Types of Hearing Instruments - Micro Hearing Aid
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Types of Hearing Instruments
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TYPES OF HEARING INSTRUMENTS
There is no single hearing instrument that is suitable for all types of hearing loss. The type you need depends on your individual hearing loss and the nature of that loss.
The Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
This model is a small hearing instrument housed in a curved case that fits securely behind the ear. It is attached to the earmold by a short, plastic tube. Sound is delivered from the hearing instrument through the earmold and into the ear canal.
Slim Tube BTEs & RICs (Receiver In the Canal)
The BTEs with a slim tube offers a more cosmetic Instrument while the RIC fits the receiver into the canal of your ear to offer a better sound quality than when pushed through the tube into the ear.
In-The-Ear Hearing Aids (ITE)
During the 1970’s innovation resulted in manufacturers developing electronic circuits that fitted into the ear mould with all the acoustic benefits of moulding technology. Without the limitations created by having to pipe sound through the tube of the BTE into the ear, a variey of acoustic restrictions were also aleviated. Also, microphones were now positioned in the ear; a more natural position than compared with the microphone above and behind the ear or in the pocket as with previously technologies.
In-The-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC)
Micro technology resulted in even smaller hearing aids which, besides the cosmetic appeal, also meant that sound would be deflected by the folds of the ear and improve acoustics.
Completely-In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (CIC)
During the lat eighties and early nineties miniturisation of electrical components continued. In 1994 Micro Hearing Aid pioneered CIC technology in Africa. The microphone could be positioned virtually in the canal to maximise the acoustic benefits of the folds of the ear, known as the PINNA Effect, thereby overcoming many of the obstacles inherent with previous technologies.
Today, all the above hearing aids have their place and are still being fitted. Alongside acoustic improvements was the development of superior electronic circuitry which may be divided into five main developments.
Hearing aids have always been at the forefront of technology. Interestingly hearing aids used the first pc chips and the innovation for hearing aids continues to attract extensive research and development.
- Hearing aid technology has partnered with many other technologies like
- wireless for trans cranial transmission of sound for improved bilateral hearing as well as with
- BlueTooth to enhance the environmental demands for better hearing such as improving the experience of listening to telephones, direct signal for TV listening that does not affect those around you who would otherwise be inconvenienced by sounds that are either too loud or just not desired. Because of space constraints in a hearing aid, additional devices may be used to wirelessly receive and transmit signal to and from your hearing aid.
- Remote controls for adjusting hearing aids by hand without any controls physically on the hearing aid
The latest technology means even smaller CICs with the ne Micro hearing aid that fits deeper into the ear canal.