Have you just gotten your hearing test results and found out that you are suffering from hearing loss?
Millions of individuals all around the world struggle with hearing loss, which is a common issue. Fortunately, thanks to technological advancements, there are now many different kinds of hearing aids available to assist individuals who have hearing loss. A hearing aid is a little electronic gadget that amplifies sound and improves hearing for those who suffer from hearing loss.
In this article, we take a look into 4 different types of hearing aids and how they work.
The most popular type of hearing aids is behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. They are made up of a tiny device that rests behind the ear and a custom-made earpiece that sits in the ear canal.
A case, a tube, and an earmold are the three primary components of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. The microphone, amplifier, and battery are among the electronic parts of the hearing aid that are housed in the casing. The earmold, which is made specifically to suit the wearer’s ear, is connected to the casing by a tube.
The way behind-the-ear hearing aids work is by using a microphone to capture sound waves. The sound is then processed using a chip that amplifies and filters it. The customised earmold is inserted into the ear canal and a tiny tube is used to deliver the enhanced sound there. The earmold is made to be firmly inserted into the ear canal and to transmit sound directly to the eardrum.
People of all ages with mild to profound hearing loss can use behind-the-ear hearing aids.
A newer type of hearing aid that has gained popularity recently is the receiver in canal (RIC). Similar to behind-the-ear hearing aids, receiver in canal hearing aids also have a casing that lies behind the ear, but they contain a tiny receiver in the ear canal rather than a tube and earmold.
A thin wire links the receiver and casing of a receiver in canal hearing aid. The receiver amplifies the sound and sends it straight into the ear canal, while the casing houses the electrical parts, including the microphone, amplifier, and battery.
Since receiver in canal hearing aids do not need a large earmold, one major advantage is that they are smaller and more discreet than behind-the-ear hearing aids.
People with mild to severe hearing loss can benefit from receiver in canal hearing aids, which are particularly good at enhancing speech recognition in loud environments.
Custom hearing aids are designed for each wearer specifically to match their ear canal shape. They come in a variety of designs, including in-the-ear (ITE), fully in-the-canal (CIC), and in-the-canal (ITC).
In-the-ear hearing aids are worn in the outer ear. They come in a variety of colours and designs and are ideal for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss.
Fully in-the-canal hearing aids are made to fit completely within the ear canal. When worn, they are practically undetectable, making them a popular option for those looking for a discrete hearing aid.
In-the-canal hearing aids fit in the bottom section of the outer ear and are somewhat bigger than fully in-the-canal hearing aids. They come in a variety of colours to match the wearer's skin tone and are appropriate for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss.
Custom hearing aids have the advantage of being made to precisely suit the wearer’s ear, which can increase comfort and reduce the risk of feedback or whistling.
A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is surgically implanted into the skull bone behind the ear. For those with conductive hearing loss -- a condition in which sound does not travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear -- BAHA hearing aids are ideal.
A tiny titanium implant used in BAHA hearing aids is placed into the skull bone behind the ear. An external sound processor is connected by a small abutment that protrudes from the skin. Bypassing the outer and middle ears, the sound processor captures sound waves and converts them into vibrations that are then sent to the inner ear through the skull bone.
Since BAHA hearing aids can successfully transmit sound to the inner ear via the skull bone, they are excellent for individuals with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness or a deformed external ear. They are also great for those who are unable to wear conventional hearing aids because of issues with their ear canals, allergies, or other health issues.
Moreover, since the sound is delivered directly to the inner ear through the skull bone, another advantage of choosing a bone anchored hearing aid is that they offer clearer and more natural sound quality.
In conclusion, there are many different kinds of hearing aids that can help those with hearing loss hear and live better. Each type of hearing aid has its own distinct characteristics and advantages. The decision of which hearing aid to go for will depend on the individual’s hearing loss, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Whatever type of hearing aid is selected, it is critical to work with a professional audiologist in Singapore, like D&S Audiology, to make sure that it is correctly fitted and adjusted to match your hearing needs. With the right hearing aid, adequate care and the help of an experienced hearing audiologist in Singapore, individuals with hearing loss can experience enhanced hearing and quality of life!
To learn more, contact us today!
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