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Did you know that nearly 25% of adults aged 65-74 in the United States have hearing loss? That number climbs to 50% of adults 75 and older.
Unfortunately, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, less than 30% of adults aged 70 and older who could benefit from hearing aids have ever used them.
There is a variety of hearing aids to choose from these days to improve quality of life.
BTE Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids consist of a hard-plastic case worn behind the ear and connected to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. The electronic parts are held in the case behind the ear. Sound travels from the hearing aid through the earmold and into the ear.
BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss.
A new kind of BTE aid is an open-fit hearing aid. Small, open-fit aids fit behind the ear completely, with only a narrow tube inserted into the ear canal, enabling the canal to remain open.
For this reason, open-fit hearing aids may be a good choice for people who experience a buildup of earwax, since this type of aid is less likely to be damaged by such substances.
In addition, some people may prefer the open-fit hearing aid because their perception of their voice does not sound “plugged up.”
ITE Hearing Aids
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely inside the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss.
The case holding the electronic components is made of hard plastic. Some ITE aids may have certain added features installed, such as a telecoil.
A telecoil is a small magnetic coil that allows users to receive sound through the circuitry of the hearing aid, rather than through its microphone. This makes it easier to hear conversations over the telephone.
A telecoil also helps people hear in public facilities that have installed special sound systems, called induction loop systems. Induction loop systems can be found in many churches, schools, airports, and auditoriums.
ITC and CIC Hearing Aids
Canal aids fit into the ear canal and are available in two styles.
The in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is made to fit the size and shape of a person’s ear canal. A completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid is nearly hidden in the ear canal. Both types are used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
Because they are small, canal aids may be difficult for a person to adjust and remove. In addition, canal aids have less space available for batteries and additional devices, such as a telecoil.
They usually are not recommended for people with severe to profound hearing loss because their reduced size limits their power and volume.
Which Type of Hearing Aid is Best for You?
The hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the kind and severity of your hearing loss.
If you have a hearing loss in both of your ears, two hearing aids are generally recommended because two aids provide a more natural signal to the brain. Hearing in both ears also will help you understand speech and locate where the sound is coming from.
You and your audiologist should select a hearing aid that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Price is also a key consideration because hearing aids range from hundreds to several thousand dollars. Similar to other equipment purchases, style and features affect cost.
However, don’t use price alone to determine the best hearing aid for you. Just because one hearing aid is more expensive than another does not necessarily mean that it will better suit your needs.
A hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing. With practice, however, a hearing aid will increase your awareness of sounds and their sources. You will want to wear your hearing aid regularly, so select one that is convenient and easy for you to use.
Other features to consider include parts or services covered by the warranty, estimated schedule and costs for maintenance and repair, options and upgrade opportunities, and the hearing aid company’s reputation for quality and customer service.
Source: NIH/NIDCD