Different Types Of Hearing Aids Explained

Broadly speaking there are two types of hearing aid, analogue and digital. It is a mistake to assume that most people have a digital hearing aid as most people who are purchasing hearing aids are now using digital hearing aid technology, but there are many people still using the older analogue devices.

As hearing aids are personal to an individuals hearing loss they need to be adjusted properly; the majority of the hearing aid manufacturers offer a 30 day trial period after purchase. This allows you to try out the hearing aid in the comfort of your own home and see what difference it makes to the quality of your life.

There are four basic structures of hearing aid available some are more technologically advanced and sophisticated than the others.

The behind the ear hearing aid

These are the cheapest and most basic of the hearing aid types and although it is possible to make minor adjustments yourself that cannot be adjusted by an audiologist. They are the most visible type of hearing aid as they are hooked behind the ear.

In the ear hearing aid

ITE hearing aids are fitted outside of your ear canal. An in the ear hearing aid is less obvious to the people than a behind the ear aid. Unfortunately some people find this type of hearing aid, extremely uncomfortable because it fills the outer ear. This is another reason why you should purchase a hearing aid with a 30 day warranty, because if you are bothered by the sensation then this type of hearing aid is not fit for purpose.

In the ear hearing aids do have some distinct advantages though, because it's large in size it can fit a large amplifier which gives a louder sound which fills the entire ear; it can also have a directional microphone which helps many to hear better. It is a good choice for those with arthritis because its size makes it easier to insert, adjust, clean and generally handle. A disadvantage of this type of hearing aid is the fact that the volume control is difficult to adjust.

Overall this type of hearing aid is suitable for most types of hearing loss, and its advantages make it a very popular choice.

Completely in the ear canal hearing Aids.

These hearing aids are the smallest type of hearing aids and they have advantages and disadvantages like the others. They are the most invisible type of hearing aid, but for a variety of reasons they are high maintenance. They are completely in the ear canal so are more susceptible to damage from moisture or your ear wax. Because of their diminutive size they can only fit a small battery and these do not last very long. They need more cleaning than other types of hearing aids.

There are enough choices of hearing devices out there to suit anybodys requirments so be sure to do your homework before settling on one or the other