Hearing aids are devices that are used for deaf people and for those who have hearing problems. It is a small device that consists of a mic, speaker, and control center.

There are so many types of hearing aids that are available in the market. They are available for all types of ears and ear-related problems. Nowadays, technology has become so advanced that you can plant it even in the ear if necessary. It is like a gift from GOD for deaf people who can now listen to people and their favorite songs and they can even talk to the people, answer them easily. It is basically a necessity that can enable you to listen to your surroundings.

How does it work?

It consists of a mic, battery, speaker, and amplifying processor. It comes in many sizes and shapes according to the requirements. The sole purpose of this device is to enhance your hearing senses. When someone speaks, the sound waves travel through the air and come into your device. Then your mic listens to these sounds and the processor amplifies them and filters the noises then sends them to the speaker. The speaker is nearly situated to the ear drum so that you can hear the sounds very clearly. It comes in many shapes like some of them you can wear behind the ear and now there are devices, that being made like ordinary earbuds.

Different Types of Hearing Aids

There are so many types of hearing aids that you will be confused to choose between them. They are easily available in the market and you can get them anywhere. First of all, you have to go for a check-up thoroughly for the prescription. Then your physician will recommend the perfect device for you. They are made to fit anybody but you can get customized devices too but they may be costly. Some of the types are given below:

  • Completely in the canal is a type of hearing aid that fits into your ear canal. It is placed near the eardrum[i] and due to its small size, its battery is small. It is the standard least visible device available in the market. It comes with ordinary features due to its small size and there is a problem of clogging its earpiece with wax over time.
  • There is a device that is not completely in the canal but somehow it can be fit near the canal. It fits partially in your canal and partially remains outside of the canal. They are made on order for special purposes and selective people. They are used to rectify mild hearing problems and can be effective for those who do not have completely lost their hearing. It can be difficult for you to adjust it in your canal daily but you will get used to it.
  • The type In the Ear is for those who have severe hearing problems. They are fit in the ear but partially outside the canal. Due to their size, the volume control button is not available in them. It can be fit in any size of the ear but you have to take great care of it for wax clogging and speaker clogging due to wax. They come with a bigger battery than other devices and are easy to handle. There is a problem with this type of device that due to their size noise cancellation feature cannot be added so you might suffer from the wind noise.
  • There is a type of hearing aid and it is the most common type called Behind the Ear. It is bigger than other devices and due to its size, you can have more features like a volume control button, sound amplification, and an on/off button. It comes with a small tube with an earpiece on the other end. It can be used by patients of all ages.
  • There is a type that is called Receiver in the Ear. In this, it consists of two parts one is a receiver and the other one inner piece. The smaller piece is placed inside the canal and the outer unit is placed behind the ear. It comes with directional mics that can be costly for you. You can control the volume according to your requirements. They can be damaged by ear wax so should take care of it.
  • Open Fit type is a very popular type that provides you ease and comfort than any other Hearing Aid. You can easily recognize this type when you see a person is wearing it because it is very visible while wearing it. It comes with a non-custom dome and this can be a problem for you if the hole for the canal is too short or too big. It is most commonly used for low-frequency problems.

Things to Know Before Buying a Hearing Aid

At the very beginning, you should check whether you really need it or not. You should check for the wax clogging if it is blocking the canal so that you are facing hearing issues. You should consult a physician to diagnose your problem. if you are diagnosed with hearing problems then you have to check which device will be useful for you. Always go for the custom-made hearing aid if you can afford it. For this, you have to consult an audiologist[ii] who can help you choose the best device for you.

Before buying the device, you should take a trial to check whether it will be suitable for you or not. Maybe your problem will be temporary. Always choose the device which can be replaced and upgradable. Because it happens sometimes you have to add or remove a feature from it so it should be easy to replace. By using these devices, you cannot restore your hearing senses if someone claims, then never believe them. Beware of scams people make a lot of money to fool you in the name of aid.

[i] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ruptured-eardrum/symptoms-causes/syc-20351879

[ii] https://www.audiology-associates.com/resources/what-is-an-audiologist/