What is a Hearing Aid?

A hearing aid is a device used to improve hearing by making sounds audible to individuals who suffer from hearing loss. There are many types of hearing aids available in the market. Choosing the right style for your hearing needs may be challenging.

In this article, we will list down the types of hearing aids available in Singapore for you. 

Types of Hearing Aids

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aid is the style where the hearing aids are placed behind the ear. A separate piece known as an earmold or a thin sound tube with a soft silicone earpiece is then used to direct sound into the ear canal. BTE is a more durable hearing aid as the electronic components are kept away from the ear canal, affecting the parts due to ear wax, discharge, or moisture. BTE comes in a variety of sizes, depending on their power performance.

Who This is Most Suitable For 

• Mild to profound hearing loss patients
• Individuals with arthritic conditions
• Children

Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE)/ Receiver-In-The-Canal (RIC)

Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) or RIC hearing aid is the most popular style in the market for its discretion. This type of hearing aid is generally more comfortable than BTE as the receiver end inserted into the ear is covered by a soft, pliant silicone tip.

RITE solutions combine the best of both BTEs and ITEs — power and discretion.

The RITE/RIC’s main body sits behind the individual’s ear while the receiver or speaker sits in the ear canal. 

Who This is Most Suitable For

• Mild to profound hearing loss patients 
• Individuals with an excellent ability to handle small objects

In-The-Ear (ITE)

The next hearing aid type is In-The-Ear (ITE). ITE is the most prominent custom made style available where the hearing aid components are housed to sit comfortably in the visible part of an individual's ear. Due to its size, ITE is easier to manage and suitable for individuals with moderate to severe hearing issues. 

Who This is Most Suitable For

• Most suitable for people who are experiencing mild to severe hearing loss
• Ideal for people with no eyesight problems

In-The-Canal (ITC)

In-The-Canal (ITC) is the most popular custom-made hearing aid style. They are designed to be placed in individuals' ear canal and are even more invisible than ITE. Due to its small size and comfort, ITC is a preferred choice for individuals who wish to keep their hearing troubles private. 

Who This is Most Suitable For

• Individuals looking for discretion
• Individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss
• Individuals who struggle on the phone

Completely-In-Canal (CIC) 

Completely-In-Canal (CIC) is known as the second smallest custom made hearing aid style. Due to its small size, CIC is not suitable for older people with sight problems and children.

However, for individuals who suffer mild to moderate hearing loss and prefer a discreet hearing aid style, CIC will come in handy. 

Who This is Most Suitable For

• Individuals with mild to moderate levels of hearing losses
• Individuals with the ability to handle small objects
• Individuals without eyesight problems
• Individuals looking for discretion

Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)

Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) is the smallest custom made hearing aid style available in the market. Just like CIC, IIC is perfect for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. However, due to this hearing aid’s smallest size, directional microphones and wireless connectivity are not available with IIC.

Who This is Most Suitable For

• Individuals with mild to moderate levels of hearing losses
• Individuals with the ability to handle small objects
• Individuals without eyesight problems
• Individuals looking for discretion

Hearing Aid Components

Although there are many types of hearing aids, with different brands in the market, these hearing solutions come with almost the same essential components. The various parts of a hearing aid are

• Microphones

The hearing aid microphone is the first step in improving your hearing. The microphone gathers up various noises in your environment and turns them into electrical signals that the processor can understand. Microphones can now distinguish between speech and background noise and process them differently, resulting in a far more smooth hearing experience than before.

• Amplifier 

The processor or amplifier may be thought of as the hearing aid's computer or motherboard. It transforms the electric impulses received from the microphone into digital signals that may be modified.

• Receiver
• The receiver is the final step in the process. It produces a sound wave that is improved to satisfy the demands of the wearer with hearing loss. The receiver must translate the signal provided from the processor to audible sounds and output it to the wearer's ears in order for this to happen.

Other Hearing Aid Parts

• Ear-Hook/Tone-Hook

The transparent tube that wraps over the top of the ear and connects to the receiver. On behind-the-ear devices, this is the case.

• Hearing Aid Battery

The source of electricity for the hearing aid's other components.

• Vent

Allows air to move freely and prevents the sensation of a blocked ear.

• Volume Control

Allows the user to change the volume of the sound. This feature is not accessible on all hearing aid models.

• Wax Guard

A tiny, changeable filter that keeps earwax out of the hearing aid's internal components.

J Glasses & Hearing For Your Hearing Solutions

At J Glasses & Hearing, we are committed to delivering excellent services for your hearing aid solutions in Singapore at affordable prices with the highest customer satisfaction level. For more information, kindly visit us.

Book an appointment with the leading hearing aids Singapore centre now!