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There are several types of hearing aids based on technology, size and location of the aid on the ear. Lions AHAP is offering only digital hearing aids worn behind-the-ear. Read the following to learn more about the types of hearing aids and the two hearing aids available through Lions AHAP.
A hearing aid:
Hearing aids are miniature electronic devices that lay in or on the ear and selectively amplify sounds. Hearing aids contain one or more microphones to pick up sound, an amplifier that amplifies and processes sound, and a speaker that sends the sound from the amplifier into the ear canal.Batteries are the power source.
Technology:
- Analog hearing aids have a microphone that picks up sound and converts the sound into small electrical signals. Analogs hearing aids can be programmed to fit an individual’s hearing loss. Programming gives the aid flexibility and fine-tuning capability. The aid can also reduce the level of incoming sound volume and give a more natural loudness.
- Digital hearing aids convert the sound waves going into the microphone into “bits” of data, which are then processed using mathematical equations. The data is adjusted, changed to sound and sent into the ear canal. The hearing care professional can reduce the harsh effects of loud sounds, reduce almost all background noise hindering speech perception and enhance the fine nuances of music.
The hearing aid’s size and placement are as important as the technology. These are the types of hearing aids.
- A Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid can be fitted on both adults and children with many types of hearing loss. The aids can also have directional microphones. These aids are easier to use for someone who has dexterity and/or mobility problems. The BTE is the one hearing aid that has the capability to be powerful, if needed.
- Receiver in the Canal (RIC) is similar to the BTE except the hearing aid is usually smaller, sits on the ear and the speaker is in the ear canal at the end of a hair like tube.
- An In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aid is custom made to fit the ear canal. The aid fits the entire outer bowl of the ear. Some ITE models have dual microphones for better sound. ITE’s are suitable for mild and moderate hearing loss. They are not suitable for children because their ears grow so the aids need to be replaced regularly.
- An In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aid fills about half of the outer bowl of the ear and fits deeper into the ear canal. Users sometimes have difficulty using the telephone and also may hear wind noise. The small batteries have a short life span so they are replaced often.
- A Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) hearing aid is suitable for mild and moderate hearing losses. It fits inside the ear canal, where it is not visible. The aid is pulled out of the canal by a stiff acrylic removal string attached to the concha of the aid. There is no manual volume control and the small batteries have a short life span.
- An Open-Fit hearing aid is similar in style to BTE aids in that a shell sits above the ear and a tube goes into the ear canal. The earpiece does not fit tightly into the ear canal like an ear mold. A small, soft rubber cap replaces the ear mold.
People with dexterity limitations have difficulty with ITC and CIC aids and the batteries.
Rexton, Inc. of Plymouth, Minnesota, is providing two types of aids:
Targa 3 P Digital BTE (Behind-the-Ear) Hearing Aid is excellent for mild to severe hearing loss. It is a high power, mid-level 100% digital signal processing instrument containing two channels with up to three independently programmable memories. Advanced features include noise suppression and a filter to stop whistling. Programming features include adjustments for voice, speech, soft sounds and loud sounds. It has a telecoil, programmable volume control, microphone noise reduction, battery door on/off switch, push button on/off switch, and low battery alert tone. The shell colors are beige and grey. The battery is size 13 zinc air.
Targa 3 HP (High Power) Digital BTE Hearing aid is used by people with severe to profound hearing loss. It is an advanced, mid-level, high power BTE digital hearing instrument. The aid is a two channel, three memory instrument featuring adaptive noise reduction and reduction of squealing to help maximize listening comfort. Other standard features are a telecoil, power on delay, microphone noise reduction and power boost. The shell colors are beige or grey. The battery is a 675.
Each hearing aid comes with a case and instruction book in either English or Spanish. There is a 12-month warranty for repairs, which includes loss and damages.
In order to program the hearing aids, the hearing care professionals need the following items:
- A computer with minimum capabilities of P2(400mHz, 200MB Hard Disk Space, 256 Ram, Display 800 x 600, Windows 2000 (Windows XP Pro recommend)
- Free Rexfit software, the 5.4 version (check the box on the hearing aid order form)
- NOAH or stand alone compatibility
- Program cables: Rexton provides the cables free (check the box on the hearing aid order form). Siemens cables are compatible.
Additional information:
Lions AHAP Program
How to Get Involved
Resource Materials |
