Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aids
Q. What is the difference between digital hearing aids and other types?
A. Hearing aids are described as analog or digital, depending on the technology they use to process sound. Analog hearing aids relied chiefly on amplification of ambient sound, which by itself does not necessarily bring clarity where sound volume is not the main problem. Digital technology affords many enhancements such as the ability to truly individualize settings, filter extraneous background noise, and operate successfully in the tiniest components. Advanced Hearing Technologies, Inc. ONLY offers 100% digital hearing aids.
Q. Ok, digital is the way to go. What are my choices in this technology?
A. There three most popular fittings for common hearing loss are as follows:
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
These usually have an earmould that sits inside your ear. The hearing aid rests behind your ear and a plastic tube connects it to the earmould. This is the most common type of hearing aid - most NHS digital hearing aids are BTE aids.
There is a new, alternative way of fitting BTE aids that does not involve an earmold. This is called an 'open ear fitting' and uses a smaller, soft earpiece at the tip of the tubing instead of an earmold. These fittings are less visible than earmolds but are only suitable if your hearing loss is mild. They give you a very natural sound.
In-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids
These have their working parts in the earmold, so the whole aid fits into your ear. They tend to need repairing more often than behind-the-ear aids. Some in-the-ear aids can be seen from the side. The smallest ITC aids fit right inside your ear canal, where they can hardly be seen at all. If you have a severe hearing loss, or very narrow ear canals, these aids will probably not suit you.
Body-worn hearing aids
These have a small box that you clip to your clothes or put in your pocket. This box contains the microphone and working parts. It is connected by a lead to an earphone clipped into your earmould. Body-worn hearing aids may be suitable if you have sight problems, or problems using very small switches or buttons. Some models are very powerful.