An Overview of Hearing Aids

Hearing loss is very common in Americans, millions of people have a problem with their hearing, but many people feel embarrassed or uncomfortable admitting that they are experiencing signs of hearing loss. Older people are most likely to suffer from hearing loss and they are also most likely to deny that they have an issue. In this article I will share some basic information on hearing aid devices in an effort to help others gather information and take action to regain their sense of hearing.

There are many different types of hearing aid devices and there is literally almost a way to restore hearing in almost every case. This guide is only for informational purposes and an audiologist should make any official diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.

To begin a BTE device is a Behind The Ear hearing aid device that is made with a hard plastic case that is worn much as the name suggests, behind the ear. Sound travels from the hard case to a small mold inside the ear. While this device for hearing is not always fashionable, it is ideal for use in persons suffering from hearing loss at any age.

Then you have ITE or In The Ear devices which fit entirely over the outer ear. The in The Ear hearing devices are ideal for moderate to severe hearing loss.

ITC means an In the Canal hearing aid device. These types of hearing aids are designed to fit the shape of your ear canal. In the Ear devices are different from CIC or Completely in the Canal devices. CIC devices are small and discreet but with that comes a very limited performance, this type of hearing aid is recommended for mild cases of hearing loss.

Analog hearing aid devices are designed to enhance and amplify electrical signals that are then converted to a sound wave. Analog hearing aid devices are designed and customized to meet the specific needs of each user.

Finally Digital Hearing Aids are intended to focus on the volume or pitch of a sound. These types of hearing aids are intended to recognize sounds from specific directions and must be programmed by an audiologist to meet the specific needs of the user.

With so many different types of hearing aid devices available there is no reason a person should miss out on the small things in life like a good conversation or the sound of birds chirping. There is no shame in losing your hearing and there are many ways to help a person restore their precious sense of sound. I hope this short guide has helped you understand some of the common terms associated with hearing aid devices.

Information within this article was gathered from several sources.
* The Mayo Clinic
*www.Hearing aids101.com