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.
Electronics

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 Aid Technology?

John Lister
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 7,782
Share

Modern hearing aid technology covers a wide range of products. They are generally classified as either analog or digital. Within these categories, different devices vary depending on the size and shape, and how they are worn. There are also some specialist devices for people with particular circumstances.

An analog hearing aid simply amplifies sound. It does this by converting sound waves into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and "broadcast" directly into the ear. While cheaper, such devices are somewhat limited and not responsive to differing situations.

Many types of hearing aid technology today are digital-based. This means the hearing aid has a tiny computer inside which is capable not only of amplifying sound, but of assessing and processing it. The big advantage is that this means the hearing aid can be tailored to specific situations.

The amplification level of digital hearing aid technology can initially be set to meet the specific requirements of the user. Most models then allow the amplification to be tweaked in different settings as diverse as a quiet room and a loud concert. The settings often also allow alterations for different size rooms, which can give users a better sense of a sound’s location.

Hearing aid technology is available for wearing in different ways. Models can be worn behind the ear, in the ear itself, or even completely hidden inside the ear canal. Those behind the ear are not as visually appealing but tend to be cheaper and require fewer repairs. Those worn inside the ear canal are generally suitable only for less severe hearing loss.

There are also several types of hearing aid technology for people with specific types of hearing loss. Some people suffer from conductive hearing loss, meaning their ear cannot transmit sound waves. Hearing aids for people in this situation usually work by delivering sound through vibrations.

People who have hearing in one ear only can use a type of hearing aid known as CROS. This picks up sound from the ear without hearing and transmits it to the ear with hearing, such that the user can process all the sounds normally. People with no hearing on one ear and partial hearing in the other ear can use BiCROS hearing aid technology. This works in the same way as CROS, but amplifies the sound as well as simply transmitting it.

Most hearing aid technology requires the user to regularly change or recharge the battery which powers the device. However, there are disposable hearing aids designed to use less power, such that the battery can last much longer before running out. At this point, usually after around 10 weeks, the hearing aid is simply thrown away and replaced. Disposable hearing aids are generally not suitable for people with severe hearing loss.

Share
EasyTechJunkie 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.
John Lister
By John Lister
John Lister, an experienced freelance writer, excels in crafting compelling copy, web content, articles, and more. With a relevant degree, John brings a keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of content strategy, and an ability to adapt to different writing styles and formats to ensure that his work meets the highest standards.
Discussion Comments
John Lister
John Lister
John Lister, an experienced freelance writer, excels in crafting compelling copy, web content, articles, and more. With...
Learn more
Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-hearing-aid-technology.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

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

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

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