Sizes

Types of Hearing Aids

 
There is a difference between types of hearing aids and hearing aid sizes.

Types of hearing aids (the technology inside the aid):

1. Analog hearing aid - are built by the manufacturer to the specifications of your hearing loss.  All sounds are amplified across the frequencies.  This circuitry has the advantage of being the least expensive.  However, it tends to have more background noise, and may be too loud.

2. Digital hearing aid - The second type of hearing aid has a digital processor in the circuitry.  The sounds are processed digitally and can be manipulated according to the patients hearing levels and listening needs.  The sounds are more natural than the analog type with less background noise.

3. Programmable hearing aid - The third type of hearing aid is more advanced and has several advantages over the analog and straight digital hearing aids.  The digitally programmable hearing aid allows the hearing specialist to program the circuitry of the hearing aid to the patients exact hearing needs and change (re-program) the aid when the hearing needs change.  Some programmable hearing aids offer the user an option to select among a variety of listening programs for different situations in their everyday life.  These hearing aids typically offer more automatic adjustments of loud or soft sounds for better understanding in conversations.

Sizes

Behind-The-Ear
This style can address more types of hearing loss than any other.  The behind-the-ear hearing aid is housed in a durable case that rests on the back of the outer ear.  An earhook does just what the name implies - it hooks the hearing aid onto the ear.  On one end of the earhook is the hearing aid's loudspeaker.  On the other end is a custom-made ear mold and small clear tube that directs the sound from the earhook to the ear canal.

This is the only style that will work for severe and profound hearing losses, and for some strictly high-frequency hearing losses.  It may be the only style that will work for users who have excessive TMJ motion (those whose ears change shape ad they open and close their mouths).

In-The-Ear
An in-the-ear style can fit the large majority of hearing losses.  This size is the easiest to handle for patients whose hands are no longer as nimble as they used to be.  Its larger size also accommodates a larger battery, which translates to better battery life than with smaller sizes.  This style of hearing aid is often the least expensive.  Another major benefit of this style is that the size allows for more features, such as directional microphones and memory programs.

In-The-Canal
You can think of the in-the-canal hearing aid (also called the custom canal hearing aid) as a smaller version of the in-the-ear instrument.  Like the in-the-ear, a custom made acrylic shell holds all of the electronics.  This is a good choice for users with mild or moderate hearing losses.

This style is smaller and less noticeable than a standard in-the-ear.  Users normally get better sound localization as well, because the microphone placement takes advantage of the external ear's sound reflecting properties.  Some people also find it easier to handle than the in-the-ear style.  Many of today's manufacturers are now able to place directional microphones and memory buttons on this size.

Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
The completely-in-the-canal hearing aid is designed to fit just as its name implies - completely inside the ear canal.  In practice, the faceplate more often than not winds up flush with the entrance to the ear canal.  This happens because of manufacturing limitations, narrow or sharply curving ear canals, and patient discomfort when the audiologist tries to take a deep ear impression.

You should also be aware that completely-in-the-canal instruments are much more difficult to fit than other styles, both for you and your provider.  You'll need to be patient.  Often they simply cannot be made to stay in place.  Because of the advanced electronics included in such a small case, they also have a higher failure rate than other styles.  Also, batteries need to be changed every few days as opposed to every week or two with other larger styles.  There are some advantages, however; improved telephone use, less wind noise when outdoors, even better sound localization and of course, improved cosmetic appeal.