HEARING AIDS

What is a Hearing Aid?
Hearing Aid is a device which is meant for a person who is hard of hearing. It amplifies the sound and makes it easy for the person to understand what has been said. Hearing aids are fitted after a complete hearing assessment, as each aid has to be individually programmed for the ear depending on the degree of hearing loss in the different frequencies.

How does a person benefit from a Hearing Aid?
A person who cannot hear well often becomes withdrawn and feels alienated as they cannot be a part of interactive conversations at home, school or at the work place. Hearing aids make it easy for the person to hear all sounds clearly. It connects the person socially to family, friends and also at the work place. These aids help keep the person active by stimulating the brain and their memory cells. Hearing aid use is proven to prevent the cognitive decline that takes place in hearing impaired adults.

Different types of Hearing Aids

1. Behind The Ear (BTE):
Behind The Ear Hearing Aid gives best results when the hearing loss is flat. This aid is comfortable for everyone especially for kids and the elderly. When the hearing loss is severe, the outcome with this hearing aid is very good. It is a durable product and some BTE’S also have wireless technology making it a very practical option. Fitting range for this device is 25dB - 90dB. If the patient has tinnitus (ringing in the ear), then BTE Hearing Aid also helps in masking the tinnitus sound.

2. Receiver in The Canal (RIC):
RIC gives best results when the hearing loss is sloping. It is less visible in comparison with a BTE. Nowadays, rechargeable RIC’s are also available where you do not need to change the battery. Fitting range for this device is 25dB - 80dB. The RIC hearing aid also helps in masking the tinnitus sound.

3. Completely in the canal (CIC):
It is a device which is hardly visible and more often used by the younger population due to its cosmetic advantage. Fitting range for this device is 25dB - 70dB. However, bluetooth connectivity is not available, so accessories can’t be connected. If patient has tinnitus, then CIC hearing aid will also help in masking the tinnitus sound.

4. Invisible in the canal (IIC):
This device goes completely inside the ear canal. For this hearing aid the ear canal size must be appropriate so that it can be placed inside it. Fitting range for this device is 25dB - 70dB. The IIC hearing aid also helps in masking the tinnitus sound.

Our centre provides an audiology set up for complete evaluation of hearing loss, counselling support and dispenses all the leading and most comfortable brands of hearing aids. We are happy to assist all our patients who come in for their hearing evaluation and guide them in making the best choice for themselves.