Hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and types. The two basic hearing aid styles are Behind-The-Ear and In-The-Ear.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

The electrical components of the instrument (microphone, amplifier, and receiver) are housed in a compact case that tucks behind the ear. Sound is delivered to the ear canal through a clear tube over the top of the ear, and into an earmold worn inside the ear.

Advantages of BTE styles:

• Larger controls, which are easier for some people to adjust
• Larger battery, which lasts longer and easier to manipulate
• Least expensive
• More power can be delivered with less chance of feedback (whistling)
• Most come standard with a tele-coil switch (reduces interference on the telephone and is compatible with loop systems in many auditorium halls)
• Appropriate for more severe hearing losses

In-The-Ear (ITE)

Electrical components of this instrument (microphone, amplifier, and receiver) fit into a shell custom made to fit inside the ear. There are several types of ITE hearing aids:

Full Concha (Full Shell): Largest of the ITE styles. Fills the entire bowl of the ear.

Half Concha (Half Shell): Fills only the lower half of the bowl.

In-The-Canal: Fits deeper into the ear canal and fills just the opening of the ear canal. (Not shown)

Completely-In-The-Canal: Fits deeply inside the ear canal and virtually undetectable when worn.

Advantages of ITE styles:

• Less conspicuous, more cosmetically appealing
• Lightweight, comfortable
• Appropriate for mild to severe hearing losses
• Range of prices (the larger the size, the less expensive)

Hearing Devices for individuals with a "dead" ear:

For individuals with no residual hearing in one ear and normal hearing in the other ear, there is a device called a CROS (contralateral routing of signals). A microphone is worn on the impaired ear and entering sound is routed by FM transmitters to an amplifier and receiver worn on the better ear.

For those individuals with no residual hearing in one ear and mild to moderate hearing loss in the other ear, there is a device called a BiCROSS (Binaural Contralateral Routing of Signals). A microphone is worn on the unaidable ear and entering sound is routed by FM transmitters to a microphone, amplifier and receiver worn on the better ear, which also acts as a hearing aid.

MultiCROS (Multiple Contralateral Routing of Signals) is the same as a BiCROS but is equip with a toggle switch which enables the user to turn the "CROS" mode off of the poorer ear, and use the remaining device as a single hearing aid. This is useful when the user does not want to pick up sounds from the direction of the poorer ear (for example- riding in a car and the user does not want to amplify wind noise when the poorer ear is near the window).

Advantages of CROS, BiCROSS, and MultiCROSS hearing devices:

• Sounds toward the impaired ear can be heard without turning the ear towards the source
• Provides cues for locating the direction of sound
• Restores a sense of balance

Monaural (One Hearing Aid) vs. Binaural (Two Hearing Aids)?

Advantages of wearing two hearing aids;

• Better balance of sound (stereo hearing)
• Better location of sound source
• Greater ability or pick out sounds against background noise

Thanks to electronic technology, many features are available. First, there is the traditional technology called analog. In analog hearing devices, sound waves enter through the microphone, are amplified by a chosen circuit, pass through the receiver and go out into the ear as sound waves.

Next, there is programmable technology that features conventional amplification and filters, which the audiologist fine tunes and programs by a computer.

Finally, the most advanced technology is the 100% digital. In digital hearing devices, sound waves entering the microphone, are converted into a digital format. They are then separated into different frequency bands and channels, and converted back to an analog format before entering the ear canal as sound waves. These devices are controlled and programmed by an audiologist through a computer. Digital aids compare to a "CD player" while traditional analog aids compare to a "tape player"

Analog

• Least expensive
• Fine tuning done by controls
• Has a volume control
• Available in all sizes and styles

Programmable

• Fine tuning done in the office by a computer
• If hearing loss changes, the aid can be reprogrammed instead of buying a new instrument
• Available in all sizes and styles

Digital

• Fully automatic, no volume control
• A "mini computer" worn on the ear
• Flexible response, can be customized to mirror the hearing loss
• Superior in background noise
• Can be reprogrammed if hearing loss changes
• Available in all sizes and styles.

  For more information concerning hearing aid, contact Lori at audiologist@earsite.com