Pros and Cons of Different Types of Hearings Aids

Hearing loss is the temporary or permanent loss of the ability to hear and perceive sounds. It is a medical condition that affects both young and old, regardless of race and gender. If you are suffering from hearing loss, a hearing aid can help amplify sounds and make them more audible for you. However, before purchasing one, you should know the different types of hearing aids available on the market including their pros and cons.

Advancement in technology has significantly influenced the development of hearing aids. The new types of hearing aids are smaller and more effective than their predecessors. Furthermore, they come in different styles, giving people the opportunity to choose from different designs. To help you in making your decision when you go shopping for a hearing aid, here are some types of hearing aids currently on the market, along with their pros and cons.

1.     Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids

Invisible (IIC) hearing aids are so small that they are barely visible. If your ability to hear properly is mild or moderately severe, then you can use this hearing aid, but under the guidance of an audiologist. The most amazing aspect about these hearing aids is the fact that they are completely invisible and can be customized to fit perfectly in to your ear. However, their small size limits their battery life and features such as volume control. Additionally, they are more expensive than other hearing aids as well. Furthermore, ear wax can easily clog up the speaker of the IIC, and this can affect its ability to function properly.

2.     Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are designed to perfectly fit inside the ear canal. They are also virtually undetectable, but the tiny removable handles they come with are visible outside the ear canal. They can be used for both mild and moderately severe hearing loss. However, similar to IIC hearing aids, they are small in size, and that reduces their batteries life. They are expensive and vulnerable to wax and moisture.

3.     In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

These are customized to fit right inside your ear canal. They contain additional features that are included in the CIC hearing aids and are also used to improve hearing even if your ear is severely damaged. However, the additional features of CICs limit them from completely fitting in the ear canal. Just like the other hearing aids, these too are highly susceptible to ear wax and, at times, collect wind noise, which can make them uncomfortable for adults.

4.     In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

These are the largest type of custom hearing aids and are designed to fit the outer portion of the ear. They can be used in treating mild to moderately severe hearing loss. They are easy to adjust, have a longer battery life, and come with more features than the other custom-made hearing aids. However, their large size makes them more visible and vulnerable to pick up excessive background noise.

5.     Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

BTE hearing aids are the most common hearing aids and the largest of all hearing aids. Additionally, they are also the most powerful hearing devices. BTE hearing aids rest right behind the ears. These hearing aids can be used for almost any type of hearing loss. They are appropriate for both the young and old. Because they come in large size, they are more visible than other hearing aids, but these hearing aids are the highest rated when it comes to performance.  One thing to keep in mind is that they can change how you wear glasses, as both devices take up space over and behind the ear.  Other than that, BTEs are the most effective hearing aids for almost all degrees of hearing loss.  With modern advances, these devices are flexible in fit and cosmetics as well.