How to Choose a Hearing Aid
Choosing the Appearance of your Hearing Aid
An important consideration is how the hearing aid will look. There's a number of styles to choose from. The best solution will depend on you hearing requirements.
Some people may do well with any style of hearing aid, but there are some performance issues to consider. There's a limit to the amount of power available from hearing aids that fit inside your ear.
Do want to go for a smaller size or more power?
For example, the more power required, the more likely that an 'In the Ear' hearing aid will feed back, or whistle in your ear. This problem can be remedied, but only with a perfect fitting in the canal. And for some, this type of hearing aid may be impossible to achieve if the size or shape of their ear canal is exceptional.
Types of Hearing Aids
There are four basic types of hearing aids. Each type offers different advantages, depending on its design, levels of amplification, and size. Before purchasing any hearing aid, ask whether it has a warranty that will allow you to try it out. Most manufacturers allow a 30- to 60-day trial period during which aids can be returned for a refund.
Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
The smallest custom fitted hearing aid available, a CIC fits deeply into the canal with a small cord attach to make it easy to remove. It's near invisibility makes it the most cosmetically appealing hearing aid available.
However, due to it's small size, it may have fewer features available than larger hearing aids, and CIC hearing aids are more expensive to maintain.
In-The-Canal (ITC)
These hearing aids are contained in a tiny case that are fitted partly in the ear canal. They are the smallest aids available and offer cosmetic and some listening advantages but typically have less power than larger hearing aids.
In-The-Canal hearing aids may also be harder to handle and operate than In-The-Ear hearing aids.
In-The-Ear (ITE)
All parts of the aid are contained in a shell that fills in the outer part of the ear. These aids are larger than canal aids. Because of this, they're comfortable and for some people may be easier to handle and operate than smaller aids.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
All parts are contained in a small plastic case that rests behind the ear. One or more microphones at the top of the instrument gather sound, which are processed and then sent to the ear via a clear tube attached to a fitted ear mold.
Behind-The-Ear hearing aids are the largest ear level hearing aids. This allows for more power than other hearing aids. It is also the style of hearing aid most often chosen for young children for safety and growth reasons.
How to Choose a Hearing Aid : Hearing Aids and Your Lifestyle : Appearance of Hearing Aids
Hearing Aid Durability : Hearing Aid Technology : Cost & Payment Options
