(Newswire.net — January 28, 2022) –Looking for hearing aid accessories online? Your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle preferences, and cosmetic considerations determine the best kind and style for you. It’s always a good idea to compare hearing aids to make sure you find the best style, fit and the best functionality for your needs.
To begin, there are two main types of hearing aids:
- Hearing aids for the ear (ITE)
- BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids
ITE aids are often custom-fit and worn in the ear canal, based on an impression made by your hearing care specialist during your hearing aid appointment. These types are often available in various skin tones to match the outer ear. Some ITE hearing aids are designed to fit deep into the ear canal, while others fit closer to the outer ear.
BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids
BTE aids are worn behind or on top of the outer ear, with tubing directing sound into the ear canal via a custom-fit earmold or a dome type that does not obstruct the full ear canal opening. BTE styles come in a variety of colors to complement your hair or skin tone, as well as flashier patterns for a more individualized look.
Styles of common hearing aids
- In the canal, you are invisible (IIC)
- Immersed in the canal (CIC)
The IIC and CIC designs are the tiniest and most inconspicuous hearing aid accessories online on the market. “Unseen in the canal,” as the name implies, IIC styles are exactly that—virtually invisible. However, a wearer places them very deeply in the ears, and they must be removed by tugging on a small pull-out string.”Completely in the canal” CIC are comparable but do not sit as deeply into the ears.
These styles are usually appropriate for mild to moderate hearing loss. Because of their compact size normally does not include any manual controls, like volume dials or program buttons.
Advantages:
- Because of how they fit into the ear, they are incredibly inconspicuous and have superb sound quality.
Disadvantages:
- Prone to ear wax and moisture damage
- Agility might be hampered by tiny stature.
- The small size might also be an issue when connecting to wireless devices such as cell phones.
Hearing aids with in-the-canal (ITC) technology
ITC hearing aids are pleasant and simple to use since they sit in the bottom region of the outer ear bowl. In addition, they have a somewhat longer battery life and can accommodate a wider range of hearing deficits since they are slightly bigger than IIC and CIC models. Because of their small size may also include extra features like directional microphones for greater understanding in loud surroundings and manual controls, such as a volume wheel, if needed.
Advantages:
- The IIC and CIC styles have more discrete battery life and functionality than the IIC and CIC styles.
Disadvantages:
- Prone to ear wax and moisture damage.
- More occlusion may cause users to feel plugged in.
- Also, the small size might be an issue when connecting to wireless devices.
Hearing aids that are low-profile
Low-profile hearing aids are similar to ITC types in that they range from half-shell designs that fill half the outer ear bowl to full-shell designs that occupy practically the whole outer ear bowl. Low-profile designs, like ITC models, are large enough to include directional microphones and manual controls, such as a volume dial and a push-button for changing programs. In addition, a low-profile style’s size makes it appealing to persons with dexterity concerns since it is simpler to grasp than smaller ones.
Advantages:
- Larger size.
- Easier to insert and remove.
- Accommodates more features and user controls.
- Compatible with wireless devices such as phones.
Disadvantages:
- Smaller in-the-ear designs are less discrete.
- In addition, more occlusion may cause users to feel plugged in.
What is the most suitable hearing aid for me?
It might be difficult to choose and comprehend which is the best hearing aid accessories for you. That is why we produced this flow chart to assist first-time hearing aid users or those in the market for a new device in determining which hearing technology may be the best match.
Hearing aids come in various features and forms to meet the needs of people with hearing loss. When deciding on the best style for your purposes, it’s critical to examine various factors.