Hearing Aids - Which One Is Best For Me?

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Hearing Aids - Which One Is Best For Me?

Monday, November 24th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Hearing problems can be divided into 2 categories, namely conductive and “sensorineural”. An irregularity in the communication of sound to the outer or middle ear is called conductive, while an abnormality on the cochlear and auditory nerve is referred to as sensorineural. The former can be helped with the use of analog hearing aids which basically amplifies sound. The latter fixes the problem of sound processing, and use of digital hearing aids gets the job done.

Analog hearing aids make use of the process of amplification by making sound waves larger. They come as either conventional or programmable types. Conventional instruments consist of circuitry that allows for a simple volume control in adjusting how loud sound is received. Programmable instruments, on the other hand, have circuitry that can be programmed to suit the level of your hearing loss or desired volume.

Digital hearing aids have digital circuitry and provide crisp and clear sound. They are programmed based on your unique hearing loss. Its circuitry performs millions of complex calculations in a snap to enable digital processing of sound, canceling noise, feedback and distortion. It converts gathered sound into digital format, then processes it with digital technology and outputs it into your ear as analog sound. These instruments allow for greater flexibility and customization for patients’ different needs.

Hearing aids vary in size and shape. But they generally come down to four basic classifications. Behind the ear or BTE models have a plastic casing that houses the electronic parts used for amplification of sound. As the name says, it is worn behind the ear and has a tube that connects to an ear mold for fitting in the ear canal. They are easy to use and commonly recommended for children.

ITE’s are also custom made devices that fit inside the outer ear. They can help on a much broader coverage when it comes to hearing loss, from mild to severe. ITC’s are much smaller and go further back into bottom half of the external ear. They are almost unnoticeable once worn, and are used for mild to moderate hearing loss issues.

CIC’s are the smallest type of hearing aids available in the market, and are barely visible when worn. This requires custom-fitting for individuals with ear canals large enough to accept the instrument. Despite their aesthetic appeal, they are not recommended for severe hearing loss.

With so many hearing aids in the market, you ask yourself, where do I start? This is a question that is very difficult to answer since every individual with hearing loss has different needs based on the degree of hearing loss they have, their way of life, and the mode of communication they experience everyday.

In choosing a perfect fit instrument, it is important that patients undergo hearing tests and evaluation of their degree of hearing loss. This is the best way of knowing for sure, and not getting basis from someone who tells you that his aid has the best hearing features.

Visiting a doctor, an audiologist, or a hearing instrument specialist can help you in choosing from a wide range of hearing aids that’s right for you. You can find hearing tests and evaluation centers near your place or even online that will pinpoint what your needs are. Only then will you be able to make your decision from the wide variety of analog and digital hearing aids.
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