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Types
Of Hearing Aids
After
your hearing evaluation, you and your hearing professional are
ready to select your hearing aid during a hearing aid
consultation. Together you will decide which type of aid is really
best for you, which features you need, and whether you need one or
two hearing aids. Most of the hearing aids fitted today fall into
one of four types. These range from behind-the-ear models to the
smallest units that fit completely within the ear canal.
The Right Hearing Aid for You
Your audiologist or hearing aid specialist will work with you
to make the best all -around choice. This choice should
reflect your needs, preferences, and budget. When deciding,
consider the following:
- Your
lifestyle and level of activity
- Your
physical characteristics, limitations, and dexterity
- Any
medical condition you may have
- Your
cosmetic and style preferences
- The
amount you are willing to pay
One
Aid or Two?
For some people, binaural
(two) hearing aids may be recommended. The advantages are a
better balance of sound (stereo hearing), better location of the
sound source, and greater ability to pick out sounds against
background noise. Talk to your doctor or audiologist about what is
best for you.
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Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
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For mild to
profound hearing loss
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All
components in a small, slim case worn behind the ear
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Sound
conducted to earmold through a plastic tube
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Larger
controls, which are easier for some people to adjust
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Considered
to be powerful and reliable
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In -the-Ear (ITE)
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For mild to
severe hearing loss
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All
components contained in a housing that fits in the outer ear and
extends into the ear canal
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Sound
conducted into the ear by the receiver in the canal
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Adjustable
volume control
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Controls
require greater dexterity than BTE style
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In -the-Canal (ITC)
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For mild to
moderately severe hearing loss
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All
components in a housing that fits in ear opening and canal
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Sound
conducted into the ear by the receiver in the canal
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Adjustable
volume, with smaller controls
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Less visible
in the ear than the ITE type hearing aids
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Completely -in-Canal (CIC)
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For mild to
moderately severe hearing loss
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All
components in a molded housing that fits in the ear canal
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Receiver
located in the canal
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No user -adjustable
controls
Almost
invisible in the ear
Wearer must
have a fairly straight ear canal
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Special Features
Today,
thanks to electronic technology, many new and valuable features
are available when selecting a hearing aid. Some of these may be
right for you and you may wish to consider adding them. However,
they will increase the cost of your hearing aid or aids. Discuss
these options with your hearing aid professional.
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Optional
Feature
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Description
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| Pot.
Trimmer
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A device built into the aid that
allows the audiologist or hearing aid specialist to make
adjustments in how the aid responds to different sounds without
having to send the aid back to the manufacturer.
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| K-Amp
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This circuitry amplifies only the
soft, "quiet" sounds. It does not amplify loud sounds
such as dishes clattering, horns blowing, or people shouting.
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Telecoil
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Available on most BTE and ITE
models, this feature prevents feedback (shrill whistling sounds)
caused by putting the telephone handset too close to the hearing
aid. The wearer can switch off the microphone so the aid picks up
the electrical signals directly from the telephone receiver
rather
than the sound from the telephone earpiece.
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| Remote Control for Programmable Hearing Aids
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Like a television
remote control, this device allows the hearing aid wearer to
select from several pre‑set listening "channels."
These choices are adjusted for the sound quality and loudness of
different listening situations such as a concert, noisy
restaurant, or park. |
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This
information is not intended as a substitute for professional health
care. (c)1995, 1998 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA
94066-3030. (800) 333-3032. All rights reserved. Lithographed in Canada.
Krames Communications. Consultants: Philip Bartlett, MD
Lawrence M. Eng, MS, CCC-A Contributions By Robert Harris, MD
Alison Grimes, MA CCC-A |
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