We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Hearing Instruments?

By B. Galbreath
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,847
Share

Hearing instruments, or hearing aids, are electronic devices that are used to help people who suffer from hearing loss. There are several types of hearing instruments, including behind-the-ear hearing aids, open fit behind-the-ear hearing aids, in-the-ear hearing aids, in-the-canal hearing aids and completely-in-the-canal hearing aids. The main function of all types of hearing instruments is to amplify sound.

In behind-the-ear hearing instruments, the mechanics are stored in a case that fits behind the wearer's ear. The mechanics pick up sound, when then travels down a tube that is attached to an ear mold inserted in the wearer's ear. The sound is then carried to the wearer's eardrum. Though this type of hearing instrument is large, it provides the wearer with better hearing because it can house a large amplifier and battery. These devices are good for all ranges of hearing loss, from mild to profound.

Open fit behind-the-ear hearing instruments are similar, but they are smaller, and the tubing is thinner, making them slightly less noticeable. Instead of an ear mold, a tip or dome that is placed at the end of the tube transfers the sound to the wearer's eardrum, leaving the ear "open" and providing a more natural sound than the standard behind-the-ear instrument. Open fit behind-the-ear instruments can assist with a wide range of hearing loss.

The largest type of hearing instrument are the in-the-ear models, making them easy to operate and allowing for different types of options, including volume control and a telephone switch. A hard plastic case stores the mechanics of the device, which is worn in the outer ear. These are the largest of the hearing instruments, so they are also the most obvious.

In-the-canal hearing instruments fit, appropriately, inside the ear canal. They are smaller than the in-the-ear and behind-the-ear devices, making them less obtrusive. Though they are less noticeable, their size makes them useful only for mild cases of hearing loss, because their size limits the amount of hearing options they can provide, such as volume control and microphones.

The least obvious of all the hearing instruments is the completely-in-the-canal device. The mechanics are stored inside a tiny instrument, which is inserted directly into the canal. The microphone sits directly in the canal, so they provide the most natural form of amplification, but they can be uncomfortable. They are useful for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-hearing-instruments.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.