Audiology

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Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids

Why Do Hearing Impaired Individuals Need Hearing Aids?

When an individual loose their hearing, their perception of sound is distorted and they will start to have difficulty in correcting their own pronunciation. Moreover, as hearing is difficult, individuals with hearing loss may tend to isolate themselves from groups and reject social activities. Therefore it is of utmost importance that people with hearing impairment must get hearing aids as soon as a permanent hearing loss is diagnosed.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
BTE hearing aids are worn behind the ear with a tube running down the front of the ear attached to an earmold that is plugged into the canal of the ears. These hearing aids are a little bigger in size and are suitable for those who have a severe to profound hearing loss.
In-the-ear (ITE, ITC, CIC) Hearing Aids
ITE hearing aids are even smaller than BTE hearing aids. There are 3 different sizes; in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC). Some parts of the hearing aid are inside the ear canal; therefore, it is more hidden than the BTE. These hearing aids are suitable for those who have a less severe hearing loss.
Hearing Aids with an External Receiver
The invention of external receivers greatly reduced the size of BTE hearing aids. Like BTE hearing aids, these hearing aids are usually worn behind the ear, but the size of the machine is smaller, and a thin wire runs into the ear and the receiver is placed inside the canal. It is also more comfortable as the occlusion feeling is also less than the other types of hearing aids, yielding more natural input of sounds for the user. This type of hearing aid is suitable for those who have a high-frequency hearing loss.