Hearing Aids
What are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are small wearable electronic devices designed to improve hearing. They are generally used by people suffering from various hearing impairments but can also be used to hear better in a noisy environment.
How do Hearing Aids Work?
A small microphone present in the device captures the sound which is converted to electrical signals. The signals are then amplified by an embedded processor. These amplified signals are then converted back to sound and transmitted through an earpiece at the required volume level calculated by the device processor based on your hearing disorder.
Types of Hearing Aids
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
The main body rests behind the ear, with a small tube connecting to an earmold or dome inside the ear canal. BTE hearing aids are suitable for mild to profound hearing loss. They are durable, powerful, and easy to handle, making them ideal for children or individuals with severe hearing loss.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) / Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
These resemble BTE models but have the receiver (speaker) placed in the ear canal, connected by a thin wire. They are discreet, comfortable, and provide natural sound quality, suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
Custom-made to fit the outer portion of the ear, ITE hearing aids are easy to insert and remove. They can accommodate features like volume control and Bluetooth connectivity and are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids are custom-fit and sit partly in the ear canal. They are more discreet than ITE models and comfortable for daily use, ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
These hearing aids fit entirely inside the ear canal, making them almost invisible. They offer a very discreet look and reduce wind noise, but their small size limits battery life and extra features. They are best for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
The smallest custom hearing aid, IIC devices sit deep in the ear canal and are virtually invisible. They provide a natural sound experience and are ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss, though they may not suit those with very narrow ear canals or severe loss.
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)
These are surgically implanted devices that transmit sound vibrations through the skull bone directly to the inner ear. They are typically recommended for conductive or mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness.
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