|  | Conditions Treatments | Ears Hearing

Different Types of Hearing Aids

Most people don't think about buying hearing aids until their doctor tells them they need one. Unfortunately, picking out the best ones is not like picking out a new pair of eyeglasses. Hearing aids come in all different sizes, shapes and levels of digital technology. Some come with a remote, and some are Bluetooth compatible. A little research can save you a lot of money and confusion.

  1. Small Size

    • The completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid is very small and good for mild hearing loss.

    Largest Size

    • The behind-the-ear (BTE) aid fits behind your ear and has a tube that connects to an ear piece (earmold) in your ear. It is good for severe hearing loss.

    Least Visible

    • The mini-BTE, with a very thin tube or thin wire-speaker unit, is the least visible of all hearing aids. It is the most comfortable to wear, and is good for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

    Digital Technology

    • Digital hearing aids have a microprocessor that analyzes sound and automatically adjusts speech to reduce the interference of background noise.

    Directional Technology

    • Dual microphones enable the microprocessor to help you tell the difference between sounds in front of you and noise behind you.

    Wireless Technology

    • Some models have left and right hearing aids that "talk to each other." They work as one unit so you can tell where sounds are coming from. Some models are also Bluetooth compatible for use with phones, iPods and other portable audio sources.

Ears Hearing - Related Articles