Based on hearing test results, your doctor can determine whether or not you need hearing aids, which are devices that amplify sound. Their use is associated with improvements in the well-being of people with hearing loss socially, emotionally, psychologically, and even physically. They are particularly useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension of people with sensorineural hearing loss.
Nowadays, hearing aids are available in different styles, with diverse features and cosmetic solutions to complement the individual’s lifestyle. When deciding on which a hearing instrument to get, the specialist will consider your hearing ability, medical conditions, lifestyle, physical limitations, and aesthetic preferences.
Hearing aids can be categorized according to where they are worn:
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC):
In the CIC aids, the receiver is placed inside the canal and connected to the behind-the-ear (BTE) unit via a thin tube. As the receiver is no longer within the BTE unit, the BTE unit is very small, light, and inconspicuous.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE):
BTE aids have an earmould that fits snugly inside your ear, while the rest of the aid rests behind your ear.
In-The-Ear (ITE):
ITE ids sits entirely within the ear and are fitted individually based on an impression of the wearer’s ear. ITE ranges usually include aids that are IIC (invisible-in-the-canal) and/or CIC (completely-in-the-canal).
