Hearing aids

What are the different styles of hearing aids?

There are several types of hearing aids. Each type offers different
advantages, depending on its design, levels of amplification, and size.
There are four basic styles of hearing aids for people with hearing loss:

Very small and invisible hearing aids fit into the ear canal and are
available in two sizes. The Mini Canal hearing aid is customized to fit the
size and shape of the ear canal and a Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing
aid is largely concealed in the ear canal and is used for mild to
moderately hearing loss. Because of their small size, canal aids may be
difficult for the user to adjust and remove. Canal aids can also be
damaged by earwax and ear drainage. They are not typically
recommended for children.

In-the-Ear (ITE) and In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids fit partly in the
outer ear, partly in the canal and are used for mild to severe hearing
loss. ITE /ITC aids can be damaged by earwax and ear drainage, and
their small size can cause adjustment problems and feedback. They are
not usually worn by children because the casings need to be replaced as
the ear grows.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are worn behind the ear and are
connected to a acrylic earmould that fits inside the outer ear. The
components are held in a case behind the ear. Sound travels through the
earmould into the ear. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to
profound hearing loss.

Over the last few years, the Open Fitting Hearing aid was introduced
Usually quite discreet, these are small Behind-the-ear type devices, with
a much finer clear tube that runs down into the ear canal. Inside the ear
canal, there is a small soft silicone dome or a molded, highly vented
acrylic tip that holds the tube in place. These devices are designed to
reduce the "occlusion effect", which is the amplification of your own
voice when your ears are plugged up (try sticking your fingers in your
ears and talking). Open-fit devices are very beneficial for
High-Frequency hearing losses.

Based on the degree and shape of the hearing loss as well as manual
dexterity test and activity level of the person, a style of hearing aid can
be chosen to suit everyone.