Types of Hearing Aids

While hearing aids cannot restore your hearing to the normal baseline level, they can assist those with bad hearing by amplifying sounds and reducing loud background noise. There are actually a wide variety of hearing aids in the market, so individuals planning on obtaining hearing aids should choose a type that best fits their needs.

All hearing aids are designed to carry sounds from the environment into your ear and make them louder. Hearing aids can vary in price, size, unique features, and the way they are placed in your ear.

Completely-in-the-canal Hearing Aid

A completely-in-the-canal hearing aid is molded to fit inside your ear canal, which makes it the smallest and least visible type. It can be utilized to improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.

In-the-canal hearing aid
An in-the-canal hearing aid is also custom molded and fits partly in the ear canal, which also makes it less visible. It can include features that may not be available on the complete-in-the-canal type of hearing aid. This hearing aid can be used to also improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.

In-the-ear hearing aid
An in-the-ear hearing aid can be made in two styles: one that fills most of the bowl-shaped area of your outer ear and one that fills only the lower part. It can include features such as volume control, directional microphones that can be adjusted, easy ability to insert into the ear, and longer battery life. This type of hearing aid can be helpful for people with mild to severe hearing loss.

Behind-the-ear hearing aid
A behind-the-ear hearing aid hooks over the top of your ear and rests behind the ear. The hearing aid is connected to a custom earpiece through a tube. This is traditionally the largest type of hearing aid, but it can be capable of more amplification than other type of styles. This type of hearing aid is appropriate for people of all ages and any type of hearing loss.

Receiver-in-the-canal or in-the-ear hearing aid
Receive-in-the-canal or in-the-ear styles are also similar to the behind the ear hearing aid, but it is a tiny wire rather than a tube that connects the pieces.

Open fit hearing aid
An open fit hearing aid is a variation of the behind the ear hearing aid. This type keeps the ear canal very open, which allows for low frequency sounds to enter the ear naturally and for high frequency sounds to be amplified through the hearing aid. An open fit behind the ear type has become the most popularly because it is less visible and does not plug the ear like the other types, so it can make your own speech sound better to you. This type can be a good fit for people with mild to profound hearing loss.

Where can I go to seek audiology services and learn more about my hearing aid options?
If you are experiencing hearing loss, it is best to seek medical attention to have your hearing tested by a hearing specialist and to rule out possible causes for your hearing loss. An appointment with a qualified audiologist can help diagnose your hearing loss condition and discuss possible treatment options. Additionally, an audiologist can tell you more about the types of hearing aids that will best meet your needs and enhance your ability to hear and communicate with others.

Healthpointe now offers audiology services at our Anaheim location. Audiology services at Healthpointe include hearing tests and evaluations, diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, balance or speech problems, and other hearing disorders. Contact Healthpointe today to learn more about our audiology services and treatment options.

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Long Beach, which is conveniently located near Signal Hill, Carson, Seal Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Compton, Hawaiian Gardens, and Los Alamitos. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit www.Healthpointe.net