If you have been experiencing hearing loss, and after consulting your audiologist have decided that getting a hearing aid is the right way forward, you may be looking for more information about hearing aids. As a first-time hearing aid user, you probably have multiple questions about them. In this article, we will address a lot of valuable information about getting your first hearing aids so that you are informed and prepared for the process.

How does a hearing aid work?

The components of a hearing aid include a microphone, an amplifier and a receiver. The way that it works is that the microphone picks up sounds that are around you, the amplifier then makes the sound louder, and the final step is that the receiver sends this louder sound into your ear.

The different types of hearing aids

Did you know there are a variety of kinds of hearing aids to choose from? Firstly, there are two main categories that hearing aids fit into which are in the ear (ITE) and behind the ear (BTE). Within each of these categories, there are different types. So, for the in the ear category, there are four subcategories. These include invisible in the canal (IIC), completely in canal (CIC), in the canal (ITC) and full shell in the ear (ITE). For the other category, behind the ear, there are three subcategories which include receiver in ear (RIC), mini BTE with slim tube and tip and BTE with earmold. Although there are many different options, they all have their own unique features. To help you pick the right type for you and your ears, we will take a closer look at all of the different types. Of course, make sure you consult your audiologist for which one is best for you. They are the experts, so making sure you talk to them and ask them all of the questions that you have is extremely important for making sure that you get an expert opinion on the subject.

In the ear

As the name implies, you wear this type of hearing aid on the inside of the ear. This hearing aid can work for mild-to-severe hearing loss depending on which specific model that you get. The invisible in canal, completely in canal and in the canal types are better for people who have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, while the full shell in the ear type can work for people who have mild-to-severe hearing loss. Some other information about these types of hearing aids include that they can be easier to use, and a disadvantage is that they can get clogged by earwax.

In the canal

In-the-canal hearing aids are a subcategory of the in the ear type since they are worn inside of the ear. This type is known not to be too difficult to use and is said to be quite comfortable. This type can also have a longer battery life than some of the other in the ear types.

Behind the ear

The name also gives away what this one is like. This one sits behind the ear and then has tubes or wires that bring the sound down into the ear canal. This type also ranges in what severity of hearing loss that they can help. Generally, though they can amplify sounds more than other types of hearing aids. This style of hearing aid is the only one that usually comes with a rechargeable battery. One disadvantage of this type is that the part that is inside of the ear can be damaged by things like the moisture and earwax that is inside of your ear.

Things to consider for picking the right type for you

As you can see, there are a variety of different types of hearing aids that you can choose from. The things that you will want to consider when picking which type is best for you is the type of hearing loss you have and the severity, how old you are, your capability of using small devices, your lifestyle and your budget. Hopefully, this information helps get you prepared for the process of picking a hearing aid, especially if this will be your first one. Remember to talk to your audiologist throughout the whole process. Audiologists are professionals, and they can help make sure that you get the hearing aids that are right for you. If you are looking for help from an audiologist, we at Quality Hearing Aid Center are here to help. You can call us at (248) 430-8791 to get the help you need.