Types Of Hearing Aids

Currently, nine types of hearing aids exist, although some are more common or rare, or newer or older, than others. The different types of hearing aids are distinguished by both construction and capability, although all have the same basic functions--to amplify sound so that an individual is able to hear or hear better.

What are the different types of hearing aids? Listed below are the nine basic types of hearing aids, accompanied with each type’s definition, description, and application. The first three are designed for severe hearing loss, which means they are the types of hearing aids for deaf people.

Body-Worn Hearing Ears – Nearly obsolete, body-worn hearing aids are comprised of an earpiece attached to a long wire or tube, which in turn connects to a card-deck-shaped amplification case that appends to a belt or fits snug in a shirt pocket.

Behind-the-Ears (BTEs) – These are the typical models used. BTEs are built with a crescent-shaped plastic case that fits behind the ears and have a transparent rubber tube that extends over the concha and into the ear.

In-the-Ear (ITEs) – These are situated right in the concha and lead a tube line directly into the ear canal. ITEs are customizable for the size of the user’s ear, which is why these are not preferred for children, since ITEs would have to be consistently replaced as the child grows.

In-the-Canal (ITCs) – Smaller in size than BTEs or ITEs, ITCs are placed in the bottom of the concha, near the canal opening. Like the ITEs, they feed directly into the ear canal, so no long tubing is required.

Mini-Canal (MICs) – even smaller, MICs fit, more or less, in the canal opening where they aren’t noticeable unless one looks right into the ear.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) – Like the MICs, they are almost miniscule, almost invisible, and, as their name infers, are situated completely inside the ear canal. These are not preferable for low-frequency audio reception due to effect of voice resonation brought about through the “plugged up effect” phenomenon, making sound somewhat garbled at times.

Open-Fit Devices – Similar to the BTEs, these fit over the ear (OTEs). The difference is, however, that they are smaller and are comprised of a fine transparent tube extending into a tiny dome made of silicone or an acrylic tip necessary for anchoring the tube so it is secure.

Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHAs) – These prosthetics are surgically placed so that they can use the skull for directing sound waves inward toward the cochlea.

Eyeglass Aids – of all the types of hearing aid designs, these are the only aids not appended to the ear or inside the ear canal. These provide a convenience for those who wear glasses. The trouble is that when glasses are removed, so are the hearing aids.

Whichever type of hearing aid a wearer needs, most can be made to accommodate structural and hearing needs without a problem. They allow for a variety of hearing or auditory situation, so no one is left in silence.