Essentially there are two decisions to make when choosing your hearing aid.
- What size am I most comfortable with?
- What, if any, features do my listening needs require?
You need to take some time and consider what will work best for you. Dr. Rumsey can help you through this process.
Types of Hearing Aids and their Functions
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Behind the Ear (BTE)
Offers greatest durability and least risk of feedback (uncontrolled whistling). |
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Full Shell (ITE)
Offers least risk of feedback of In The Ear styles. Good for those with dexterity problems. |
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Half Shell (ITC)
Best combination of cosmetic appeal and function. Good for those with dexterity problems. |
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Completely in Canal (CIC)
Offers maximum concealment. Can be limited by feedback and dexterity problems |
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Open FittingOffers excellent high frequency amplification with maximum comfort and concealment. Limited to those with high frequency hearing loss. |
What features do I need to hear well in my environment?
Currently the two features available to help people perform better in noisy environments are directional microphones and noise reduction circuitry.
- Directional microphones
are two microphone systems designed to make the hearing aid more sensitive to sounds originating in front of the listener than the sounds originating behind them. They have evolved to the point that current state of the art directional microphones are able to survey the environment, locate the loudest noise source, and adjust their sensitivity to minimize its effect on the signal.
- Noise reduction circuitry
is the term used to describe the hearing aids ability to identify background noise and minimize its effect on the signal. Hearing aids analyze incoming sounds looking for patterns. Patterns that are highly variable in pitch and intensity are allowed to pass through. Patterns that are constant in pitch and intensity are recognized as background noise and manipulated prior to leaving the hearing aid.
Hearing aid manufacturers offer several levels of these technologies so that more people can benefit from them. It used to be you had to purchase the most advanced, most expensive hearing aids to get these features. Now you can purchase hearing aids that utilize these features at prices that are much more economical. Come in and talk to Dr. Rumsey to determine what combination of size and technology best meets your specific needs.
Links to Sites that discuss Hearing Aids
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