Types of Hearing Aids: BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, CIC, Extended Wear, Bone-Conduction, and Cochlear Implants
August 1, 2024
The hearing aids come in various styles and technologies. All types are tailored to certain levels of hearing impairment, lifestyle and fashion. The primary forms of hearing aids and hearing implants are presented below.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
One of the most used styles is the Behind-the-Ear hearing aids. The greater part of the device is positioned round the back of the ear and then joins via a small tube into an earmold or dome that is inserted into the ear canal. The BTE devices are applicable to both children and adults and may be used in mild and severe hearing loss. They last longer, are more comfortable to use and have a longer battery life and higher level features than those of a smaller size.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
Not radically different, Receiver-in-Canal hearing aids tend to be smaller and to be less heavy than BTE devices. In this style the speaker (receiver) is inserted directly into the ear canal and is attached to the main unit behind the ear by a thin wire. RIC devices are less conspicuous and they tend to sound more natural and articulate. They suit mild up to a severe hearing loss.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
The hearing aids known as in-the-Ear are tailor-made to fit the outer section of the ear. Due to their size, larger than in-canal models, they may incorporate additional features like volume controls, directional microphones, etc. ITE devices can be used in mild to severe hearing impairment, and it is less cumbersome to those with a challenge in using very tiny devices.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
The hearing aid, in-the-Canal, is tailor made to fit partially within the ear canal. They are small and less prominent compared to ITE devices but can still be of good assistance in amplifying mild to moderate hearing losses. They can be smaller, which means that they can have smaller batteries and lower-feature counts.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
The smallest hearing aids are those that are completely-in-Canal. They are very discrete since they can be fitted almost completely in the ear canal. The mild to moderate hearing loss is normally suggested to be treated by CIC devices. A disadvantage is however that due to their small size, they might have a shorter battery and fewer advanced functions.
Extended Wear Hearing Aids
Extended wear hearing aids are fitted deep in the ear canal by a qualified person. These devices are applicable to wear over a couple of weeks or months. They are almost non-existent and they are tailored to people with mild to moderate hearing impairments. Maintenance and replacement need to be conducted by a professional regularly.
Bone-Conduction Hearing Aids.
Bone-conduction hearing aids are applied to the conductive hearing loss as well as in some instances of mixed hearing loss. These devices send vibrations of sound to the inner ear by bypassing the ear canal and transferring the vibrations straight to the skull bone. The strategy avoids issues in the middle ear or the outer ear. Depending on the type, they may be put on as an externality or an implantable.
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are new state-of-the-art devices designed to assist those people who have severe to profound hearing loss and cannot use traditional hearing aids properly. In contrast to the conventional amplification systems, the cochlear implants do not rely on the damaged elements of the inner ear, but instead directly stimulate the auditory nerve. This involves surgical implantation, programming and auditory rehabilitation. These machines will be of great use in enhancing speech comprehension among the right applicants. The type of hearing aid to use is dependent on a number of factors such as level of hearing loss, age, lifestyle, manual dexterity, cosmetic appearance preference and medical advice. It is necessary to conduct a thorough hearing assessment with a competent audiologist so as to identify the best alternative.