![](https://www.plusonline.nl/sites/plusonline/files/styles/pol_carousel/public/istock_000023536172_large.jpg?itok=meFg4HZU)
All devices in a row
If you no longer hear what is being said around you, a hearing aid (hearing aid) offers a solution. What are the causes of hearing impairment and what types of hearing aids are actually available?
It is estimated that one in ten Dutch people suffer from impaired hearing and are therefore hearing impaired to a greater or lesser extent. Hearing impairment can have various causes, such as:
- damage due to a lot of noise
- drug use
- old age
You can suffer from hearing loss at a young age. It even occurs in newborns. Heredity plays a role in this. The hearing loss usually occurs gradually. A GP can easily determine whether and to what extent you are hearing impaired and possibly refer you for further help.
You may need a hearing aid. With the help of a hearing aid it becomes possible for you to hear sounds from the environment again. A hearing aid consists of:
- a microphone, which picks up the sound;
- a chip that processes the sound to compensate for the hearing loss
- an amplifier
- a phone call or a speaker that reproduces the sound
There are different types of hearing aids on the market, such as:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) device
- Speaker-in-the-ear (RITE) device
- In-the-ear (ITE) device
- Channel device
- CIC devices
- Closet appliances
- Hearing Glasses
Speaker-in-the-ear canal (Receiver-in-Canal, RIC)
RIC hearing aids with open fittings are similar to hearing aids with open fittings (described in the next section). But unlike most conventional BTE hearing aids, the speaker is placed in the ear canal and connected to the hearing aid behind the ear via a thin tube. Since the speaker unit is no longer in the hearing aid, it is very small, light and unobtrusive.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) – Open Fit
In open fittings, an ultra-thin tube is used instead of an earmold to connect the hearing aid to the ear. Open fittings are more comfortable and prevent fluid from building up in the ear. Such devices are only suitable for certain types of hearing loss, but offer better sound quality, more natural sound of one’s own voice and more comfort.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) – Conventional Fittings
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are used for all types of hearing loss, from mild to severe. This type is available in a variety of styles, from very small models to the larger SuperPower hearing aids for very severe hearing losses. Many of these devices offer multiple directional microphone systems for better speech understanding in noisy environments.
Behind-the-ear systems can be open or closed. Closed means that the custom earmold has little gap between the ear canal and the outside air, so that little amplification can leak out. This allows the hearing aid to provide more amplification for more severe hearing losses. With open systems there is a large opening through which outside noise is also heard directly for more listening comfort.
The behind-the-ear models are versatile, powerful and suitable for various types of hearing loss. In addition, they are easier to handle because they are larger.
The earmold connects a BTE hearing aid to the ear and is custom-fitted to the hearing aid wearer. The earmold is an important part of the fitting as it performs multiple functions for acoustics and better hearing. Conducting the amplified sound to the eardrum is one of the most important functions of the earmold. An important aspect of the earmold is that the ear canal is closed. It prevents the amplified sound from coming out, thereby preventing acoustic feedback, annoying whistling tones often associated with hearing aids.
In-the-ear (ITE)
Custom (ITE) hearing aids are used for mild to severe hearing loss. Custom hearing aids are completely in the ear and are fitted based on the mold of the individual’s ear. The image below shows the different styles, ranging from the Micro-CIC models that fit completely in the ear canal, to the larger models.
Channel device
This device disappears further into the ear and is suitable for moderate and mild hearing loss. When using this device, the same advantages and disadvantages apply as with an in-the-ear device. If you have problems with your motor skills, due to old age or rheumatism, you may have difficulty putting this device in and out.
CIC devices
CIC means ‘complete in the canal’. This device is therefore placed deep in your ear canal and is therefore not visible. You can remove the device using a transparent cord. The CIC device has the same advantages and disadvantages as an in-the-ear device. There are two additional drawbacks:
- Your ear canal must meet a number of requirements in terms of shape and size
- The device has a small battery, which drains faster
Closet appliances
This device is rarely used and is suitable if you have motor problems. It consists of a box that resembles a small mobile phone. Through this box, which you wear on your body, the sound is conducted via a cord to an earmold.
Hearing Glasses
The hearing glasses are suitable if you do not see well. There are microphones in the temples of the glasses, which enable you to properly pick up the sound in a room.
So there are different possibilities. A hearing care professional can determine with you which hearing aid is best for you. He can fine-tune it for you. You always have the right to try a hearing aid for a certain period of time. If you do not like the device, the hearing care professional will look for the best solution together with you.