What Types of Hearing Aids are Available?

What Types of Hearing Aids are Available?

Hearing loss can be very frustrating, but working with a professional can help you regain your hearing and your confidence. Understanding hearing aidsyour choices when it comes to hearing aids is one of the first steps you take in the process. Below are some of the types of hearing aids Dr. Arthur Katz prescribes for patients at his ENT practice in Merriville and Munster, IN and Olympia Fields, IL.

In-the-ear

For an almost-invisible approach to hearing enhancement, in-the-ear, or ITE, hearing aids fit snugly in the opening of the ear. Patients who have mild to moderate hearing loss often benefit the most from ITE hearing aids. Because they are so small, some of the ITE styles do not have manual controls, which may not provide the wearer with optimal hearing enhancement. Adequate dexterity is also needed to manage the smallest ITE aids effectively. There are, however, low-profile hearing aids which fit into the "bowl" of the ear and are easier to control. All ITE hearing aids have a variety of skin tone options to choose from, making them even more discrete.

Behind-the-ear

These hearing aids, known as BTE, fit against the top of the ear, often curving behind it, with thin plastic tubing that focuses sounds into the ear through an attachment at the other end. Some of our Munster, Merriville, and Olympia Fields ENT patients prefer BTE aids because they do not block the ear canal as fully as ITE aids. They are designed to match your skin tone, although you can choose bright colors and embellishments to match your personality as well! BTE hearing aids are typically more versatile, accommodating hearing loss that ranges from mild to profound.

Your ENT doctor, Dr. Katz, is available to help you determine which type of hearing aid will give you the best correction and comfort. To make an appointment, contact our office in Munster and Merrillville, IN and Olympia Fields, IL today.