Hearing aids can differ greatly depending on the person's hearing capacity, finances and desire to conceal the impairment. Some hearing aids can be easily removed and only used for special purposes like watching television or talking on the phone. Other degrees and stages of hearing impairment require more permanent attachment and may involve implantation. The choices available offer a great range and quality in hearing improvement through modern technology. The four primary types of hearing aids are as follows: completely in the canal, in the canal, in the ear, and behind the ear.
Completely in the Canal
The hearing aids that fit completely in the ear canal offer the user a moderate improvement to his hearing without any change in the appearance to the ear. It fits deep within the canal and the flow of sound and audio transmission seamlessly funnel though the aid into the eardrum. The American Hearing Aid Associates states that this type of hearing aid requires a lot of dexterity in changing the very small batteries. The other drawback is that people with severe hearing loss and damage may not be able to utilize this type of hearing aid.
In the Canal
This type of hearing aid is designed for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. It fits partway inside the canal, but not nearly as deep as the hearing aids that fit completely within the canal. The Mayo Clinic states that this type of aid offers more advanced features and allows the user to adjust the volume, especially with choices that range between analog and digital. In-the-canal hearing aids are also easier to remove and adjust. People with smaller ear canals may have some difficulty in using this type of hearing aid.
In the Ear
The hearing aids that fit in the bowl of the ear offer a larger range of capabilities due to the size and components of the device. Users may choose a half shell or full shell device depending on their needs for both concealment and audio amplification. This type of hearing aid can be used by people with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states that this type of hearing aid offers the added option to include a telecoil, which is a magnetic coil within the device that allows users to hear better at larger facilities like churches, schools, airports and auditoriums.
Behind the Ear
The behind-the-ear hearing aids offer the most advanced features available. The device can be removed easily and can also be fitted to eyeglasses. Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be used by people with hearing loss that ranges from mild to profound. This type can also be used with adjunct hearing devices that are surgically implanted to remedy physical damage to the ear as well as birth defects. The online medical guide Ear, Nose and Throat USA states that this is also the best option for children with hearing impairments because it requires little to no size adjustments.
