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CHOOSING A HEARING
AID
Hearing aids are electronic instruments designed
to collect sound waves from the air, selectively amplify them and direct them into the
user's ear. There are many styles of hearing aids available. Hearing aids are
made in many different shapes, sizes and even colours. Each one has advantages
and disadvantages that should be evaluated before purchasing. Your acoustician will help you choose the correct size and circuitry for your specific hearing
loss.
BEHIND
THE EAR (BTE)
This hearing aid fits behind the ear and requires a separate ear
mould
to connect the hearing aid to the ear and deliver sound into the ear. BTE
hearing aids are generally known for durability and for power. Because the
microphone is located further from the ear canal and the receiver, there is also less
chance for feedback or whistling than with the smaller hearing aids. The earmould is custom
made to fit to each user, but the hearing aids themselves do not
need to be custom made. The use of a separate ear mold works well for
children who's ear size changes frequently. BTE aids are also available in
a wide variety of power levels, colours (to match your hair colour),
and also in different sizes for adults to very young children.
IN
THE EAR (ITE)
This hearing aid fits entirely in the ear and it is custom
designed to fit the wearer's ear. Inconspicuous once in the ear, this
hearing aid fits comfortably and securely inside the ear, in order to most
closely imitate the natural hearing process. These one piece models have
no cords or wires, because all the parts of this hearing aid are within
the custom made shell. These aids are easy to handle and are appropriate
for mild to severe hearing loss.
IN
THE CANAL (ITC)
This hearing aid is similar to the
In The Ear, but just much
smaller, fitting only the lower portion of the ear canal.
COMPLETELY
IN
THE CANAL (CITC)
This hearing aid is designed to fit very deeply inside the
ear canal, so that only a small part is visible. Since the microphone is
so recessed into the ear, sound is directed more naturally, wind noise is
lessened, and telephone use is facilitated.
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