Want to improve your hearing performance and looking for the best hearing aid? You are in the right place. We have grouped for you the main types of hearing aids. And of course, we are at your disposal for any personalized consultation.
What types of hearing aids are available?
Hearing aids are available in a variety of models that are suitable for all types of hearing loss and are designed by a variety of hearing aid manufacturers . This diversity ensures a hearing system that can be adapted to your desires and expectations and guarantees a better hearing in your daily life.
What are the differences between analog hearing aids and digital hearing aids?
In principle, a distinction is made between analog and digital hearing aids. Most new hearing aids are digital. The only difference between a digital prosthesis and an analog prosthesis lies in signal processing.
Analog hearing aids capture the signals of our environment. These are retransmitted amplified via the speaker. You can not filter or reduce noise.
Digital hearing aids convert sound into electronic information. Only the main signals are amplified and transmitted. Strong ambient noise is reduced. This allows for better hearing in a noisy environment. The prosthesis can be adapted to the needs of each and is smaller than the analog models. In addition, digital hearing aids provide better sound quality and clearer speech understanding. Listening then becomes easier.
What are the differences between closed-end and open-ended hearing aid?
In terms of forms of auditory systems, there are closed-end and open-ended hearing aid. The open end is found on BTE hearing aids. The earphone tube and earpiece are fixed in the external ear canal. This type of device gives a more natural hearing, because the audible sounds are not over-amplified. In addition, the open tip allows for better ventilation of the ear canal.
On closed-end hearing aids , the external auditory canal is largely blocked by a tip or an intra-auricular device in the canal. This does not mean that your ear is no longer broken down. Thanks to the custom adaptation of the tip, it fits better in the ear and ensures a more direct transmission. This makes it possible to better exploit the entire power spectrum of the hearing aid. A closed-end hearing aid is also more flexible and usable for different types of hearing problems.
What are BTE hearing aids?
These hearing aids are worn behind the ear, slightly above the roof. Their main components like the loudspeaker are housed in the housing. The sound is directed to a mouthpiece, via an elbow and a small plastic tube. This tip is placed in the external auditory canal. It ensures that the hearing aid stays in place and transmits the sound waves to the eardrum.
What are the intra-auricular hearing aids (CIC)?
These hearing aids are placed more or less inside the ear. We distinguish the following models:
- intra-flag devices (intra-conch devices) which are placed in the flag
- intra-canal devices that are placed at the bottom of the auditory canal
- models that disappear entirely in the ear: CIC devices (Completely-in-the-Canal: completely in the conduit).
In-ear hearing systems are classified according to the following subcategories:
ITE Hearing Aids (ITE = In The Ear)
The housing of this auditory system completely fills the roof (the conch). This model has several advantages such as extended battery life, the ability to install a Power version in case of greatly reduced hearing ability and improved user comfort.
ITC Hearing Aids (ITC = In The Canal)
A small and discreet intra-auricular model. The horn is completely clear because the hearing aid housing is placed in the ear canal and blocks the ear canal.
CIC Hearing Aids (CIC = Complete In Canal)
The smallest in-ear model gives ultimate discretion because it is virtually invisible from the outside. These devices are usually equipped with a nylon thread that allows them to be removed from the ear canal;
What other models are available?
If common hearing aids do not meet the needs of a patient, there are a few alternatives:
- Hearing aids with bone conduction
- Hearing aids with bone anchors
- Middle ear implants
- Cochlear implants
- Brain stem implants
- Tinnitus masks
- Lyric
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