| Hearing loss and deafness is a devastating problem. | | | | ITE devices are some of the most visible devices, yet |
| For example, although deaf and hearing-impaired | | | | they offer the longest battery life. ITE aids fit in the |
| people can drive, they might have difficulty discerning | | | | round area of the outer ear and is most helpful for |
| emergency vehicle sirens. This is in addition to not | | | | people with mild to severe hearing issues. |
| being able to listen to music and hear the voices of | | | | In the canal (ITC). ITC hearing aids fit down into the ear |
| loved ones. However, being deaf is definitely not the | | | | canal, making them much more inconspicuous than ITE |
| end of the world. There are a variety of auditory | | | | aids. However, because they are so tiny, ITC devices |
| devices available to hearing-impaired people to enrich | | | | have a shorter battery life than their ITE counterparts |
| their lives. | | | | and are also more difficult to adjust. This type of |
| Hearing aids work by amplifying the sounds around a | | | | hearing aid is best with mild to moderate hearing |
| person then transferring the sound down the ear canal. | | | | impairment. |
| First, there are two types of hearing aids: analog and | | | | Completely in the canal (CIC). A CIC aid is even smaller |
| digital. Analog hearing aids enhance all types of sound, | | | | and further in the canal than an ITC aid. Of course, as |
| but some work kind of like a radio. The wearer can | | | | with all hearing aids as they get smaller and smaller, |
| adjust the aid to make certain sounds louder, while | | | | the CIC is hard to adjust because it is so miniscule. |
| helping make others seem softer. Because they are | | | | Typically, a wearer must use a small wire to remove it |
| still not very sensitive, even when adjusted, analog | | | | from the ear. A great benefit of a CIC device is the |
| hearing aids are gradually getting replaced with digital | | | | fact that it is nearly invisible. Like the ITC aid, the tiny |
| aids. | | | | CIC aid works for less severe hearing loss rather than |
| Digital hearing aids utilize a computer chip in order to | | | | extreme loss. |
| give the wearer a very clear reception. The computer | | | | Behind the ear (BTE). The BTE hearing aid is a |
| chip can determine how it should adjust an incoming | | | | universal auditory device that can help with a wide |
| sound to work best for the wearer. This includes | | | | range of hearing impairment, from very mild to |
| taking into account both volume and pitch. Like analog | | | | extreme loss. The electrical components of a BTE aid |
| hearing aids, digital aids can be programed based on | | | | sit in a small box behind the ear, and they transmit the |
| the needs of the listener. | | | | sound through a small tube that curves inside the ear. |
| After choosing whether you want a cheaper analog | | | | BTEs are, understandably, very visible, yet they offer a |
| aid or clearer digital hearing aid, you must then | | | | number of benefits such as flexibility in amplification |
| determine the style of auditory device that you want | | | | and growth of the individual wearing the device. |
| to wear. There are a number of different options | | | | For more information on hearing loss and the hearing |
| based on what you find comfortable. | | | | aids available today, please check out Hearing Planet |
| In the ear (ITE). Also known as a full-shell hearing aid, | | | | today. |