Devices to aid with hearing loss have been around for hundreds of years, but were not available for mass production until the 1800s. Traditionally large in size and highly visible, the new generation of hearing aids make old aids seem like dinosaurs.
When choosing a hearing aid, there are a few factors to contemplate:
- Aesthetics
- Types
- Warranties
- Insurance
- Trial offers
- Return policies
- Repair services
There are several types of digital hearing aids on the market to consider:
- Behind the Ear -sit behind the ear and are connected to an ear piece that is placed inside the ear via tubing. The ear piece called a mold is custom made to fit inside the individual user’s ear.
- BTE/Receiver in the Canal -open fit behind the ear aids that have receivers that fit inside the ear canal
- In the Canal -the complete aid and ear piece in one that is placed inside the canal
- Completely in the Canal -placed completely inside the ear canal and is tiny in size
Hearing aids come in two different types of systems:
- Analogue
- Standard type of hearing device
- Converts sound waves to electrical waves
- Cannot distinguish different sounds, but instead amplifies all sounds in an equal manner
- Programmable options are available
- Digital
- Newly advanced technology for digital hearing aids
- Converts sound waves using specific calculations that are processed by a computer
- Duplicates sound transmissions allowing the user to hear the actual sound with extreme accuracy
Technology innovation and demand by consumers have caused a multitude of advancements to hearing aids including features, aesthetics, and services. Today, there are more options available to satisfy the needs of the varying consumer.