Hearing aids are found in different shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: to deliver sound signals to a person’s ear with decreased clarity. The brain receives these signals and interprets them as if they were clear.
There are many hearing aids seen in the market. You can buy some of the best ones from Helix hearing care.
Each has a different price range and comes with selected features that can help improve a person’s hearing experience.
This article will review some of the most common types on the market for adults and children.
How Does a Hearing Aid Work?
According to reports, the global hearing aids market was valued at $5.3 billion in 2018.
It is a small electronic device that uses digital technology to make sound louder. The person installing the device will use an earmold to fit it correctly in the user’s ear. People don’t understand how these devices work, but here’s a short explanation.
An amplifier receives sounds from the environment and sends them to a speaker or earphone. The sounds are intensified so the user can easily hear them.
What are the Different Types of Hearing Aids?
There are currently three different types of hearing aids on the market.
CIC (Completely In Canal)
CICs look like small tubes and fit entirely into your ear, except for a tiny tube that comes out of your ear canal.
These devices are great for adults or children, although they may be a little uncomfortable for younger children to use.
IIC (Invisible In Canal)
These tiny hearing aids can fit directly into the narrow portion of your ear canal without being visible from the outside. They are not suitable for infants.
RIC (Receiver In Canal)
RICs look like CICs, but instead of fitting into your ear canal, they fit just outside it. It is excellent for children who find the other models uncomfortable.
BTE (Behind The Ear)
BTEs are the most significant type of hearing aid. They look like tiny versions of headphones and are “worn” by placing them behind your ear.
These devices are perfect for adults who require more than basic amplification, although they may be uncomfortable for children to use.
ITC (In The Canal)
These aids fit directly in the ear canal. They are tiny and may amplify some sounds for individuals with mild or moderate hearing loss.
Keep in mind that they cannot provide as much amplification as larger models, so it is best not to opt for one if you have significant hearing loss.
Ear Level (In The Ear)
The hearing aid is the only one shaped like a giant, normal-sized earphone. It is placed behind the ear and rests on the back of your ear.
They can be challenging to use if you have any hair covering where they are supposed to rest or for people who may often touch their ears.
Top Features of a Good Hearing Aid
Here are the best features to look for in a hearing aid.
Advanced Sound Processing
Hearing aids with advanced sound processing can handle louder sounds and filter out any background noise.
It is beneficial for people with high-frequency hearing loss, as they will likely hear a lot of background noise.
Noise Reduction Technology
A good hearing aid will make it easier for you to converse in noisy environments. It will automatically reduce the volume of loud sounds while amplifying quieter ones. If you’re looking at devices with many features like these, you can buy from Helix hearing care.
Hearing aids that offer wireless connectivity give you the freedom to connect your device wirelessly with other items such as a mobile phone or TV.
For example, wireless connectivity allows you to control the settings on your TV with your smartphone and even stream videos from your mobile phone directly to your hearing aids.
Bluetooth Compatibility
If you’re looking for devices with wireless connectivity, make sure they are compatible with Bluetooth.
Its technology allows your hearing aids to communicate wirelessly with other devices like mobile phones, allowing you to answer phone calls straight from your device.
Built-In TV or Radio Systems
The feature allows you to control the volume of your TV with your hearing aid. A digital TV system also lets you switch channels on your TV by adjusting the device settings on your smartphone or tablet.
Directional Microphones
Directional microphones will pick up sounds coming from one specific direction, perfect for people who have difficulty understanding conversations when there is noise coming from all around.
Wireless Accessories
Many hearing aids can be used with wireless headphones and neck loops. These allow you to stream sound directly into your ear without disturbing others while amplifying background sounds.
A Remote Control
You can adjust settings like volume and program modes on your phone, which means you don’t need to look at your device or get it out of your pocket.
It is beneficial if you have memory problems.
360-Degree Microphones
Hearing aids with 360-degree microphones will pick up sounds coming from all directions, allowing you to focus on the speaker without turning your head.
The feature is beneficial for people who regularly find themselves in noisy environments like parties or restaurants.
