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Hearing Aid Guide
Hearing aids are like tiny computers, and are made up of many small parts and components. All hearing aids use the same basic parts in order to help you hear. First, a hearing aid will pick up sounds with a microphone. Then, a computer chip will convert this sound into digital code and adjust it according to your hearing loss. Finally, the digital code is converted back into a sound wave and played into your ears through a speaker.
Hearing aids can vary in size, sound, and available features. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid.
Your degree and type of hearing loss
Certain types of hearing loss warrant certain kinds of hearing aids. A big hearing loss will require a more powerful hearing aid. Usually, bigger hearing aids have more powerful speakers and can get louder than smaller hearing aids.
Listening Requirements and Technology Needs
If you are frequently in noisy situations and difficult-to-hear places, you will likely benefit from a hearing aid with more advanced technology.
Dexterity
You should keep in mind your ability to handle a hearing aid and its controls. Smaller hearing aids often use the smallest size batteries and have the smallest buttons. Some hearing aids have a rechargeable battery option which is a big help for hearing aid users that have difficulty changing their batteries.
Ear shape and size
Depending on the shape and size of your ear, certain hearing aid styles, sizes, and types might be impossible to make! At Hearing Beyond, we will work with you to determine any contraindications to certain hearing aid styles.
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Hearing Aid Styles
Generally, hearing aids come in two varieties: Custom and Behind-The-Ear.
Custom hearing aids vary in size and are usually matched to the colour of your skin. All of the parts in a custom hearing aid fit inside your ear. Custom hearing aids are specially made using a mold of your ear.
Behind-The-Ear hearing aids also vary in size, and can be match to the colour of your hair or skin. These hearing aids are also available in various colours and patterns. Most parts of a Behind-The-Ear hearing aid fit behind your ear, and are connected to a speaker or an ear mold that goes into your ear. In some cases, Behind-The-Ear hearing aids may require a custom mold.
Receiver in the Canal (RIC)
The most common style of hearing aids is the Receiver in the Canal (RIC). Approximately 80% of hearing aid users have this style of hearing aid. Generally, RIC hearing aids are comfortable in the ear, sound great, and are easy to maintain. Some hearing aid users with good low frequency hearing can take advantage of an “open-fit” RIC hearing aid, which are very comfortable and allows for excellent ventilation.
Traditional Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
Traditional Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are an excellent choice for individuals requiring more power from their hearing devices. BTE hearing aids are coupled to a custom ear mold. Often, children are prescribed BTE style hearing aids because the ear molds provide a consistently good fit, resulting in appropriate amplification.
Invisible in the Canal (IIC)
The smallest variety of hearing aids is known as Invisible in the Canal (IIC) hearing aids. These hearing aids fit deep in the ear canal. IIC hearing aids use the smallest size battery and electronic components since space is so limited deep in the ear. An IIC hearing aid is only appropriate for mild to moderate hearing losses.
Completely in the Canal (CIC)
Completely in the Canal (CIC) hearing aids are slightly bigger than IIC hearing aids.
In the Canal (ITC)
In the Canal (ITC) hearing aids are often loaded with more features, more power, and a longer battery life than a CIC hearing aid.
In the Ear (ITE)
In the Ear (ITE) hearing aids are larger sized custom hearing aids. They can be used to fit severe hearing losses, and are often loaded with more features and a longer battery life than ITC hearing aids.