What Type or Style of Hearing Aid Should I Choose?

According to the National Institute of Health on Deafness, a hearing aid is an electronic device that

• 1. Receives the environmental sound waves via a microphone.
• 2. Amplifies the sound waves into required electric or numerical signals via an amplifier.
• 3. Delivers the processed signals in the form of required sound to the wearer via a speaker.

The hearing styles, needs and challenges may vary from person to person and thus, the right hearing aid type must be leveraged to cater to these unique needs. With the advancements in technology and breakthrough innovations, there is a multitude of hearing aid styles available for varying hearing needs. Let’s understand why hearing aids are needed, their types and benefits.

What is the Need for a Hearing Aid?

Hearing aids are non-invasive, implantable devices that are attached to the ears to ensure smooth hearing functionalities irrespective of the type and extent of hearing impairments. Audiologists and ENT specialists leverage appropriate hearing tests to detect the type of hearing impairment and accordingly select the right hearing aid type for the person based on the cause of hearing loss and appropriate intervention needed.

Factors Influencing the Choice of a Hearing Aid

A WebMD article clearly lists the factors that answer your question about how to choose a hearing aid:

• a. Type of hearing loss (moderate or severe)
• b. Age of the individual
• c. Ability or willingness of the individual to use a hearing aid (Dexterity)
• d. Quality of life led
• e. Affordability

Apart from these primary factors, some secondary factors are found to influence the choice of the hearing aid type.

• a. Size of the device
• b. Battery types (Single-use or rechargeable)
• c. Wireless connectivity
• d. Live streamer
• e. Manual & remote controls
• f. Multi settings
• g. Warranty and shelf life
• h. Artificial intelligence integration
• i. Directional microphones
• j. Discreet aspect

Hearing Aid Types

The major types of hearing aid include:

1. 1. Analog Hearing Aid: In this type of hearing aid, the sound waves are processed into electrical signals
2. 2. Digital Hearing Aid: Here, the sound waves are processed into numerical codes

Benefits of Hearing Aid Types

Considering the huge adaptation and demand, the hearing aid marketplace is replete with different styles of hearing aids that are crafted to suit individualistic needs. Whether you prefer a simple, minimalist, basic functioning hearing aid or a tech-enabled, savvy hearing aid or a discrete, programmable hearing aid, you can find all these hearing aid styles in an effortless manner.

These key hearing aid types are crafted to prevent potential hearing impairments, correct/manage the current hearing loss and challenges. These are readily available for newborns, toddlers, young adults and people with progressive aging in versatile patterns.

Different Styles of Hearing Aids

The styles of a hearing aid are broadly classified into:

1. 1. Behind the Ear (BTE): A part of the device is placed on the outer ear (visible) and a part of the device is placed in the ear.
2. 2. In the Ear (ITE)
      a)  Receiver in the Canal (RIC): The speaker is placed in the ear canal, making it almost fully visible.
      b) Completely in the ear or canal (CIC): The speaker is kept completely in the ear canal. However, it is partially visible.
      c) Invisible in the canal (IIC): The speaker is placed deep inside the ear canal to make it invisible enough to the observers.

Since the launch of the first (basic) hearing aid in the early 20th century, there have been immense advancements and continuous improvements made to date. Now, what matters is choosing the one with the right set of features that best suits your hearing loss.

Final Chance: Trial and Error

As a wearer, initially, you can try different devices. Most hearing aid manufacturing brands offer a trial period. Make use of this opportunity, screen the right hearing aid, and start leading an ordinary life.

Get Hearing Aid Trial at Global Hearing Aid Centre

At Global Hearing Aid Centre, you can find hearing aid styles in BTE, RIC, custom hearing aids and hearing aid types, such as digital hearing aids,  pediatric hearing aids, and rechargeable hearing aids. Our expert audiologists and hearing aid specialists can help you and your loved ones avail the right hearing aid style and type to suit your unique hearing needs.

Get easy, convenient and instant consultation with the Global Hearing Aid Centre experts right away!