Hearing Aids: The Different Types & How They Work

Dr. Giulio Cavalli, your Pittsfield, MA, ear nose, and throat specialist is here for you when it's time to be fitted with hearing aids. If you are experiencing hearing loss, it can be alarming and upsetting to realize how much you are missing out on. There are various types of hearing aids available that can help you get back into the conversation!

Hearing Aids

All hearing aids have the same basic components. A microphone captures the sound, an amplifier magnifies the sound, and a receiver sends the amplified sounds to your ear. The right style for you will depend on your lifestyle, and your Pittsfield, MA, ENT doctor can help you decide.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are worn behind the ear and amplify sounds into an earbud that is placed in the ear canal. This style is popular because they are discrete and can help correct mild to severe hearing loss, as well as being easy to use and maintain.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom-made (using molds of your ear) to fit into your outer ear, and can correct mild to moderate hearing loss. They remain visible, but ITE hearing aids are recommended if you have frequent ear infections because they do not obstruct the canal.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are custom made to fit in your ear canals, and only a small portion shows in the outer ear. They are not recommended for everyone because they are not easy to adjust manually, and children and older adults may have a harder time. They will also not be recommended for you if you have frequent ear infections. Within this category, there is an invisible-in-canal (IIC) option that is nearly invisible but not suited for severe hearing loss.

Dr. Cavalli, your ear, nose, and throat specialist outfits patients with hearing aids to restore hearing and get them back into the conversation. With an evaluation and consultation, we can find the best hearing aid solution for you. Contact us for an appointment in Pittsfield, MA, at (413) 443-6116‎.