Hearing Aids - The Different Types

The size and style of a hearing aid should becanal and because they can help the mild to
dependant on how much hearing loss you havemoderately hearing impaired. These hearing aids come
incurred. Basing your decision on just aestheticin a wide variety of sizes, colors and styles.
appearance would be mistake. There are three mainThe largest type of hearing aid is the BTE, or behind
types of hearing aids that you can choose from. Theythe ear, and is often the choice for kids with hearing
are completely in the canal, in the canal and behind theloss because they are much sturdier than the other
ear. Read on to find out what sets each of thosevarieties. These models feature advanced electronics
apart from each other.that sit within a case behind the ear. Sound is sent to
If you have a slight case of hearing loss then yourthe ear canal via specialized tubing and other
doctor will probably recommend a hearing aid that sitstechnology. In addition, the BTE aid helps those with
completely in the canal or a CIC. A CIC is a very smallmore severe hearing loss, since it has greater
hearing aid - in fact it is the smallest available. It helpsamplification abilities. These hearing aids come in an
the wearer hear more clearly since it is in a naturalarray of colors to match any lifestyle, skin tone, or hair
environment to pick up and carry sound to the innercolor.
ear. This would not be a good selection for someoneThe price of hearing aids varies greatly depending on
who suffers from severe hearing loss. When you arethe type chosen. The cost ranges anywhere from
fitted for your CIC hearing aid, most people will not$500 to $6,000, depending on insurance coverage,
know you have a hearing aid because they will not bewarranty type, overall features, optional accessories,
able to see it. One of the drawbacks to this type ofthe presence of telephone coils, microphone
hearing aid is that you have to have an ear canal thatadvancement, and whether the patient needs one or
is large enough to place the unit into. If you do not, thentwo aids. There are a variety of places to purchase
you may have to look at an ITC or in the canal hearinghearing aids as well. Various hearing aid manufacturers
aid.in the canal hearing aids or an ITC, is exactly as itswill sometimes sell their product directly to the
name suggests; it sits right in the ear canal. They areconsumer; otherwise, they can be purchased at select
good for patients who suffer from a moderate casedealers. The Internet can be a wonderful source to
of hearing loss. They are bigger than the CIC'sfind hearing aids at lower prices, even through
because they feature a larger battery and offer betterreputable companies. For fantastic deals, there are
sound quality. Some can even come with a telephonealso online auction sites that sell hearing aids well below
switch. Both CIC's and ITC's are classified as In the Earmarket value.
or ITE hearing aids because they sit within the ear