Different Types Of Hearing Aids

By Author: hearingsolutions
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Hearing problems can affect a person at any age. From birth (genetic) to age related in septuagenarians and octogenarians. Different age groups require different types of Hearing Aids. Hearing aids are basically electroacoustic devices. A hearing aid consists of a microphone (which receives sound), amplifier (receives sound waves from microphone and sends to the speaker) and speaker receives the sound waves to facilitate hearing. Hearing aids run on batteries

Hearing aids come in different shapes and sizes. From the almost invisible to the very visible, from in the ear canal to behind the ear, from digital to analogue.Hearing aids can be customized to suit every age group.

Hearing machines are of two types –Analogue and Digital Hearing devices. Before the development of digital sound technologies, analogue hearing aids were the only form of hearing aid available.

Analogue hearing machines simply amplify sounds picked up by the microphone. They are not flexible for individual needs and generally cost less. Analogue Hearing aids are sometimes more powerful than digital hearing aids. Long time hearing aid ...
... users sometimes prefer analogue over digital.

Digital amplification splits the sound picked up by the microphone into small sections which are amplified. These hearing devices have computer chips which convert sound waves to digital signals instead of just amplifying it. The pitch and loudness of the sound can be programmed to match individual prescriptions. Digital Hearing Aids are flexible and adjustable for specific user needs.

Types of Hearing Aids

• IIC (invisible in the canal): Invisible hearing aids use the latest cutting edge technology, are customized to completely into the ear canal and are completely invisible to outsiders

• BTE (Behind-the-ear): In these hearing machines most parts are contained in a small plastic case that rests behind the ear. The case is connected to ear mould or earpiece by a piece of clear tubing. BTE Hearing aids are easy to clean and handle, and are relatively sturdy. There is a new type of BTE Hearing aid called the mini BTE (or "on-the-ear") aid. This increases comfort and reduces cosmetic concerns

• ITE (In-the-ear): All parts of the hearing aid are contained in a shell that fills in the outer part of the ear. The ITE aids are larger than the in-the-canal and completely-in-the-canal aids, may be easier to handle than smaller aids.