If you have been diagnosed with a hearing problem which requires a hearing aid, you may be wondering about the different options you have. There are four types of hearing aid on the market. The type you require will depend on the type and severity of your hearing loss and your personal preferences. Below is a brief guide to the different types of hearing aid available to you.
Behind the Ear
Behind the ear hearing aids are a very common type and are probably what you imagine when you think of a hearing aid. They consist of a banana-shaped microphone case which sits behind the wearers ear. A moulded part of the hearing aid, which contains the speaker, sits slightly inside the ear, allowing the wearer to hear the amplified sound. Behind the ear devices come in two designs. The open design displays the tube which connects the mould and the rest of the hearing aid, while a closed design encases them.
In the Ear
In the ear hearing aids are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. Although they are still visible, this type of hearing aid is more discreet than the behind the ear kind, as every component fits within the ear. However, they do not offer the same levels of amplification as behind the ear aids.
In the Ear Canal
An in the canal hearing aid is a smaller version of the in the ear design. They are designed to fit further into the ear, which means that it is vital that a high-quality mould is made so the hearing aids are comfortable to wear. Because they are less powerful than both the in the ear and behind the ear designs, they are generally only recommended for milder levels of hearing loss. However, the benefit is that they are much less noticeable.
Completely in the Ear Canal
The final option is a hearing aid design which fits completely into your ear canal. This hearing aid design is very small and is practically invisible when worn. However, they can be slightly uncomfortable at first until you get used to wearing them. Due to their size and relative lack of power, they are only recommended for mild hearing loss.
If you have any concerns about hearing loss or have questions about which type of hearing aid is right for you, contact a hearing aid specialist today for advice and assistance.
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