Types of Hearing Aids

There are various reasons that cause hearing loss. A few of the main reasons are trauma, ear infections, blockage of ear canal, ototoxic drugs, etc. Hearing aids are small devices that amplify the sound they receive, and enable a person with hearing problems to hear clearly without any disturbances. There are many options to choose from when it comes to hearing aids. This technology has evolved over the last few years due to computer microchips and digital circuitry. When hearing aids were invented, they were known as 'ear trumpet' or 'ear horn', due to their cone shapes.

Types of Hearing Aids by Technology

Analog Hearing Aids: These hearing aids are less expensive than the digital and programmable ones. They convert the received sound into electrical waves. The sound quality produced by them is lower as compared to digital hearing aids. In case of conventional analog hearing aids, the audiologist tells the manufacturer about the required settings, which are then installed accordingly. They amplify both speech and sound in the same frequency, and can't differentiate between a sound and a noise.

Digital Hearing Aids: Hearing aids with digital technology are incorporated with one or more microchip processors which convert analog sound waves to binary forms of computer language. This processing of converted sound is quicker than that in analog hearing aids. They use a technology that converts received sounds at the rate of around a million times per second. The microchips examine the sound levels and frequencies, and engineer them to offer a more suitable match to the person's level of hearing loss. Hearing aids with digital circuitry receive all kinds of sounds, sort out those that need amplification from those that don't, and process the different sounds accordingly.

Programmable Hearing Aids: These hearing aids can be re-programmed by the audiologist if there is a change in the level of hearing loss. There are various programs that are set up which enable one to preset and store many sound profiles to a specific set of sound environments. One can select any of those stored profiles such as a normal conversation, concert hall, or a telephone, using a button or a remote control. Analog programmable hearing aids too have the same technology of selecting sound profiles for different environments.

Types of Hearing Aids by Style

Completely In the Canal (CIC): It is the smallest kind of hearing aid and is nearly invisible. All electronic components are placed in a small case which perfectly fits into the ear. They are usually custom made according to the request by the user. People with moderate or mild hearing losses normally use these types.

In The Canal (ITC): These are bit bigger than CIC hearing aids, and fit exactly in the ear canal. Their battery size is also larger as compared to CIC hearing aids.

In The Ear (ITE): Usually people with various levels of hearing impairments use these hearing aids. They are larger than CIC and ITC hearing aids, and consist of bigger sound amplifiers. They also have some other features like a telephone switch.

Behind The Ear (BTE): These are normally used by hearing impaired children as this design has a full-bodied and robust design. Their body includes a hard plastic case with a tubing, and a earmold which is designed as per the shape of the ear. This is to facilitate the direction of sound into the ear canal. Like ITE hearing aids, they too have a stronger amplifier and also a bigger battery. These devices are available in various colors that match with the person's hair and skin color. Moreover, they are more long-lasting than any other hearing aids, and some are even waterproof. Their bigger size allows them to be handled more easily.

There are many more types that may be invented in the future which will have advanced technology. If you are planning to purchase a hearing aid, you need to consult a ear specialist for the type, design, and technology which would suit you best.