Which Are the Most Popular Types of Hearing Aids?

If you or one of your loved ones has experienced hearing loss in your lifetime, you will know how vital good audiologist can be. Audiologists are specialists in ear care with a doctorate or master’s degree, and can help anyone with ear damage achieve a more comfortable, accessible life. Unlike in the past, hearing loss is not something which will damage your life chances or hurt your prospects – with the right information and care, hearing loss can be helped. 

It is a common misconception that only elderly individuals have hearing loss. In fact, anyone can. Hearing loss can be a genetic condition people have from birth; it can be caused by accidents or impact; it can be caused by excessive exposure to loud noise or it can simply come with the passing of time. No matter what, your hearing loss is not something to be ashamed of or worried about; there is technology out there which can make any impact of hearing loss much less great.

How do hearing aids work?

Most people know what a hearing aid is, but do you know how they work? A hearing aid is electronic, and looks like a small piece of plastic worn on your ear. It contains a tiny microphone which amplifies the sound around you, allowing your eardrum to pick up on the sound vibrations more easily. This is one of the best options to address your hearing loss.

Essentially, they make sound louder so that someone with hearing loss or reduced hearing capacities can hear what is going on around them. It is a simple device which is constantly being reinvented, updated and transformed into a more accessible version of itself!

What are the different types of hearing aid?

It might come as a surprise to some that there are different types of hearing aid. After all, it only has one function – how different can these types be? It turns out, within the sphere of basic hearing aid function, there are a few different ways they can benefit people depending on their type of hearing loss. Here are the most popular types of hearing aids, all recommended by audiologists.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. These hearing aids sit in the central space of your ear, rather than over the top of or behind your outer ear. They are often flesh-colored, making them less conspicuous. Although hearing loss is nothing to be ashamed of, some hearing aid users feel more comfortable with ITE hearing aids, due to their subtlety. These hearing aids are custom fit to a person’s ear, making them highly comfortable for daily wearing. Plus, they can be rechargeable and can have long battery life, making them an all-round simpler product to use every day.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are exactly as described; they sit over the top of and behind your outer ear, rather than in the center of it. This outer apparatus is then connected by a small tube to the earmold which sits in the actual ear canal. These hearing aids are very popular due to their accessibility; they are suitable for almost all types of hearing loss! Plus, they are durable and comfortable. Due to their larger size, BTE hearing aids can more easily amplify sounds and pick up sound from farther away.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids sit inside the actual ear canal itself. These are almost invisible to a passer-by, and are worn more and more often due to their small size and discreet appearance. These are also usually rechargeable hearing aids which have all the same function of other hearing aids, but they are simply smaller and more subtle than BTE or ITE hearing aids.

The functions of modern hearing aids

Not only is there a wide range of hearing aid options nowadays, but there are also high-tech options available for most hearing aid types. For example, some hearing aids have Bluetooth installed, meaning you can connect your hearing aid to your phone or radio! Plus, almost all modern hearing aids are rechargeable and can be paired with handy on-the-go chargers. Hearing loss has never been easier to help than now – with the right advice and diagnosis from an audiologist, you are on your way.

If you want to learn more about the right hearing aid option for you or a loved one, do not hesitate to contact us here at Atlantic Audiology. Call us at (401) 262-0170 today to talk to a specialist about your needs.