There are a huge number of hearing aids in all shapes and sizes. Well known are the “behind the ear” instruments, the most commonly used hearing aid at the moment. In addition, there are very small devices that are completely concealed in the ear canal. Hearing aid manufacturers are paying more and more attention to the appearance (design, color, shape) of hearing aids. Nowadays, a hearing aid can therefore be worn very inconspicuously.
Hearing aids (translated to Dutch: hoortoestellen) are classified according to their shape as “behind the ear” devices (called “banana” or earring) and “in the ear” devices worn in the ear canal and auricle. In addition, there are hearing glasses. Within this division, many variants are possible in shape and appearance. Nowadays it is also possible to opt for a cochlear implant (CI).
Behind the ear hearing aids
A ‘behind the ear’ device is the device used by the vast majority of hearing aid wearers. The sound is brought to your ear canal through a flexible tube and an earmold. BTEs with open fitting are the future. These are smaller and therefore lighter than regular BTEs and the – universal – earmold is less noticeable. The ear canal also remains open and aerated with open fittings. This increases comfort and limits the risk of irritation in the ear canal.
Advantages of behind-the-ear instruments
- They can compensate for most types of hearing loss, including more severe hearing loss
- They are available in very small models
- They are easy to operate and maintain
- They are less susceptible to interference than an “in the ear” device
Disadvantages ‘behind the ear’ devices
- More visible than in-ear instruments
- They are more sensitive to perspiration
- They are not stable with flared ears
- The function of the directional ears in the pinna is lost
- With prolonged use, the standard earpieces will cause the ear canal to deform, so that the earpieces do not stick.
Hearing test
Do you feel that your hearing is slowly getting worse? You may recognize the problem that sounds different than they used to in your daily situations. For example, it may be that in a busy environment you understand your company less and therefore have to ask for repetition regularly. Or that you turn up the television because you don’t understand it well. There are different types of hearing loss. Some hearing complaints are temporary, others permanent. Social contacts are important and that is why you would like to understand a friend or family member. With a professional online hearing test (translated to Dutch: gehoortest) you find out what the quality of your hearing is!
