What are the different kinds of hearing aids?

If you have difficulty hearing, a hearing aid can help you increase your hearing level. With a hearing aid you will be ensured of a more or less normal way of life. Several kinds of hearing aids can be purchased: - Behind the Ear or BTE hearing aid - This device is placed at the back of the ear and has a plastic ear mold that connects to the outer ear. - In the Ear or ITE hearing aid- This device is used for treating mild to severe hearing loss. It fits inside the outer ear and needs to be properly fitted for best results. - In the Canal or ITC hearing aid - This is patterned in the size and the shape of the ear canal, and also needs to be fitted by a professional. - Completely in Canal or CIC hearing aid - This apparatus fits entirely inside the ear canal. Hanson Edgecomb is editor of http://www.hearinged.com, the online guide to Hearing. He also writes Hearing FAQ's for http://www.prettygreatanswers.com/articles/HearingQuestions/ .  more

There are several types of hearing aids. Each type offers different advantages, depending on its design, levels of amplification, and size. Before purchasing any hearing aid, ask whether it has a warranty that will allow you to try it out. Most manufacturers allow a 30 day trial period during which aids can be returned for a refund. There are four basic styles of hearing aids for people with sensorineural hearing loss: • In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. The case, which holds the components, is made of hard plastic. ITE aids can accommodate added technical mechanisms such as a telecoil, a small magnetic coil contained in the hearing aid that improves sound transmission during telephone calls. ITE aids can be damaged by earwax and ear drainage, and their small size can cause adjustment problems and feedback. They are not usually worn by children because the casings need to be replaced as the ear grows.