Determining Which Type of Hearing Aid is Right for You

Last updated 11 months ago

If you suffer from severe hearing loss, a hearing aid can dramatically improve your hearing and your quality of life. However, you may be hesitant to purchase a hearing aid if you are concerned about bulky external components. Today, there are several different types of hearing aids, some of which are totally invisible. Continue reading to learn about the most popular types of hearing aids.

In-the-Canal Hearing Aids

Some hearing aids are designed to fit entirely in the ear canal. These hearing aids are generally best for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss wear. In-the-canal hearing aids offer many advantages. For example, because the hearing aid is contained within the canal, it does not pick up any wind noise. This quality also makes it well-suited for telephone conversations. Many patients prefer this model simply because there is no external component. One downside to in-the-canal models is that they usually contain a smaller battery that requires more frequent replacements. There are some in-the-canal hearing aids that fit only partially inside the canal. These models often include features not available on completely-in-the-canal hearing aids because of their slightly bigger size.

In-the-Ear Shell Hearing Aids

In-the-ear shell hearing aids are custom-made and designed to fit within the bowl-shaped area of the outer ear. While they are more visible than in-the-canal hearing aids, shell hearing aids are capable of helping patients who suffer from mild to severe hearing loss. In addition to using larger, longer-lasting batteries, shell hearing aids can also offer useful features like volume control.

Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear hearing aids have an external component which takes in sound and amplifies it. The amplified sound is then transmitted through the ear. Although this hearing aid is visible because of its large external component, it is appropriate for individuals with almost any degree of hearing loss.

Thanks to recent advances in technology, patients suffering from hearing loss have more choices than ever before when it comes to hearing aids. If you need help determining which hearing aid is right for you, call Dunshaw Hearing Aid Centers at (888) 903-6717.