Types of Hearing Aids Available - Advantages and Disadvantages

Hearing Aids - so much choice, what's right for me?

Understanding the advantages of what's available to you can be tricky if you don't know what each type does... In truth there aren't any disadvantages between the diffewrent types, they just suit peoples needs differently. Technology has developed so much over the years to provide us with high quality, discrete devices that perform incredibly well in different situations.

Types Available

ITE: 'In The Ear' hearing aids

Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
Larger amplifier for more severe hearing losses.
Volume control and program change buttons possible.
Less risk of feedback (whistling) due to better seal in ear canal.
Easier to handle for people with arthritis or sight impairment.

ITC: 'In The Canal' hearing aids

Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
Volume control and program change buttons possible.
More discrete than ITE aids.

CIC: 'Completely In Canal' hearing aids.

Cosmetically appealing - very discrete.
Uses natural acoustic properties of the ear concha.

BTE: 'Behind The Ear' hearing aids.

Consists of a mould and hearing aid piece.
Mould sits in ear and hearing aid sits behind ear. The 2 parts are attached via a tube which allows sound to travel from the aid to the ear.
Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
Larger amplifier for severe-profound hearing losses.
Volume control and program change buttons.
Less risk of feedback (whistling) due to better seal in ear canal.
Easier to handle for people with arthritis or sight impairment.

RITE: 'Receiver In The Ear' hearing aids.

This type of aid is a hybrid of a standard 'BTE' aid.

The aid is typically 1/3 size of a standard BTE aid.
The loudspeaker rests in the ear canal and the main BTE aid section is behind the ear.
Ear canal is left open for air flow.
Very comfortable - almost feels like you're hearing without any aids.
Cosmetically appealing - very discrete.
Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
Supplied with either standard or power amplifier for severe hearing losses.

Your hearing aid audiologist can advice you on what's best for you but sometimes it's good to do your own research. It's hard to choose a leading manufacturer because there are so many out there which make fantastic products. What it really comes down to is personal taste and comfort. If you like the look, feel and performance then that's usually a good sign that it will suit you for the long run.

I personally think the manufacturers that produce the best aids are: Phonak, Unitron, Oticon, Widex, Resound, Starkey and Siemens. All of these brands produce excellent high quality aids, they all offer different advantages and prices vary considerably. You shouldn't just choose a dispenser because they rank number 1 in google, look around check directories talk to them on the phone before you make a decision and take them up on their free hearing test, it's the best way to find out whether they are what you're looking for.

The latest hearing aids are also becoming more user friendly, in terms of how they can be integrated with other technologies, like telecommunications devices. The iCom from Phonak or the Streamer from Oticon are good examples of what people are expecting from their heairng aids. These devices can easily connect to Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, Televisions and even MP3 players etc.

I recommend you visit http://www.naturalhearing.co.uk/ For more advice

Hearing Aid Audiologist

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Changes in Hearing Aid Technology

Hearing aids have been around for decades, helping those who have begun to lose their hearing to be able to hear clearly. As times change, so do hearing aids. Changes in hearing aid technology continue to help those who need assisted listening devices. All changes in the technology are helping to lower the price, and to make assisted listening devices more manageable.Tracking the changes in assisted listening device technology may help to talk some into hearing aids. While they may not want to get an assisted listening device, recent technology changes may talk them into giving the technology a chance.

New Materials Lead to Price Drops

New materials continue to drop the prices of many of the more advanced assisted listening devices. As in other industries, as time goes on, the cost of technology has become cheaper, in turn making it easier for more affordable products available in the marketplace. In-the-ear-aids (also known as ITE aids) used to be fairly expensive. These assisted listening devices were considered too expensive for young children with hearing issues as they could easily fall out, or would need to be changed as the youth got older and grew. Now, the assisted listening devices are made out of a cheaper material (silicone). Youth can now enjoy ITE aids without having to worry about high costs.

The Disappearing Act

Assisted listening devices continue to get smaller and more discrete as time goes on. For many years, the biggest complaint most people had against hearing aids was that they were too large, often protruding out of the person's ear. Companies are listening to hearing device users, and are trying to make assisted listening devices harder and harder to see. Extended wear assisted listening devices and CIC (completely-in-canal) assisted listening devices are close to invisible, while still managing to give clear hearing to their users. By eliminating the unsightliness previously associated with traditional methods of improving the function of the human ear, a major hurdle has been passed clearing the way for major improvements in artificial sound amplification.

