Modern hearing aids are complex and custom-made digital electroacoustic devices that can be digitally programmed to amplify sounds at certain frequencies. While the technology used in digital hearing aids has dramatically increased in the last fifty years, all hearing devices retain the same basic functions and pieces.
Basic Hearing Aid Functions:
In all Hearing Aids sound waves enter through
the microphone, which converts acoustic signals into electrical signals or
pulses. The amplifier then increases the strength of the electrical signal and
cleans up any noise it detects. This electrical signal is then converted back
into an acoustic signal so that the user can hear it. The receiver then channels
the sound into the ear canal. A battery supplies the needed power for these
conversion processes. Many digital hearing aids also have many features and
controls like toggle switch, volume control wheels, push buttons, remote
controls, and directional microphones that enable the wearer to hear better in
different listening environments.
Hearing Aid Styles
All of these styles differ in size and function. Some are so
small that no one can even tell you are wearing a hearing aid; some are so
powerful that even the most profound hearing loss can be helped. The right
hearing aid for you depends on the technology level you need, your hearing
loss, your hearing needs, your lifestyle, your budget, and personal preference.
Larger hearing aids typically have larger batteries which can last longer than
smaller hearing aids. They can also have more features such as directional
microphones and tele coils and have a lower price tag. Smaller hearing aids
have less features, but they are virtually invisible.
Hearing Aids are available in around seven different styles:
Body, Eyeglass, Behind the Ear (BTE), In the Ear (ITE), In the Canal (ITC),
Completely in Canal (CIC), Receiver in the Canal (RIC), and Open Ear (OE).
While body and eyeglass aids comprised most of the hearing aid market 50 years
ago, they are only a small percentage of hearing instrument sales today. This
is because the other styles of hearing aids are smaller and more advanced.
BTE Open Ear, Receiver in Canal, and Traditional
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are extremely flexible for
all types of hearing loss. The hearing device is housed within a curved shell
that sits behind each ear and delivers sound through a tube. A traditional BTE
delivers the sound via a small tube into a custom fit earmold. A more recent
innovation is called open ear technology and receiver in canal technology. In
these two styles the sound is delivered via a very thin tube into an earbud
which is a small, flexible, and comfortable piece. This type of system provides
enhanced natural sound quality for both outside sounds and your own voice.
In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are very easy to operate even
if the user has poor dexterity. The hearing device is housed within a
custom-made shell that fits comfortably inside each ear and delivers sound
directly to the ear. This hearing aid typically fills the outer part of the
ear.
In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aids can barely be seen and are
very easy to operate, even if the user has poor dexterity. The hearing device
is housed within a custom-made shell that fits comfortably inside each ear
canal and delivers sound directly to the ear.
CIC hearing aids are virtually invisible to others. The Hearing Aids is
housed in a tiny shell that fits comfortably and completely into each ear
canal. The device is removed from the ear canal by pulling a tiny cord. Where
these miniature instruments are both powerful and cosmetically appealing, some
features- like volume control, are not available simply because the devices are
so small. This style is available with traditional small vents, or with larger
vents that provide an open ear feeling.
The hearing aid style and technology level that is right for
you depends on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget. Talk with your
audiologist or hearing care professional about what is right for you.