The Different Types of Hearing Devices, and which are best for you. Which Type of hearing aid is best for you?

CIC- Completely in the Canal This is the smallest type of hearing aid made and is almost invisible in the ear. All the components are housed in a small case that fits far into the ear canal. This takes advantage of the ear's own natural sound-collecting design and offers convenient telephone usage.

Device located in the Canal ITC (In the Canal) A little bigger than the CIC, the ITC hearing aids also fit far into the ear canal. Canal hearing aids use a slightly larger battery than the CIC style. This style is used for mild to moderate hearing losses.

ITE-(In the Ear) These hearing aids can be used for a wider range of hearing losses. Due to their larger size, ITEs can accommodate larger sound amplifiers and more features such as a telephone switch. They are also easier to handle.

BTE- (Behind the Ear) In BTE hearing aids, the electronics are housed in a case that fits behind the ear. Tubing and a custom made earmold direct the sound to the ear canal. Due to its robust design, this style is especially recommended for children. BTE hearing aids can provide more amplification than smaller devices due to the stronger amplifier and the larger battery. This style is available in several colors for hair and skin tone matching.

BTE- Example of Device

Hearing Aid Styles All hearing aids contain the same parts to carry sound from the environment into your ear. However, hearing aids do come in a number of styles, which differ in size and the way they're placed in your ear. Some are small enough to fit inside your ear canal, making them almost invisible, which is highly common for the younger population. Others fit partially in your ear canal. Generally, the smaller a hearing aid is, the less powerful it is, the shorter its battery life and the more it'll cost.

The price to pay… Hearing Aids can range in cost pending the needs of the individual of the wearer. Do they need one or two? Do they have a lifestyle that could benefit from more technology or less? It is important to take lifestyle into account when selecting the right instrument for every wearer. There are many things that go into pricing. Anyone wanting to get the best hearing possible not to let price dictate your choice.

Payment Options There are payment plans available from most places. Think of it this way... What part of sound are you willing to 'not hear well' in place of cost? Miracle-Ear has hearing solutions to meet most any need or budget. And, of course, each comes with an outstanding service, warranty and aftercare package. 3-year warranty program* Free office visits Free personalized programming Free annual hearing screening Free cleaning and adjustments

My Opinion… Only one out of five people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one. There are many types of hearing aids to suit almost every type and degree of hearing loss, and budget. I have found that the looks and functions of hearing aids suit almost every age group. The different styles make it easy to choose if you want it fully in your ear canal or partially in and around your ear. I think I would choose the CIC hearing aid because it is completely in your ear and is not visible to the common eye. I wouldn’t want anyone seeing my hearing aid so I would choose to have the CIC.

References- http://www.ahaanet.com/hearingaidstyles.asp http://content.revolutionhealth.com/contentimages/image s-image_popup-ha7_hearingaidstyles.jpg http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://content. revolutionhealth.com/contentimages/images-image_popup- ha7_hearingaidstyles.jpg&imgrefurl http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy- living/caring/challenges/physical/hearing-aids&usg