealing. So tiny, no one will notice them! Fits a mild to moderately-severe hearing loss. Not typically used for children since they will be quickly outgrown.
Congratulations on taking the first step to better hearing! Let our team of experts walk you through this process to make better hearing part of your life. Our friendly, knowledgeable team will provide you with the best recommendation based on your individual lifestyle and needs. There is a hearing solution for everyone! We are happy to discuss any, and all questions, in order to help make this process as stress free as possible. Call for a FREE CONSULTATION with our team!