Hearing Aids
What Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are sound-amplifying devices designed to aid people who have a hearing impairment. Over 33 million children and adults in the United States have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can have a negative effect on communication, relationships, school/work performance, and emotional well-being.
We’re glad you decided to read a little bit about hearing loss and hearing aids. We understand that this is a big step for many people. We hope the information provided on these pages helps you understand that there is a solution to the problem.
Most hearing aids share several similar electronic components, including a microphone that picks up sound; amplifier circuitry that makes the sound louder; a miniature loudspeaker (receiver) that delivers the amplified sound into the ear canal; and batteries that power the electronic parts.
Statistics
- At age 65, one out of three people has a hearing loss.
- 60 percent of the people with hearing loss are either in the work force or in educational settings.
- While people in the workplace with the mildest hearing losses show little or no drop in income compared to their normal hearing peers, as the hearing loss increases, so does the reduction in compensation.
- About 2-3 of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable hearing loss in one or both ears.
- Almost 15% of school-age children (ages 6-19) have some degree of hearing loss.
Hearing Aid Styles
Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) hearing instruments are a 100% invisible when worn. This instrument sits deep in the ear canal ensuring sound travels quickly and accurately to your eardrum. This 100% invisible hearing aid is designed for daily removal.
- 100% Invisible when worn
- Hear clearly in noise
- Sculpted for your ear canal
- Highest definition sound quality
- Designed for daily removal
Completely in the Canal
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) micro-technology allows this type of hearing aid to be worn deep inside the ear canal. CICs are so tiny, they are almost invisible when worn.
- Cosmetically desirable because these hearing aids are tiny in size.
- Programmed to have automatic or push button settings
- Requires good manual dexterity in order to place the hearing aid in the ears
In the Canal
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are smaller than the ITE style and are also custom made to fit the size and shape of your ear canal.
- Barely visible in the ear
- Easy to use with the telephone
- May not fit well in small ears
In The Ear (ITE)
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom-made and fit comfortably inside the ear.
- Easy to insert into the ear because of its larger size
- Easy-to-operate larger features such as volume control
- Used to help mild to severe hearing loss.
Behind The Ear (BTE)
The behind-the-ear (BTE) style sits behind the ear, while the amplified sound passes down a tube to a customized earmold which fits in your ear.
- Typically offers more power than a custom-made hearing aid
- Robust for active wears
- Suitable for all degrees of hearing loss
- Large, easy-to-use hearing aids that are very reliable
Receiver In Canal (RIC)
Receiver in the Canal or Open-Ear hearing aids are the newest design to reduce or eliminate that echo or plugged up feeling wearers can sometimes experience (referred to as the occlusion effect). They are easy to wear and barely noticeable.
- Fits a large range of hearing loss
- Offers the greatest flexibility in programming
- Water resistant and very durable
Over-the-Ear (OTE)
The Over-the-Ear hearing aid style that is very similar to the Behind-the-Ear style, but is much smaller and less noticeable. This style holds the electronics in a slim case that hooks over the top of the ear and hides behind the top of the ear, the same place where eyeglasses rest. A clear narrow tube follows the front of the ear and carries sound to the tiny ear bud, which sits unnoticeable in the ear canal.
- Allows natural sounds to enter the ear canal
- Can be selected, programmed and fit in a single visit
- Very discreet and appealing to people with cosmetic concerns
- Does not require custom molding
Hearing Aid Vendor Information
