These hearing aids are worn in the ear, and hence are custom-made, using the measurements of the ear taken by us at the time of consultation. This hearing aid comes in half shell designs that cover half the bowl of the outer ear, as well as to fill almost the entire outer bowl. The size makes it optimal for people with low dexterity, and it also accommodates additional features like volume control and program buttons.
Advanced Hearing Aid Technology
TYPES OF HEARING AIDS
In The Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
They are available in the following styles:
Invisible In the Canal (IIC)
This is the tiniest hearing aid made, and is fitted deeply in the ear canal. Due to the small size, it does not have manual controls like volume or program buttons. It is practically invisible when worn. Due to the positioning, it is prone to damage caused by ear wax and moisture.
Completely In the Canal (CIC)
Very similar to Invisible In The Canal, this hearing aid is also fitted inside the ear canal and is practically invisible when worn. Devoid of any manual controls and being really tiny in size, it is recommended for people with high dexterity, and mild or moderate hearing loss.
In The Canal (ITC)
This hearing aid is worn in the lower portion of the outer ear, and is slightly larger than the IIC and CIC. It is a fit for a wide range of hearing loss, and has a longer battery life as well. Due to a bigger size, it accommodates volume controls and directional microphones.
Pros of ITEs
- Are easier to handle
- Easy to camouflage in the ear
- Light in weight and custom moulded to fit inside the ear canal
- Have several rechargeable battery options for a longer battery life
- Are designed with a superior ability to pick up on high-frequency sounds
- Their position inside the ear canal makes telephone calls and headset use easy
- Less likely to pick up on wind noise because of the protection from the outer ear
- Need less power to transmit sound and are less likely to produce a whistling sound
- Have a volume control feature that usually doesn’t fit on smaller style hearing aids
Cons of ITEs
- Controls are harder to see and feel
- Work well only for mild to moderate hearing losses
- Aren’t suitable for those with vision or dexterity issues
- Aren’t a good fit for everybody because of their small size
- Batteries can be tricky to replace because of the small size
- The smaller size of batteries can’t hold power for longer durations
- Don’t fit in the ear canals of the ones with a differently-shaped ear
- Not enough room for directional microphones for hearing in background noise
Behind The Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
These hearing aids are worn behind or on top of the ear, along with a thin tube that sends the sound into the ear canal. The earmould or ear-tip for this is custom-made, to ensure they do not block the entire ear canal.
They are available in the following styles:
Mini BTE
This hearing aid is designed to sit behind the outer ear, while a thin tube directs sound into the ear from the tip. It is recommended for mild to moderate high frequency hearing loss. Due to its design, it allows for natural airflow, while the sound enters the ear from the tip.
Receiver In the Canal (RIC)
This hearing aid has the speaker directly built into the ear tip, without being attached to the hearing aid body. It is connected by a thin wire to the microphone and processor that sits behind the ear. In case of any malfunction due to ear wax or moisture, the ear tip can be easily replaced at our hearing aid centre itself.
BTE with Earmould
This hearing aid can be designed to fit all types of hearing loss, from mild to profound. Due to the longer shape, it accommodates more features for volume control, program control, and power, than any other style of hearing aid. This is custom-made earmould and is less prone to damage caused by ear wax and moisture. It is commonly recommended for children, as the earmould can be replaced as the child grows and can be reprogrammed as required.
Pros of BTEs
- Easier to clean and maintain
- Are fully inserted into your ear canal just like a Bluetooth headset
- Usually, the most affordable hearing aids that suit almost every budget
- No trouble opening the battery case or cleaning all the nooks and crannies
- Users can see better amplification because of the batteries being big in size
- Nice and compact, they’re designed to make for an extremely comfortable fit
- They have the most powerful battery like among all kinds of hearing aids available
- Have more room for additional features like multi settings and directional microphones
- Provide more space for bigger batteries that keep hearing aids charged for longer durations
Cons of BTEs
- The tubing needs to be replaced quite often to ensure sustenance
- More likely to experience external noises when worn in open spaces
- Require a higher degree of upkeep as moulds need to be replaced every 2 years
- Are more visible and not suitable for someone looking for a more discreet option
- These hearing aids tend to have reduced sound quality as compared to ITEs or ITCs
- BTEs won’t let you conceal the fact that you’re wearing hearing aids (in case you wish to)
- Ear tubes and tips of the open fit micro BTEs need to be changed periodically for proper maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hearing loss do I have?
