Hearing aids serve as sound-amplifying tools to aid people with hearing loss. The majority of hearing aids are designed with similar electronic components.
- A microphone that picks up sound.
- A sound amplifier processor that makes the sound louder.
- A miniature loudspeaker (receiver) that delivers the amplified sound into the ear canal.
- Batteries that power the electronic parts.
Hearing aids can be divided into 4 different types according to how they are worn and where they will be put: behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), completely-in-canal (CIC) and in-the-canal (ITC).
Behind the Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
BTE hearing aids rest behind the ear when wearing. Most of the parts of BTE hearing aids are contained in a small plastic case, which are linked to an earmold or an earpiece through a transparent tube. This design is frequently preferred for young children since it can suit for different types of earshapes, which have to be exchanged as the child grows. Furthermore, BTE aids are simple to maintain and manipulate, and are quite robust.
In-the-ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
In-the-ear (ITE) devices fill either your entire ear (known as full-shell) or a portion of the bowl (known as half-shell) of your ear. They are useful for people who may have trouble manipulating tiny objects. Additionally, healthcare providers frequently advise individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss to utilize ITE devices.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
This type of hearing aids are very popular for their small, cosmetic appeal. It is placed deeply into the canal, and it is also easier to use without whistling / feedback. Some of the drawbacks are that it can be more expensive and prone to causing occlusion effect (user's own voice sounds too loud). This type of hearing aids are suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
In the Canal (ITC) Hearing Aid
This type also fits inside the ear canal but can still be seen. This model may have a volume control that is small and difficult to use if the user has poor finger dexterity. It is a popular choice due to its relatively small size and ability to hold a dual microphone system to control background noise. This type of hearing aids is suitable for mild to moderate hearing losses.