Hearing aids are available in a variety of different shapes, sizes & types.
Lytham Hearing Centre can explain the difference between each aid and it’s functions
and help you choose the right hearing aid for your hearing requirements.
When considering a hearing aid it’s important that you get the right advice from the start.
Lytham Hearing Centre are totally manufacturer independent and can offer any hearing
aid model, ensuring we supply you with the correct product for your individual hearing requirements.
Our Hearing Aid section provides information about types of hearing aids, different models, fitting hearing aids and maintenance.
What Type of Hearing Aids are Available?
There are many different shapes and types of hearing aids, some dependent on
your specific hearing loss, and some designed to be virtually invisible when worn.
Here are some brief descriptions to help you Click Below
Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids: Most parts are contained in a small plastic case that rests behind the ear; the case is connected to an earmold or an earpiece by a piece of clear tubing. This style is often chosen for young children because it can accommodate various earmold types, which need to be replaced as the child grows. Also, the BTE aids are easy to be cleaned and handled, and are relatively sturdy.
“Mini” BTE (or “on-the-ear”) aids: A new type of BTE aid called the mini BTE (or “on-the-ear”) aid. It also fits behind/on the ear, but is smaller. A very thin, almost invisible tube is used to connect the aid to the ear canal. Mini BTEs may have a comfortable ear piece for insertion (“open fit”), but may also use a traditional earmold. Mini BTEs allow not only reduced occlusion or “plugged up” sensations in the ear canal, but also increase comfort, reduce feedback and address cosmetic concerns for many users.
In-the-ear (ITE) aids: All parts of the hearing aid are contained in a shell that fills in the outer part of the ear. The ITE aids are larger than the in-the-canal and completely-in-the-canal aids (see below), and for some people may be easier to handle than smaller aids
In-the-canal (ITC) aids and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) aids: These hearing aids are contained in tiny cases that fit partly or completely into the ear canal. They are the smallest hearing aids available and offer cosmetic and some listening advantages. However, their small size may make them difficult to handle and adjust for some people.
Digital Hearing Aids
Digital Hearing Aids are the latest in hearing aid technology. An internal computer
processes the sounds the hearing aid receives. This computer can be programmed by
your hearing aid audiologist to customise the hearing aid to suit your specific hearing loss.
A digital hearing device can also be preset for different sound environments, for example
a quiet room, a theatre or a shopping mall.
The benefits of digital hearing aids are:
Customized to suit your hearing;
Clearer listening in different environments;
Your hearing aid is less likely to give feedback (ie whistle);
Some digital hearing aids can identify noise and reduce the amplification required
(providing more comfortable usage)
For further information on hearing aids and the latest technologies available,
download our guide to Better Hearing, or arrange a FREE, no obligation Hearing Test
with one of our qualified, registered hearing audiologists.