Hearing loss affects people of all ages. The most common types of hearing loss are sensor neural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. These conditions can be caused by many factors, including injury and damage to the ear from loud noise or disease. The Types of Hearing Loss are
- Sensor neural Hearing Loss
- Sudden Sensor neural Hearing Loss
- Conductive Hearing Loss
- Mixed Hearing Loss
- Hearing Loss in Adults
Do both ears have the same hearing loss?
Yes, for many people, the left and right ears handle sound a little differently. If you have hearing loss, one ear probably has more than the other—but even more than that, since birth, your ears have been partial to different sounds. Asymmetrical hearing loss is when both of your ears hear equally well, but one ear has an advantage over the other. The hearing loss in your left or right ear could be due to a number of factors, including the shape of your ear canal and the way sound travels through it. It’s important to get a professional opinion because there are many different kinds of hearing loss and we want to make sure you’re getting the right treatment for yours!
Do I need a hearing aid for both ears?
Hearing aids can help you hear better in both ears and improve your speech, especially if you have hearing loss in both ears. With a full listening experience, our hearing aids can help you detect the sound direction and reduce the need for volume.
Which hearing aid is suitable based on this audiogram?
Your audiogram shows the results of a hearing test. It shows how well you hear sounds in terms of frequency (high-pitched sounds versus low-pitched sounds) and intensity, or loudness. Our hearing aids are designed to give you the clearest sound possible, so you can focus on the conversation at hand.
What is the advantage of upper level hearing aid in group?
Upper level hearing aid is lightweight, comfortable and discreet. We designed it to be worn behind your ear so you can wear it out of sight if you’re working or just want some peace and quiet.
Hearing aid technology simplified for you?
Our goal is to help you hear well. A hearing aid system consists of three elements: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. We simplify the technology that helps you communicate more efficiently and enjoy your favourite activities with greater clarity, better quality, and more natural.
How hearing loss is classified?
While hearing loss is often misrepresented as a straightforward, single diagnosis, there are multiple problems behind it. Hearing loss affects every person differently and can have different symptoms. The good news is that many people with hearing loss can still hear some sounds. Hearing loss is classified on a scale of mild, moderate, severe, and profound hearing loss.
- Mild hearing loss: A hearing loss of 20 to 40 decibels.
- Moderate hearing loss: A hearing loss of 41 to 60 decibels.
- Severe hearing loss: A hearing loss of 61 to 80 decibels.
Hearing Loss can it be cure by medicine?
There is no cure for age-related hearing loss. However, there are many ways to improve your quality of life by getting help from hearing aids and other listening devices. No treatment can make your hearing better. But it is possible to regain your ability to understand speech and attend to sounds in noisy environments through the use of hearing aids or ear-level speakers.
Detecting Hearing Loss, What should be done now?
Once you detect hearing loss the evaluation reveals the real issue, our audiologist design a detailed plan of treatment keeping the client’s issues, lifestyle, and preferences in mind. We conduct regular monitoring of your ear aid so you see consistent and quick improvement in your hearing abilities Voila! Start living your life without the limitations posed by hearing loss.
Hearing loss, Is it something you should get treated for or can you wait?
If you’re experiencing difficulty hearing, or if others are asking you to repeat more often, get your hearing checked. When you start to experience difficulties in everyday life then may be time to get your hearing tested.
Why hearing aid is must?
A hearing loss diagnosis can be a huge wake-up call. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your hearing aid options. Hearing aids are designed to help you hear well than ever. With new technologies, a more comfortable fit, and built-in dual microphones, hearing aids make it easier for you to communicate in an enjoyable way.
