There are several advantages to using hearing aids. Some of the most common include improved speech comprehension and increased hearing range. Other benefits include better acoustics and increased comfort. However, some people may be wondering why they should use them. In this article, we’ll discuss some common hearing aids and some of the most effective types.
BTE
BTE hearing aids are one of the most popular devices on the market today. They have a variety of benefits and drawbacks.
While they may not be as discreet as other devices, they offer more advanced features and are more comfortable to wear. Plus, they are much easier to clean. Compared to in-the-ear hearing aids, they are also more durable.
There are many different designs to choose from. Some models come in sleeker designs, while others are more traditional. Regardless of your needs, there is a BTE style that will fit you.
BTE aids keep feedback at bay with directional microphones. However, they do require proper maintenance. It’s recommended that you clean the tubing and battery regularly to ensure the best performance from your device.
If you are looking for a high-quality, discreet, and affordable option, BTE hearing aids are a great choice. Whether you have mild or severe hearing loss, they can give you a powerful boost.
In-the-ear
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom moulded to fit the contours of your ear. They are also called full-shell or in-the-canal devices. Because the device fits your ear, it offers superior audio quality and comfort. Its streamlined design allows it to be small and discreet.
However, while in-the-ear models are often more comfortable, they can require more frequent maintenance and repair. Unlike behind-the-ear models, ITE devices are more susceptible to wax impaction, clogging, and moisture damage. Also, if you have poor eyesight or hand dexterity, you may need help to control the controls on these models.
An ITE model can be a good choice for people with low-frequency hearing loss, though it’s a good idea to consult your audiologist to determine which style of hearing aid would best fit your needs. Some in-the-ear models have additional features, such as a cell phone app.
Another feature that some in-the-ear hearing aids have is the telecoil, a small magnetic coil. This coil, located at the ear canal’s opening, helps you hear better through the hearing aid circuitry. It can also make it easier to hear over the phone.
Many ITE models include a volume control directly on the unit. This feature allows for more flexibility and convenience.
In-the-canal
In-the-canal hearing aids are an excellent option for mild to moderate hearing loss. They are custom-fitted to fit inside the ear canal and can be very discreet.
Canal hearing aids can be challenging to adjust and may not have enough room for batteries. Some people find that they are uncomfortable wearing these devices. A plugged ear canal can cause an “Occlusion Effect”, resulting in a louder voice.
Receivers-in-canal hearing aids are similar to BTEs, but the receiver is in the ear canal. It allows the device to amplify high-pitched sounds naturally. RICs are also relatively easy to lose but have the advantage of being able to be replaced in a repair shop or the audiologist’s office.
Many people prefer the in-the-canal type of hearing aid because they are more discreet and can be worn for extended periods. Other advantages include fewer occlusion problems, better amplification, and fewer feedback issues.
Digital
Digital hearing aids are a significant advantage, especially for people with hearing loss. These devices are small enough to fit in the ear, so they can be discreet and help improve a person’s hearing. They also come with a variety of valuable features. For example, they can cancel background noise, such as car horns, and provide feedback management.
One of the functions of a digital hearing aid is the ability to distinguish between speech and sound. It is possible because the device converts the waveforms into digital signals.
Another helpful feature of a digital hearing aid is the possibility of changing its settings. For instance, a digital hearing aid can be programmed to amplify a specific frequency or to focus on certain directions. It also allows for the cancellation of background noise, such as a loud TV or a noisy phone.
Having a digital hearing aid can boost the quality of your speech, removing unwanted background noise and making conversations crystal clear.
Synchronization
Synchronization is a feature of hearing aids that makes it easier to control and program the devices. It also provides better sound quality. In addition, it allows users to connect easily to emergency services. It will enable people to communicate more naturally.
A study compared the benefits of using a synchronized AGC to an independent one on auditory motion perception and spatial hearing tasks. The objective results showed that the synchronized AGC provided better ILD cues and reduced the difficulty of listening to dynamic stimuli. Specifically, the synchronized AGC was found to reduce the perceived difficulty of the MAMA task.
Although the study focused on acute listening conditions, the impact of chronic use might still need to be fully assessed. Therefore, performing a systematic review of the interaction between device internals and programming parameters is essential. You may check the hearing aid shop by Audi Hearing to learn more and get the best one for you.
The synchronized AGC offered a larger, more stable ILD cue than an independent AGC. Additionally, the synchronized AGC also preserved acoustic ILDs. Both factors contributed to the improvements in the subjective difficulty of the task.
Overall, the synchronized AGC was more convenient to use and program than an independent AGC. It also had a lower threshold. Moreover, most participants reported that the synchronized AGC was easier to perform than the independent AGC.
