Types of Hearing Aids
When it comes to enhancing auditory perception, there's no one-size-fits-all. Hearing aids, in this context, are life-altering tools that offer individuals a new lease on life. This in-depth guide on the types of hearing aids provided by Carlow Hearing aims to give you comprehensive insights to help you make the most informed decisions regarding improving your hearing.
What is a Hearing Aid?
A hearing aid is an electronic device specifically designed to improve hearing by amplifying sound for the wearer. They are typically used by individuals who suffer from hearing loss, an issue affecting millions of people globally.
Hearing aids consist of three main components: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. Sound is picked up by the microphone, amplified by the amplifier, and sent into the ear through the speaker, thus making the sound louder and clearer.
Carlow Hearing provides a wide range of top-tier hearing aids from renowned manufacturers like Phonak, Unitron, Signia/Siemens, and Rexton. They focus on helping individuals with hearing loss regain the ability to enjoy everyday sounds and communicate more effectively.
How Does a Hearing Aid Work?
To understand the various types of hearing aids, one must first grasp how these devices function. A hearing aid works by capturing sound from the environment, amplifying it, and delivering the amplified sound into the wearer's ear. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
Microphone captures the sound: The hearing aid's microphone picks up sounds from the environment and converts these into electrical signals.
Amplification of sound: The amplifier strengthens these signals, making them louder and clearer.
Delivery of sound to the ear: The amplified signals are then turned back into sound waves and delivered to the wearer's ear via the speaker.
Adjustments based on hearing loss: Modern hearing aids can also adjust the sound based on the individual's specific type and degree of hearing loss and the surrounding environment's noise level.
While the basic operation remains the same across different types of hearing aids, the variations come in their design, size, and the degree to which they can be programmed to suit an individual's hearing needs.
Types of Hearing Aids
Choosing the right hearing aid depends on various factors, like the degree of hearing loss, aesthetic preferences, lifestyle needs, and budget. Here are the most common types of hearing aids, each with its unique features and benefits.
Digital vs Analog Hearing Aids
One of the key decisions when selecting a hearing aid is between digital and analogue models. The primary difference lies in how they process sound.
Analogue hearing aids make continuous sound waves louder. They are essentially volume controls, equally amplifying all sounds (including background noise). Some analogue aids can be programmed with specific settings for different environments.
Digital hearing aids, on the other hand, convert sound waves into digital signals. An in-built chip analyses these signals and adjusts the sound based on the wearer's hearing loss, listening needs, and the level of surrounding sounds. They can also filter out background noise for better clarity. Most hearing aids provided by Carlow Hearing are digital due to their superior sound quality and adaptability.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
BTE hearing aids are among the most widely used. They are versatile, suitable for people of all ages and almost all types of hearing loss. These devices sit snugly behind the ear, with a clear plastic tube connecting the hearing aid to a custom earpiece (earmould) that fits in the ear canal. BTE aids are usually the largest type of hearing aid, offering more power, longer battery life, and features like a telecoil.
Mini BTE Hearing Aids
Mini BTEs, also known as on-the-ear hearing aids, are a smaller version of the BTEs. They are less visible and use a tiny tube that extends into the ear canal, making them a good choice for those concerned about their hearing aid's appearance. They can fit mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
ITE hearing aids fill the outer portion of the ear and are custom-made to fit an individual's ear anatomy. They are larger than in-the-canal and completely-in-the-canal aids, making them easier to handle and having features such as volume control. However, their visibility is more prominent than smaller devices.
In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
ITC hearing aids are custom-moulded and fit partly in the ear canal. They are smaller than ITE aids, offering some degree of discretion while still providing features like volume control. They can accommodate mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) or Invisible Hearing Aids
As the name implies, CIC aids are the smallest type of hearing aid and fit completely in the ear canal, offering the highest level of discretion. They are custom-made for the wearer's ear canal and work best for mild to moderate hearing loss. Due to their small size, they might be difficult to handle and have fewer features.
Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) Digital Aids
RITE hearing aids, also known as receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, are similar to BTE devices in design. However, the speaker or receiver is removed from the main body of the hearing aid and fitted into the ear canal, connected by thin electrical wires. This allows for a less visible and more natural sound.
CROS/BiCROS Hearing Aids
CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) hearing aids are designed for individuals who have hearing loss in one ear and normal hearing in the other. The hearing aid picks up sound from the side with hearing loss and transmits it to the normal hearing ear.
BiCROS aids work similarly but are designed for individuals with some degree of hearing loss in both ears, but one ear has more severe hearing loss. The aid transmits sound from the ear with more severe hearing loss to the ear with better hearing.
How to Choose the Right Type of Hearing Aid for You?
Choosing the right hearing aid involves considering several factors, including the type and severity of your hearing loss, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget. A hearing healthcare professional, like an audiologist, will evaluate your hearing and help you choose the best solution for your needs. Here are some tips to guide your decision:
Understand Your Hearing Loss
The type and degree of your hearing loss will dictate the type of hearing aid suitable for you. For instance, BTE aids are suitable for almost all types of hearing loss, while CIC aids are best for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Your daily activities also impact your choice. A durable and water-resistant hearing aid may be the best fit if you lead an active lifestyle. A hearing aid with advanced noise reduction features would be beneficial if you're often in noisy environments.
Think About Features
Look at the features each hearing aid offers, such as noise reduction, rechargeable batteries, wireless connectivity, and tinnitus masking. Prioritise the features that align with your needs.
Consult a Professional
Always consult with a hearing healthcare professional. They can provide tailored advice and guidance, helping you navigate the world of hearing aids more effectively.
Get Your Perfect Hearing Aid from Carlow Hearing Today!
At Carlow Hearing, we understand that the journey to better hearing is personal. Our experts will guide you through the process, ensuring that your hearing aid choice perfectly suits your hearing loss degree, lifestyle, and budget.
Our wide range of hearing aids from leading manufacturers like Phonak, Unitron, Signia/Siemens, and Rexton offers you the best in terms of technology, comfort, and style. Trust us to provide the perfect solution to enhance your hearing and improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of hearing aids?
There are several types of hearing aids, including Behind-the-Ear (BTE), In-the-Ear (ITE), In-the-Canal (ITC), Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC), Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE), and Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) hearing aids.
How do I know which type of hearing aid is right for me?
The right type of hearing aid depends on several factors, including the severity and type of hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget. It's best to consult with a hearing professional who can guide you through the process.
What is the difference between digital and analogue hearing aids?
Digital hearing aids convert sound waves into numerical codes before amplifying them, allowing for more customisation based on hearing loss. Analog hearing aids, on the other hand, make continuous sound waves louder and are generally less expensive.
Are there invisible hearing aids?
Yes, Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are designed to be nearly invisible when worn. They fit inside your ear canal and can improve mild to moderate hearing loss.
Can I wear my hearing aids while sleeping?
Generally, it's not recommended to wear hearing aids while sleeping, as this can cause discomfort and potentially damage the device.
How often should I replace my hearing aids?
Most hearing professionals recommend replacing hearing aids every 3 to 5 years. However, some people may find that their hearing aids last much longer, depending on how well they're maintained.