Hearing Aids: Know Their Different Types & How They Work
Hearing loss can majorly affect one’s quality of life, from communicating to mental well-being. However, with advancement in technology, hearing aids have become popular and the most effective choice to manage hearing loss. Choosing the right hearing aid device can bring a huge difference in your life. In this article, we will explore different types of hearing aids and its working.
What is Hearing Aid & How It Works?
Hearing aid is a small battery operated, electronic device that amplify sound. The hearing aid receives the sound from the surrounding through small microphone and converts it into electrical signals. The amplifier analyzes the sound and amplifies depending on your hearing preferences. The signals that are amplified are altered into sound waves and send out to speaker into the ear.
Hearing Aid Types
Hearing aids are differentiated based on various features, duration, price, and the manner they are set in the ear. The following hearing aids are the most advanced and popular types in In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids and Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.
- Invisible in the Canal (IIC)
IIC are the tiniest hearing aid device that is designed to sit entirely inside the ear. This makes the device almost invisible to others. This is suggested to mild to moderate hearing loss patients. They are custom-made to fit the shape of your canal to provide more natural sound quality and also allow in detecting where the sound is coming from. Popular choice among athletes or sports enthusiasts that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
- Completely in the Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aid is designed to fit inside the ear canal and is almost invisible with only faceplate and battery drawer visible. An extraction cord is attached to CIC hearing aid shell to easily insert and remove the aid. They are suggested for mild to moderate hearing loss patients. These can be custom-made for comfortable fit and get better sound quality. Most of the patients prefer this type of hearing aid due to its discreet feature.
- In-The-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aid
ITC hearing aid fits in the ear canal and small portion of the device is slightly visible in outer ear. It has dual microphones for increased sound quality and has longer battery life than IIC and CIC device. Recommended for mild to moderate hearing loss in patients.
- In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aid
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid is slightly larger than IIC, CIC and ITC. They are equipped with two microphones for better sound quality and designed in two styles – the first type covers the bowl-shaped portion of an outer ear (full shell) and other type covers only the lower portion of the ear (half shell). These both styles are suitable for moderate to major hearing loss.
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
RIC hearing aid is similar to hearing aids that include both speaker and receiver in the ear canal. A tiny cable is attached to the speaker and receiver behind the ear similar to a traditional Behind-the-ear hearing aid. It is available in battery operated as well as rechargeable options. Suitable for patients with moderate to major hearing loss.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE)
Behind-the-ear (BTE) devices fit neatly behind the ear. They are suitable for people with a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to moderate. A custom ear mold or thin tube is attached to the body of the hearing aid. For proper placement and insertion of its several parts, manual dexterity is required.
With variety of options available in the market, you can choose the best hearing aids with the guidance of the Best Audiologist in Mumbai at DEB’s Audiology & Hearing Care. Our advanced hearing aid clinic provides bespoke audiology services and hearing aids in India. Connect with us to get your hearing test and recommendation on Hearing Aids in Mumbai.