With recent and ongoing advancements in technology, hearing aids come in various styles and are tailored to meet specific types of hearing loss.
Our team at Jacksonville ENT Surgery in Jacksonville and Lake City, Florida, offers award-winning care for conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. One of our many specialties is diagnosing and treating hearing loss for individuals of all ages.
Our hearing specialists can recommend the best hearing aid type and style for your needs, lifestyle, and expectations.
Many of today’s hearing aids use digital vs analog technology, offering a wide range of styles that amplify sound with devices that are sometimes small enough to fit in the ear canal.
Choices include:
BTE hearing aids include a case that sits behind the ear, connected to an earpiece or custom ear mold via a thin tube.
BTE hearing aids are versatile, offering solutions for mild to profound hearing loss. They are suitable for all ages, including children. Battery life is longer since they house larger batteries, and they often include advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity.
The downside? BTE hearing aids are harder to hide, depending on your hairstyles, and may be uncomfortable when wearing glasses.
These types are similar to BTE models but smaller, with the receiver in the ear canal.
Advantages include:
Notably, the smaller size may make handling difficult for those with dexterity issues.
These custom-made devices fit entirely within the outer ear and are recommended for mild to severe hearing loss. They’re also easy to insert and remove, and their larger size allows for features like directional microphones.
Although smaller than bulky models of the past, ITE hearing aids are more visible than in-the-canal options. They can also pick up wind noise during outdoor activities.
Smaller than ITE devices, ITC aids fit partially in the ear canal, making them less visible with a custom fit and natural sound. This type is reserved for mild to moderate hearing loss, and their smaller size limits additional features.
These hearing aids are nearly invisible since they fit entirely within the ear canal. Most suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, CIC devices produce less wind noise and have natural sound quality due to their placement. However, they have a limited battery life due to their small size.
Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are surgically implanted devices that transmit sound through bone conduction rather than the outer or middle ear.
They’re best for conductive or mixed hearing loss and ideal for individuals who can’t use traditional styles due to physical ear issues. They provide clear sound since they bypass damaged areas.
Cochlear implants are another surgically implanted hearing device for severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.
Your best choice for hearing aids depends on the type and severity of your hearing loss, lifestyle needs, and personal preferences.
Your Jacksonville ENT Surgery experience begins with an evaluation, professional hearing test, and discussion that allows us to determine the best hearing aid type for your needs and expectations.
With the right hearing aid, you can rediscover the joys of conversation, music, and the sounds of everyday life.
Schedule a visit today by calling Jacksonville ENT Surgery or requesting an appointment online.
