Hearing aids

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Hearing aids are one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for hearing loss in the world. Their primary function is the amplification of sound, although nowadays they come with many different features that broaden the scope of their use. Hearing aids are available in countless shapes, colors, and sizes, and there are different classes or types that are more effective than others depending on a person's situational requirements. They have a number of settings, such as volume and sound frequency, that can be modified to suit the user's specific hearing needs. These devices offer unparalleled convenience and utility to those who need them and allow people with hearing loss to stay connected to the world around them.

Hearing Aid Styles

While there are a vast number of shapes, colors, and sizes of hearing aids, they are generally classified into two types or styles. The main difference between the two is the manner in which they are worn by the user, with each style having a number of subvariant types. The two main hearing aid styles are:
Behind-the-ear hearing aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

People with severe hearing loss receive the most benefit from this style of hearing aid. However, they are equally effective for those with milder forms of impairment. BTE devices are larger than other hearing aids and have the power and capacity to perform more complicated operations. Some examples of BTEs are receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) and miniBTE devices, which can be distinguished by the positioning of their constituent parts. As its name implies, BTEs are worn behind the ear, with the main unit resting above the ear lobe and a transparent narrow tube holding the earpiece extending into the ear canal.
hearing aids

In-the-ear (ITE)

ITE devices are custom-made to fit the exact dimensions of your ear canal and require impressions to be made. They are very small and are the perfect choice for people who don't want to reveal their hearing aids. They generally come in three different sizes, and each is situated in different areas of the ear. Completely-in-canal (CIC) devices are nearly invisible as they are placed deep within the ear canal. Invisible-in-canal (IIC) devices are bigger than CIC units but are still small enough that detection is difficult, and they sit in the outer areas of the ear canal. Bigger yet, and the largest of them all, are in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids which fit snugly into the undulating curves of your outer ear. Overall, ITEs are most beneficial for those with mild to moderate hearing impairment.

Hearing Aid Features

For those with hearing loss, even the most mundane tasks or activities become burdensome and complicated. It is fortunate then, that in addition to sound amplification, modern hearing aids come with a great variety of convenient features that can make their lives much easier. Some examples of the latest implemented technologies are:

  • Tinnitus Masking

    While there is currently no definitive cure for tinnitus, advancements in hearing aid technology have enabled the production of devices with features that can help decrease the symptoms. The tinnitus masking feature on these devices broadcasts low-level white noise to reduce the incessant ringing or humming noises that are typical of this widespread condition.

  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

    Digital Signal Processing is a technology that uses computer algorithms to differentiate speech sounds from distracting ambient noises such as construction work or traffic. This allows people with hearing difficulties to concentrate on conversations without being bothered by loud or undesired noises in the background. DSP is also effective when listening to music.

  • Rechargeable Batteries

    Recent developments in battery technology have made it unnecessary to regularly switch out batteries in hearing aids. Lithium-ion batteries are now being used to power them and allow you to charge up your device in the same way you charge your cell phone. The newest hearing aids even offer wireless charging, where you just have to place them on the charging mat when they are not being used.

  • Feedback Cancellation

    Feedback cancellation is a feature that is employed to stop the annoying whistling sounds that are created when audio is reverberated between your ears and your hearing device. This technology also ensures that the natural qualities of the noise remain intact, enabling you to detect delicate variations in dialogue and conversation.

  • Bluetooth Connectivity

    Nowadays, hearing aids have the capacity to synchronize wirelessly using Bluetooth technology, meaning that you can transmit audio from any device that is compatible with Bluetooth directly to your hearing aid without the use of wires. This makes it vastly more convenient to watch TV or play music and not be restricted by cords. Furthermore, the audio quality is enhanced since the sound is sent straight to your ear from the hearing aid speaker.

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