Hearing Aids And Rehabilitation
We aim to present information in clear and unbiased terms to foster realistic expectations and to maximize the individual’s participation in their own rehabilitation. If the decision is to fit hearing aids, amplification is prescribed to precisely compensate for the individual’s hearing deficit.
Patients are instructed on the correct use and maintenance of their hearing aids and are then counselled on the best ways to adapt to their new hearing aids.
A progress interview is typically completed one to two weeks after the fitting to check patient comfort and progress.
Annual aftercare check-ups are conducted to ensure ongoing success and to permit adjustment of settings when needed.
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Realistic Expectations
It should be remembered that no hearing aid can be a complete substitute for normal hearing, despite some manufacturer claims. Our ears are an extension of our brains, and permit changes in focus depending on active thought processes. Hearing aids are not responsive to our changing thoughts and are no match for the dynamic human brain. However, most people will obtain significant benefit from well fitted hearing aids in many daily situations, providing expectations are realistic and motivation is sufficient.
Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles, each have advantages and limitations and suit different purposes and preferences.
BTE (Behind-The-Ear)
Worn over the top of the ear and transmit amplified signals to the ear canal via a thin hollow tubing.
- Advantages: Can maximize air flow in and out of the ear canal. Less visible for patients with longer hair.
- Disadvantages: Some find them awkward to wear with glasses. Less natural positioning for phone use. May move about the ear with vigorous movements & outdoor activities. More visible for patients with short hair
RIC (Receiver-In-Canal)
A small aid worn over the top of the ear which transmits signals to a miniaturized speaker in the ear canal via a thin electrical connection.
- Advantages: Can maximize air flow in and out of the ear canal. Less visible for patients with long or short hair. Good high frequency response.
- Disadvantages: Some find them awkward to wear with glasses. Can be “flighty” with certain head movements. Electrical connection is prone to breakage and intermittency and requires careful handling.
ITE (In-The-Ear)
Worn in the ear, completely filling the bowl of the ear.
- Advantages: Self-contained in the ear, nothing worn behind the ear. Easier to handle than smaller sizes for individuals with poor dexterity.
- Disadvantages: Less cosmetically appealing than most other styles. Can make one’s own voice sound drummy for certain types of hearing loss.
ITC (In-The-Canal)
Worn in the ear, filling only one third of the bowl of the ear.
- Advantages: Self-contained in the ear, nothing worn behind the ear. Neater appearance than ITEs.
- Disadvantages: Typically permit less air exchange in the ear canal than a BTE. Can make one’s own voice sound drummy for certain types of hearing loss.
CIC (Completely-In-The-Canal)
Worn almost entirely within the ear canal, with only a small faceplate visible at the canal entrance.
- Advantages: Cosmetically appealing. Natural to use on the phone. Less wind noise for outdoors use.
- Disadvantages: Typically permit less air exchange in the ear canal than a BTE. Can make one’s own voice sound drummy for certain types of hearing loss. Small batteries have limited life and can be fiddly to handle for some.
Micro CIC
Worn deep within the ear canal, no part of the aid is visible.
- Advantages: Most cosmetically appealing style, not visible at all. Natural to use on the phone. Less wind noise for outdoors use.
- Disadvantages: Not tolerated by or suitable for all ears given deep placement in the most sensitive portion of the ear canal. Small batteries have limited life and can be fiddly to handle for some. No on-board controls or wireless connectivity.