Types Of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are based on the same principles and carry sound from the environment to the ear. However there are several types of hearing aids depending upon the sizes and the style in which they are placed in the ear.
- BTE (behind the ear)
- ITE (inside the ear)
- CANAL AIDS
- Cochlear Implants
BTE HEARING AID
Features-
- Useful in mild to profound hearing loss
- The most visible and larger of all the devices
- Provides greater amplification than any other device
Age criteria- it is suitable for all age groups. But generally used in children.
Mini BTE HEARING AID (sits on-the-ear)
Features-
- Useful in mild to severe hearing loss
- More visible to others
- This device may pick up the wind sounds
- Easier to use
- Batteries are larger and last longer
- Some ITE’s may have a telecoil. This magnetic coil makes it easier to hear telephonic conversations. Telecoil also helps people hear in public places (like airports, auditoriums, schools, temples/churches) having special sound systems called induction loop systems.
Age criteria-
Not advisable in children because the casings need to be changed as the ear grows.
CANAL HEARING AID
Types
- ITC aid (in the ear canal) - fits the size and shape of the individual’s ear canal.
- CIC (complete in ear canal) – this hearing aid completely gets hidden in the ear canal.
Features
- It is least noticeable
- Since it is covered by the ear there is least possibility of picking up air sounds
- Easy to use for telephonic conversations
- Is useful only in mild to moderate hearing loss
- Adjusting and removing the aid is difficult
- Less availability of space for batteries and other devices like directional microphones, telecoil.
- Smaller batteries have to be used which do not last longer
- Age criteria- not advisable for young children.
NEW TYPES OF HEARING AIDS (COCHLEAR IMPLANTS)-
Middle ear implant (
It is attached to one of the bones of the middle ear. This device moves the bones directly rather than amplifying the sound. This strengthens the sound vibrations entering the inner ear and is helpful to people with sensori-neural
Bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA)
It is attached to the bones behind the ear. This device transmits the sound vibrations to the inner ear from the skull. The middle ear is bypassed in this process. BAHA’s are generally used by people with problem in the middle ear.
Surgery is required to implant MEI and BAHA, therefore some hearing specialists may feel that there are more risks than the benefits.
