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Hearing aids have one main job and that is to provide you with better understanding. If they do not do this, then you have wasted your time and your money! |
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With that said, you will more than likely be given a choice of a few different models to choose from. Not everybody can use the incredibly tiny �CIC�-Completely In The Canal-model. Get the best hearing possible then make model choice secondary. |
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There are two main types of hearing aids: |
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(There are still a few body-fits in front pocket-and eyeglass hearing aids, but very few people use them...less than 2% of all hearing aid users.) |
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Behind the ear hearing aids are mostly used for severe hearing losses. This type of aid increases the distance from where the sound goes into the instrument-the microphone-and where the sound comes out-the end of the earmold. Also, the earmold can be made of a very soft material that seals very well in the ear canal. Both of these things are important to provide enough power without feedback, or �squealling�. (Behind the ear hearing aids are used often on children because it is less costly to replace an earmold as they out grow it than to have a custom aid reshelled!) |
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To add to the many choices, there are 3 different types of circuitry available. They are 1) Standard, or Linear 2) Programmable 3) Digital Each has its advantage and disadvantages. |
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In a grouping: |
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Standard: Lowest Priced, Most Common, Not Good In Noise, No major Adjustments Possible |
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Programmable: Medium Price, Major adjustments possible at any time, better than standard in noise because of adjustability |
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Digital: Highest price, Major adjustments possible at any time PLUS circuitry uses �brain� to automatically adjust to surroundings. Best hearing in noise because of adjustability & automatic circuit adjustments |
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Hearing Aids |
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1) Custom built in the ear styles |
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2) Behind the ear styles |
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The custom built styles include: (From largest to smallest) |
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A) Full Shell B) Low Profile C)Half-shell D) Canal E) Mini-Canal F) CIC (Completely In Canal) |
