About Hearing Aids
What is Hearing Aid Style and Technology?
When someone refers to style of hearing aid they are talking about its size and shape. Some hearing aids fit inside the ear canal and are very tiny. Still other styles of hearing aids fit behind the ear. When the subject of technology of hearing aids comes up, this has to do with the type of circuitry used to enhance poor hearing.
Hearing Aid Styles
The most common or most well known hearing aid style is the BTE style or (behind the ear) type of hearing aids. Hearing aids of this type are constructed in a case that’s durable and rests outside the ear. This style of hearing aid provides the most in flexibility for audiologists and also the users.
The reason for this is because it can accommodate hearing loss of many different types. Generally they are smaller and you can get them in many different colors. And they can be designed to match hair or even skin colors. As much as half of the people who suffer from hearing loss use this style for these reasons. It is also the best style for sever hearing loss problems.
Another style that has become very popular over the years is what they call the Open-fit style hearing aid. The Open-fit style is generally smaller than the behind the ear styles of hearing aid. The popularity of Open-fit stems from being almost invisible. They have a very thin plastic tube that goes over the ear and down into the ear canal. Another plus is that you do not suffer the (stopped up) sensation that occurs with some of the in the ear styles of hearing aids.
Then there is the ITE (in the ear) style hearing aid. The ITE style was introduced in the 80s and accommodates most types of hearing loss. With an ITE hearing aid being somewhat larger it handles a larger battery. This translates to a longer time between battery changes. Being somewhat larger in size also allows more room for added features. Some have the option of memory programs and directional microphones. The custom made housing is acrylic and the larger size makes this style one of the easiest to handle.
The next style is the ITC (in the ear canal) you can think of this type as just a smaller version of the ITE style hearing aid. The ITC style is less visible being smaller and hidden in the ear. This style is best for mild hearing loss.
Last but not least we have the CIC style hearing aid meaning (completely in the ear canal). This style of hearing aid has some cosmetic appeal because it fits out of sight. This style can take a number of visits back to get them adjusted to fit comfortable in the ear. They do have some advantages over other styles. They seem to work much better when talking on the phone and there is less of a problem with wind noise when outside.