Different types of hearing aid

The first electric hearing aids went on sale just before the turn of the twentieth century, but it was not until the invention of the transistor in 1948 that something practical and affordable came on the market.

Hearing aids, as we recognise them today, really started to appear in the 1970's as miniaturisation and long life batteries started to emerge. Then, as the microchip and yet smaller and more powerful batteries were developed, invisible and ear canal based hearing aids were developed.

The result of these many years of evolution is that hearing aids are now incredibly advanced. Some can restore “near failed” hearing whilst others can be tuned to amplify only certain frequencies within the sound scale. However, what all of these developments mean is that anyone who has some hearing remaining can have it boosted, processed and brought to a level where normal life and activities can resume.

What is available

Even today the different types of hearing aids that are available vary dramatically. The reason for this is partly because some kinds of aid are more affective with certain types of hearing disorder, but also because some people may find the placement (in or around the ear) of a particular style of hearing aid uncomfortable or problematic.

Ultimately, this means that there is a lot of choice, but that not every type of hearing aid will suit every individual.

Below is a list of some of the numerous “generic” hearing aid types that are available. The top four are the main types.

• BTE (Behind The ear) aids
• ITE (In The Ear) aids
• ITC (In the canal) or Receiver In the Canal/Ear (RIC/RITE) aids
• CIC (Completely in the canal) aids
• Mini canal (MIC)
• Invisible In canal hearing aids (IIC)
• Extended wear hearing aids, Open-fit devices
• Disposable hearing aids (these are disposed of once the battery has run out

Which is the right hearing aid for me?

Naturally no one should try to obtain a hearing aid until they have had their hearing tested and diagnosed by an audiologist. If you suspect that your hearing has deteriorated, your first action must be to make an appointment with your doctor or audiologist so that a proper diagnosis can be made.

Once the hearing has been tested, and any underlying hearing problems established or ruled out, the audiologist will make recommendations and suggestions. These recommendations will include suggesting the most suitable type of aid for the symptoms whilst taking into account wearing comfort and the lifestyle of the wearer.

In a number of European countries many hearing aids will be available through a national health scheme, however, some of the more advanced, miniaturised and expensive aids will not be covered under these schemes. When this is the case, and if your audiologist recommends that you obtain a hearing aid outside of these schemes, a number of additional options may become open to you.

Where to get a hearing aid

If you choose to buy your hearing aid privately you will still need to have your hearing tested by an audiologist. You may choose to do this with a private consultant, or to use one of a number of high street companies that offer hearing (and often both vision and hearing) testing.

Once you are in possession of your hearing assessment (report) there are a number of choices open to you. You may choose to buy a hearing aid from the company who performed the hearing test. Alternatively, you may decide on another source, e.g. an online hearing aid supplier or manufacturer. This may enable you to get a lower price for your purchase.

If you choose the latter route, ensure that the hearing aid that you select is the most appropriate one to correct your hearing problem. Never try to save money at the expense of your health.

Check to ensure that the supplier or manufacturer are recognised and acknowledged as being reputable hearing aid producers.

Make sure that the hearing aid has a warranty and that there is a means of getting it serviced, having batteries replaced etc available to you.

Since you will not be able to have a demonstration of how to fit (and if necessary how to tune) the hearing aid, make sure that instructions directions, or better still a DVD will be included with the hearing aid.

Some hearing aid manufacturers now produce hearing aids in different colours and with more distinctive designs. These aids are intended for those who want to treat the appearance of the hearing aid as jewellery or a fashion accessory. These aesthetic aids are popular with the younger generations.