Are Hearing Aids The Right Choice for You?
Hearing aids are an important tool for treating hearing loss. They can help people hear better and improve their quality of life. But it’s important to get hearing aids that fit well and are programmed correctly by a qualified audiologist. Otherwise, they may not work as well as they could. Hearing aids that don’t fit well can be uncomfortable and may cause problems with feedback or sound quality. And if they’re not programmed correctly, they may not amplify sounds effectively or filter out background noise properly. So if you’re considering hearing aids, be sure to see a qualified audiologist who can help you find the right devices and make sure they’re fitted and programmed correctly.
The Importance of Best Practices
The importance of best practices when fitting hearing aids cannot be overstated. A proper evaluation and real ear measurement fitting performed by an audiologist are essential in order to ensure that the hearing aid is properly fitted and that the individual will be able to hear properly with the aid. Without these steps, the hearing aid may not fit properly or work correctly, which could lead to further problems down the road.
Types of hearing aids
There are three main types of hearing aids: Behind the Ear (BTE), Receiver in the Canal (RIC), and Custom Hearing Aids. BTE hearing aids are typically the largest type of hearing aid and fit behind the ear. RIC hearing aids are smaller than BTEs and fit inside the ear canal. Custom hearing aids are made to fit the specific shape of your ear and can be either in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC) or completely-in-the-canal (CIC).
BTE hearing aids have a plastic case that rests behind the ear and a tubing system that runs from the case into the ear canal. There is a small microphone in the case that picks up sound waves and converts them into electrical signals. The signals are then amplified by a tiny speaker in the device that transmits the sound to an ear mold via a clear tube.
RIC hearing aids also have a small microphone that picks up sound waves and converts them into electrical signals. However, instead of having a plastic case, RICs have a receiver (a small speaker) that sits inside the ear canal. The receiver is connected to the outside world by thin wires that run along the surface of the ear.
Custom Hearing AIds are custom produced to fit the user’s ear utilizing an ear impression or a 3D scan of the ear. An instrument is then produced for the user.
Each type of hearing aid as advantages and disadvantages for different patients based on their needs and hearing loss. To determine which type is best for you, come see us for a hearing evaluation and we’ll help you select the right instrument for your needs.