Hearing Aids – What Types of Hearing Aids Are Right For You?
Hearing aids are devices that help people with hearing loss improve their hearing. These products are regulated by law in most countries and fall under the medical device category. Here are some tips for choosing the right hearing device for your needs to make your purchase more convenient. Then, read on to learn more about the benefits of each hearing aid. Listed below are some of the main features of these devices and how they work. Also, learn more about their different styles.
ITC
The term “In-the-Canal” refers to hearing aids SA that fit into the cavum concha of the outer ear. They run on a size 312 battery that can last up to seven days. An audiologist can explain the technical specifications of ITC hearing aids. A small battery may last up to five days, depending on your hearing loss and the type of technology used. While the small battery size might seem unappealing, it is very powerful. This style of hearing aid is suitable for mild to profound hearing loss.
ITC hearing aids are small and powerful compared to other hearing devices, making them perfect for those with mild to moderate loss. They feature dual microphones to improve the clarity of sound and your understanding of speech tones. In addition, it is easy to adjust volume and settings manually with ITC hearing aids. Moreover, their design makes them extremely comfortable to wear. These benefits make them a good choice for most people. This is why they have gained popularity in recent years.
CIC
One of the benefits of CIC hearing aids is their custom-fitting capabilities. During your first visit to the clinic, an audiologist will use data from your hearing test to set the device up for optimal performance. The device is virtually undetectable and comfortable to wear. Because CIC hearing aids sit inside the ear canal, they do not interfere with your outer ear’s natural function. Users report that they experience minimal hearing loss, and CICs are more comfortable than other hearing aid types.
The downside of CIC hearing aids is that they require more maintenance than other hearing devices. In addition, CIC hearing aids are susceptible to damage due to ear wax ingression, which can compromise the microphone port. Additionally, people with abnormal ear canals may find it difficult to wear a CIC hearing aid because it does not fit properly. Therefore, people with abnormal ear canals will have to choose another option. Finally, because CIC hearing aids require customised designs, they are more expensive than their counterparts.
IIC
There are several differences between IIC hearing aids SA and their larger counterparts. The size of the IIC hearing aid is the most obvious. In addition, the technology levels and battery life are lower. The smaller size is also not as good at picking up specific sounds in background noise. However, if you have mild hearing loss, you may be able to get by with the IIC. Here are some pros and cons of IIC hearing aids.
CIC style
In Canal (CIC) style, hearing aids are invisible and completely rest inside the ear canal. They are custom-fit and almost invisible to the wearer. CICs may be challenging to maneuver for some individuals and may experience feedback. In addition, because they are so small, they are not suitable for severe degrees of hearing loss. These hearing aids are also not suitable for people with conductive hearing loss. This article discusses the pros and cons of these hearing aids.
Hybrid
In the mid-1990s, the Central Institute for the Deaf, Washington University, and its faculty developed the first full-digital wearable hearing aid. The institute is credited with developing this technology, which the Nicolet Corporation later commercialised. Bell Laboratories also developed the hybrid digital-analog hearing aid. However, only recently have hybrid hearing aids become the standard choice for many people.