Technology
Advanced Hearing Technology Tailored to Your Needs
Basically classification of hearing aid depends upon three category, Other basis of technology it is two type.
Analog hearing aids
Analog hearing aids are less common. They make continuous sound waves louder by amplifying all sounds (speech and noise) in the same way. Some analog hearing aids have a microchip to store multiple program settings used in different listening environments, such as in a quiet place (library) or in a noisy place (restaurant or soccer field). As the listening environment changes, the hearing aid settings may be changed by pushing a button on the hearing aid.
Digital hearing aids
Digital hearing aids are more common. They have all the features of analog programmable aids, but they convert sound waves into digital signals and produce an exact duplication of sound. Microchips in digital hearing aids analyze speech and other environmental sounds and store multiple program settings. The digital hearing aids allow for more complex sound processing during the amplification process which may improve performance in certain situations, such as background noise and whistle reduction. They also have greater flexibility in hearing aid programming so the sound they transmit can be matched to the needs for a specific pattern of hearing loss.
On the basis of power supply, it is also two types
Rechargeable hearing aid is not require to change battery periodically, so individual can use hearing aid hassle free with out memorising the date of battery change .
Non-Rechargeable hearing aid is require to change batteries after a certain days depend upon the model of hearing aid and hours used per day
Non-Rechargeable hearing aid is require to change batteries after a certain days depend upon the model of hearing aid and hours used per day
On the basis of working style its is five types
Healthcare providers categorize hearing aids into five types: behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), in-the-canal (ITC) and CROS/BiCROS.
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
Behind-the-ear (BTE) devices are appropriate for people with a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to profound. This device fits neatly behind your ear. The body of the hearing aid attaches to a custom ear mold or thin tubing. Because this device has several parts, manual dexterity is necessary to ensure proper insertion and placement.
In-the-ear (ITE)
In-the-ear (ITE) devices fill either your entire ear (known as full-shell) or a portion of the bowl (known as half-shell) of your ear. These are best for people who may have dexterity issues or difficulty handling small items. Providers often recommend ITE devices for people with moderate to severe hearing loss.
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids are similar to BTE devices. The body of a RITE hearing aid sits behind your ear. A thin receiver wire extends from the body of the hearing aid over your outer ear and into your ear canal. A soft tip sits just inside of your ear canal without sealing it. For many people, this offers a more natural sound. RITE devices require manual dexterity. They’re appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss.
In-the-canal (ITC)
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids fit more deeply into your ear canal than ITE hearing aids, so they’re typically less visible. Because of their smaller size, they use smaller batteries and may be more difficult to handle. Depending on your situation, you may even qualify for completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids. These devices fit deeper into the ear canal so they’re even less visible.
CROS/BiCROS
Your healthcare provider may recommend a CROS/BiCROS hearing aid if you have normal hearing or minimal hearing loss in one ear, and very little or no usable hearing in the other ear. You wear the hearing aid on the better hearing side, and you wear an additional microphone on the poorer hearing side. This allows you to hear from the poorer side — even though it delivers all sounds to your better ear. These devices are especially beneficial when someone is talking on the side of the poorer ear. CROS stands for “Contralateral Routing of Signals.” BiCROS stands for “Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signals.”
