Understanding Hearing Loss

The majority of hearing problems deall with issues concerning the inner ear. The natural effects of aging is a common cause, although loud noises, possibly sustaining a skull fractures, or certain medications can also have a negative influence on your hearing. In general, an inner ear hearing loss can be corrected with a hearing aid. At Ear Specialists of Omaha, we deal with only the best providers of hearing aid technology. You can learn about the various hearing aid companies here, and then discuss with our audiologists which brand is best suited to your particular situation.
 
 

Behind the Ear (BTE)

 

A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid hooks over the top of your ear and rests behind the ear. A tube connects the hearing aid to a custom earpiece called an earmold that fits in your ear canal. This type is appropriate for people of all ages and those with almost any type of hearing loss.
 
A behind-the-ear hearing aid:

• Traditionally has been the largest type of hearing aid, though some newer mini designs are streamlined and barely visible
• Is capable of more amplification than are other styles
• May pick up more wind noise than other styles

In the Ear (ITE)

 

An in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid is custom made in two styles — one that fills most of the bowl-shaped area of your outer ear (full shell) and one that fills only the lower part (half shell). Both are helpful for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
 
An in-the-ear hearing aid:

• Includes features such as volume control and directional microphones that are easier to adjust
• Is generally easier to insert
• Uses larger batteries, which are easier to handle and last longer
• Is susceptible to earwax clogging
• May pick up more wind noise than smaller devices
• Is more visible in the ear than smaller devices

In the Canal (ITC)

 

An in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is custom molded and fits partly in the ear canal. This style can improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.
An in-the-canal hearing aid:
 

• Is less visible in the ear than larger styles
• Includes features that won’t fit on completely-in-the-canal aids, but may be difficult to adjust due to its small size
• Is susceptible to earwax clogging

Completely In Canal (ITC)

 

A completely-in-the-canal hearing aid is molded to fit inside your ear canal. It improves mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. A completely-in-the-canal hearing aid:
 

• Is the smallest and least visible type
• Is less likely to pick up wind noise
• Uses very small batteries, which have shorter life and can be difficult to handle
• Doesn’t contain extra features, such as volume control or a directional microphone
• Is susceptible to earwax clogging