The past 15 years have seen astonishing technological advances in hearing
amplification. Some individuals who would not have been candidates
for hearing aids a decade ago are now able to more easily participate
in family, social and work situations because of these advances in
technology. Others who have used hearing aids in the past find that
these new technologies have made it possible for them to function
better and with fewer frustrations.

Hearing Aid Circuitry and Styles
Which hearing aid is right for you?
If you are purchasing a hearing aid for the first time, the number of options may seem overwhelming at first. It all boils down to circuitry and style.
It is important to understand the difference between hearing aid circuitry and style, since both will affect overall satisfaction with the instrument, as well as the cost.

Circuitry and style are generally independent of one another. In other words, a very small hearing aid is not necessarily more sophisticated, electronically, than a larger hearing aid. Each style of hearing aid may house different electronic circuitry.

Your audiogram (the results of your hearing evaluation) will be the primary consideration for determining which circuit technologies and style options are most appropriate for you, Additional considerations include your listening needs and expectations, your ear anatomy, your personal cosmetic preferences, as well as your budget. Still overwhelmed? Fortunately your audiologist will assist you in choosing the best circuitry and style to meet all of your needs.

Circuitry Types
There are three types of hearing aid technologies available on the market
today:

1. High Definition Digital Hearing Aids
2. Advanced Digital
3. Entry Level Digital

The key word for hearing aid circuits in this class is automatic. This digital circuit automatically adjusts the volume, reduces background noise, switches to directional microphone when needed, and cancels feedback.

High Definition Digital Hearing Aids
High Definition Digital hearing aids are very flexible and can be programmed to meet the needs of a wide range of hearing losses. The automatic features offer a “hands free” convenience with state-of-the-art technology

Advanced Mid-Level Digital Hearing Aids
These circuits have many of the same features of High Definition Digital hearing aids; the difference is that they require the user to activate them. Available features include noise reduction, feedback cancellation, and automatic volume control. Directional microphones are also available to improve listening in the presence of noise.

Advanced Mid-level Digital hearing aids can be programmed to fit a wide range of hearing losses. They may also be adjusted to offer multiple programs for listening in both noise and quiet.

Entry Level Digital Hearing Aids
Entry Level Digital hearing aids are suitable for most hearing losses, but offer fewer options and less flexibility than more advanced digital hearing aids. They are ideal for listening in quiet environments. Some models feature an optional automatic volume control.

Styles of Hearing Aids
The term "style" conjures up images of fashion and individual taste. It should be noted, however, that hearing aid style is not only a matter of personal preference; style may play an important role in the overall performance of the hearing aid. Certain types and degrees of hearing loss are fit more optimally with some styles more than others. In addition, the ability to operate and care for the hearing aid may be influenced by the style. Your audiologist will review your audiogram and your needs to determine the styles best suited for you.

Until the onset of fully digital hearing aids in 1996, the primary focus of hearing aid development and advancements was on miniaturization. Four major styles have evolved from this history, shown in the table below

Completely In the Canal (CIC) The smallest custom fit hearing instrument style on the market, the CIC fits deep inside the ear canal and is virtually unseen. CIC hearing aids are best suited for mild or moderate degrees of hearing loss. Individuals with narrow ear canals with sharp turns would not be good candidates.
Canal Style The canal hearing aid does not fit as deeply into the ear canal as the CIC (above), but offers less visibility than the ITE. It is most appropriate for the mild to moderate hearing losses.
In-the-Ear (ITE) The ITE style is custom fit into the canal and outer shell of the ear. It can accommodate a wide range of hearing losses than the canal and CIC. It is relatively easy to operate, due to its larger battery and physical size.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) BTE aids are connected by a tube to a clear custom mold, fitted inside the ear. Although larger than the above custom hearing aids, BTE aids are often less visible due to their location, behind the ear. BTE aids accommodate the widest range of hearing losses, are more durable, and often have a longer battery life than custom models.
Open Ear Fitting with Behind-the-Ear (BTE) BTE aids are connected to a thin tube which directs sound into the ear. The open ear fitting is less visible than traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids and also allows the user to hear more naturally, including the sound of his/her own voice.

Adobe Hearing Center wishes to thank Oticon, Inc. and Unitron Hearing for the use of the above photographs.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to be used as a substitute for evaluation, consultation or diagnosis by a licensed physician or licensed audiologist. Further, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. Always consult with your audiologist and primary care physician regarding matters related to your hearing.