Types of Hearing Aids: Styles & How They Work

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that we wear in or behind the ear to fix various hearing loss issues. There are different types of hearing aids and styles and you can select your custom hearing machine based on the hearing loss concern you have.

What Are Hearing Aids?

To start with, hearing aids are tiny electronic devices that people wear in or behind the ear. A hearing aid has three main parts, a speaker, amplifier and microphone. The hearing aid receives sounds via the microphone and converts the sound waves into electrical signals further sending them directly to the amplifier. Once done, the signals increase in power through the amplifier and go straightaway to the ear via the speaker.

What Are the Different Types And Cost of Hearing Aids?

There are different types of hearing aids that you will get at Hearing Plus. These include the following:

Behind-the-Ear (BTE): Least visible hearing aid that comes in a sleek design.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) and Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE): RITE hearing aids are less visible and come in rechargeable batteries and directional microphones.

In-the-Ear (ITE): Get a hassle-free user experience with ITE hearing aids. Available in directional microphones and a volume control option.

In-the-Canal (ITC): ITC hearing aids offer less visibility and smaller size to users.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CITC): Buy excellent CITC hearing aids. Available in a small size and offer less visibility to users.

Invisible-in-the-Canal (IITC): The IITC hearing aids are the smallest hearing aids so far. Notable features include directional microphones and a volume control option.

And the price option for each model will vary according to the features and benefits they offer and the quality of sound and speech clarity users can expect from them. In short, the amount you pay for your hearing aid will be based on the model you choose and the extent to which it improves and enhances your hearing potential.

What Is the Difference between Analog and Digital Hearing Aids?

How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid Style?

Before you choose a specific hearing aid, you must consider the type and severity of hearing loss you have. Further, you must consider your unique lifestyle and hearing needs and select a hearing aid model that best suits these criteria.

Also, you must pay attention to your budget as hearing aid prices vary significantly according to the features and benefits they offer and the sound quality and hearing experience you will get from the machine.

At Hearing Plus, our audiologists will recommend a suitable hearing aid style unique to your present hearing health and that fixes your hearing concern permanently.

Maintenance Tips for Hearing Aids

Here are some of the maintenance tips that will keep your hearing aid up and proper for years to come.

• Keep your hearing aid away from moisture and heat
• Replace the defunct batteries as soon as possible
• Turn off the hearing aid when not in use
• Earwax clogging can damage a hearing aid permanently. So, clean the hearing aid well as per the instructions given in the manual
• Avoid using any hair care product such as hairsprays while using your or else it can damage permanently
• Keep the rechargeable batteries from kids and pets as much as possible

Conclusion

Choosing a hearing aid is easier said than done. You need to consider various factors to do so such as your unique lifestyle, budget, hearing needs and the individual features and benefits each model offers.

At Hearing Plus, we make this task hassle-free for you with a one-to-one consultation with our audiologists to get the best guidance and recommendations.

FAQs About Types of Hearing Aids

What are the most common hearing aids?

Some of the common hearing aids you will get in the market these days include Behind-the-Ear (BTE), Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) and Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE), In-the-Ear (ITE), In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-the-Canal (CITC), offering different features and benefits to users to ensure better hearing.

What is the latest technology in hearing aids?

Directional microphones, Bluetooth connectivity, 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and Artificial Intelligence are some of the latest technologies that you can expect in the present-day hearing aids. At Hearing Plus, we offer advanced hearing aid technologies to users including AI integration, Bluetooth connectivity, Tinnitus masking features, RIC technology and more.

What is the most advanced hearing aid?

Oticon Xceed is the most advanced hearing aid that offers you a matchless hearing experience. By using this hearing aid, you will get an open sound experience. And the best part is this hearing device can connect wirelessly to any type of latest smartphone or digital gadget seamlessly.

How do you get a hearing aid to work?

Follow these steps to get your hearing aid to work.

• Check that the battery is in a good condition and fits inside the device properly
• The hearing aid must insert into your ear canal nicely
• Clean your hearing aid regularly
• The volume must be set properly
• Remove unwanted moisture clogging

Are there any side effects to using hearing aids?

As such there are no side effects of using hearing aids. But, sometimes the user may experience headaches when wearing the hearing device initially. This generally happens due to the new sounds coming into your ear one after the other. See an audiologist if you are experiencing the same problem.