Hearing aids are devices manufactured with special techniques to aid in hearing for individuals suffering from hearing loss. These devices can be worn in, on, or behind the ear.
Types of hearing aids: (1)
Behind the ear (BTE)
As the name shows, these hearing aids are designed to wear behind the ear greatly OUT OF SIGHT. This device consists of a microphone, receiver, and amplifier in its body, and sound travels via a clear and thin tube to the ear canal.
Pros:
- Control setting is at the back that helps the user to adjust the volume accordingly
- BTE is best for users with dexterity problems as the sound goes directly into the ear
- It is a popular design as its tubing and tips can be changed and customized according to the user’s size and shape of the ear.
- Maintenance of these hearing aids is easy as parts can be easily removed for cleaning or replacing.
- You can easily clean at home without going to the clinic
- Replacement of tubing, batteries, and tips are cheaper, so it is budget-friendly when repairing is required.
- They have more space for battery so the life span of batteries is longer as compared to other devices.
Cons:
- Some users dislike this design as it is still visible when someone looks from closer
Receiver in the canal (RIC)
The body of this type of device sits behind the ear same as BTE, but the difference is it has a receiver that is separate from the body and can be placed in the ear canal directly. A wired tube is present that connects the receiver to the body.
Pros:
- It is smaller and more discrete as compare to BTE.
- It has control on the body that helps the user to adjust the volume low or high as per need.
- It comes with less issue of higher volume as compare to other models because it has a microphone and receiver at a distance.
Cons:
- Wax build-up is high as the receiver is directly placed into the ear canal
- When moisture and wax are high in the air it will block the sound and at some point may damage the receiver itself.
- The cost of this receiver is high as it cost you about 100 dollars and you need to replace it every year.
Completely in the Canal (CIC)
It is placed deep in the ear canal and no body parts are left to sit behind the ear.
Pros:
- It is the smallest hearing aid by design
- Models that sit completely in the ear, this one are the most discreet.
- They can be customized to the fixed in-ear canal of the user according to the size.
Cons:
- The setting is difficult for users as it is kept deep in the ear.
- These devices are designed to be kept completely in the ear so they are small, but smaller devices mean they need a smaller battery that can be easily fixed inside the device. If it has a smaller battery, it is obvious that it will have a shorter life span.
- Hearing aid of this type is placed deep in the ear so wax build-up is even, cleaning of the ear is necessary
- Hearing aids can get damage faster as they have great exposure to moisture and wax.
- Due to its smaller size, maintenance is also a challenging task with such devices.
In the canal ITC)
These hearings aids tend to place in the ear canal but not as deep as the type COMPLETELY IN THE CANAL models.
Pros:
- These hearing aids are little larger, and it has better control settings as compared to other devices that fit completely in the ear.
- The controlling system is not as good as for type BTE, but they are easier than CIC models.
- These devices can be customized according to the ear.
- They have slightly greater space for the battery as compare to other models that mean they have a longer life span of the battery.
Cons:
- These models can be placed directly in the ear canal as CIC, so wax buildup is an issue to face.
- Maintenance of these devices are also difficult
- They tend to place in the ear but some users feel unnerved or”PLUGGED OFF” sometimes.
- Though they can be placed in the ear, so they are noticeable and larger as compare to the type CIC.
In the ear (ITC)
These devices are similar to the type in the canal, but these devices are attached to the BOWL of your outer ear instead of the ear canal.
Pros:
- They can be customized according to your ear.
- It provides different shapes and sizes for the ease of the user.
- The bigger battery can be placed in the device, thus it has longer battery life and longer replacement time.
- When it is compared to ITC, it has little larger controls.
Cons:
- It is the least discreet design of hearing aid among other devices of hearing aids.
- Similar to some other types wax buildup is usually high and these devices require cleaning more often.
Costs of hearing aids: (2)
Prices for hearing aids are generally high. The cost of a high-quality hearing aid pair ranges from 1,000 dollars to 6,000 dollars. Price varies according to the level of technology and customization. Some people need two devices of hearing aids and the provider tries not to cover the cost in some of the cases. High cost is the main barrier for users to buy and take relief. Many factors should be considered while buying hearing aids such as your needs, style, and technology. Investment in hearing aids is very important as you are going to wear this device most of your waking hours in a week. So, make sure you are spending your money on a product that is worth it.
Top providers of hearing aids:
ReSound One
- Great battery life and portable charging
- Wireless audio streaming via iOS and androids
- It has a unique design
- Improves the noise of the wind
- Beamforming microphones
Oticon More
- Good battery life
- IP68 rating for moisture
- No service required for battery replacement
- Interact with internet devices
- Wireless audio streaming
Phonak audio paradise
- Rechargeable models are available
- Moisture rating of IP68
- The best type of wireless accessories in the market
- Great sound audiology from the market leader
- Tap controls and motion sensing
- Robust telecare support
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