Using Computers to Manage your Hearing

New types of assisted listening devices can now be programmed by a home computer utilizing special software installed on the users machine. If the user needs to change any of the settings for their hearing device, they can simply get log on their computer, open the software and make the appropriate changes. These hearing aids help to put the power of customization in the hands of the user.

Radio in a Hearing Aid

Certain companies are working to utilize wireless technology with their hearing aids. They have begun to work to put FM radio capabilities in hearing devices. This would help to bring clear and crisp sound from the radio to the ear in a more sound efficient way. Users of this technology would also be able to tune in FM stations of their choice.

Assistive Listening Systems

Assistive listening systems continue to grow in popularity as more begin to fight for the rights of those who need hearing aids. School lecture halls, some churches, and movie theatres have begun to use Assistive Listening Systems. These systems transmit sound from a stage or speaking area, making it easier for those with hearing issues to hear.The idea behind changes in hearing device technology is simple. Companies are simply trying to make assisted listening devices smaller than ever, more discrete than ever, and more powerful than ever. As hearing aids continue to perfect the art of sound for those who have hearing issues, they continue to get smaller. Technology committed to improving and developing artificial sound amplification devices is constantly changing to ensure that hearing aid users are comfortable with their environment and comfortable with themselves having no difficulty understanding those around them.

Rick Kapiniski is a licensed audiologist and has been awarded the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A)by the by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. He is widely known as in expert in cutting edge advances in hearing aid technology.

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Things You Should Consider Before Buying Hearing Aids

According to the MarkeTrak VIII survey, there are now about 34.5 million Americans with some degree of hearing loss. It is interesting to note that 60% of those are below retirement age, and the average person waits about seven years to seek help after they first notice difficulty with their hearing. When a person first decides to see a hearing professional, it can be stressful and often times they don't know what questions to ask or what to expect as far as price or performance of the hearing device. I have developed a list of things every person should consider before buying a hearing device(s).

1. Never buy a hearing aid through the internet. It is best to work with someone with whom you have established a relationship, so that he/she can guide you through the process and help you make the best decision on a device that best fits your needs. This most often is a professional who has been referred by family, friends, or by your primary care physician. Prices may seem cheaper online but considering the dispensing fee and charges for follow up visits, you may not save any money by purchasing online.

2. See an Audiologist for your hearing services. An Audiologist is licensed and certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association or American Academy of Audiology. Most Audiologists hold a doctorate in Audiology or master's degree from an accredited university.

3. Have realistic expectations about what the hearing device(s) will do for your hearing. It is true that they will help you hear better in most situations, but not all situations. A hearing device will not restore your hearing to normal.

4. It is best to choose a device based on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget, not based on the size of the device. While some of the new receiver-in-the-canal models are very small and discreet, they may not be appropriate for everyone.

5. When deciding on hearing aid style or size, it is very important to consider your level of dexterity. If you cannot handle small objects or you drop things easily, then you will have difficulty with a small device. You may get frustrated trying to wear an open fit hearing aid or one of the smaller in the canal hearing aids.

6. You should consider the warranty provided with the hearing device. The average life of a hearing device is four to six years so you want to get the best possible warranty to ensure repairs can be made without spending an excessive amount on the maintenance of the device. The average cost of a repair can range from $175-$350 depending on the type of repair needed. Ask whether the product has loss and damage coverage, and how much is the deductible on the coverage?

7. How long is the trial period? How much is the restocking fee or return fee?

8. It may take anywhere from a few days to six weeks to fully adjust to wearing them and hearing new sounds. You may have to visit with your Audiologist multiple times during the initial adjustment period. This is why I stressed in the first point to purchase them locally and not from the internet.

9. When you have a hearing loss in both ears, you should wear two hearing aids. Research over the years has repeatedly shown the benefit of wearing two versus one hearing device. Most of today's technology is developed with two hearing aids in mind, and most people report better hearing in every environment, especially noise, while wearing two hearing aids. Two hearing aids also give you better directionality, better sense of acoustic balance, more comfort in background noise, and customer satisfaction.

Wearing hearing aids can improve your relationship with family and friends, help you get the confidence to participate in social activities again, improve your overall well being, and improve your quality of life. So remember to always ask questions and to take someone with you to your first appointment that can help you make decisions about which direction to go with your hearing aid purchase.

For more information visit our website at http://www.speechhearing.com

Hearing Aid Reviews High Point NC