Hearing Aids - so much choice, what's right for me? Understanding the advantages of what's available to you can be tricky if you don't know what each type does...
In truth there aren't any disadvantages between the diffewrent types, they just suit peoples needs differently.
Technology has developed so much over the years to provide us with high quality, discrete devices that perform incredibly well in different situations.
Types Available ITE: 'In The Ear' hearing aids Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
Larger amplifier for more severe hearing losses.
Volume control and program change buttons possible.
Less risk of feedback (whistling) due to better seal in ear canal.
Easier to handle for people with arthritis or sight impairment.
ITC: 'In The Canal' hearing aids Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
Volume control and program change buttons possible.
More discrete than ITE aids.
CIC: 'Completely In Canal' hearing aids.
Cosmetically appealing - very discrete.
Uses natural acoustic properties of the ear concha.
BTE: 'Behind The Ear' hearing aids.
Consists of a mould and hearing aid piece.
Mould sits in ear and hearing aid sits behind ear.
The 2 parts are attached via a tube which allows sound to travel from the aid to the ear.
Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
Larger amplifier for severe-profound hearing losses.
Volume control and program change buttons.
Less risk of feedback (whistling) due to better seal in ear canal.
Easier to handle for people with arthritis or sight impairment.
RITE: 'Receiver In The Ear' hearing aids.
This type of aid is a hybrid of a standard 'BTE' aid.
The aid is typically 1/3 size of a standard BTE aid.
The loudspeaker rests in the ear canal and the main BTE aid section is behind the ear.
Ear canal is left open for air flow.
Very comfortable - almost feels like you're hearing without any aids.
Cosmetically appealing - very discrete.
Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
Supplied with either standard or power amplifier for severe hearing losses.
Your hearing aid audiologist can advice you on what's best for you but sometimes it's good to do your own research.
It's hard to choose a leading manufacturer because there are so many out there which make fantastic products.
What it really comes down to is personal taste and comfort.
If you like the look, feel and performance then that's usually a good sign that it will suit you for the long run.
I personally think the manufacturers that produce the best aids are: Phonak, Unitron, Oticon, Widex, Resound, Starkey and Siemens.
All of these brands produce excellent high quality aids, they all offer different advantages and prices vary considerably.
You shouldn't just choose a dispenser because they rank number 1 in google, look around check directories talk to them on the phone before you make a decision and take them up on their free hearing test, it's the best way to find out whether they are what you're looking for.
The latest hearing aids are also becoming more user friendly, in terms of how they can be integrated with other technologies, like telecommunications devices.
The iCom from Phonak or the Streamer from Oticon are good examples of what people are expecting from their heairng aids.
These devices can easily connect to Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, Televisions and even MP3 players etc.