Technological advancements have bolstered growth of efficient hearing aids types. Get to know about various types of these aids in the article further.
Gone are the days when improving hearing ability through technology was next to impossible. In the recent years, with technology aided advanced hearing instruments, amplification of sounds to desired levels has become a reality. And this has led to development of various hearing aids types. People who’re hard of hearing can use hearing aids for getting back to normal hearing or to say, better their hearing capabilities.
Hearing Aid Types and their Costs
Before knowing the types and costs of hearing aids, if you feel the need of a hearing aid then you should firstly contact an audiologist who must have a Master’s degree in the similar field. Moreover in the past few years, it has become mandatory in many states for audiologists to have an Au.D. or Doctor of Audiology degree. So do check the education and expertise of the medical professional you are choosing for your ear care. In all probability, your ear doctor will recommend you a hearing aid, in case he feels, it’s necessary for you. Federal and state governments have made various laws, rules and regulations for purchase of hearing aid. Hence, it’s required for you to have a medical evaluation and clearance from a licensed physician before you use hearing aid.
Behind the Ear Hearing Aids (BTE)
These hearing aids, as the name suggests, are worn behind the ear and cling to the ear by a plastic ear mold fitted on the outer ear. These hearing aids are inexpensive and are affordable. These types of hearing aids are mostly used in children with major hearing loss. As the child grows and there is an increase in size of the child’s ear, these hearing aids can be modified. That is, only the ear mold needs to be changed and not the entire set up. That makes BTE hearing aids an economical choice. BTE is, in general, also used by people for all ages with mild to severe forms of hearing loss and is one of the best hearing aids available for everyone. The cost of BTE range between US$1,200 to US$2,700.
In the Ear Hearing Aids (ITE)
Placed completely inside the inner ear, ITE is used for mild to severe hearing loss and it consists of electronic chips that are cased in hard plastic. With growth in technology, various hearing aids and types have seen drastic changes. For instance, ITEs are provided with telecoil that helps people wearing these aids to effectively listen to telephone calls. Moreover, in schools, churches and various seminar conference halls, there are induction loop systems that help people wearing these ITE hearing aids to listen to public speaking and conferences. These hearing aids can come in a price range of US$1,365 to US$2,860.
In the Canal Hearing Aids (ICH)
There are generally two types of canal aids. They are in-the-canal (ITC) aid and the canal-in-canal (CIC) aids. ITC aids are made to fit into the ear canal while CIC is made such that it is almost hidden in the inner ear. These hearing aids are one of the most expensive hearing aids available in the market and they come in the cost range of around $1,300 to $2,750 . However, the sound quality of CIC types of hearing aids is excellent and one of the best in the market. The only negative aspect about CIC is that they’re susceptible to damage, due to earwax and other drainage from the ear.
Since hearing aids are delicate instruments, one must exercise care in handling them. While purchasing hearing aids, people firstly look out for quality sound and then hearing aids cost. Since, you have to use it for improving your hearing loss problem, you must not compromise on quality. Technically speaking, analog, digital and conventional types of hearing aids are used by people. Since these days, the market has many options for hearing aids, consumers have lots of choice in selecting some good brands of hearing aids.
Disclaimer: The pricing of several hearing aids mentioned in this article are an average amount and readers may find increase in the hearing aid prices depending on several factors. In states like Washington State, New York, California, the pricing may be higher relative to places like Kansas or Kentucky. Individuals should consult experts in this field to choose a suitable and economical hearing aid.
