Hearing Aids : A Look At The Main Types

Hearing aids have become a progressively familiar sight in our culture. You might think that this is the result of more people losing their hearing; however, the reason hearing aids are seen more often is because they have become less expensive and easier to obtain. There are three primary styles of hearing aids to choose from - ITC, CIC, and BTE. The type that someone selects is primarily a result of the severity of hearing loss, although activity level and appearance can also be a factor.

If you have a slight case of hearing loss then your doctor will probably recommend a hearing aid that sits completely in the canal or a CIC. A CIC is a very small hearing aid - in fact it is the smallest available. It helps the wearer hear more clearly since it is in a natural environment to pick up and carry sound to the inner ear. This would not be a good selection for someone who suffers from severe hearing loss. When you are fitted for your CIC hearing aid, most people will not know you have a hearing aid because they will not be able to see it. One of the drawbacks to this type of hearing aid is that you have to have an ear canal that is large enough to place the unit into. If you do not, then you may have to look at an ITC or in the canal hearing aid.

in the canal hearing aids or an ITC, is exactly as its name suggests; it sits right in the ear canal. They are good for patients who suffer from a moderate case of hearing loss. They are bigger than the CIC’s because they feature a larger battery and offer better sound quality. Some can even come with a telephone switch. Both CIC’s and ITC’s are classified as In the Ear or ITE hearing aids because they sit within the ear canal and because they can help the mild to moderately hearing impaired. These hearing aids come in a wide variety of sizes, colors and styles.

Because it is positioned behind the ear, the BTE model is designed to accommodate an array of lifestyle concerns and often comes in a variety of colors to match hair and skin tone. Sound is driven to the ear canal by the use of tubes and other customized characteristics. Providing increased amplification over smaller selections, this model includes electronic features that are contained within a sturdy case and is often selected for children with hearing problems.

The price of hearing aids varies greatly depending on the type chosen. The cost ranges anywhere from $500 to $6,000, depending on insurance coverage, warranty type, overall features, optional accessories, the presence of telephone coils, microphone advancement, and whether the patient needs one or two aids. There are a variety of places to purchase hearing aids as well. Various hearing aid manufacturers will sometimes sell their product directly to the consumer; otherwise, they can be purchased at select dealers. The Internet can be a wonderful source to find hearing aids at lower prices, even through reputable companies. For fantastic deals, there are also online auction sites that sell hearing aids well below market value.