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Hearing Aid

The first ever noted hearing assistance device was a funnel like tool that was placed in the ear to enhance the hearing of the user.  Since the use of the ear horn there have been many developments to hearing devices and there are many types available on the market today.   A hearing aid is meant to fit in or behind the users ear and is designed to amplify sound so that the wearer can better hear the goings on around them.  The different types of aids vary in size, power and placement.  We have found and briefly described the most common types of aids that are available today. 

Body worn hearing aids were the first type of modern amplification hearing aids, however, they are rarely used today.  They consist of a case that contains an amplifier which is about the size of a deck of cards and can be worn in the pocket or on the belt.  The case is connected to an cord which is also connected to an ear piece that has been fit for the user.  These aids provide loud amplification because of their large size. 

Behind the ear hearing aids are similar to the body worn aids, however they are much smaller in size.  The ear piece fits behind the hear so it can easily go un noticed.  Typically the sound is routed acoustically, though sometimes its routed electrically.  These types of aids can be used for mild to profound hearing losses. They are extremely durable and easy to use and handle. 

In the ear hearing aids fit in the ear and are small and rarely visible.  The ear piece is custom made to fit each users ear and they can be used for mild to severe hearing loss. Modern circuits are able to provide feedback regulation or cancellation to allow the user to get the best quality of sound. Traditionally, ITEs have not been recommended for young children because their fit could not be easily modified and the aid would have to be replaced frequently as the child grew.

 

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