Hearing loss can profoundly affect a person's life. It can diminish the quality of their communication skills and prevent people from engaging with others in social situations because of the fear of not hearing or understanding what others are saying. If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can help improve your hearing ability and enhance your quality of life. Here are some things you should know about the different types of hearing aids and their features that may help you choose the best type for your individual needs.

Types Of Hearing Aids

Before you can choose the most appropriate type of hearing aid, you will need some information on some of the most common types. The behind-the-ear type of hearing aid is also known as BTE. These devices are worn behind your ears and are great choices for those with minimal to significant levels of hearing loss.

In-the-ear hearing aids, also known as ITE devices, fit inside your ear and are typically custom-made. ITE hearing devices are not as noticeable as behind-the-ear devices, and they are not as small as CIC hearing devices, also called completely-in-the-canal devices.

Your audiologist can help you determine which type of hearing devices are most appropriate for your hearing needs as well as your lifestyle. It is important that you work with both your audiologist and your primary care doctor to determine the cause of your hearing deficits. This is because if your hearing disorder is related to a neurological condition or benign tumor inside your ear, you may need additional treatments to augment the benefits of your hearing devices.

Features Of Hearing Aids

The features of hearing devices vary between types, however, most share similar features such as noise reduction features and anti-feedback features. Feedback refers to high-pitched whistling sounds that can occur when certain soundwaves hit the microphone of your hearing devices. Feedback features are important to people who have both hearing loss and tinnitus, also called ringing in the ears.

The combination of feedback noise and tinnitus can distract people and may even lead to earaches, headaches, and further hearing deficits. Some hearing aids also connect to wireless devices which allow you to connect your hearing devices to your television and smartphone. Wireless connection features are great for streaming music, watching television, and talking on your smartphone. 

If you have hearing loss, consider the above types and features of hearing aids. With the appropriate hearing devices, your hearing ability will improve and you can look forward to participating in more social activities without being self-conscious about your hearing deficits.

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