What Are the Types Of Hearing Aid?

There are a number of styles to choose from for people who need a hearing aid. You will typically find six different styles and one of these is sure to suit your lifestyle and needs. As you work with your audiologist you can determine which will be best for what you want, what you need and what will work with your budget.

You may find that a hearing aid that is molded to fit inside of your ear canal is best for you. This type, known as a completely in the canal aid is the least noticeable and requires very small batteries. Unfortunately, the downside of this type is that because those batteries are so small, they don't tend to last very long. This type is usually beneficial because it doesn't register excessive wind or noise, owing to it being completely within the ear. These styles don't typically have the extra features like a directional microphone or volume control.

However, if you feel that type of hearing aid isn't right for you, you might find that the next step out is best. This type, known as the in the canal style may sound just like the one before it, but it isn't. These are similar to completely in the canal types, but they only fit part way into the canal itself. This type is best for adults who have moderate or mild hearing loss and are usually easier to use with a telephone. They tend to be less visible than other types, but don't always work so well for those people with smaller ears.

The next option is what's known as a half-shell hearing aid. This is usually a little bit bigger than the standard canal style and it's easier to handle. These also usually offer the wearer more features such as a directional microphone and other customizable options. The next type is the full shell ear, or in the ear. This style is a custom fit device that will rest in that bowl shaped part of the outer ear. These work best for those with all types of hearing loss and though it is more visible than the other types, it does tend to be more economical and versatile.

Most people are familiar with the behind the ear types because these are the most common. This style loops over the top of the ear, and rests right behind it, with a tube connecting two parts. These will pick up sounds that are taken in and amplified via an ear mold resting inside the canal. Lastly, there are open fit devices which are a type of behind the ear. These are much smaller in size and are best for those with mild to moderate high frequency loss. These may be a little less visible than the typically seen behind the ear style, but they will also have much smaller batteries.