Types of Hearing Aids

Purchasing hearing aids can seem like a daunting task. What should you get? Will they help? How will they look? How much do they cost?
This article will give you information about the sound processing, sizes and features you need to consider as you begin your search for hearing aids.

Sound Processing

• Analog amplifiers were the only method of amplifying sound from the first commercially available hearing aid in 1899 until the mid 1990s when digital technology was incorporated into hearing aids.
  Analog hearing aids were simple, consisting of a microphone, amplifier, volume control and speaker. They boosted all sounds by the same amount, which made it difficult to maintain a comfortable volume and to hear clearly, especially in noisy places. They were also prone to squealing or whistling.
  Digital hearing aids have a computer chip that digitizes and analyzes sound. When speech is detected, the vowels and consonants are boosted in the appropriate proportions so that conversations are clear and comfortable. If noise is detected an additional microphone is activated and special noise algorithms engaged. The combined effect reduces the interference of the background noise so that speech remains audible.

Sizes

• Hearing aids can be made to fit all in the ear or behind the ear. In-the-ear hearing aids have the electronics built into a custom made shell. They range in size from the tiny completely-in-the canal (CIC) to the full-shell. The CIC is about the size of the inside part of a regular paper clip and is designed to sit deeply into your ear canal. The full-shell fills the entire bowl of your ear.
  In-the-ear hearing aids require impressions of your ears for a customized fit. It usually takes one to two weeks to make them. They come in only a few colors, such as pink, beige, or brown.
  Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids have the electronics built into a small case. It fits behind your ear and sends the sound to your ear canal by a tube or wire. BTEs range in size from the micro-BTE to the standard BTE. Just like the CIC, the micro-BTE is about the size of the inside part of a regular paper clip. The standard BTE is about the size of a large paper clip.
  The mini-BTE and micro-BTE hearing aids are considered to be the least visible of all hearing aids and are available in many different colors to match your hair color. Some models have interchangeable cases so you can change the color later on. Mini-BTE and micro BTE hearing aids usually do not need to be custom made so they can be purchased the same day or within a day or two.

Features

• Digital hearing aids have sophisticated feedback canceling algorithms. This has extended their benefits to whole new populations of the hearing-impaired. Digital hearing aids are capable of classifying sound and processing it for different types of listening environments, such as music, traffic, restaurant, and quiet. In some models the left and right hearing aids communicate wirelessly to allow for improved localization of sound and to coordinate volume and programming changes. They can also learn the user's preferences for volume and tone. Some models enable bluetooth wireless connection to your cell phone or other bluetooth devices such as iPods and GPS systems.

Considerations

• Most people don't want their hearing aids to show, so they will look for the smallest type. However, if your ear canal is small the tiniest hearing aid will be visible because it won't sit deeply into your ear.
  The cost of hearing aids can range up to $3000 each. Check with your health insurance to see if you have benefits to cover the cost.
  You may not need the most sophisticated and expensive hearing aids. Your audiologist or hearing instrument specialist is a hearing care professional who will advise you on the most practical type for your needs.

Warnings

• Hearing aids are regulated by the food and drug administration (FDA). Before you can purchase a hearing aid you will need to have your hearing tested by a hearing care professional and obtain medical clearance from your physician. You must have both within six months of purchasing your hearing aids.