Hearing Aids have now been available for many years to help the hearing impaired overcome their hearing loss.
Before any Hearing Aid is used the sufferer should initially ensure that it is what is required and the hearing loss is not due to some other factor such as infection in the ear or even just ear wax.
Visiting a GP initially is most important as he will confirm whether the loss of hearing is permanent or just temporary.
If it is decided that a Hearing Aid is required to help overcome the hearing loss, a hearing test is the next step to ascertain at what audio frequencies and level of sound the hearing loss occurs. When this has been decided the type of Aid to be used by the sufferer is very important.
There are various types of Aids available including BTE (Behind the Ear) ITE (In the Ear) ITC (In the Channel), CIC (Completely in the Channel).
The Behind the Ear (BTE) Behind the Ear Aid has been around for a great many years and is the one with the least disadvantages compared with the other types.
The main disadvantage is that it is not as cosmetically pleasing as other types which fit inside the ear, but with new designs and advances in technology the size has reduced considerably making them almost invisible behind the ear. Other technical developments, namely Open Fit Hearing Aids, have also greatly reduced the diameter of the tube that carries the sound to the ear channel, so that it can hardly be seen. Open Fit Aids also allow for the ear mould to be dispensed with which has overcome the problem of occlusions - a feeling of the ear being blocked causing a hollow effect when speaking.
So now we have answered most of the disadvantages of the BTE Hearing Aid, what are the advantages?
Because the BTE Digital Aid is generally larger than the Hearing Aids situated within the ear channel, it can hold considerably more electronic features including volume controls for a wide range of frequencies, directional microphones etc. They can usually give greater amplification to sounds where hearing loss is acute, therefore of greater advantage for those with more profound hearing loss.
They are usually cheaper because the electronics within the Aid does not have to be so small, cutting costs in manufacturing.
They are much easier to handle especially for those with dexterity problems such as the elderly or people with arthritis; they can house a larger battery giving a longer battery life.
They are ideal for children with some hearing loss as the aid will continue to fit them as they grow older whereas In the Ear type would have to be changed as the ear channel develops.
Although BTE Digital Hearing Aids do not solve all the problems associated with hearing loss, they will be the best choice for many. With the introduction of Open Fit types it has now made the BTE Digital Hearing Aids the right choice for more and more sufferers.
Mike Roberts has bee advising suffers, with Hearing Loss, for some time. If you want to know more about Behind the Ear Hearing ids Visit Digital Hearing Aids
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