Our Experts Offer Help for Hearing Aids in Cincinnati, OH
Learn More About the Hearing Aid Types Available
Many adults need hearing aids to hear the world around them more clearly. When it comes to being professionally fitted for your hearing aids, many styles and types are available. The hearing care professionals at Ohio Hearing & Audiology will thoroughly examine your ears, conduct an extensive hearing evaluation, and ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle to match you with the right hearing aids. However, it can help to learn more about some of the options available for patients throughout Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding areas. Below, we’ve compared the styles and types of hearing aids available to help you start your journey towards better hearing. Reach out to the friendly team at Ohio Hearing & Audiology to learn more.
What Are the Types of Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids work by amplifying the external sounds around you. There are two main types of hearing aids:
- Analog Hearing Aids – These convert sound waves into electrical signals to make them louder and clearer. Analog hearing aids have simple volume controls and are typically less expensive.
- Digital Hearing Aids – These convert sound waves into numerical codes, much like a computer, and amplify them. With a code including information about the direction of a sound and its volume, they can easily adjust to what you need, whether you’re in a quiet room or stadium. Most digital hearing aids adjust automatically. This type of hearing aid costs more than an analog hearing aid, but the results have proven to be much better.
What Styles of Hearing Aids Are Available?
There are three main styles of hearing aids available. Differing in size, placement in or on the ear, and how well they make sound louder, the styles you can choose from include the following:
- Canal Hearing Aids – These comfortably fit inside your ear canal and are harder to see from the outside. A completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid is smaller and nearly hidden in the ear. This style isn’t ideal for children or adults with difficulty adjusting tiny devices. An invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid is nearly invisible from the outside.
- In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids – These hearing aidsfit completely inside your outer ear, with a hard plastic case that holds the electronics. They’re best for patients with mild to severe hearing loss. However, they don’t work as well for children whose ears are still growing.
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids – These sit in a hard plastic case behind the ear. A plastic ear mold comfortably fits inside the outer ear and directs sound to the inner ear. Another type, mini BTE, fits entirely behind the ear and has a narrow tube that goes into your ear canal.
What’s the Best Hearing Aid for Me?
The choices can seem overwhelming when you’re shopping for a hearing aid. With so many features, styles, and types available, consulting with a hearing care professional is essential. The right device for you depends on several factors, including:
- Cost
- Your age
- Your lifestyle
- The severity of your hearing loss
- How well you can manage small devices
Consult with Our Hearing Care Professionals Today
Hearing aids and methods for hearing testing have come a long way over the years. Today, there are a wide range of styles and types to choose from. Digital hearing aids can include all sorts of special features, improving your hearing and enhancing your overall quality of life. At Ohio Hearing & Audiology, our hearing care professionals will match you with the right hearing aids for your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Our team has years of experience providing industry-leading hearing health care throughout Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more about our hearing aid services or schedule an appointment to get started.
