Hearing aids have improved greatly with the advent of digital technology. If you\u2019re picturing big and bulky devices with questionable sound quality, you\u2019ll be pleased to learn today\u2019s instruments are smaller, more comfortable and provide sound that is more natural. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so finding one that appeals to your lifestyle needs and cosmetic preferences should be easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An RIC hearing aid consists of a tiny housing containing all electronics except the receiver, which is positioned behind the ear. A thin tube connects the housing to the receiver, which is worn in the ear canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a small and discreet unit but powerful enough for treating significant hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A BTE device is curved to match the contour of the ear and rests directly behind the ear. The housing, which contains all the electronics, is encased in plastic and connects to the ear canal with a custom ear mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though more visible than other styles, the BTE powerful enough for severe to profound hearing losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This hearing aid is placed in the ear canal. It takes advantage of the ear\u2019s natural ability to collect sound and may have a control on the device to adjust the volume. Its discreet size makes the device virtually invisible to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The trade-off is a shorter battery life, and it may prove difficult to adjust for those with poor manual dexterity. This is a good choice for mild to moderate hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This style is also designed to fit in the ear canal, but not as deeply as an IIC device, resting securely in the lower portion instead. It\u2019s a little larger, making it easier to insert and remove and extending the battery life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This hearing aid is designed to fill the outer portion of the ear, and is larger than those worn in the ear canals. It is less discreet, but the size allows for more features and makes the unit easier to adjust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A bigger battery translates to longer life and means those with severe or profound hearing loss can benefit from this style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hearing aid technology has improved drastically over the past couple of decades. Early devices relied on vacuum tubes and bulky batteries, but today\u2019s instruments take advantage of digital signal processing, microchips and computerization. Keeping track of the latest technological features can be challenging, but we\u2019ll cover a few of the more popular options here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the breakthroughs in hearing aid technology include the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are experiencing hearing loss<\/a>, odds are good that you\u2019ll benefit from a hearing aid. But choosing the right one is no simple task. Today\u2019s hearing aids are smaller and more feature-packed than their predecessors, offering an array of options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Narrowing the choices down can be tough, but there are a few important things you should take into consideration before choosing a hearing aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChoosing a Hearing Aid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Are Your Hearing Needs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n