Hearing Aids Types

Hearing Aid Types

2011-05-26T04:59:00.000-07:00

A hearing aid is a small device that is worn in or on the ear. This electronic device amplifies sound and is used to treat hearing loss. Hearing aids can greatly improve the quality of life of someone with significant hearing loss. There are several different types of hearing aids and we have the hearing aid ratings for them here.
The basic types of hearing aids are named by how they fit on the ear. The basic types are behind-the-ear (BTE), mini BTE, in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and completely-in-canal (CIC). The hearing aids that fit in the canal are not recommended for children or people with profound hearing loss since they are more difficult to adjust and remove. They are smaller which reduces their volume and power.
There are also hearing aids that are surgically implanted. The middle ear implant (MEI) moves the bones of the middle ear as they would for someone without a hearing impairment. The bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) delivers sound from its attachment to the skull directly to the inner ear by bypassing the middle ear.
The other way that hearing aids are divided into types is if the hearing aid is analog or digital. Whether a hearing aid is an analog hearing aid or a digital hearing aid depends on the type of electronics in the hearing aid. Analog hearing aids convert sounds to amplified electrical signals. An audiologist programs the analog hearing aid to match the needs of the user.
Digital hearing aids use binary code like computers use before amplifying the sound wave. Digital hearing aids can be programmed to amplify specific frequencies according to the user’s needs. An audiologist can program a digital hearing aid to amplify sounds from a specific direction or other specific needs of the user. Digital hearing aids are usually more expensive than analog hearing aids.
The audiologist recommends the best type of hearing aid based on the type and degree of hearing loss and the needs of the user. Other factors to consider are the purchase price, maintenance costs, warranty, and ease of use of the hearing aid. Ideally, cost considerations are secondary to the quality of the product and the benefits of the type of hearing aid. Some hearing aids have an ability to be upgraded. The person with hearing loss should feel comfortable discussing the options with the audiologist while deciding on the best possible hearing aid.

Cheap Hearing Aids

2011-05-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

Cheap Hearing Aids are important because a typical hearing aid can be expensive, reaching figures up to three thousands dollars for a branded hearing aid. For new user, you do not wish to invest so much money on a hearing aid.
What will be considered as an affordable hearing aid for a new user? How about a couple of hundreds? I have come across this cheap hearing aid called the MD Hearing Aid and it is also number 1 selling hearing aid in amazon, one of the largest online selling site for stuff on almost everything.
There are so many hearing aids all over the world, but it is important to get a cheap and trust worthy hearing aid. This is because a hearing aid is important to be functional for the user to hear properly. If the hearing aid cannot function in that manner, it is not worth buying one.
Amazon and many budget sites do sell affordable hearing aids for the public. Try out a cheap hearing aid before jumping into an expensive hearing aid that can cost you ten cheap hearing aids.

Hearing Aids Types

2009-09-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

There are different types of hearing aids, mainly Behind-the-ear, In-the-ear and Canal types. These types are different in sizes, shapes and power.

Behind-the-ear is also known as BTE. BTE consist of two parts, one hard plastic case worn behind the ear and another soft earmold that fits inside the outer ear. The hard plastic case contains the electronics parts and also receive the sound from the surroundings. Inside the electronics, it does all the analysis and conversion. Then it will produced the amplified sound to the earmold to the ear. BTE can be used by all people to people with extreme earing problems.

In-the-ear is known as ITE in short. As meant by the name, this type of hearing aids fits completely inside the outer ear. Usually this type of hearing aids are for middle range hearing loss. This type contains all the electroncis inside the hard plastic case. This type does the receiving, processing and output of the sound to the ear. This hearing aid is less visible than the Behind-the-ear type. As it is inside the outer ear, it is convenient especially talking over a phone. However this type may not be suitable for kids as their ears will grow and the shape will change. As such, the ITE will not fit well into the outer ear.

Lastly the smallest of all is the Canal aid. This type is the smallest and almost invisible. Usually for mild hearing loss only. This is due to the limited size and power that it can produce. Also because of the size, there is no much space for bigger batteries and complex components. On the other end, canal aid is the most esthetics among the rest.